Rider: Myself and a mate
Bike: CB500x
Duration: 14 days
Route: Hanoi → Mai Chau → Tan Ky → Phong Nha → DMZ → Khe Sanh → Hoi An → Pleiku → Buon Ma Thuot → Yok Don → Nha Trang → Dalat → Cat Tien National Park → Ho Chi Minh City
Organizer: Hamid, Hanoi based website: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com
Bike: CB500x
Duration: 14 days
Route: Hanoi → Mai Chau → Tan Ky → Phong Nha → DMZ → Khe Sanh → Hoi An → Pleiku → Buon Ma Thuot → Yok Don → Nha Trang → Dalat → Cat Tien National Park → Ho Chi Minh City
Organizer: Hamid, Hanoi based website: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com
Day 1: Hanoi → Mai Chau → Tan Ky (Approx. 400 km)
Left Hanoi early, taking scenic country roads through rice paddies and limestone hills. Mai Chau was a peaceful stop with traditional stilt houses. Continued to Tan Ky, passing small villages and enjoying coffee breaks along the way. Overnight in a local guesthouse.Day 2: Tan Ky → Phong Nha (Approx. 270 km)
Rode through rolling hills and partially paved roads. Approaching Phong Nha, we turned onto some dirt tracks through forests – a preview of the off-road adventure ahead. Explored Paradise Cave in the afternoon and stayed riverside at a cozy homestay.Day 3: Phong Nha → DMZ → Khe Sanh (Approx. 180 km)
Entered the Ho Chi Minh Trail section near the DMZ. Off-road dirt tracks, small river crossings, and dense jungle sections made for an epic ride. Stopped at Vinh Moc Tunnels and historic DMZ landmarks. Reached Khe Sanh by late afternoon; enjoyed fresh coffee at a local market.Day 4 & 5: Hoi An (Approx. 350 km from Khe Sanh)
Long coastal ride from Khe Sanh to Hoi An over two days. Passed through Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang. Stunning Hai Van Pass offered panoramic ocean views. Two nights in Hoi An allowed for city exploration, lantern-lit streets, and riverside cafes.Day 6: Hoi An → Pleiku (Approx. 300 km)
Entered the Central Highlands. Roads became twisty with occasional gravel tracks through forests and plantations. Overnight in Pleiku; enjoyed local Highland cuisine and coffee.Day 7: Pleiku → Buon Ma Thuot via Yok Don (Approx. 200 km)
Off-road adventure through forest trails and village tracks connecting Pleiku to Buon Ma Thuot via Yok Don National Park. Wildlife sightings and remote landscapes made this one of the most memorable days. Stayed at a local homestay in Buon Ma Thuot.Day 8: Buon Ma Thuot → Dray Nur Waterfall → Nha Trang (Approx. 180 km)
Morning ride to Dray Nur Waterfall – mix of paved roads and short dirt sections. Then descended toward the coast. Arrived in Nha Trang by late afternoon; relaxed on the beach and enjoyed fresh seafood.Day 9: Nha Trang – Island Visit & Snorkeling
Took a boat trip to nearby islands. Incredible snorkeling with vibrant coral and tropical fish. Back on the bike in the evening, enjoyed a seaside dinner and city stroll.Day 10: Nha Trang → Dalat (Approx. 140 km)
Twisty uphill roads through forests and pine hills. Dalat’s cooler climate was a welcome change. Explored Crazy House, local waterfalls, and night markets. Overnight in town.Day 11: Dalat → Cat Tien National Park (Approx. 180 km)
Mixed paved and dirt roads through forests. Spent the day exploring Cat Tien National Park, spotting wildlife, and riding trails inside the park. Camped or stayed at a nearby lodge.Day 12: Cat Tien → Mui Ne (Approx. 180 km)
Returned to coastal roads, passing through small villages and fishing towns. Mui Ne offered sand dunes, beaches, and a relaxing evening. Overnight in a beachfront guesthouse.Day 13: Mui Ne → Ho Chi Minh City (Approx. 220 km)
Final stretch along flat highways toward Saigon. Traffic increased near the city, but the ride was smooth. Arrived in Ho Chi Minh City by afternoon. Checked into hotel and reflected on the 13-day adventure.Trip Highlights & Tips:
- Total distance: ~2,500–2,600 km
- Off-road highlights: DMZ , Pleiku–Buon Ma Thuot via Yok Don, Dray Nur Waterfall trails
- Scenic highlights: Hai Van Pass, Central Highlands forests, Nha Trang island.
