Ho Chi Minh Trail Adventure: 14-Day From Hanoi To Hcmc (Saigon)

We leave Hanoi and, as we head north, with the Hong Son Lake on our side, we enjoy the magnificent scenery with the beautiful complex of tiny islands, somewhat lost in between the surrounding forests, and limestone mountain peaks that make an idyllic picture-worthy spot. We continue our trip to the north and ride on a smooth road, meeting more charming landscapes on our way. In the afternoon, we arrive at Mai Chau, where we have some time to wander and see more of the city, just before dinnertime. After dinner, we can see firsthand a traditional Thai Dance show, until it is time to go to sleep.

We spend the night in Thai stilt houses.

After a delightful breakfast in the picturesque valley of Mai Chau, you'll set out on your motorcycle adventure. The journey will take you through stunning landscapes, featuring terraced rice fields and traditional stilt houses, all while connecting with local communities. Along the way, enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local spot.

In the afternoon, your ride continues, offering more scenic views and encounters with locals. As you approach Tan Ky, a town rich in history and culture, you'll have time to explore its heritage and perhaps visit local markets. The day concludes with a comfortable stay in Tan Ky, where you can choose to relax or further immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, making for a well-rounded and captivating experience.

After a hearty breakfast in Tan Ky, your motorcycle adventure continues with a journey deeper into the Vietnamese countryside. The morning ride takes you through quaint villages, offering picturesque views of rice fields and serene waterways.

Lunch can be enjoyed at a local eatery or a scenic spot, providing a taste of the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, as you approach Phong Nha, the scenery transforms into a landscape dominated by limestone karst formations and lush greenery.

Arriving in Phong Nha in the late afternoon, you'll be captivated by the UNESCO World Heritage Site's natural beauty. Explore the town or opt for a boat tour to discover the renowned Phong Nha Cave.

As the day winds down, check in to your Phong Nha accommodation for a well-deserved rest. In the evening, consider dining at a local restaurant and sharing your adventure stories with fellow travelers or simply bask in the region's extraordinary beauty.

can vary based on road conditions and breaks.

The national park of Phong Nha has gained growing tourist interest lately and is very renowned for its glorious history, beautiful natural surroundings, and its caves, such as the Son Doong (largest cave in the world), the Phong Nha Dark cave and the Paradise cave, which are all listed among the most spectacular caves in the world.

After visiting it all, we still have time to drive around and see more of the park’s karst topography, characterized by various significant geographical features that amaze with their complexity and intricate limestone formations as they peep out of connecting rivers. Needless to say, after a full day’s driving experience, cooling off, and swimming in the babbling waters of the river section is definitely refreshing!

As your Vietnam motorcycle adventure continues, on the third day, you'll depart from Khe Sanh and head towards the culturally rich city of Hue. Your morning ride will lead you through the picturesque landscapes of the region, with the stunning Annamite Range as your backdrop. The road may take you through winding mountain passes and serene valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Be prepared to stop at local eateries for lunch and savor some traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Along the way, you can explore historical sites and scenic spots that catch your eye.

In the afternoon, you'll reach the ancient city of Hue, known for its imperial history and stunning architecture. Check in at the hotel in Hue, freshen up, and set out to discover the city's cultural and historical gems, which may include the Imperial City, royal tombs, and picturesque pagodas. In the evening, savor the local flavors with dinner at one of Hue's renowned restaurants.

Depart from Hue in the morning and set out on your motorcycle journey to Hoi An. You'll travel through scenic landscapes, with winding roads that lead you to the coastal town of Hoi An. Along the way, stop for a seafood lunch at Lang Co, a charming coastal town. Once you arrive in Hoi An, check in at your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the enchanting streets, historic sites, and vibrant markets of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Enjoy the evening in Hoi An, which is known for its atmospheric lantern-lit ambiance.

Today on the Vietnam motorcycle tour, you’ll ride back on the Kham Duc trail, or Phuoc Son trail, up to the mountains. Then, you go straight to Lo So Pass after you pass the densely populated remote areas, where the Ba Na ethnic group reside. You continue all the way to Kon Tum, a breath away from the border with Laos, where many trail arteries meet.

You’ll spend the night in Kon Tum.

The sunrise finds you riding south through the Central Highlands and then past the town of Pleiku. The road takes you through the Ia Drang valley battlefield, only to lead you to the famous city of Buon Me Thuot, or also referred to as Buon Ma Thuot. This is the place that the northern forces used to launch their last assault on the city that was, then, Saigon. Today, Buon Me Thuot is the place where the best coffee products are produced in Vietnam, in much larger quantities than any other region.

You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Buon Me Thuot.

This should be an easy ride towards the coast. As you leave the Tay Son highlands behind, and about 30 km from Nha Trang to the north, you rejoin Highway 1 and take the picturesque coastal road. The Vietnam motorcycle tour continues with enchanting emerald green waters and scenic fishing boats that look like tiny gems all along the way, until you reach the popular tourist destination of Nha Trang.

You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Nha Trang.

This is your day of relaxation on this Vietnam motorcycle tour and a full-day boat trip. In the morning, you sail away and visit 4 different islands. Lunchtime finds you on the boat.

You’ll spend the night in Nha Trang.

After yesterday’s relaxation day, you are ready to ride today’s 150-kilometer mountainous trail that will unveil some of the most famous footage that you might have seen in the Top Gear Vietnam show, as played by BBC, in 2008. You head to Central Highland and reach the City of Love, Dalat. It is a very favorite destination for both locals and the French, due to its extraordinary beauty, majestic waterfalls, evergreen forests, mesmerizing lakes, the best flower gardens found in the country, and fresh and tasty agricultural products. It has always been a pleasant oasis for those that wanted an escape from the lowlands’ high temperatures.

With more than many places to see, you can spend the day visiting Da Lat’s highlights, which could include the gardens, the Valley of Love, the key pagodas, the waterfalls, or admire the architecture and beauty of the cathedral, the convent, and the university.

You’ll spend the night at Da Lat.

Riding on Road 20, you head for the National Park of Cat Tien that was used as a Vietnamese militia headquarters, during the Vietnam War. It is a park that has endured much suffering, as it was massively sprayed with herbicides during the war. Up to this day, you cannot find proper vegetation and tree growth in the land, and it is predominantly covered with grass and bamboo trees.

You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Cat Tien National Park.

Despite the relatively short route, today’s trip will be rather tiring as the traffic as we enter Saigon can be mind-blowing. The ride ends as soon as we reach the train station. If you require any additional information on accommodation and places to eat, our guide will be more than glad to make some recommendations.

The Vietnam motorcycle Tour ends!