10-Day Vietnam Highlands Motorcycle Tour

The Central Highlands

Honda CB500x in Phong Nha National Park
The ultimate highlands motorcycle tour of Vietnam. Hit up the ancient towns of Hue and Hoi An, discover the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha National Park, and ride deep into the country’s untouched hill country.
Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Map - The Central Highlands - Black - ADV Outriders

Location

central Vietnam

Distance

1400 km

Duration

10 days

Difficulty

Intermediate

Pillion

pillions welcome

The boys on a Royal Enfield Himalayan and a Honda XR150
From the ancient town of Hoi An, follow the coastline south past the Marble Mountains, an impressive cluster of marble and limestone hills. After lunch in a small ethnic village you’ll head into the highlands, through miles of virgin forest, and on the township of Mang Den. There’s actually an old US military base in the area. The runway there, long abandoned, is a fun place to take a motorcycle…
Royal Enfield Himalayan, with Enduristan bag and Roc Straps, parked up on a dirt trail in Ha Giang, Vietnam
It’s only about 4 hours from Mang Den to Dak To, and the scenery along the way—rolling hills and deep green valleys—is gorgeous. Dak To’s an interesting place, too: right on the borders of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, it was the site of a series of major battles during the Vietnam War.
A group of our riders at a victory monument in Vietnam
The winding road that leads through Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (dubbed the ‘Roof of Southern Vietnam’ due to its elevation) was only recently opened. This was due to the recent increase in ginseng production in the area, and means you’ll be passing through villages inhabited by hill tribes which have had very little interaction with foreigners. The characteristic openness of the locals remains one of our favourite things about touring Vietnam.
Our Honda XR150s in a cave in Cao Bang
Follow the Han River Valley before heading back up into the hills, to the town of P’Rao which sits right on the Laotian border. There are a few cool reservoirs along the way and loads of clusters of stilt houses, but the highlight of the day is arguably P’Rao itself. We love the vibe in this sleepy, traditional town, and it’s location up there in the highlands means it’s a comfortable place to chill out even at the height of Summer.
Riders standing on an old Vietnam War relic at Khe Sanh combat base
Enjoy some really fun little roads as you skirt the Laos border on your way north towards Khe Sanh, perhaps stopping off at a couple of hot springs and waterfalls along the way. This area was where the longest battle of the Vietnam War was fought. We’ll take the time to check out Ta Con Airbase when we’re there because it’s fascinating: you’ll see old American bombers and helicopters, and the whole place is littered with spent ordnance.
A Vietnam Motorbike Tour on the ho chi minh trail
The Ho Chi Minh Highway is probably Vietnam’s most famous road, and for good reason: endless twists and turns through coffee plantations and virgin forest, culminating in a chill descent that winds up in Phong Nha National Park.
Screaming through the ride paddy on a motorbike tour in Vietnam
Before starting east out of the highlands and back to the coast, enjoy an exploration day in UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha National Park. One of the largest protected karst landscapes in South East Asia, it’s home to limestone mountains, biodiverse forests and some absolutely massive caves. We often like to take a boat along the Con River when we’re there, but it’s an exploration day so you’re free to just chill out by the pool if you prefer!
Royal Enfield Himalayan, with Enduristan bag and Roc Straps, parked up on a dirt trail in Ha Giang, Vietnam
Our first stop after leaving the highlands is Vinh Moc Tunnels, a network of tunnels built during the War. They’re arguably better than the more famous Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon, since they’re large enough to explore without having to crawl! Once at the coast, you’ll ride through a few really cool little fishing villages before crossing Tam Giang, one of the largest lagoons in South East Asia—it’s beautiful there, and nice and close to our destination, Hue, Vietnam’s Ancient Capital.
It is very easy to make friends in Vietnam
Hue is famous for two things: being the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty (the citadel, the old seat of power, is still standing), and having some of the best food in the entire country. As such, it’s a fantastic choice for the second exploration day of the tour. Check out the citadel, explore the ancient trading district and try some delicious local delicacies.
Our Tour Leader on his Royal Enfield Himalayan at the japanese bridge in Hoi An
Made famous by Top Gear’s Vietnam Special, the Hai Van Pass is arguably the most awesome mountain pass in a country replete with awesome mountain passes. 12 miles long, it winds up the mountainside and offers spectacular views of the coastline and beaches below. Follow it down to Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage due to its status as a trading port dating back to the 15th century. It’s a great place to explore on foot, and we’ll have the final meal of the tour in one of it’s many world-class restaurants.

Pricing X Availability

  • Honda XR 150
    Honda XR 150 $1800/rider
  • Honda CRF 300
    Honda CRF 300 $2000/rider
  • R.E Himalayan 400
    R.E Himalayan 400 $2100/rider
  • Honda CB 500X
    Honda CB 500X $2200/rider
  • BMW 1250 GS
    BMW 1250 GS $3200/rider

Tour Gallery

Inclusions X Extras

Each of our guides has years of experience running motorcycle tours and is an expert on the local area.

