Hanoi to Saigon Motorbike Tour
Embark on a thrilling 12-day motorbike journey along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, from Hanoi’s bustling streets in the north to Saigon’s vibrant energy in the south. Ride through lush nature reserves, uncover storied war relics, and bask in the cultural riches of Hue, Hoi An, and beyond.
If you crave diverse landscapes - from misty mountains to coastal panoramas - this epic adventure is calling your name.
Tour Highlights
This expedition stitches together Vietnam’s most iconic highlights: Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the magnificent Phong Nha caves, the historical battlegrounds of Khe Sanh and the DMZ, the cultural jewels of Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and the lesser-explored Central Highlands.
Tour Details
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Day 1: Hanoi → Pu Luong (160 km)
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Day 2: Pu Luong → Tan Ky (260 km)
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Day 3: Tan Ky → Phong Nha (230 km)
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Day 4: Phong Nha → Khe Sanh (250 km)
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Day 5: Khe Sanh → DMZ → Hue (200 km)
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Day 6: Hue → Hoi An (150 km)
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Day 7: Hoi An → My Son → Kham Duc (200 km)
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Day 8: Kham Duc → Kon Tum (190 km)
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Day 9: Kon Tum → Buon Me Thuot (240 km)
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Day 10: Buon Me Thuot → Lak Lake → Da Lat (200 km)
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Day 11: Da Lat → Nam Cat Tien NP (190 km)
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Day 12: Nam Cat Tien NP → Saigon (160 km)
For more details, please refer to our FAQ page.
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What to Expect from the Tour
Ready to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and diverse culture on two wheels? Strap on your helmet and make memories that will outlast any souvenir!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi → Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Kickstart your ride along Red River dikes, then break off onto quieter backroads.
Spot dreamy Quan Son Lake, often hailed as a mini Ha Long Bay on land, and tackle some gentle off-road sections.
Transition to the Ho Chi Minh Trail en route to Pu Luong, famed for its lush forest canopy and ethnic Thai communities.
Overnight in a homestay - authentic local vibes included.
Distance: 160km
Day 2
Pu Luong → Tan Ky
Distance: 260km
Set out along the scenic Ma River, catching glimpses of village life.
Enjoy lunch near Cam Thuy Town, then hop back onto the Ho Chi Minh Highway, breezing through rural scenes toward Tan Ky.
Expect countless photo ops of sleepy hamlets and farmland, plus warm encounters with friendly locals.
Day 3
Tan Ky → Phong Nha
Distance: 230km
Roll onward to the official “start” of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail near Pho Chau, stopping at the victory monument.
Then ride to Phong Nha–Ke Bang, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Explore towering caverns and underground rivers carved by millions of years of geologic activity.
Overnight in Phong Nha Town.
Day 4
Phong Nha → Khe Sanh
Distance: 250km
Gear up for a day blending natural wonders with wartime history.
Enjoy a morning boat trip to experience Phong Nha’s breathtaking cave systems before continuing west, passing by Truong Son Cemetery to pay respects to fallen soldiers.
Arrive in Khe Sanh, once a key military base, by late afternoon.
Day 5
Khe Sanh → DMZ → Hue
Distance: 200km
Drop in on Quang Tri’s historical hotspots - Long Hung Church, Quang Tri Old Citadel - witnessing the remnants of fierce battles.
Ride along the scenic coast, then delve into Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground labyrinth that sheltered locals from intense bombing.
Wrap up with a direct route to Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital, exploring its citadel if time allows.
Day 6
Hue → Hoi An
Distance: 150km
Soak in more Hue heritage (tombs, pagodas) before blazing south.
Conquer the Hai Van Pass, a winding marvel revealing panoramic sea views.
Stop by Marble Mountains near Da Nang, then arrive in Hoi An - an enchanting blend of lantern-lit streets and riverside charm.
Check in and enjoy some free time.
Day 7
Hoi An → My Son → Kham Duc
Distance: 200km
Bid farewell to Hoi An’s old-world allure, detouring to My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of Hindu temple ruins hidden in a lush valley.
After lunch in Dong Phu, tackle winding roads leading to Kham Duc (Phuoc Son), a small highland town with scenic river views and gushing waterfalls.
Day 8
Kham Duc → Kon Tum
Distance: 190km
Cruise onward on Highway 14, a bumpy but scenic segment.
Meet minority groups such as De, Trieng, and Se Dang, crossing picturesque hanging bridges over the Dak Po Ko River. Pass battle sites like Dak To, eventually reaching Kon Tum, where you can see its wooden church or orphanage run by local nuns.
Day 9
Kon Tum → Buon Me Thuot
Distance: 240km
Back on the Ho Chi Minh Highway, pass through Pleiku for lunch.
Glimpse the region’s coffee plantations and towering stilt houses of the Gia Rai people.
Late afternoon brings you into the coffee capital Buon Me Thuot - perfect for sampling Vietnam’s finest beans.
Day 10
Buon Me Thuot → Lak Lake → Da Lat
Distance: 200km
Motor toward Lak Lake, home to multiple ethnic communities known for elephant training and unique weaving crafts.
After lunch, follow winding Rte. 27, crossing three passes - Krong No, Chuoi, and Phu Son - before arriving in the highland haven of Da Lat.
Expect pine forests, cooler weather, and a romantic cityscape.
Day 11
Da Lat → Nam Cat Tien National Park
Distance: 190km
Roll downhill on Road 20, passing through once heavily forested areas used as military bases.
Today, Cat Tien NP stands as an important biosphere, although it still shows signs of past herbicide warfare.
Overnight near the park, falling asleep to jungle whispers.
Day 12
Nam Cat Tien → Saigon
Distance: 160km
Final leg of the journey! Navigate moderate traffic until the urban sprawl of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) greets you with a whirlwind of scooters, neon lights, and endless energy.
The tour concludes at the train station for your bike drop-off - or anywhere else you need in the city.