Overview
Phù Yên, Huy Bắc, Phù Yên District, Son La 34906 Ride the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail on a 9-day motorbike (Honda xr150L) adventure from Hanoi to Hoi An. Once the lifeline of the North Vietnamese army, the trail weaves through rugged mountains, lush jungles, and DMZ sites. Today, it lives on as the Ho Chi Minh Highway, an epic north-south route perfect for riding by motorbike. This journey takes you deep into Vietnam’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and war-torn history, offering an unforgettable ride through the country’s heart.
Highlights
- Starts in Hanoi and ends in Kham Duc
- Ride the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, once used by the North Vietnamese army
- Experience an epic north-to-south motorbike journey through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes
- Explore historic war sites and the former DMZ, rich with wartime stories
- Pass through lush jungles, remote villages, and hidden mountain passes
- Discover authentic local culture and traditional hill-tribe communities
- Enjoy breathtaking scenery, from misty highlands to coastal plains
- 8 nights accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi to Phu Yen (180 km / 110 mi)
You kick off the first day of your Hanoi to Phu Yen motorbike tour on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Leaving the city, you follow the Red River toward Son Tay, then ride through peaceful countryside roads until you reach Phu Yen in Son La, home to stunning mountains, green jungles, and rolling hills that look like a painting. Ride through Quang Huy and Gia Phu commune. Relax by the Black River or cool down in the water.
Day 2: Phu Yen to Mai Chau (145 km / 90 mi)
Get ready for another day ride! You head south, crossing the Black River by Van Yen ferry before riding up to Moc Chau Plateau. Then carry on toward Hua Tat Pass with its sharp curves and raw mountain beauty. Arrive in Mai Chau by afternoon—a peaceful valley of rice fields, caves, and stilt-house villages.
Day 3: Mai Chau to Tan Ky (290 km / 180 mi)
Start the day by riding along the scenic Ma River. Stop in Cam Thuy for lunch. From there, the road leads you onto the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail. Visit Hong Son Waterfall—a hidden gem of Nghe An province tumbling 120 meters (394 feet) like a flowing silk curtain.
Day 4: Tan Ky to Phong Nha (280 km / 175 mi)
After breakfast, you ride along the Ho Chi Minh Highway toward Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, home to the world’s longest underground river and spectacular stalactites. Arrive in the afternoon, check in at the lodge, and relax by the pool.
Day 5: Phong Nha to Khe Sanh (300 km / 185 mi)
A long but exciting day! You ride deep into the Ho Chi Minh Trail, crossing Truong Son valley and suspension bridges. Visit the DMZ site and Vinh Moc Tunnel. Lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing along the western Ho Chi Minh road—remote, lush, and wild—on your way to Khe Sanh.
Day 6: Khe Sanh to Imperial Hue (180 km / 110 mi)
In the morning, visit Ta Con Airport Museum—showcasing relics, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Vietnam’s aviation resistance. Afterward, continue the ride toward Hue.
Day 7: Imperial Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass (120 km / 75 mi)
In the morning, explore Hue’s highlights such as Thien Mu Pagoda or the royal tombs of emperors Minh Mang and Tu Duc. Then, ride toward Hoi An over the legendary Hai Van Pass—“the ocean of clouds.” Enjoy breathtaking views of Lang Co Beach and the sea below. Stop in Da Nang to visit the Marble Mountains—five limestone hills tied to Vietnam’s ancient beliefs. By late afternoon, arrive in the lantern-lit town of Hoi An and settle in for the night.
Day 8: Hoi An to Kham Duc (122 km / 70 mi)
Depart from Hoi An, heading west through quiet countryside into cool mountain air. Stop at My Son Sanctuary, where ancient Cham temples hide in the jungle. Continue through mountain passes and thick forests with stunning valley views. Pause at a local war memorial along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The final stretch to Kham Duc is pure adventure—curvy roads, lush landscapes, and friendly villages waving you through. Once a U.S. Special Forces base, Kham Duc is now a peaceful mountain town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 9: Departure
End of the trip—a thrilling adventure ride all the way from Hanoi to Hoi An through the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Ride Details
- Terrain
- Highway, countryside roads, mountain passes, and curvy roads
- Bike
- rental bike (Honda XR150L, CB500x)
- Mileage
- 1617 kilometers / 995 miles
- Daily rides
- 122 - 300 kilometers / 70 - 185 miles
- Riding gear
- not included: helmet, gloves jacket, pants, boots
- Meals
- Daily breakfast; coffee, tea, water, and juice 2–3 times a day
What's included
- Honda XR150L motorbike for the entire tour
- Fuel from start to end
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Coffee, tea, water, and juice
- Tour guide
- Entrance fees for any places visited
Not included
- Vietnam visa (they can assist to apply for 70 USD per person)
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Airport transfers
- Lunches and dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- CB500x - 100 USD extra per day
Accommodation
During the Ho Chi Minh Trail motorbike tour, you’ll stay in a mix of comfortable 4-star hotels and charming local homestays, each selected for their authenticity, comfort, and welcoming atmosphere. All accommodations include breakfast, ensuring you start each riding day energized and ready to explore. Every room features a private shower and a cozy bed, offering a relaxing space after long days on the road. If you are a single rider (only one rider to join the ride), you will be sharing a room with your guide.
Food
Breakfast is included every day during the tour, offering a variety of local and international options to start your morning right. Lunch and dinner are not included, giving you the freedom to explore nearby restaurants and try authentic local cuisine at your own pace. Complimentary everyday drinks such as coffee, tea, water, and juice (served 2–3 times a day) are included and provided during rest stops to keep you refreshed throughout the ride. Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased separately at restaurants or accommodations.
Getting There
The Ho Chi Minh Trail winds through some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking and historically rich regions, offering travelers a rare glimpse into the country’s diverse heartlands. From the bustling streets of Hanoi, the route takes you deep into misty mountains, dense jungles, and remote rural landscapes before reaching the charming town of Hoi An. Along the way, you’ll encounter local villages, war r
