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.
– 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.
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.
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.
– 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.
– 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.
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
Tax Code: 0105306316
International Tour Operator License: 01-2010/2022/TCDL-GP LHQT
15a Ng. 12 Đ. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
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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)
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)
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)
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
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)