Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorcycle Tour from Hanoi to Saigon – 15 days

This tour has been carefully planned to deliver one of the best long riding experiences in Vietnam.

Ride the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, the historic route that once connected North and South Vietnam during the war.

Over 15 days, the journey covers 2,500 km through mountains, valleys, coastal roads, war sites and historic towns. Along the route, you’ll ride through the green rice fields of Mai Chau, explore Phong Nha (home to largest cave in the world), visit the war sites of Khe Sanh, discover the royal city of Hue, and experience the lantern streets of Hoi An.

The tour continues into the Central Highlands of Kon Tum before reaching the seaside charm of Nha Trang and the cool mountain roads of Da Lat, ending in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorcycle Tour – 15 Days from Hanoi to Saigon

Day 1: Mai Chau (170km /105 Miles)

Hanoi to Mai Chau Motorbike Tour on the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Start early and ride west toward Mai Chau along Highway 6, passing rice fields and limestone mountains.

After lunch in Hoa Binh, we climb the scenic Thung Khe Pass before descending into Mai Chau Valley. The village sits among green hills and feels calm and welcoming.

In the evening, we share dinner at a stilt-house homestay with the Thai people.

Day 2: Tan Ky (290km /180 Miles)

Mai Chau to Tan Ky, start the ride along the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Ride through quiet villages and scenic roads along the Ma River before lunch in Cam Thuy. In the afternoon, the journey joins the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail and continues toward Tan Ky, a peaceful town far from the big cities.

Day 3: Phong Nha (280km /170 Miles)

Tan Ky to Phong Nha: Ride to Pho Chau to visit the Ho Chi Minh Trail victory monument before continuing through historic areas toward Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. The landscape changes to ancient karst mountains, emerald rivers, and vast cave systems.

Arrive later in the afternoon, check in, and enjoy a cold beer by the pool.

Day 4: Khe Sanh via Western Trail (220km /136 Miles)

Phong Nha to Khe Sanh on the western Ho Chi Minh Trail: Ride through quiet roads, towering mountains, and dense forests. Along the way, visit the old US Marine base, tunnels, airstrip, and the war museums at Vinh Moc Tunnels. After a full day on the trail, arrive in Khe Sanh for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: DMZ to Hue (190km /120 Miles)

Khe Sanh – Vinh Moc Tunnel – Hue Motorbike Tour: Ride east along the 17th parallel, once the border between North and South Vietnam. Visit historic sites including Hien Luong Bridge and the Vinh Moc Tunnels before continuing south on Highway 1 to Hue. By late afternoon, arrive in Hue and head out in the evening to explore the city.

Day 6: Hoi An (160km /100 Miles)

Hue to Hoi An: Spend the morning exploring Hue’s imperial citadel, ancient tombs, pagodas, and local street food before riding south along Highway 1. The route crosses Hai Van Pass, where mountain roads overlook the sea and coastline.

By sunset, arrive in Hoi An as lanterns light the streets along the Thu Bon River.

Day 7: Hoi An Beach and Fun

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An. Relax at An Bang Beach or explore the old town, cafés, markets, and lantern streets at your own pace.

Day 8: Kon Tum (290km /180 Miles)

Leave Hoi An and ride mountain roads toward Kham Duc before climbing the winding Lo Xo Pass. Pass Ba Na villages along the hillsides and continue toward Kon Tum near the Laos border. Arrive in Kon Tum for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Buon Ma Thuot (240km /150 Miles)

Ride out of Kon Tum through the Central Highlands, passing Pleiku and the Ia Drang Valley. Continue along backroads near the Cambodia border, with chance for lovely dirt ride through jungle landscapes and Yok Don National Park. By late afternoon, arrive in Buon Ma Thuot and relax for the evening.

Day 10: Nha Trang (230km /142 Miles)

Leave Buon Ma Thuot and ride toward the coast, stopping at Dray Nur Falls before joining Highway 1 to Nha Trang. The road follows dramatic coastal scenery with cliffs, sandy beaches, and ocean views. Arrive in Nha Trang in the evening and enjoy fresh seafood by the seaside.

Day 11: Boat Trip off the Islands

Free day in Nha Trang to relax at the beach or take a boat trip to nearby islands. Today’s activities are on your own.

Day 12: Da Lat (170km /105 Miles)

Ride from Nha Trang into the cool highlands of Da Lat through mountain roads and pine forests. Known as the “City of Love,” Da Lat is filled with flowers, cafés, fresh air, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Day 13: Cat Tien (190km /118 Miles)

Leave Da Lat and ride down Road 20 toward Cat Tien National Park. Stop at Dambri Waterfall, meet local people, some dirt ride and continue through small villages before reaching the national park. Cat Tien offers forest trails, wildlife, and quiet natural surroundings.

Day 14: Mui Ne (175km /110 Miles)

Ride east from Cat Tien toward the beach town of Mui Ne, once a small fishing village and now known for its coastline and windsurfing. Arrive at the resort and relax by the beach on the final evening of the trip.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (280km /175 Miles)

Continue along the coastal road toward Vung Tau for lunch before the final ride into Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive in the late afternoon and end the journey from Hanoi to Saigon.