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-distance riding experiences in Vietnam, following the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail from Hanoi to Saigon.

Ride along the historic route that once connected North and South Vietnam during the war, passing through some of the country’s most important mountain roads, valleys, coastal and historic towns.

Over 15 days, the journey covers approximately 2,500 km through Mai Chau’s green rice fields, Phong Nha (home to the largest cave in the world), the war sites of Khe Sanh, the royal city of Hue, and the lantern streets of Hoi An.

The route continues through the Central Highlands of Kon Tum before reaching the seaside roads of Nha Trang and the cool mountain roads of Da Lat, finishing in Saigon.

• Suitable for: All levels and skills
• Destination: The Ultimate North to South Vietnam Motorbike Adventure.
  Start & End: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
  Best time: All year round

15-Day Vietnam Motorbike Tour: The Ultimate North To South Adventure Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Day 1: Hanoi to Pu Luong | 170km

Pick up at 8 am, following the city traffic in Hanoi to slowly find our way out toward the west. Taking the highway toward Hoa Binh from where we stop to see the nearby Hydropower Plant, then take the Thing Khe pass toward Mai Chau where we stop for the lunch at a local stilt house amidst the rice fields. Here we take the 2 more hours rice across the lush forests and ethnic villages to arrive at Pu Luong, a small area known for being charming, lush green and non-touristy twists. Arrive, check in t our resort / home-stay. Enjoy the rest of the day till dinner time where we get together for a traditional tribal performance.

Day 2: Pu Mat National Park (Start of Ho Chi Minh Trail | 230 Km

Ride south through the lush countryside of Nghe An Province, following roads alongside the Nam Ma River through rice paddies, rural villages and rolling hills.

Along the route, enjoy authentic local cuisine and experience the slower pace of life in rural North Central Vietnam before arriving in the historic town of Tan Ky where the Ho Chi Minh Trail is marked. Later arrive at Pu Mat national park and lodge for an overnight stay and chill in the hotel’s pool.

Day 3: Phong Nha | 220 Km

Continue along the quiet backroads of Quang Binh Province toward the dramatic karst landscapes of Phong Nha. As the limestone mountains rise around you, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular.

Spend the evening in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its extraordinary cave systems, including Son Doong, and the stunning natural beauty of central Vietnam. Arrive, check in and enjoy the river view and the lush scenery over the beer o’clock.

Day 4: Khe Sanh via Western Trail | 200 Km

Ride west through the remote mountain terrain of Quang Tri Province, passing small villages and forested hills on the way to Khe Sanh.

This historic town, located near the former DMZ and Ho Chi Minh Trail, played a significant role during the Vietnam War and offers fascinating insight into one of the most important chapters of Vietnam’s history.

We take the Truong Son valley roads, cross a suspension bridge, then we take a visit to Vinh Moc underground tunnel, then further to see the DMZ site, the parallel point in between north and south during the war. Later we arrive in Khe Sanh and here we deserve a good rest after a long riding day.

Day 5: Historic Hue | 150 Km

The day start with a stop to see a war museum known as the Ta Con relic, a display of war planes and old routes during the war. After the visit, we will take the ride through the Annamite Mountains, crossing quiet roads and remote routes that run along the Laos border before descending toward Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

In the afternoon, explore Hue’s royal heritage, ancient Citadel, imperial landmarks and renowned central Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 6: Hoi An via Hai Van Pass | 160km

Get ready for an amazing ride to Hoi An via the legendary Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads. Climb the pass and stop at the historic war bunkers for panoramic views over the emerald ocean and the coastline below.

Descend to Danang for a fresh seafood lunch by the beach before continuing to the enchanting UNESCO town of Hoi An, famous for its lantern-lit streets and beautifully preserved architecture.

Day 7: Rest & recovery day in Hoi An | No Ride

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An. Relax at nearby An Bang Beach or explore the old town, cafés, markets, and or get a suit made to your size within a few hours.

Day 8: Kon Tum | 290 Km

After a relaxing day, we get together again, and ride out of Hoi An toward the historic town of Kham Duc via dirt roads. Here we stop for a refreshing and perhaps a lunch before continuing the ride through the magnificent mountain passes to the highland town of Kon Tum. Arrive and check in.

Day 9: Dirt ride to Buon Ma Thuot | 240km

Ride out of Kon Tum through the Central Highlands, passing Pleiku and the historic Ia Drang Valley (One of the heavily bombarded sites during years of war), before continuing along backroads near the Cambodia border.

The route includes lovely dirt trail sections through jungle landscapes and around Yok Don National Park, bringing plenty of dust, fun and classic Central Highlands riding. By late afternoon, arrive in Buon Ma Thuot and relax for the evening (time to dust off and dip in the pool by a cold beer or two).

Day 10 & 11: Nha Trang | 230km

Leave Buon Ma Thuot and ride toward the coast, stopping at the impressive Dray Nur Falls before taking the Central Highlands minority trails toward the coastal town of Nha Trang, Vietnam’s beach capital.

The route follows a mix of highland backroads, ethnic minority villages and remote mountain sections before descending toward the South Central Coast. As you approach Nha Trang, the road reveals dramatic coastal scenery with cliffs, sandy beaches and sweeping ocean views.

Arrive in Nha Trang in the evening and enjoy fresh seafood by the seaside.

The following day is free for you to relax, enjoy a massage, spend time on the beach, or join an optional boat trip to explore the islands and clear waters off the coast of Nha Trang.

Day 12: Cat Tien National Park, dirt trail ride | 300 km

This day ride seem bit longer but it brings us lots of fun and dirt ride. We leave the coastal town behind to ride west to ride the mountain passes to reach the beautiful town of Dalat. Stop for lunch before heading out to Cat Tien National park through the dirt trails manageable easily by the CB500x we choose for this adventure. Arrive and check in to our lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Mui Ne fishing village and beach resort town | 150 Km)

Enjoy a leisure breakfast before heading out for a visit to the national park including Crocodile lake, ancient trees and the gibbon center (we visit one of them as all three takes a full day visit). Here we get together again to ride toward the east to teh beach town of Mui Ne, once a small fishing village, now a renowned beach town dotted with luxury beach resorts. Arrive late in the afternoon, check in and enjoy our dinner.

Day 14: Vung Tau | 180 Km

We will ride south ward toward the marine town of Vung Tau, a weekend retreat for Saigonese and a place to enjoy a good relax. The ride takes around 4 hours and it follows beautiful coastal lines. Arrive and check in to our resort.

Day 15: Saigon | 100 Km

We will ride toward the metropole, the road is gradually become crowded and this is a sign of a big city. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive and end of the 15-Day Vietnam Motorbike Tour: The full North To South Adventure on CB500x.