Overview
The Ho Chi Minh Trail stands out as one of the most dramatic and unique roads in all of Vietnam.
During the Vietnam war, the Ho Chi Minh Trail was an elaborate military supply route running from communist-led North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to their supporters in South Vietnam.
In general, the majority of the trail is windy, with a lot of curves but a clean good road. Narrow and very seldom used by tourists or locals – it’s not unusual to go for significant stretches of time without seeing another person!
For now, riders have a chance to get that wind-in-the-hair, fresh air, world exploring feel as we follow the Truong Son Range, which forms the jagged, high-peaked spine of Vietnam.. It’s the kind of thrill that tickles something deep in the primal mind that reminds you you’re human.
Summary
- 9 Riding days + 2 non-riding days
- Start in Ho Chi Minh (Tân Sơn Nhất international airport)
- End in Hanoi (Nội Bai international airport)
- 95% Asphalt – good quality, narrow and a lot of curves
- Average 250-300km / 6-8 Hours of riding per day
- Optional rest in Phong Nha on Day 8
Highlights
- Admire the waterfalls in Da Lat!
- Enjoy a serene morning by the lakeside at Lak Tented Camp
- Roam the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An old town
- Visit the Khe Sanh military base
- Stay at the beautiful Phong Nha Farmstay with views of the rice paddies
- Boat tour through the Phong Nha Cave
- Climb the 500-steps to the top of the Hang Mua Peak in Ninh Binh
- Enjoy the incredibly diverse cuisine from South to North Vietnam
- Conquer the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail !!
Itinerary Breakdown
Pre-Ride Briefing & Welcome Dinner
On Arrival Day you will meet your Tour Guide at the A.R.T garage for a riders’ briefing and bike handover, then head out for local craft beers and a steak dinner… something you won’t be seeing much of on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Hotel: Amanaki Saigon Boutique in the bustling central business district
Breathtaking valley views
Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat
300km – 6 hours
Starting out of Ho Chi Minh City, we head north towards the mountain ranges into Da Lat. Da Lat is a city renowned for its endless mountain roads, making for an easy escape from city noise and tourist traffic.
Heading inland through local villages, you start to see the hills coming and you know a cool breeze is not far behind. Climbing the hills, you can find some breathtaking views of the valley floor below as you make your way, stopping at one of the many coffee stalls to soak up the sight.
Ending the day with a wander through a busy Night Market, with an optional nightcap at one of many hipster bars.
Waterfalls, ferry crossings & smiles
Da Lat to Buon Ma Thuot
200km – 5 hours
If there is an easy day on the ride, this would be the day. Leave the city behind, we make our way towards the Central Highlands with some challenging but brilliantly fun roads to look forward to as the day progresses. As you climb, up and down the hills with wonderful cornering, making your way north. The local kids that are often playing in the river are an added bonus, their smiles are infectious and a real joy to interact with as we make our way across the river.
Today we’ve chosen an off-the-beaten-track eco-escape for our stay, nestled on a secluded hill away from the modern world by a pristine lake: Lak Tented Camp
Chillax and enjoy the view
Dak Lak – Mang Den
285km – 6 hours
If there is an easy day on the ride, this would be the day. A nice low-key ride on the way up the Ho Chi Minh Trail, traveling through the lowlands and coffee fields that cover the landscape before the excitement begins.
Tonight we’ll rest in the town of Mang Den and enjoy a traditional, local dinner of BBQ chicken with sticky rice grilled in bamboo shoots.
Follow the river
Mang Den – Hoi An
260km – 5hrs
Heading northeast towards the ocean, riding next to the ocean can be so relaxing after the excitement of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. By late afternoon we arrive in Hoi An – a stunning historical town notable for being the only city in Vietnam that survived the war.
Tonight you get some free time to relax, go for a massage, enjoy a cool bevy and watch the lanterns float down the river in Old Town, no better way to finish a great day of riding.
Back on the Trail – Altitude Change
Hoi An – Khe Sanh
210km – 4hrs 30 mins
The twists and turns along the road will get your blood going, there are a couple of good mountain climbs that will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat.
There are always places to grab a coffee, a bite to eat, the odd temple or pagoda to check out, but the real attraction of this section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail is the trail itself. Truly a joy to ride.
Game Day – Twists and Turns
Khe Sanh – Phong Nha
230km – 5 hrs 30 mins
We tank up in Khe Sanh before heading north, as we won’t see any signs of civilization for quite some time — save the road itself. The day starts a little slow, there are some Vietnam War era relics to visit as you leave town. The stretch of road to take you up to the Trail are some of the best in the world for twists and turns. If you thought yesterday was a good time (and it was!), today will blow your mind.
