Top Gear Vietnam Special: 23-Day Ultimate Motorcycle Adventure from Hanoi to Saigon

Back in 2008, the BBC Top Gear Vietnam Special turned the country into a dream for riders worldwide.

Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson, and James May rode more than 1,000 miles from south to north, mixing chaos, laughter, and unforgettable moments on two wheels. Inspired by that journey, this 23-day Top Gear Motorcycle Tour takes you deeper into the real Vietnam—far beyond what the cameras captured.

From Hanoi to Saigon, you’ll conquer legendary roads, ride off the beaten tracks, and discover remote villages, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cultures. Every mile brings new experiences, new stories, and a chance to ride Vietnam the way it was meant to be explored.

23-Day Vietnam Legendary Top Gear Adventure Ride

Day 1: Hanoi – Thac Ba Lake (180 km / 112 miles

We start the adventure, leaving Hanoi on quiet roads along the Red River.

The ride quickly shifts from city streets to peaceful countryside, where rice fields stretch endlessly and villages come alive with daily rhythms. After lunch in Doan Hung, we tackle some off-road trails through tea hills, palm forests, and Dzao ethnic villages—an exciting warm-up for the journey ahead. By mid-afternoon, we reach Thac Ba Lake and trade bikes for a boat ride across its tranquil waters. The day ends in a traditional Dzao stilt house, sharing local food and stories.

Day 2: Thac Ba Lake – Ba Be National Park (170 km / 106 miles)

Today’s ride feels wilder and more rewarding. For off-road lovers, the trails cut through tea hills, forests, and hidden paths inside the national park.

If you prefer a smoother ride, we follow quiet backroads through remote villages, where children wave as you pass. Either way, the scenery never stops impressing.

By late afternoon, we roll into a Tay ethnic village on the banks of Ba Be Lake. Surrounded by lush jungle and calm waters, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer, fresh air, and the slower rhythm of local life.

Day 3: Ba Be National Park – Bao Lac (170 km / 106 miles)

We roll along Ba Be’s shoreline, load the bikes onto a small boat, and drift across Vietnam’s largest natural lake.

The two-hour journey through jungle-clad cliffs, hidden caves, and calm waters feels unforgettable. In the afternoon, the road climbs gently toward Bao Lac, where we settle into a riverside hotel on the Gam River and enjoy the town’s peaceful mountain vibe.

Day 4: Bao Lac – Dong Van (160 km / 99 miles)

Today’s ride mixes rugged single tracks, stream crossings, and mountain roads. By afternoon, we reach the Dong Van Plateau, a land of towering cliffs and breathtaking valleys. The highlight comes as we ride the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass—its twisting road clings to cliffs above the emerald Nho Que River, offering views so vast no camera can capture.

We finish the day in Dong Van, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and highland culture.

Day 5: Dong Van – Ha Giang (170 km / 106 miles)

Ride through the breathtaking Ha Giang Karst Plateau, where limestone peaks and deep valleys create endless views.

The day unfolds on easy single tracks with plenty of stops to capture the scenery and connect with H’Mong villages along the way. By evening, we roll into Ha Giang City and settle into a comfortable hotel, carrying the highland spirit with us.

Day 6: Ha Giang – Bac Ha (180 km / 112 miles)

Today ride passing through the smooth mountain roads leading west into greener landscapes. Rice terraces spread across the hills, and villages of Flower H’Mong, Thai, and Tay people bring color and life to the route.

We stop at local markets and ride gentle off-road trails through their communities, sharing stories and smiles along the way. By evening, we settle into a Tay family’s stilt house, enjoying a quiet night of warmth and hospitality.

Day 7: Bac Ha – Sapa (170 km / 105 miles)

We leave the minority village and ride through winding mountain passes, stopping at lively markets to connect with locals.

The road drops toward the Chinese border, where we pause at Lao Cai’s gate for a glimpse across.

After lunch in town, the journey climbs steadily into the cool air of Sapa, past endless rice terraces that paint the hills in vibrant green. By late afternoon, we reach Sapa and settle into a hotel, ready to explore the charm of this mountain town.

Day 8: Rest Day in Sapa

After a week of riding, Sapa feels like the perfect break. This charming mountain town, once shaped by the French, offers cool weather and plenty to explore on foot.

Wander its colorful markets, chat with hill tribe locals, or simply relax with a soothing foot massage and a cold beer. Food lovers will find endless options, from hearty local dishes to mountain specialties.

Optional: For more adventure, ride out with your guide to nearby villages or take the cable car up Mount Hoang Lien—soaring above 2,000 meters (6,560 feet)—for sweeping views of terraced valleys and towering peaks.

Day 9: Sapa – Mu Cang Chai (180 km / 112 miles)

Today’s ride leads to one of Northwest Vietnam’s most stunning spots: Mu Cang Chai. We tackle the legendary O Quy Ho Pass just outside Sapa, one of the region’s four most scenic—and challenging—mountain passes.

The route winds through emerald tea fields and terraced rice paddies, mixing smooth roads with single-track offroad sections. Riders can choose more or less offroad, but every path offers breathtaking views and chances to capture the vibrant countryside and meet friendly locals.

We arrive at our Mu Cang Chai hotel by late afternoon, ready to rest amid this spectacular landscape.

