Vietnam Motorcycle Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Northern Adventure

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 14, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a delicious bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho at Pho 10, a local favorite in Hanoi.
Pho 10 is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a short walk from most hotels.
3 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi, and admire the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a 15-minute walk from Pho 10.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Enjoy a local specialty, Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and herbs, at Bun Cha Ta.
Bun Cha Ta is a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
5 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and admire its well-preserved architecture and peaceful gardens.
The Temple of Literature is a 10-minute drive from Bun Cha Ta.
2 USD, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Depart for Ninh Binh

Hit the road towards Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst landscapes and ancient temples.
It takes approximately 2 hours to ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Fuel cost, 2 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Local Guesthouse

Arrive in Ninh Binh and check into a budget-friendly local guesthouse for a restful night.
Various guesthouses available in Ninh Binh town.
15 USD, Overnight stay
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Karst Landscapes

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on September 15, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tam Coc Market

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Tam Coc Market, sampling fresh local produce and Vietnamese delicacies.
Tam Coc Market is a short ride from your guesthouse in Ninh Binh.
4 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Boat Tour in Trang An

Embark on a scenic boat tour in Trang An, exploring caves, temples, and lush greenery amidst the karst formations.
Trang An is a 20-minute ride from Tam Coc Market.
10 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Floating Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience at a floating restaurant in Trang An, savoring fresh seafood and local Vietnamese dishes.
The floating restaurants are located along the waterways in Trang An.
8 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda nestled among the limestone cliffs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Bich Dong Pagoda is a short ride from Trang An.
2 USD, 1 hour

5:00PM

Head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Start your journey towards Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its caves and biodiversity.
It takes approximately 6 hours to ride from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha.
Fuel cost, 6 hours

Arrival

Check-in at Hostel

Arrive in Phong Nha and settle into a cozy hostel for the night, surrounded by nature and fellow travelers.
Various hostels available in Phong Nha town.
10 USD, Overnight stay
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cave Exploration

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam on September 16, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start your day with a simple breakfast at a local eatery in Phong Nha before heading out for cave exploration.
Explore the eateries near your hostel in Phong Nha town.
3 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Paradise Cave

Discover the magnificent Paradise Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the world, with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Paradise Cave is a short drive from Phong Nha town.
15 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at National Park Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, surrounded by lush greenery.
There are restaurants offering local cuisine within the national park.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Dark Cave

Embark on an adventure to Dark Cave, where you can zipline, swim, and explore the unique geological formations inside the cave.
Dark Cave is a short distance from Paradise Cave.
20 USD, 3 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Hostel

Return to your hostel in Phong Nha for a relaxing evening, sharing stories with other travelers and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Head back to your hostel in Phong Nha town.
Free, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Central Highlands

Dong Hoi, Vietnam on September 17, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Riverside Cafe

Enjoy breakfast with a view at a riverside cafe in Phong Nha, soaking in the tranquility of the morning by the water.
Choose a cafe along the river in Phong Nha town.
5 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Journey to Dong Hoi

Ride towards Dong Hoi, a coastal city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, known for its beaches and historical sites.
It takes approximately 2 hours to ride from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi.
Fuel cost, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Stop at a local eatery in Dong Hoi for a filling lunch, trying out regional specialties and fresh seafood dishes.
Explore the eateries in the city center of Dong Hoi.
7 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Nhat Le Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Nhat Le Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Nhat Le Beach is a short ride from Dong Hoi city center.
2 USD (beach chair rental), 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Beachside Hotel

Check into a beachside hotel in Dong Hoi, where you can unwind and enjoy the sunset over the South China Sea.
Various beachside hotels available along Nhat Le Beach.
20 USD, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Journey

Hue, Vietnam on September 18, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the beachside hotel, enjoying a leisurely morning by the sea before continuing your journey.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Dong Hoi.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ride to Hue

Embark on a scenic ride to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, known for its historic citadel, tombs, and pagodas.
It takes approximately 4 hours to ride from Dong Hoi to Hue.
Fuel cost, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Hue, trying out traditional Hue cuisine with its unique flavors and royal influence.
Explore the restaurants in the city center of Hue.
6 USD, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City of Hue, a vast complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates that once housed the emperors of Vietnam.
The Imperial City is located in the heart of Hue, easily accessible by motorcycle.
5 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Guesthouse

Check into a cozy guesthouse in Hue's old town, surrounded by historic architecture and vibrant night markets.
Various guesthouses available in Hue's old town.
15 USD, Overnight stay
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 19, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Riverside Cafe

Enjoy breakfast at a charming riverside cafe in Hue, soaking in the morning atmosphere before hitting the road to Hoi An.
Choose a cafe along the Perfume River in Hue.
4 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ride to Hoi An

Embark on a scenic ride to Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town known for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and vibrant culture.
It takes approximately 3 hours to ride from Hue to Hoi An.
Fuel cost, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Stop for lunch at a local eatery in Hoi An, trying out the town's famous dishes like Cao Lau and White Rose Dumplings.
Explore the eateries in Hoi An's old town.
8 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Stroll through Hoi An's ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit its historic houses, assembly halls, and Japanese covered bridge.
Hoi An's old town is best explored on foot or by bicycle.
5 USD (entrance fees), 2 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Boutique Hotel

Check into a charming boutique hotel in Hoi An, where you can relax in a tranquil setting after a day of exploring the town.
Various boutique hotels available in Hoi An's old town.
25 USD, Overnight stay
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Southern Journey

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at Morning Glory, a renowned restaurant in Hoi An known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Morning Glory is located in Hoi An's old town.
6 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ride to Marble Mountains

Take a detour to explore the Marble Mountains near Da Nang, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views.
The Marble Mountains are a short ride from Hoi An.
3 USD (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Da Nang

Stop in Da Nang for lunch at a local restaurant, trying out fresh seafood and regional specialties before continuing your journey.
Explore the eateries along the coast in Da Nang.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ride to Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on the final leg of your journey, riding towards Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis of Vietnam with its rich history and vibrant culture.
It takes approximately 12 hours to ride from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City.
Fuel cost, 12 hours

7:00PM

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Reach Ho Chi Minh City in the evening, check into a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse, and celebrate the completion of your epic motorcycle road trip across Vietnam.
Various hostels and guesthouses available in Ho Chi Minh City.
20 USD, Overnight stay
View Hotel Availability