11-Day Hanoi to HCMC Motorcycle Tour

This Is Vietnam

ADV Outriders motorcycle tour rider in the mountains of Vietnam
Ride massive mountain passes, remote jungle trails and miles of untouched coastline on your way from Vietnam’s capital all the way down to its largest city. From the sublime Ho Chi Minh Highway and Phong Nha National Park to the ancient trading town of Hoi An, this Hanoi to HCMC Motorcycle Tour makes for the adventure of a lifetime.
Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Map - This Is Vietnam - Black - ADV Outriders

Location

Vietnam

Distance

2180 km

Duration

11 days

Difficulty

Intermediate

Pillion

pillions welcome

rice fields in northern Vietnam
Once you’re out of Hanoi, the backroads down to the town of Ninh Binh are great—all rice fields and flatland. Ninh Binh itself is home to some cool attractions, too: there’s a mountain you can climb that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, and a network of streams and rivers that cut through the karst landscape that you can explore by boat.
friendly local girl on the road in north Vietnam
Ride south along the coast, past tiny fishing villages and miles of sandy beaches. On our way to the coastal city of Vinh, we’ll have the opportunity to stop off at the house where Ho Chi Minh spent his childhood, and there are a couple of good swimming spots on the way too.
KmO Marker in Tan Ky marking the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh Highway
From Vinh, you’ll cross the Ca River before heading up into the hills along the Laos border road. Outside of the north, this is one of Vietnam’s most remote areas, and it’s inhabited almost exclusively by hill tribes. Continuing south through the jungle, you’ll arrive at UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha National Park.
Honda CB500x in Phong Nha National Park
The first of our two exploration days will be spent in Phong Nha. There are lakes to swim in and caves to explore, as well as some fun mountain roads through pristine jungle. You’re also free to simply chill in the hotel, too, if you prefer!
a tank at Ta Con Airbase Khe Sanh
The Ho Chi Minh Highway twists and turns through miles of mountainous jungle, and remains one of our favourite roads on the planet. Near where we’ll be staying is the abandoned American Khe Sanh Combat Base, which we’ll definitely make a point of visiting. The old disused aircraft and overgrown runway are a sight to behold.
looking back to Danang from Son Tra Peninsula
As you wind your way along the border and over some awesome mountain passes, you’ll pass by some hot springs and more remnants of the Vietnam War. The French colonial hill station of Ba Na Hills is great, too, but in terms of attractions the highlight of the day is definitely UNESCO World Heritage Site Hoi An Ancient Town. It’s an amazingly well-preserved example of a Southeast-Asian trading port, famous for its great food and relaxed vibe.
Continuing south along the coast, you’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Tam Ky. The capital of Quang Nam Province, it’s famous for a few speciality dishes (the most famous of which is Tam Ky chicken rice), and situated right outside it is the village of Tam Thanh. The walls of all the buildings there are covered in art: it’s a fascinating little place. From there, it’s on through miles of jungle and forest on the way to the town of Mang Den.
looking toward the Hai Van Pass from Hue
Mang Den to Nha Trang is a long ride, but the roads are good and the scenery’s gorgeous. We’ll decide on the day whether to take the mountain route through Pleiku, or the coastal route past Quy Nhon and Tuy Hoa. Honestly, a really tough decision!
luxury beachside accommodation in southern Vietnam
Nha Trang is the perfect location for our second exploration day. We’ll have the option to take a boat trip out to the Cham Islands, famous for their biodiversity and fishing villages, or we can simply chill in the beach city itself.
The coastal road in this area is surrounded by salt flats, great beach views and vineyards, and we’ll have ample opportunity to stop along the way. Phan Thiet itself is another beach city and, as you can imagine, is home to some gorgeous beaches, hotels and resorts.
ADV Outriders chilling after a river crossing
After spending the morning at the beach, we’ll head inland on the way to Ho Chi Minh, the largest city in Vietnam. Home to some of the best bars and eateries in the country, it’s arguably the ideal place for the final evening of our adventure.

Pricing X Availability

  • Honda XR 150
    Honda XR 150 $2160/rider
  • Honda CRF 300
    Honda CRF 300 $2400/rider
  • R.E Himalayan 400
    R.E Himalayan 400 $2550/rider
  • Honda CB 500X
    Honda CB 500X $2640/rider
  • BMW 1250 GS
    BMW 1250 GS $3840/rider

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:

This Is Vietnam 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)