Here's my 10 Day Motorbike Trip in Vietnam (For Everyone)

There’s a better way to experience Vietnam and that’s from the back of a handlebar, riding a motorbike, wind on your face, the smell of roadside coffee brewing, and endless landscapes that shift from rice fields to coastal roads. This isn’t a usual tour to seat back and enjoy. It’s freedom. It’s Vietnam, raw and real. Here’s how to make the most of a 10-day Vietnam motorbike trip, with tips, routes, itinerary for the ride and in-the-saddle insights from riders who’ve done it.

Is a 10-Day Motorbike Trip is enough time to Explore Vietnam?

Simply not that enough, but perfect for those with less time. Vietnam was made for motorbikes, don’t ask me why everyone is riding a motorbike here, it’s a motorcycle culture society. The entire country hums with the sound of scooters and engines, from Hanoi’s chaotic Old Quarter to the laid-back Mekong roads. I had only 12 days in Vietnam before I fly back to Singapore to join my work, so I decided to embark on a 10-day ride, which gives me the perfect balance between adventure and comfort: long enough to explore the country’s diversity, but short enough to do without rushing.

Unlike taking a train or a flight, riding lets you see the smaller stories: the farmer waving from a rice paddy, the hidden pho stalls on backroads, the mist rolling off mountain passes at La trang valley with sunrise across coffee plantations. It’s also affordable, fuel, food, and stays rarely break your budget, even with good bikes.

My 10-Day Vietnam Motorbike Trip Itinerary

My later 10-day motorbike trip across Vietnam started unplanned, unpredictable, and become unforgettable, where breakdowns, muddy roads, and chance encounters turned a spontaneous whim into the most life-changing adventure I never saw coming on my mid-20’s.

What started as a rough idea became a over 2000 kilometer journey through the heart of Vietnam: from the chaos of Hanoi’s small single lined streets to the misty mountains of Ha Giang, down through rice terraces, rural villages, and jungle-lined backroads which amazed me on how simple the life is here.

Each day brought something new, the winding mountain passes, waterfalls hidden behind the bushes, and roadside food stalls where strangers turned into friends over bowls of steaming phở.

There were moments of frustration fixing bikes in the rain and moments of pure freedom cruising empty roads at sunset. I swam in turquoise pools, shared rice wine with locals, and slept under starlit skies in tiny homestay in central highlands.

By the end of those ten days, it wasn’t just a road trip, it was a crash course in Vietnam’s raw beauty, human warmth, and the kind of adventure that reshapes how you see the world.

Day 1: Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Rice Fields & Limestone Karsts

Start early from Hanoi to avoid morning traffic, told me Nguyen Trang, the reception girl in the hotel. Once you leave the city, the road opens up. Ride toward Ninh Binh (around 95 km, 3 hours). Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” it’s packed with limestone karsts, rivers, and green rice paddies and water buffaloes which I’ve never seen before. Explore Trang An or Tam Coc by boat, and if you’ve got time, hike to the top of Mua Cave Viewpoint for the best sunset of the north.

Stay: Tam Coc or Trang An village homestay for local vibes.

Day 2: Ninh Binh to Phong Nha – Caves and River Rides

This was my first long ride, around 400 km (7–8 hours) and I was like I can’t do it but I try to. The scenery changes constantly, I checked the Ho Chi Minh Trail and I decided to follow the roads to Phong Nha, this turns out to be a good decision since the roads are less trafficked and are best to ride alone. The mountain curves, riverside roads, and glimpses of rural life is all you see. Phong Nha is home to the world’s largest caves, including Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave. You can unwind by the river after a long day and grab a beer with fellow travelers.

Pro Tip: Leave early, ride steady, and rest at petrol stops, it’s a long but rewarding day.

Day 3–4: Phong Nha to Hue – with stops to see DMZ sites

Ride south along the Ho Chi Minh Road, one of Vietnam’s most scenic highways, this concret paved narrow single lined road used to transport weaponry during the war. The road is weaving through untouched jungle and sleepy mountain villages.

Before reaching Hue, make a stop at the historic DMZ site, including the haunting Vinh Moc Tunnels, a subterranean reminder of Vietnam’s wartime past.

