Hanoi to HCM City – 6 Key Details

Updated 25/01/2025
Ho Chi Minh City Street view

The drive from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is an epic road trip that can take you through jungles, along rugged coastlines and through remote ethnic minority villages. The shortest route covers around 1,650 km, but the best way is to zig zag between the beach and mountains, which takes longer. Here are the key details of the journey.

Contents

Distance & Duration

– Distance: 1650 km (1,027 miles)
– Driving Time: Roughly 30 hours of driving time (spread over multiple days).
– Suggested Duration: Allow 14-21 days to fully experience the journey and stop at interesting spots along the way.
– Our Route: We suggest a longer route ( about 2,400km ) that has you zig-zagging across the country. You then get to see many more beautiful places.

Route Overview

There are several ways to tackle this route and a lot will depend on your preferences and priorities. It is generally accepted that staying mainly OFF the coastal road, AKA Highway 1, is a good idea. This allows you to experience the jungle and mountains that create the ‘spine’ of Vietnam. Then, you can pop out to the coast when you feel like a break or there is something cool to see.

Our route has you visiting the major locations along the way. You should plan a day or two in some of these locations, depending on your preference. Popular choices are: Phong Nha, Hoi An, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang.

Key Stops Along the Way

There are a whole host of amazing places to stop on this trip, but you cannot do everything. Here are just a few key places to whet your appetite for adventure:

– Ninh Binh: A hugely popular tourist spot. Take a boat trip, hike up the rocky outcrops for the view and visit ancient temples.

– Phong Nha: Home to the largest cave complex in the world. Visit caves, trek through remote jungle and party a little in this popular backpacker town.

– Khe Sanh: A former military outpost and scene of some of the most vicious fighting in the American war. Visit the airbase and special forces barracks.

– Hue: An ancient capital of Vietnam. There are many tombs of former emperors, pagodas and the amazing abandoned water park to see here.

– Danang: A much more modern beach city worthy of a few days fro R&R off the bike.

– Hoi An: Once a small trading port, but now a thriving tourist spot. Get clothes tailor-made and wander the old streets stopping at cafes and eateries.

– Pleiku: High on a plateau with a pleasant dry climate, you will drive through huge forest plantations inhabited by the Bahnar and Jarai tribes.

– Quy Nhon: A small but popular seaside town close to pristine beaches. Stop over for a sleepy relaxed stay.

– Buon Ma Thuot: Visit plantations of coffee and cocoa and drive on endless dusty tracks through the central highlands.

– Nha Trang: A huge beach resort with everything that comes along with it.

– Dalat: A hill station retreat from the heat of HCMC. Visit waterfalls and adventure parks as well as the crazy house in the centre of town.

– Phan Thiet: The hub of kite surfing in Vietnam. This is a great place to chill on the beach or get active and enjoy all the watersports on offer.

Road Conditions

– The majority of the roads that you will encounter are tarmac and in reasonable condition. Naturally, some areas will be potholed or under construction but this causes few problems.

– If you plan to get off-road and take rough detours, then it would be best to at least take an XR150. However, think twice before riding a CRF for the long distances required on the Hanoi to HCMC route. It might not be so comfortable.

– Fuel is easy to find and even if you have a small gas tank (Honda Future 4.2l) you will be able to fill regularly and will not need to carry fuel with you.
The only exception is the ‘Duong HCM Tay’ (QL15). It is imperative that you fill FULL before heading out on this route. Make sure to fill up in either No Name Filling Station or Long Son Filling Station

– Be aware of speed limits both in and out of urban areas. Speed traps are becoming more common and fines are high.

What to Pack (the basics)

– A water bottle, especially for remote stretches.

– Protective clothing for riding: long sleeves, strong shoes etc…

– Basic First aid kit, spare inner tube, brake/clutch lever

– Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent protective clothing for the hot climate.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, speaking February to April is the best time to organise a trip like this. This is what you might consider the ‘shoulder season’. The temperatures are pleasant and there is less rain throughout the country. Conditions will be comfortable in both the North and the South. For much more detail on the condtions year round take a look at The Best Time to Drive HN – HCMC

This is your opportunity to explore the length of Vietnam and all its remote beauty and cultural heritage. You will encounter striking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unique stops along the way.

Safe travels

BMW 1250 GS

Engine Type

air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

Displacement

1255 cc

Bore X Stroke

102.5 mm x 76 mm

Ignition

FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

Rear Suspension

single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Front Brakes

dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

120/70 R19

Rear Tyres

170/60 R17

Wheelbase

1514 mm

Seat Height

850 mm

Ground Clearance

790 mm

Kerb Weight

249 kg

Fuel Capacity

20 litres

Dimensions

2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

Engine Type

liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

Displacement

470 cc

Bore X Stroke

67 mm x 66.8 mm

Ignition

PGMI – FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

Rear Brakes

240 mm disc; ABS

Front Tyres

110/80R19M/C (59H)

Rear Tyres

160/60R17M/C

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

830 mm

Ground Clearance

180 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

17.7 litres

Dimensions

2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)