In this morning, after having breakfast, you enter Pu Luong Nature Reserve via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You will explore the captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.
We’ll ride back to Hanoi. Along the road, we’ll stop by to take photos of mountains, valleys and rice paddies.
At around 16:00, we’ll get to Hanoi. End of the trip
Summary
Distance: 220 km
Accommodation: No included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End Of the trip
How long is the Vietnam Motorbike Tour on the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
This is a 12-day guided motorbike journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Based on the daily distances published in the itinerary, riders will cover approximately 2,430 kilometres through Northern Vietnam, the Central Coast, the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam.
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Where does the Hanoi-to-Saigon motorbike tour start and finish?
The tour starts in Hanoi and finishes in Ho Chi Minh City on Day 12. The route travels through Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Tan Ky, Phong Nha, Khe Sanh, Hue, Hoi An, My Son, Kham Duc, Kon Tum, Buon Ma Thuot, Lak Lake, Da Lat and Cat Tien National Park before reaching Saigon. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City after the tour is not included unless requested separately.
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Is this Ho Chi Minh Trail motorbike tour suitable for beginners?
This tour is best suited to intermediate and experienced riders who are comfortable with long riding days, mountain passes, winding roads, changing road surfaces and busy urban traffic. Complete beginners may find the 12-day journey physically demanding, particularly on rough roads and during the final approach into Ho Chi Minh City.
Riders should honestly advise us of their experience, height and preferred motorcycle before booking so that we can recommend a suitable bike and riding arrangement.
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Is the tour fully off-road?
No. This is a mixed-terrain motorcycle tour rather than a fully off-road expedition. The route combines paved sections of the Ho Chi Minh Highway, quiet backroads, mountain passes, coastal roads, bumpy rural roads and selected dirt or sandy tracks.
The exact amount of off-road riding may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions and the ability of the group.
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What motorcycles are available for this tour?
The tour can be arranged with Honda or Yamaha motorcycles, subject to availability. Options may include smaller geared or automatic motorcycles as well as manual dirt bikes such as the Honda XR150L, Honda CRF250L and Honda CRF300L.
Larger-capacity dirt bikes normally require an additional daily upgrade charge. The exact motorcycle model, availability and current surcharge should be confirmed when booking.
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How far do we ride each day?
Daily riding distances range from approximately 150 to 260 kilometres. The longest scheduled day is the ride from Pu Luong to Tan Ky at around 260 kilometres.
Most days involve several hours of riding, but the journey is broken up with lunch, coffee, photography, sightseeing and cultural stops. Actual riding time may vary depending on weather, traffic, road conditions and the pace of the group.
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What is the best time of year to ride the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Because the journey crosses several climate zones, there is no single month with perfect weather along the entire route. The period from October to April is generally preferred for long-distance riding because temperatures are often more comfortable and Southern Vietnam is usually drier.
However, Central Vietnam may experience heavy rain or storms during the later part of the year, while Da Lat and the Central Highlands generally receive more rain from April to October. Riders should therefore prepare for changing weather conditions at any time of year.
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Do I need a motorcycle licence to join the tour?
Yes. Riders should hold a valid motorcycle licence appropriate for the engine capacity they intend to ride. A car-only driving licence is not sufficient for operating a motorcycle.
International driving permit requirements vary depending on the rider’s nationality and the country that issued the licence. Riders should send us details of their nationality, motorcycle licence and international driving permit before confirming the tour. They should also ensure that their travel insurance covers motorcycle riding in Vietnam and the engine capacity selected.
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What is included in the tour price?
The published tour package includes the motorcycle, helmet, standard riding gear, fuel during the tour, an English-speaking motorbike guide, accommodation stated in the itinerary, meals as indicated, entrance and sightseeing fees, homestay arrangements and drinks at scheduled rest stops.
The cost of transporting the motorcycles back from Saigon to Hanoi and the guide’s one-way return flight are also included. A mechanic is provided for groups of six riders or more.
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What accommodation is provided during the tour?
The first night is spent in a traditional stilt-house homestay in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The remaining nights are arranged in locally selected hotels or lodges in Tan Ky, Phong Nha, Khe Sanh, Hue, Hoi An, Kham Duc, Kon Tum, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat and the Cat Tien National Park area.
The standard price is normally based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single rooms can be arranged for an additional supplement.
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Are meals included during the motorbike tour?
Most riding days include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 1 includes lunch and dinner, while Day 6 and Day 12 include breakfast and lunch only.
Meals are normally served at local restaurants, hotels and homestays, giving riders opportunities to experience regional Vietnamese cuisine along the route. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements should be requested in advance.
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Can a support vehicle carry our luggage?
Yes. A support vehicle can be arranged at an additional cost to carry luggage, spare equipment and personal belongings during the tour. This service is particularly useful for larger groups or riders who prefer not to carry luggage on their motorcycles.
A dedicated mechanic is included for groups of six riders or more. Smaller groups are accompanied by an experienced motorbike guide who can assist with normal mechanical issues during the journey.
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What are the main highlights of the Hanoi-to-Saigon motorcycle tour?
Major highlights include Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Truong Son Cemetery, Khe Sanh, the former Demilitarised Zone, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue Imperial Citadel, Hai Van Pass, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary.
The southern section continues through ethnic minority villages, the Central Highlands, Kon Tum, Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee-growing region, Lak Lake, Da Lat and Cat Tien National Park.
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Does the tour include a visit to Phong Nha Cave?
Yes. The itinerary includes time to explore the Phong Nha area and take a boat journey into the famous cave system. Phong Nha–Ke Bang is one of the most important natural attractions on the route and provides a memorable break from the long-distance riding.
Entrance and sightseeing fees listed in the confirmed itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What safety equipment is provided?
A motorcycle helmet and standard riding gear are included in the tour package. Riders should provide their height, weight, shoe size and clothing size before arrival so that suitable equipment can be prepared whenever possible.
Guests may also bring their own certified helmet, riding boots, gloves, protective jacket and riding trousers if they prefer to use familiar equipment.
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What happens to the motorcycles after the tour finishes in Saigon?
After the group reaches Ho Chi Minh City, the motorcycles are transported back to Hanoi by train. The motorbike guide’s one-way flight from Saigon to Hanoi is also included in the tour operation.
These return logistics apply to the guide and motorcycles only. Guests should arrange their own accommodation, airport transfer and onward travel from Ho Chi Minh City unless additional services have been booked.
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Is this a private or scheduled group tour?
The published pricing is structured for private groups of different sizes. This means the departure date can generally be arranged around the group’s preferred travel schedule, subject to the availability of motorcycles, guides and accommodation.
Private operation also allows the guide to manage the riding pace around the group’s experience and physical condition.
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Can the itinerary be customised?
The tour may be adjusted to suit the group’s available time, preferred motorcycle, riding ability and travel interests. Additional rest days can potentially be added in destinations such as Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An or Da Lat.
Any major route changes should be agreed before the tour because they may affect riding distances, accommodation, motorcycle transportation and the final price.
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What should I pack for the 12-day motorcycle tour?
Riders should pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing, a rain layer, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, personal medication and comfortable clothes for the evenings. A warmer layer is recommended for mountain areas and Da Lat, where temperatures can feel cooler than in the lowlands.
Soft-sided luggage is more practical than a hard suitcase when travelling without a support vehicle.
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Is travel insurance required for the tour?
Every rider should obtain comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers motorcycle riding in Vietnam, the selected motorcycle engine capacity, medical treatment, personal accident, emergency evacuation and trip interruption.
General travel insurance may exclude motorcycle riding or apply engine-capacity restrictions, so riders should carefully review the policy wording before departure.