From there, the journey continues along the legendary Trường Sơn Road, where sharp curves cut through misty forests and remote valleys. The road is both breathtaking and demanding, a mix of smooth stretches and rugged patches that test both rider and the motorbike.

Petrol stations are few and far between here, so it’s wise to top up your tank whenever you pass one. By evening, roll into Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, where ancient citadels meet riverside calm. Explore the Imperial City at sunset, and if you’re still hungry for adventure (and flavor), join the locals for a steaming bowl of bún bò Huế on the buzzing night streets.

Day 5–6: Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

I started the day early, and the moment I hit the road, I knew it was going to be special, by that, I meant to see a very scenic road passing by mountain in one side and the ocean down under my handlebar, wow, such a view.

The ride over the Hai Van Pass was pure joy, hose twisting roads hugging the cliffs, the sea shimmering below, and the breeze that made every turn feel alive. No wonder Top Gear Vietnam Special made this route famous. I stopped at the summit for a while, just to take it all in, I saw locals with their loved ones sat at the road side having a romantic time on a kind of view that makes you forget about time. Then I descended toward Da Nang, where I grabbed a quick coffee by the beach before continuing down the coast to Hoi An for a 30 min ride.

The next day felt slower, in the best way possible. I wandered through Hoi An’s old town, where the streets glow with lanterns and the air smells like freshly baked bánh mì (the Vietnamese sandwich) and roasted coffee. I spent the afternoon hopping between cafes, watching life flow past the riverside. It was the perfect midway pause before diving back into the southern stretch of the trip.

Day 7–8: Hoi An to Central Highlands – roads less traveled

I left Hoi An early, the road toward the Central Highlands is a rider’s dream, remote, raw, and completely different from the coastal scenes of the past few days. The air grew cooler as I climbed higher, and soon I was surrounded by thick forests, winding bends, and the hum of my engine echoing through the hills.

The stretch from Hoi An to Kham Duc was an unexpected highlight. The road cut through valleys and hugged the river, switching between smooth asphalt and rugged off-road trails. At one point, I stopped near a small war memorial perched on a hillside, the kind of quiet, powerful place that reminds you how much history lives in these mountains, a local high school boy came closer and eatery said hello and told me about how this places was during the war (he quote from his uncle who was is a war veteran).

Beyond Kham Duc, the ride opened into one of the most beautiful parts of central Vietnam — the La Drang Valley. It’s not famous, which makes it even better. The valley stretches along misty rivers and rolling hills, dotted with coffee farms and small stilt houses.

By late afternoon, I reached Pleiku, a laid-back highland city with airy boulevards surrounded by green plateaus. After nearly a full day of mountain riding, that first hot shower felt like heaven. I ended the day with a simple dinner near my hotel, sitting outside and watching the town lights flicker on. It was the kind of day that reminds you why riding Vietnam isn’t just about reaching the destination — it’s about the road, the stories, and the people you meet along the way.

Day 9: Central Highlands to Nha Trang coastal town

I started the morning ride from Pleiku toward Buon Ma Thuot, the heart of Vietnam’s coffee region. The air didn’t smelled of roasted beans (like I read everywhere), maybe I wasn’t lucky, but i passed small roadside cafés with locals sipping their morning cups. I stopped in town for a quick coffee myself, it’s hard not to when you’re in the capital of Vietnamese coffee. The ride out of Buon Ma Thuot felt peaceful, with rolling hills and open stretches that made for easy cruising.

After that, the road became more remote as I headed deeper into the jungle toward Yok Don National Park. The ride there was beautiful, quiet, green, and full of birds flying in the sky. I stopped for lunch near the park entrance, where a few small family-run stalls serve local dishes. Getting inside the park requires a local guide, and the visit usually takes about two to three hours. If you have time, it’s worth it, you can see elephants, forest trails, and the Dakla River flowing through untouched nature.

The road quality on this stretch is mixed smooth in some parts, rough and patchy in others. Still, it’s manageable on my Honda XR150L as long as you ride carefully. After leaving Yok Don, the route slowly descended from the highlands toward the coast. By late afternoon, I reached Nha Trang, a lively seaside town with wide beaches and a relaxed vibe. Glad to be here… yea.

