11 Days Epic Ride From Mountain To The Sea: Challenge yourself

Intro

Highlights of 11 day Hanoi motorcycle tour to Hoi An via northern Vietnam:

Before departing your amazing journey in Vietnam, let our team ask you a question. What would you expect when you do Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tour? We do not know your reason in advance. We are here want to design a tour offering you adventurous experiences, challenging activities, learning opportunities. If you feel “Oh! This matches mine” then you are on the right page. We are your companion now! This 11 Day Epic Ride From Mountain To The Sea ride you through the routes off the beaten track extending from the north over the Ho Chi Minh trail ending in the central of Vietnam.

Detailed itinerary : 

Day 1: Hanoi – Thac Ba Lake

Day 2: Thac Ba – Sa Pa

Day 3: Sapa – Than Uyen

Day 4: Than Uyen – Phu Yen

Day 5: Phu Yen – Mai Chau valley

Day 6: Mai Chau – Tan Ky

Day 7: Tan Ky – Phong Nha

Day 8: Phong Nha – Khe Sanh

Day 9: Khe Sanh – Vinh Moc – Hue

Day 10: Tour around Hue

Day 11: Hue – Hoian

DAY 1: HANOI - THAC BA LAKE- 180 KM (L, D)

Today morning our guide will pick you up at your hotel, heading to our shop by taxi then we receive the motorbikes. The guide will have a short briefing about the journey  before starting.

we will set off around 9:00 am then ride up to the northwest of Hanoi, our destination today is Thac Ba lake in which 180 km far from Ha Noi. the lake belonging to Yen Bai is a artificial lake supplying for Thac Ba hydropower dam.

Thac Ba reservoir is home to the primitive forests and thousands of islands, rocky mountains as well as 12 ethnic minority group such as Dao, Tay, Nung, Cao Lan, Phu La living surrounding. Thac Ba is Yen Bai people's pride. we will do kayak, visit some caves then have dinner party with the Dao community and try the delectable local foods with the most hospitable hosts.

Summary:

Distance: 180 km

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Home-stay in village

DAY 2: THAC BA LAKE - SAPA – 210 KM (B, L, D)

After we have breakfast, we say goobye to the locals then take a ride around Thac Ba lake, enjoy the peace and calmness in the morning, then drive out of Thac Ba then leave the Yen Bai province behind before heading out for another destination on your motorbike tour journey – Sapa.

The road as riding motorbike tour is actually difficult to ride through; however, it gives you chances to close to the nature, see the most stunning views that you would never experience elsewhere. So does this part! You would absolutely get lost in Sapa’s treasures. From the beautiful Muong Hoa valley, the magnificent Fancipan mountain to the colorful traditional customes out there.

Sapa night market will be the highlight of the tour.

Summary:

Distance: 210 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 3: SAPA - THAN UYEN -110 KM (B, L, D)

Today driving distance would be half shorter than yesterday; therefore we will enjoy the beakfast then take a visit to some rustic villages. In Sapa, there are some ethnic minority residing like H’mong, Red Dao, Tay or Giay. Especially the traditions of these ethnic tribal group are stil well-preserved, so let’s talk to the locals to get more about the local culture.

Afterwards, our group will travel to another place which is Than Uyen in Lai Chau province. Now the upcoming route will amaze you a lot because you are going to conquer one of the four most daunting passed in the Northwestern Vietnam – O Quy Ho Pass. When we hit to the top of the pass you can get the panoramic view over the Fancipan mountain which is the highest peak in Indochina.

As scheduled, our group will arrive Than Uyen around 5:00p.m

Summary:

Distance: 110 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 4: THAN UYEN - MU CANG CHAI – PHU YEN –  220 KM (B, L, D)

There will be a long ride from Than Uyen to our next site which is Phu Yen town in Son La province; therefore you are advised to have your breakfast before leaving. Moving down to the Southeast of Than Uyen a 40km, we reach Mu Cang Chai. This is a mountainous district of Yen Bai province. Passing the nicest winding roads what you will see are the lush rice fields made up beautiful valley.

Don’t forget to capture this moment because if you are lucky you can see a picturesque landscape painted the golden color from ripen rice. The rest route to today destination will be a bit different when you cross the national historic relic – Lung Lo Pass. We arrive Phu Yen town in 5:00 pm.

Summary:

Distance: 210 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 5: PHU YEN - MAI CHAU – 150 KM (B, L, D)

This morning our motorcycling will ride to the sites locating lower than the former places we have gone through. The typography will be less rugged then easier to ride. Moreover, these lands own the diversity in term of flora and fauna; thus, natural resources make up beautiful landscapes. We set off from Phu Yen, the tour goes to Moc Chau first in which we stop for lunch. In this stage, you can take time visit the endless green tea  plants here. Green tea is one of the main product in Moc Chau town, Hoa Binh province.

