15 Days Motorbike Tour from Saigon to Hanoi

Imagine cruising along winding mountain roads, crossing lush rice paddies, and stopping at ancient temples—all on a motorbike tailored for your comfort. This 15-day guided motorcycle tour from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Hanoi takes you along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, offering an authentic way to see Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, meet local communities, and learn its history. The price of $2,550 per person includes all the essentials, from professional guides to cozy accommodations, making it a fantastic value for an experience of a lifetime.

What we love most about this tour is its balance of adventure and comfort. The expert guides—who are both knowledgeable and friendly—help decode the stories behind the sights, making every stop meaningful. Plus, the variety of landscapes—from the sun-kissed beaches of Mui Ne to the misty highlands of Dalat, and historic sites like the Vinh Moc Tunnels—keeps the journey fresh and engaging.

A possible consideration is the physical demand of riding for long hours on mountain and rural roads, though the tour allows you to ride pillion if you prefer a more relaxed experience. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, scenic beauty, and a bit of adrenaline. If you’re someone who loves authentic experiences and doesn’t mind a bit of riding, you’ll find this trip hard to beat.

Key Points

• Authentic Vietnam experience: Travel like a local with guided riding and interactions with ethnic minorities.
• Diverse landscapes: From beaches and lakes to mountains and caves, there’s stunning scenery at every turn.
• Cultural insights: Visit historic sites, traditional villages, and learn about Vietnam’s past and present.
• Comfortable accommodations: Stay in hotels and homestays that offer both charm and comfort.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance your understanding and enjoyment.
• All-inclusive value: Motorbikes, helmets, entrance fees, and most accommodations are covered, offering hassle-free travel.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Long Hai Beach and Historic Sites

Starting your adventure just outside Saigon, you’ll cross the Saigon River by ferry—a scenic way to leave the city chaos behind. The first stops include Minh Dam Army Base, which offers insights into Vietnam’s conflicts before 1975, and the Thuong Chieu Monastery Pagoda, notable for its craftsmanship. The day ends with a relaxing evening at Long Hai Beach, setting a peaceful tone for the journey.

What makes this day special? The mix of history, nature, and tranquility. Enjoy soaking in hot springs at Binh Chau before winding down by the sea.

Day 2: Coastal Charm of Mui Ne

Riding north, your first highlight is the Ke Ga Lighthouse, Southeast Asia’s oldest lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coast. The visit to Van Thuy Tu Temple reveals a fascinating local fishing culture centered around a giant whale skeleton—something you won’t see everywhere. After exploring the Champa Towers, you’ll relax at Mui Ne Beach, a perfect spot for a swim.

The scenic coastal route and the chance to see traditional fishing practices make this day a favorite. The coastal scenery is particularly striking and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Day 3: Dalat’s Highland Beauty

Early departure from Mui Ne takes you through mushroom farms, red canyon, and white sand dunes—each offering unique textures and colors. The Central Highlands are a treat for nature lovers, with winding mountain roads and ethnic minority villages like Kho. Expect lush coffee plantations and stunning waterfalls such as Pongour and Elephant Waterfall.

The highlight? Riding through the highlands with green tea farms and mountain vistas. The visit to the Kho minority offers authentic culture.

Day 4: Lake Life and Mountain Adventures

The scenic ride from Dalat to Lak Lake takes you into Vietnam’s highland heartland, where boats glide over the lake and traditional Long House homestays await. You’ll explore Agent Orange zones and bamboo craftsmanship workshops. The contrast between lush jungle and peaceful lake life makes this a memorable day.

This stretch balances natural beauty with cultural depth, and the optional homestay experience offers a genuine connection with local people.

Day 5: Buon Ma Thuot and Indigenous Culture

Journey to Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam. The day involves visiting ethnic minority markets and learning how rice paper and vermicelli are made—fascinating insights into everyday Vietnamese life. The lively market scene gives a taste of local flavors and colors.

This day emphasizes cultural learning, with a relaxed pace perfect for soaking up the local vibe.

Day 6: Mountain Villages and the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Riding through mountain enclaves, you’ll pass rice paddies, pepper vines, and blacksmith workshops. The route along the Ho Chi Minh Trail is historic, with stops at tea plantations and ethnic villages. The scenery here is rugged and beautiful, perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure.

Day 7: Kham Duc and War History

Today’s ride is through the Eastern Truong Son Mountain Range, with visits to battlefield sites like Dak To and Charlie Hill. The region’s war history adds a poignant dimension, while the landscapes remain breathtaking. The area is also culturally diverse, with Gie Trieng and Se Dang minorities.