Day 10: Costal ride to Ho Chi Minh City

The final day started with the sound of waves in Nha Trang and the excitement of one last long ride. I decided to stick close to the ocean for the most scenic route down to Ho Chi Minh City. The coastal road here is beautiful, long, open stretches with the sea on one side and small fishing villages on the other.

One of the best parts of the ride was passing through Vinh Hy Bay, a quiet and stunning spot where the cliffs drop straight into clear blue water. The road curves gently along the coast, perfect for a relaxed pace. I stopped a few times to take photos and just breathe in the sea air.

Later in the afternoon, I reached Mui Ne, famous for its red and white sand dunes. The road leading into town runs past small fishing villages where colorful boats float close to shore. I grabbed a good lunch at a roadside café and watched locals drying their nets in the sun.

Not long after Mui Ne, I met a Malaysian rider heading the same way. We decided to ride together for the last stretch to Saigon. Having someone to share the road with made the final hours fly by, we exchanged lot’s of stories at fuel stops and kept a steady pace as traffic got heavier the closer we got to the city.

The road condition on this coastal stretch is mostly good, with a few rough patches near construction zones. Once you get within 50–60 km of Saigon, the traffic becomes dense, so it’s best to ride cautiously and avoid late evening rush hours.

By the time we rolled into Ho Chi Minh City, the skyline glowing in the sunset, it felt like crossing a finish line. Ten days, countless kilometers, mountains, jungles, and now the coast, the full face of Vietnam, seen from the saddle of a bike. It was the perfect ending to a journey I’ll never forget.

My pick for a motorbikes & gear for a 10-Day Trip

For this 10-day ride, I went with the Honda XR150L, light, reliable, and perfect for Vietnam’s mix of mountain trails and coastal highways. It’s not the fastest or the strongest, but it’s easy to handle and for the fuel consumption as well, which matters on long days. Some riders prefer bigger bikes like the Honda CB500X or other adventure models for more power and comfort, but for me, the XR150L hit the sweet spot between control, cost, and fun. It’s the kind of bike that lets you enjoy the ride, not fight it.

Recommended Motorbikes (Honda XR150L, CB500X, Adventure Bikes)

Choose your bike based on your comfort and experience. The Honda XR150L is the go-to for most travelers, light, reliable, and great for both paved and dirt roads. For more power, the CB500X or similar adventure bikes offer comfort on longer stretches. Avoid small scooters unless your route is short or urban-based.

Safety Equipment and Riding Tips

• Wear a proper full-face helmet, not the cheap ones locals wear for city rides. (that’s ok for the city ride, I guess)
• Use gloves, knee pads, and a riding jacket with padding.
• Bring rain gear, tropical downpours come at anytime.
• Use offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and keep your phone waterproofed.
• Never ride after dark on mountain roads.

Insider Tip: Many riders rent from Hanoi and drop off in Saigon, check with rental companies for one-way options.

Best Time of Year for a 10-Day Vietnam Motorcycle Trip

Seasonal Recommendations

Vietnam’s climate varies from north to south, so timing matters. The best months for a full north-to-south ride are February to May and late September to November, moderate temperatures, minimal rain, and clear skies.

Weather Considerations for Northern and Southern Routes

• Northern Vietnam: Cool and misty from December to February; hot in summer.
• Central Vietnam: Rainy season peaks in October, so plan around it.
• Southern Vietnam: Warm year-round but avoid heavy rain (May–October) if possible.

FAQ: A 10-Day Motorbike Trip in Vietnam

Book Your 10-Day Vietnam Motorbike Adventure

Whether you’re chasing mountain passes, coffee towns, or coastal sunsets, Vietnam rewards every kilometer you ride. Plan your route, gear up, and hit the open road — because the best memories here are made between destinations.

Ready to ride? Book your motorbike tour in Vietnam and start your 10-day Vietnam adventure today. Vietnam isn’t just a country you visit — it’s one you ride through.

About the Author

Tien is a local Vietnamese rider who took on his first long-distance motorbike journey across his motherland from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. What started as a simple idea turned into a life-changing adventure filled with mountain passes, coastal roads, and countless roadside coffees. As a first-time rider, Tien shares his honest, on-the-road experiences to inspire others to see Vietnam the local way — one ride at a time.