This is the 'Top Gear Vietnam Special' route: Hanoi to Saigon on the Ho Chi Minh Highway. Pass over mountains and through jungles, before riding the serene coastal road, enjoying the views and spending your nights in quiet beach resorts.
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Day 1: Ha Noi – Pu Luong
180 km
6 hours
Hoa Binh back roads; Hoa Binh Dam; Pu Luong Valley
We take the longer, more scenic route to get out of Hanoi and get used to the bikes. Following the Red and then Black Rivers before heading into the hills. We enter the lush Pu Luong Valley and stay in the more remote area away from the crowds.
Day 2: Pu Luong – Tan Ky
210 km
7 hours
Ho Chi Minh Trail
This is one of our longest days but it is not a difficult one. We head out of the nature reserve and then dead South along the QL15. we can take a couple of detours on smaller roads, time permitting but this is very much a day of getting to our destination. We end up in the tiny town of Tan Ky which is the start of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Our hotel is the biggest in town, very easy to find, and we eat in local restaurants on the roadside.
Day 3: Tan Ky – Phong Nha
260 km
6 hours
Ho Chi Minh Trail
We are now on the HCM Highway proper and things start to get more spectacular. It is a very long run down to Phong Nha so we have to be up and at ‘em early. So, an early breakfast and it is on the road toute suite. We follow the highway along the border with Laos and then around lunchtime we head a little West, more into the hills. There are lots of switchbacks as the road winds its way through the hills and this makes for great driving.
Day 4: Phong Nha (rest day)
optional
optional
chilling in Phong Nha; various caves, lakes and back roads
After a few long days in the saddle, it is time for a welcome break. There are plenty of alternatives here in Phong Nha and you can choose from visiting the caves, zip-lining, taking a boat on the river, or just lounging around in the sun. Remember, to get some washing done.
Day 5: Phong Nha – Khe Sanh
230 km
6 hours
Ho Chi Minh Trail; war remnants in Khe Sanh Combat Base
We continue along the HCM Highway through the hills and it is more of the same. However, it doesn’t seem to get tiresome. The road winds through virgin forest and gets quite remote at times. We have enough fuel and a good mechanic so we are not concerned by this at all. You will see small hamlets occasionally and a few friendly children. Other than this, we are quite alone. At last. Khe Sanh is littered with military history and with luck we will have a little time to visit one or two places.
Day 6: Khe Sanh – Hue
175 km
5 hours
Ho Chi Minh Trail; Walking Street in Hue
It isn’t too difficult to get to Hue from Khe Sanh so we can have a lie-in or, better still, sneak in a quick visit to another military site of interest. We have a choice of routes to get to Hue: more HCM Highway or over to National Highway 1. Everyone chooses the road through the hills :) so we have more of the winding, rising and falling alongside the beautiful scenery. Sounds good. Hue is very civilized and we stay in a lovely boutique hotel here. Easy days.
Day 7: Hue – Hoi An
150 km
5 hours
Hai Van Pass; Hoi An Ancient Town; Lang Co Beach
There are three possible options for the route today, but, again, we know that everyone will choose to take the Hai Van pass because of its history and its wonderful views over the East Sea. It is not far, so we have plenty of time to stop off for selfies and snacks and to generally enjoy the ride. To top that off, we then find ourselves in Hoi An, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam; for good reason.
Day 8: Hoi An – Quy Nhon
320 km
7 hours
coastal road
This is a huge day of over 250km so we need to get on the road early. We hightail it down the highway along the coast with little time for stopping. We can certainly break this up and you should consider adding in a day here. We do end up in Quy Nhon, which is a great small town n the coast. Our hotel is on the beach in a secluded cove so the long drive will seem worth it. Tomorrow is the reward.
Day 9: Quy Nhon (rest day)
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relaxing on the beach, Ky Co Bay
A well-deserved rest day spent in no better place. We can hang out on the beach and do beach things or take a stroll around the local village. This day is a departure from the rigours of touring and the perfect way to replenish ourselves.
Day 10: Quy Nhon – Tuy Hoa
80 km
3 hours
beach resort; coastal road
This is a short hop to Tuy Hoa, which is another small coastal town. These areas are quite sleepy so it is a pleasure cruise between them and it gives us a little more time to take in the scenery and have fun. The coastal road is a welcome change to the mountains and adds a little variety.
