12 Day Motor Bike Tour: Ho Chi Minh Road

*our 12 Day Central Vietnam Tour can be delivered alongside this tour for non-riders as the tours share destination points.

The Ho Chi Minh road is based on the “Ho Chi Minh Trail” which is a maze of secret trails that are found in Laos. The Vietcong used the Ho Chi Minh Trail to transport goods south during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Road on the other hand, is a well-paved road that meanders along the Laos Border, purpose-built for travellers on motorcycles with the pretence of history thrown on top. In terms of real history, it does pass through Khe Sanh, where the “Battle of Khe Sanh” took place, known to be the bloodiest battle in the Vietnam War.

There is next to no traffic on the road, and it’s not unusual to ride this section all day without passing another soul. Central Vietnam is the narrow region between the Lao Border and the Vietnam Coast, just 70 to 80 kilometres away. This allows us to run the supporters tour along the coast while the riders are up on the Ho Chi Minh Road section.

The rides are a combination of day loops in Hoi An, Da Nang and Phong Nha, the famous Hai Van Pass to Hue and of course The Ho Chi Minh Road. For the HCMR and Phong Nha legs we will be accompanied by a Vietnamese guide and have as a support vehicle an army style open jeep.

Outline Itinerary

1. Arrival In Da Nang – Coach to Hoi An
2. Hoi An – enjoy the markets and streets of Ancient Hoi An
3. Hoi An – ride the bridges, lanes and rice fields
4. Hoi An to Prao and the Ho Chi Minh Road
5. Prao to Da Nang
6. Da Nang to Hue via the Hai Van Pass
7. Hue to Khe Sanh
8. Khe Sanh to Phong Nha via the Ho Chi Minh Road
9. Phong Nha and Paradise Caves
10. Loop rides in Quang Binh National Park
11. Phong Nha to Dong Hoi
12. Dong Hoi to international Departure Airport

Day One: Arrival in Da Nang

Our coach driver, guide and I, will meet you on arrival in Da Nang City and then after a brief city tour we’ll lunch at An Bang Beach. The Beach is just 25ks from Da Nang City and 6ks from our destination, Hoi An. We will have a chance to relax at the beach, browse around a local riverside café area and recover from the flights as you enjoy your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality.
Check into our hotel and relax poolside or wander down to the UNESCO Heritage Ancient City of Hoi An. The markets, local bars and cafes are all within an easy 1k walk from our hotel. This is free time so we can meet for an evening meal or you can experience the local street food options – great choice.

Day Two: Hoi An

A chance to explore the Ancient City of Hoi An before our bikes arrive in the evening. So today its a full day exploring the narrow streets, market area and street food available in the ancient city

Day Three: Hoi An

Bike prep and shake down day with a familiarisation tour around the local villages and immediate Hoi An area. Ideal opportunity to explore the rice fields, beaches and bridges or spend the day in Hoi An. Early evening we will meet at a bar overlooking the local markets and then dine on the island as we watch the lantern boats light up the river.

Day Four: Hoi An – Prao

From our guide
‘We leave Hoi An by motorbike through the rice fields, on the way we stop at Cham tower an 11th century building as well as visiting historical Vietnam war sites. We continue along quiet roads, watching farmers working in the rice fields before we head up into the mountains for a swim, stopping to take pictures of course. We continue our adventure across the hills of Tea plantations, one of the specialties of the Central Vietnam region. Along the way you will be very happy to see children waving to welcome you, visiting the villages of ethnic minorities we meet and talk to them, spending time observing how the Co Tu ethnic minority work.’

Day Five: Prao – Da Nang

From our guide
‘We start a new day riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, first named 559 road, stopping to take pictures and learning its history. Visiting another village of ethnic Co Tu minorities where the culture and traditions remain untouched in one of the most authentic hill tribes to remain in Vietnam. We continue on HCM trail, through lush forests with a beautiful view of the central Vietnam mountains before arriving at a waterfall for a quick swim. In the afternoon, we continue to our new destination Da Nang, crossing the Thu Bon River by local ferry and riding on the “floating bridge” before enjoying the sunset on Da Nang Beach’

Day Six: Da Nang – Hue

Up and over the Hai Van Pass. This is the most famous section of road and rail in Vietnam, made famous by Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame. We have a famous trip to Hue via the pass, Lan Co beach, rice fields and villages. A ride of about four hours into Hue.

Day Seven: Hue – Khe Sanh

Today we begin our Ho Chi Minh Road experience. Departing Hue early morning, we have a 150k ride to Khe Sanh, just 40ks from the Laos border. Khe Sahn is the site of the legendary battles between the Southern and Northern regimes in 1968 and of course the inspiration of Cold Chisels debut single. Todays ride is our entry point on to the most famous section of the Ho Chi Minh Road, the Western Section. For the next two days we will have our guide and open jeep accompanying us.

Day Eight: Khe Sanh – Phong Nha

We are out of Khe Sanh early, we have a 240ks to cover along the Western Ho Chi Minh Road to meet up with the team in Phong Nha. This is the best and most famous section of the Ho Chi Minh Road, winding our way through valleys, over rivers and through remote villages, along Ho’s lonely and remote concrete road and with photo stops we have a long day.

Day Nine & Day Ten: Phong Nha

We have put in some miles and time on the bikes, so here in Quang Binh National Park, we’ll have some loop rides or you can enjoy the pool as you watch the buffalo working the rice fields. A tour of Paradise Cave is included in your tour costs. One of the world’s largest Caves it’s a must see.
Free time here for all to do as they please. Ride or walk the village roads, into Phong Nha township and wander the river, or for the more sturdy – back on the bike and do some loop rides out in the country or possibly relax poolside for the day.

Day Eleven: Phong Nha- Dong Hoi

We need to get back into Dong Hoi to fly out tomorrow morning and to return the bikes via the coast, rickety bridges and fishing villages into Dong Hoi. A chance here to relax on the beach or streets of an authentic Vietnam small coastal town, my old home town. Don’t believe what they tell you. This could be a big night.

Day Twelve: Dong Hoi to Airport of Departure

We will book your flights to your choice of departure city, likely to be Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. If you depart from Da Nang your best option is to return by train, a fantastic journey.

Add on packages: Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi

Vietnam Direct have add on packages for both your arrival and departure locations. In Ho Chi Minh City, Cui Chi Tunnels, The Mekong Delta and of course the local markets are well worth an extra day or two.
In Hanoi enjoy the local street food scene, the Ancient Quarter or of course the bucket list item – Ha Long Bay.
We offer these add on packages specific to client requirements.