All speak English and the local language, and guides who can speak other languages are sometimes available on request.

The cost of hiring your motorcycle is included in that of the tour. All running expenses, including fuel, are included as well.

All meals are provided, as are drinks and snacks along the way.

You’ll dine sometimes in your accommodation, sometimes at quality local restaurants.

Let us know in advance of any preferences or dietary requirements and we are happy to cater for these.

Accommodation is minimum 3-star quality.

Standard is a twin share room but on occasion (due to remote location) we will share one large, dorm-type room: in a stilt house or a yurt, for example.

All locations have been scouted beforehand and checked for cleanliness and good service.

Conditions in many of our destinations, in Asia, for example, may be really different from your home country.

Rain can be heavy, and start falling at a moment’s notice.

We’ll sort you out with a waterproof rain poncho and overtrousers where necessary.

We offer twin-share accommodation as standard. In most locations, though, we can arrange single occupancy if you prefer.

This comes at a small surcharge, but in most tour destinations is quite reasonable.

While most riders prefer to bring their own gear, we do have a limited range of extra gear (boots, gloves, armour and helmets, for example) in most of our tour destinations.

Naturally, whether or not we’ll be able to supply you with gear depends on size and availability.

We are happy to provide suggestions on pre and post-tour bookings in accommodation: knowing the area well, we know the best places to stay at all price points.

We can even book for you as an added extra without any service fee, sometimes even at a discount.

Enquire Now

4 riders
0 pillion

Related:

The Central Highlands Motorcycle Tour

R.E. Himalayan 400

Royal Enfield Himalayan 400 motorcycle rental
Royal Enfield’s first adventure bike: the Himalayan is a reliable, capable all-rounder.

Engine Type

air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC, 4-stroke

Displacement

411 cc

Bore X Stroke

78 mm x 86 mm

Ignition

Digital Electronic Ignition

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic, 41 mm forks, 200 mm travel

Rear Suspension

monoshock, 180 mm travel

Front Brakes

disc

Rear Brakes

disc

Front Tyres

90/90-21

Rear Tyres

120/90-17

Wheelbase

1465 mm

Seat Height

800 mm

Ground Clearance

220 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

15 litres

Dimensions

2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1370 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental
The perfect balance between size, weight, power and handling.

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)

Honda CRF 250

Honda CRF 250 motorcycle rental
Replaced in 2021 by the CRF 300, this bike remains a great choice for thrill seekers.

Engine Type

liquid cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement

249 cc

Bore X Stroke

79 mm x 50.9 mm

Ignition

computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance

Fuel System

PGM-FI

Compression Ratio

13.9:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

49 mm leading-axle inverted, 12.2-inch travel

Rear Suspension

single shock with spring preload; 12.3-inch travel

Front Brakes

single 260 mm disc

Rear Brakes

single 240 mm disc

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

100 / 90 19

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

875 mm

Ground Clearance

333 mm

Kerb Weight

145 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.7 litres

Dimensions

2,195 mm (L) x 815 mm (W) x 1,195 mm (H)

Honda XR 150

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental
Inexpensive, comfortable and reliable, yet surprisingly capable off-road.

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)

R.E. Classic 350

Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycle rental
Wide handlebars and upright seating position, with classic styling.

Engine Type

4 stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC

Displacement

349 cc

Bore X Stroke

72 mm x 85.8 mm

Ignition

Digital Electronic Ignition

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic, 41 mm forks, 130 mm travel

Rear Suspension

twin tube emulsion shock, 6-step preload

Front Brakes

disc, 300 mm

Rear Brakes

disc, 270 mm

Front Tyres

100/90-19

Rear Tyres

120/80-18

Wheelbase

1465 mm

Seat Height

805 mm

Ground Clearance

170 mm

Kerb Weight

195 kg

Fuel Capacity

13 litres

Dimensions

2145 (L) x 785 (W) x 1090 (H)

Honda XR 250

Honda XR 250 motorcycle rental
One of Honda’s older dual sport offerings, replaced in 2004 by the CRF 250.

Engine Type

Four Stroke, air cooled, SOHC, single cylinder

Displacement

249 cc

Bore X Stroke

73 mm x 59 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

32 mm Keihin carburettor

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41mm telescopic, air assisted fork

Rear Suspension

Pro Link adjustable

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

single piston caliper, 220 mm disc

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

100/100 18

Wheelbase

1400 mm

Seat Height

920 mm

Ground Clearance

315 mm

Kerb Weight

104 kg

Fuel Capacity

9 litres

Dimensions

2110 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1215 mm (H)