Thanks to cool climate, the locals grow this tree to develop household economy as well as contribute to the whole  development of the town. If you are tea drinker then you can buy a package to sip whenever you have spare time. You will find it more poetic as we keep moving down along the dyke of Da river then enjoying the very fresh air. We will settle in Mai Chau around 5pm. the remark of this part will be a dinner  party hoding at the local homestay where you will encounter the most hilarious, profesional, and attentive.

Summary:

Distance: 150 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Home-stay

DAY 6:  MAI CHAU - TAN KY, NGHE AN – 270 KM (B, L, D)

From the beginning until now, our motorcycle team have been to the best attractions on motorbike up north Vietnam. Today on the 6^th day we will leave the north and ride down to the central along the Ho Chi Minh trail that Tan Ky , a upcoming spot we are going to visit, is the start.

Driving from Mai Chau to Tan Ky is a long distance; thus, we will stop in Cam Thuy, Thanh Hoa for lunch then ride the rest half way to Tan Ky. However, before we reach the town, we must mark our footprint on Tan Ky by check in the Km 0 – a special national vestige.

During the wartime, this historic milestone was chosen as the blood road to send support from the North to the South. Tan Ky, Nghe An has a long-standing history, rich culture and famous attractions to explore. Feeling the magnificent mountain ranges and immersing yourself to understand local identity surely open up your mind. Ends the first day Ho Chi Minh trail motorbike tour.

Summary:

Distance: 270 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 7:  TAN KY - PHONG NHA, QUANG BINH – 280 KM (B, L, D)

Leaving historic land, our team will move down to Phong Nha which is home to a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – Phong Nha  Ke Bang National Park containing the world’s largest natural cave, Son Doong cave. This area contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia formed approximately 400 million years ago with hundreds of cave systems. Quang Binh will welcome you by the massive limestone mountains, hundreds of spectacular caves. As we reach Phong Nha, we will have short tour trekking with experienced local tourguide before camping and have dinner together.

Summary:

Distance: 280 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 8: PHONG NHA - KHE SANH – 220 KM (B, L, D)

The trip from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh will be amazing as we motorcycle into a hidden trail stretching across Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park for about 200km. this way offers you a total view of majestic mountains. Riding dive into the forest in the closest way to nature in the west Ho Chi Minh trail surely makes you happy.

Khe Sanh reminds us about the historic victory contributing to the success of the whole 1968 campaign of both Vietnamese Party and residents. We also spend sometime visit an interesting museum of Khe Sanh.

Summary:

Distance: 220 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 9: KHE SANH - VINH MOC TUNNEL AND HUE – 180 KM – (B, L, D)

During the 9^th day of your Motorbike tour, you will be filled a lot of historic stories and legendary attractions. The motorcyclist guide accompany you riding on the Ho Chi Minh trail then turn to the road N.9 and move far to the East, we visit Hien Luong Bridge (a line cut Vietnam into two parts) for a while before coming to Vinh Moc tunnel situated in Quang Tri province.

It was constructed in several stages beginning in 1966 and used until early 1972 used to shelter people from bombing during the Vietnam war with a depth of 30meter. The tunnel complex grew to include wells, kitchens, rooms for each family and spaces for healthcare. Around 60 families lived in the tunnels; as many as 17 children were born inside the tunnels

We stop here for lunch then follow your guide you are going to visit one of the most beautiful cities in Viet Nam – Hue.

Overnight in Hue

Summary:

Distance: 180 km

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 10: HUE SIGHTSEEING - Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tour

Coming to Hue, one of the the first things you should try is “Bun Bo Hue”. This specialty is considered as the soul in Hue culinary culture. Having a bowl of Hue beef noodle is the best to start our Hue city tour today.

As promised, we will have a short ride motorbike around this ancient but beautiful city to visit Hue Imperial Capital, stop for a while at Truong Tien bridge, look over the poetic Huong river and the elegant women wearing the traditional dress – Ao Dai.

Afterwards, we get out of Hue then head up Hai Van pass – a 20 km short but scenic route winding Bach Ma range mountain, which offers you a lot of fun, excellent views of sea and mountain. Hai Van pass could be the top highlight of Central Vietnam motorbike tours. Crossing this pass, we arrive in Da Nang, stop for lunch and continue tour to Hoi An. Evening time in Hoi An is spendid as thousands of landterns lightening. You can take your time, have a walk at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An ancient town.

Summary:

Distance:

Meals: BF, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 

DAY 11:  HUE - HOI AN – 170 KM

The last day is completely different from the days before. Right after getting out of Hue city, we will have great motorbike ride along the coast through some fishing villages and colorful fields of tombs. The view is quite different from the view of mountain along the Ho Chi Minh trail;

Especially the motorbike ride cross the Hai Van pass must be one of the best motorcycle tours on coastline Vietnam. We will be in Da Nang city at around 2: 00 pm. You can have the option to stay in the coastal city of Da Nang or keep riding around 30 km more to Hoi An ancient town before ending up in Hoi An.

