Da Nang to Hanoi | 8-Day Ho Chi Minh Road

Day 1: Da Nang → A Lưới

Leaving the coastal city of Da Nang, we quickly head inland into the foothills. The air cools as we climb toward the mountain outpost of A Lưới, beginning our northward journey along the border ridges.

Day Snapshot

Route: Da Nang → A Lưới

Highlight: Transitioning from the humid coast to the fresh mountain air of the interior.

Day 2: A Lưới → Khe Sanh

We ride through deep forests and sweeping mountain curves that run parallel to the border. This stretch offers incredible vistas and technical riding that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Day Snapshot

Route: A Lưới → Khe Sanh

Highlight: The winding ridges leading toward the historic Khe Sanh valley.

Day 3: Khe Sanh → Phong Nha

Arguably the best motorcycle road in Vietnam. We tackle the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road—remote jungle passes and misty peaks with virtually no traffic. It is motorcycling in its purest form.

Day Snapshot

Route: Khe Sanh → Phong Nha

Highlight: Riding over the Sa Mù pass through the jungle canopy.

Day 4: Exploring Phong Nha

A rest day for the bikes. We dive into the UNESCO-listed National Park to explore the massive Paradise Cave and enjoy the laid-back riverside atmosphere of the village.

Day Snapshot

Highlight: The otherworldly stone cathedrals inside Paradise Cave.

Day 5: Phong Nha → Kim Nhan

Heading north on the Ho Chi Minh Road, the tarmac is smooth and flowing. We move through limestone karst landscapes and deep valleys as we leave the jungle behind for the rural heartland.

Day Snapshot

Route: Phong Nha → Kim Nhan

Vibe: Long, sweeping curves and dramatic scenery.

Day 6: Kim Nhan → Ninh Binh

We weave through rural communities and emerald rice paddies on backroads rarely seen by tourists. By late afternoon, the iconic limestone peaks of Ninh Binh emerge on the horizon.

Day Snapshot

Route: Kim Nhan → Ninh Binh

Vibe: Off-the-beaten-path discovery and rural charm.

Day 7: Exploring Ninh Binh

A day to navigate the "Ha Long Bay on land." We ride peaceful paddy paths, explore ancient temples, and take in the sheer scale of the limestone cliffs from the valley floor.

Day Snapshot

Highlight: Standing atop Hang Mua for a panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley.

Day 8: Ninh Binh → Hanoi

Our final push toward the capital. We enjoy a final morning in the limestone valleys before the landscape levels out for the ride back into the vibrant energy of Hanoi.