History buffs and those interested in Vietnam’s past will find this day particularly meaningful.

Day 8: Iconic Sites and Hoi An

Starting early, you’ll reach Kham Duc’s Market and continue along the trail towards My Son Sanctuary, a charming site known for its Cham ruins. The journey along the Thu Bon River is picturesque, culminating in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town famed for its well-preserved ancient architecture.

Hanoi awaits the next chapter, but this day offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and local color.

Day 9: From Hue to the Coast

Ride along quiet countryside roads to Tra Que Village and the Marble Mountains. The Hai Van Pass is a highlight, offering sweeping views of hills and beaches. In Hue, explore the imperial citadel and royal tombs, bringing Vietnam’s royal history alive.

This day combines natural beauty with cultural sights, perfect for history and scenery lovers.

Day 10: Khe Sanh and the Vietnam War Sites

Traveling along Highway 1, you’ll visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels—a powerful reminder of wartime resilience. The Cua Viet and Cua Tung beaches present serene coastal scenery. The afternoon visits include Truong Son Cemetery, which honors fallen soldiers.

A day suited for those interested in history and military heritage.

Day 11: Phong Nha’s Natural Wonders

Today, you’ll explore Phong Nha Cave, a marvel of karst formations and underground rivers. The scenery around the Northern Truong Son mountain range is stunning, with limestone peaks towering over verdant forests. The site’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it a highlight of any Vietnam trip.

Nature lovers will appreciate the scale and beauty of these caves, along with the lush surroundings.

Day 12: Quang Binh’s Rural Charm

The route from Phong Nha to Tan Ky takes you through rural landscapes dotted with ethnic minority villages and tea plantations. Rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and small villages offer glimpses into traditional ways of life.

A day for appreciating Vietnam’s countryside and the harmony of its agriculture.

Day 13: Cuc Phuong National Park

This park, Vietnam’s first national park, offers a sanctuary for wildlife and plants. Expect limestone mountains, rice terraces, and Muong hill tribe houses. The park’s trails and forests are a peaceful contrast to the previous days’ war history and caves.

It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet retreat.

Day 14: Mai Chau Village

Nestled in a lush valley, Mai Chau provides a chance to relax amid stilt houses and vibrant local culture. Staying overnight in a traditional Thai stilt house and enjoying local food and music makes this a cultural high point.

The combination of scenery and authentic hospitality makes for a memorable night.

Day 15: Concluding in Hanoi

Your journey ends in Hanoi, where you’ll enjoy a breakfast with a local family before returning to the city. The landscape along the way—rice paddies, mountains—provides a fitting farewell to Vietnam’s natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

This motorbike tour offers a rare chance to see Vietnam from the saddle, blending scenic rides, cultural interactions, and historic sites. The guides, especially for their knowledge and warmth, make the experience more meaningful. The accommodations are thoughtfully chosen, adding comfort after long days on the road.

While it’s a trip requiring a moderate level of physical fitness, those who enjoy adventure travel and cultural discovery will find this experience rewarding. The price reflects the comprehensive nature of the tour—covering transportation, entrance fees, and expert guidance—making it a good value for a deeply immersive journey.

In essence, if you’re after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure with breathtaking scenery and cultural insights, this tour is excellent. It’s perfect for those who love a mix of history, nature, and lively local interactions.

FAQs

Do I need a motorcycle license to join?
No. You don’t need a license; you can ride pillion with an experienced guide who is licensed and knowledgeable.

What kind of accommodations are included?
The tour includes 14 nights in hotels and homestays, ranging from charming lakeside lodges to traditional Thai stilt houses, all chosen for comfort and authenticity.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Long riding days are involved, but riding pillion is available if you prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What is the price of the tour, and what does it include?
The cost is $2,550 per person, covering private transportation, all fees and taxes, motorcycles, helmets, equipment, accommodations, entrance tickets, and guiding.

Are meals included?
Meals and drinks are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore local cuisine at your own pace.

When can I book this tour?
The tour runs from February 14, 2024, to June 17, 2026. It operates daily, with flexible start times, and pickup is offered.

This 15-day journey from Saigon to Hanoi on a motorcycle offers a rare and authentic way to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, warm culture, and complex history. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious traveler eager for a new perspective, this adventure promises plenty of memorable moments.