Summary:

Distance: 170 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

TOUR PRICE ( HONDA XR 150L )

• Tour for group of private solo rider: 200 USD/Day
• Tour for group of 2 riders: 170 USD/Day/Person
• Tour for group of 3 riders: 165 USD/Day/Person
• Tour for group of 4 – 10 riders: 160 USD/Day/Person

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TOUR PRICE ( HONDA CRF250L )

• 190 USD/ DAY / RIDER

Tour price includes:

• Experienced English speaking tour guides
• Quality Honda XR150L or Honda CRF250L or other bikes we have with all fuel
• Quality Helmets/Gloves/Knee and elbow pads/Rain jackets/pants
• All meals on tour (All breakfasts, lunches and dinners with local Vietnamese food)
• Accommodation on tour (twin share room in standard hotel or stay at homestay as mentioned in itinerary)
• Boat rides on lakes or rivers as mentioned in itinerary
• All entrance fee / Permits
• Hotel pick up/drop off before and after the tour
• Video of the trip made by updated GoPro ( Send Later )

Tour price excludes:

• Medical insurance
• Bike damages
• Personal expense
• Drinks/Tips
• Air tickets and  visa to Vietnam

WHAT TO BRING?

Documents:

• PASSPORT (valid for 6 months with at least 2 consecutive blank pages.
• DRIVER’S LICENSE
• INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE.
• MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE. Bring contact number and policy Make sure that helicopter medevac is included.
• CREDIT CARD: there are ATM’s in Hanoi. Payment with card only in Hanoi.
• CASH (US$) Bring cash US$ or take from a ATM. You can change for Vietnamese Dong.
• VISA: Please check Visa requirements for your country of origin, prior to travel as for most countries a visa is needed. A visa application form before departure is needed (some countries are exempted) when staying longer than 15 days.

Bring this together with 2 x photo 4×6 cm. with a white colour back-ground. Bring the visa letter as well.

Gear/clothes:

• Protective riding gear (suit, helmet, gloves, etc). The temperature can fluctuate between 26 Celsius (Hanoi) and 5 C° up in the mountains when it’s raining.
• Bring hard (enduro) boots with ankle protection. It will safe your leg/ankle!
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Light rain gear /rain jacket. Temperatures can drop when riding on high altitude or when raining.
• Casual wear for evening dinners and non-riding days.
• Warm fleece and hat for our cooler days/evenings
• Camelbags/Hydration back-pack. Highly recommended! Necessary very handy to prevent dehydration (also to prevent altitude sickness).
• These magnificent views you want to capture!
• Head-light. Some home-stays have no electricity during the night.
• Travel sheets/thin sleeping bag/travel pillow. Can be useful when staying in the home-stays.
• Power pack. As a back-up for charging you electronic equipment/phone.
• Your spirit for adventure!

What riders have said about Vietnam Motorcycle Tours on Tripadvisor!

Highlights :

Before departing your amazing journey in Vietnam, let our team ask you a question. What would you expect when you do a Ride From Mountain To The Sea? We do not know your reason in advance. We are here want to design a tour offering you adventurous experiences, challenging activities, learning opportunities. If you feel “Oh! This matches mine” then you are on the right page. We are your companion now! This 11 Day Epic Ride From Mountain To The Sea ride you through the routes off the beaten track extending from the north over the Ho Chi Minh trail ending in the central of Vietnam.

---

Detailed itinerary : 11 Day Epic Ride From Mountain To The Sea

Day 1: Hanoi – Thac Ba Lake

Day 2: Thac Ba – Sa Pa

Day 3: Sapa – Than Uyen

Day 4: Than Uyen – Phu Yen

Day 5: Phu Yen – Mai Chau valley

Day 6: Mai Chau – Tan Ky

Day 7: Tan Ky – Phong Nha

Day 8: Phong Nha – Khe Sanh

Day 9: Khe Sanh – Vinh Moc – Hue

Day 10: Tour around Hue

Day 11: Hue – Hoian

Tour price includes:

• Experienced English speaking tour guides
• Quality Honda XR150L or Honda CRF250L or other bikes we have with all fuel
• Quality Helmets/Gloves/Knee and elbow pads/Rain jackets/pants
• All meals on tour (All breakfasts, lunches and dinners with local Vietnamese food)
• Accommodation on tour (twin share room in standard hotel or stay at homestay as mentioned in itinerary)
• Boat rides on lakes or rivers as mentioned in itinerary
• All entrance fee / Permits
• Hotel pick up/drop off before and after the tour
• Video of the trip made by updated GoPro ( Send Later )

 

Tour price excludes:

• Medical insurance
• Bike damages
• Personal expense
• Drinks/Tips
• Air tickets and  visa to Vietnam