Averaging a corner every 200m for over 200 kilometers. You will never forget this road! Coming into a National Forest, seeing the densest jungle you can imagine creating this beautiful green corridor to follow, it is an exhilarating ride like no other.
Hotel:- Phong Nha Farmstay , this Boutique accommodation is set in idyllic surrounding of rice paddy fields, tended daily by the local community, on the edge of National Park, just off the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Explore the Area
Phong Nha Loop
There is so much to see, caves to explore, A National Forest to wander through, windy curvy roads to ride and a river’s edge to sit on and enjoy a cold drink. The list goes on, take your pick and enjoy the day, you will not be lacking for choices and experiences to be had.
Sights, Sights and more sights
Phong Nha – Ninh Binh
410 km – 8hrs
Pressing on north, today will be early start and long ride. We’ll be getting into an area a little more populated so while you can find some nice wide empty sections of road, there are some busy city centers to pass through as you make your way toward a stunning destination.
Hotel: Homestay
To the Capital
Ninh Binh – Hanoi
110km – 3hr
We spend the morning enjoying the views in Ninh Binh. If nature and the outdoors is more your thing, we can check out the river caves and stunning scenery with a Boat Tour. Climb the 500 steps to see an iconic view of the countryside with it’s limestone peaks and valleys, explore one of the numerous caves that dot the area, there are a number of sights to see like no other.
So much to see, well worth the time to explore!
Later in the afternoon we push on to Hanoi, the sights and sounds of the city become stronger and louder as you get closer to the end of the ride. The challenges of Hanoi traffic are hard to describe, just something to experience, and by the end of the day, as you are enjoying a cold brew, the challenges of your journey melt away in the knowledge that you have traversed the Ho Chi Minh Trail on an epic motorcycle. How many of your friends can say the same? Congrats!!
Hotel: Mercure Hanoi La Gare
Book your flight out at anytime from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Tour pdf
Send download link to:
Price calculator
Suitable bikes are 300cc+
What’s Included
Airport transfers
10-Nights Single Room occupancy from the night before tour departure to the night you arrive to Hanoi
Small, experiential and local places
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be in restaurants with the local cuisine
(not including alcohol)
Bilingual Guide & Mechanic
Premium Big Bike
Fuel , Full Luggage & Accessories
Personal Travel Insurance for Rider & Passenger
Motorbike Accident & Theft Insurance
Luggage Shipping to Hanoi hotel
Motorbike Shipping
Group size: 4-6
Pre-Ride Advice
24/7 Logistical Support
Boat Rides, Entrance tickets & permits to remote areas
Riding gear: Full-face helmet, protective jacket, pants, boots, gloves & rain gear
Refundable security deposit for motorcycle rental USD 1,500.00
Airfare and Visa for Vietnam
Alcoholic beverages
FAQ
You will require at least one large (70L) duffel bag to transport your riding gear. Which you will then wear. You will also need a smaller (40L) pack to transport your personal items. ART will be supplying a 40L North Face dry backpack that will mount on the luggage racks of your bike.(China Eastern allows 2 pieces of checked baggage free of charge)
Dry bags or dry duffels are recommended. Some bikes will be outfitted with Givi hard/waterproof/detachable saddlebags for convenient transport of roughly 15kg of on board cargo capacity. For most persons this is more than enough. ART will offer storage of any excess baggage not deemed necessary for your tour.
We recommend getting a local SIM while travelling in Vietnam; they are affordable, USD $10 per month gets you unlimited data and calls.
There are several carriers to choose from Viettel, Mobiphone and Vinaphone are the most popular. You will need to show your passport in order to purchase a SIM, although there are services at the airport that waive this step. A.R.T recommends Viettel as having the most coverage.
Don’t forget to unlock your phone prior to leaving your home country. Cell phones in general are affordable in Vietnam.
- Google Maps
- Maps.me (Google maps alternative, provides offline maps)
- Currency Converter (XE Converter)
- Google Translate
- Skype – Calls, messaging
- WhatsApp – Calls, messaging
- Messenger
- Rever – Motorcycle Maps, GPS, Navigation Planner
- Geo Tracker – GPS Tracker for distance travel
- Viber – Calls, messaging
We recommend no more than 15kg of gear. Your guides will carry most of the safety equipment, personal items should easily come in under that weight. We will provide storage for extra gear at A.R.T base of operations.
If you’re planning a one-way trip, please contact us in advance, shipping can be arranged.
Each tour has it’s dynamic and flexibility is what we strive for. If unforeseen circumstances arise, we will discuss our options and bring them to the group. Every circumstance is different and has a solution.
Anything is possible.
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