Day 10: Mu Cang Chai – Phu Yen (170 km / 106 miles)

After breakfast, we ride deeper into Northwest Vietnam, mixing thrilling on- and off-road tracks through small mountain passes.

Offroad enthusiasts can enjoy up to 70% rugged trails, while others can stick to smoother paths.

The green mountains offer spectacular scenery even without the rice terraces. We arrive in Phu Yen town by late afternoon, but energetic riders can explore nearby Muong villages via quiet backroads. The ride is fully flexible—choose your mix of on- or off-road adventures for a truly personal experience.

Day 11: Phu Yen – Mai Chau Valley (170 km / 106 miles)

We leave Phu Yen and ride along the scenic Da River Lake, enjoying mountains and emerald waters.

After a ferry crossing, the route climbs the green Moc Chau plateau. Lunch in Moc Chau recharges us before descending into the tranquil Mai Chau Valley. We settle into a quiet Thai village homestay, then enjoy an offroad ride up hills for breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.

Day 12: Mai Chau Valley – Tan Ky (250 km / 155 miles)

Today ride, follows the route with a scenic paved trail along the Ma River, weaving through bamboo forests before lunch in Cam Thuy.

In the afternoon, the iconic Ho Chi Minh Trail awaits, offering smooth, scenic riding to Tan Ky. Arriving around 5:00 pm, we discover this peaceful town surrounded by mountains, once the historic starting point for troops heading south during the war.

Day 13: Tan Ky – Phong Nha Park (289 km / 180 miles)

We ride along the Ho Chi Minh Trail toward Phong Nha, cruising smooth roads past rice paddies and lush green tea farms, stopping to snap photos and experience local tea culture. In the afternoon, the landscape transforms as limestone mountains and dense jungle of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park rise around us.

This UNESCO-listed karst region, over 400 million years old, captivates with its dramatic formations. We arrive around 4:30 pm and, weather permitting, enjoy a short boat trip through the park’s famous caves.

Day 14: Phong Nha – Khe Sanh (220 km / 137 miles)

Today, the top gear ride passing through one of the most scenic stretches along the western Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The hidden route cuts through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, with barely any traffic and endless mountain vistas. After leaving the park, we explore the historic Khe Sanh area, visiting the former US Marine Base, tunnels, and the local museum.

Reflect on the Battle of Khe Sanh, one of Vietnam’s most significant conflicts, as you witness remnants of war amidst lush landscapes and coffee plantations. We arrive in Khe Sanh around 5:00 pm, completing an unforgettable ride along this legendary trail.

Day 15: Khe Sanh – Vinh Moc Tunnels – Hue (170 km / 106 miles)

We leave the Ho Chi Minh Trail to ride along historic Route 9, tracing the former DMZ.

Today is packed with history: visit Hien Luong Bridge, the 17th Parallel Museum, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where locals once lived underground during the war. After lunch near the tunnels, we enjoy a short ride into Hue, arriving around 5:00 pm to explore this imperial city.

Day 16: Hue – Hoi An (190 km / 118 miles)

We leave Hue and ride along the stunning coastline, passing fishing villages and colorful tomb fields. The highlight is crossing Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking ocean views and a panoramic look at Da Nang.

From there, we continue along the coast to Hoi An, arriving around 5:00 pm to explore its lantern-lit streets and charming riverside atmosphere.

Day 17: Hoi An (Free Day / No Ride)

Enjoy a relaxed day in Hoi An. Stroll through the ancient town, explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, browse local markets, or unwind on nearby beaches.

A free massage is supported by us to unwind the adventure ride.

Day 18: Hoi An – Kon Tum (290 km / 180 mi)

Leave Hoi An and ride west along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Ride along the scenic Lo So Pass through the remote Ba Na villages, and approach the Laos border. Arrive in Kon Tum and relax at your hotel with a cold drink.

Day 19: Kon Tum – Buon Ma Thuot (230 km / 143 mi)

Ride south through the Central Highlands, passing Pleiku and the historic Ia Drang Valley. Stop at Yok Don National Park to explore its wildlife and savanna landscapes.

Continue to Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s coffee capital, and soak in the local culture and highland scenery.

Day 20: Buon Ma Thuot – Dalat (220 km / 137 mi)

Leave Buon Ma Thuot and ride along the Ho Chi Minh Road, passing vast coffee and rubber plantations. In the afternoon, ride up through the romantic Da Lat plateau, enjoying cool mountain air and scenic highland views.

Day 21: Explore Dalat

Explore Da Lat, “The City of Love,” on a relaxed motorcycle ride. Visit flower gardens, waterfalls, lakes, the train station, pagodas, and local markets. Feel the cool mountain air and understand why locals love Da Lat for holidays and honeymoons.

Day 22: Da Lat – Nam Cat Tien National Park (180 km / 112 mi)

Ride along Road No. 20 with optional dirt tracks for extra adventure.

Arrive at Nam Cat Tien National Park, a forest rich in history and wildlife. Explore areas once impacted by the Vietnam War, where nature slowly recovers, and enjoy the peaceful jungle atmosphere.

Day 23: Nam Cat Tien – Saigon (165 km / 102 mi)

Finish the 23 day Top Gear Motorcycle Tour with a lively ride toward Saigon.

Navigate the bustling streets and local scooters, exchange smiles and greetings with locals, and soak in the vibrant city energy. Arrive at Saigon by late afternoon, say farewell to your guide, and transfer back to your hotel.