Vietnam War Sites By Motorbike: A Momentous Experience

Introduction 

With a long-standing cultural tradition of nation-building and national defense, Vietnam has a history of more than 4,000 years worth remembering and passing through generations.  Whether you are a history lover of Vietnamese culture or want to learn more about the historical past of this country, the precious opportunity to visit Vietnam war sites by motorbike will be an unforgettable experience. Let’s hop on your motorbike and hit the road together!

Top 10 Vietnam War Sites By Motorbike That Are Unmissable On Your Adventure Trip

From bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, there is no shortage of places to visit and explore. The following are the top 10 iconic locations of the Vietnam War. 

1. Hoa Lo Prison Motorbike Trip

As the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi played a significant role in the war and is home to several important historical and cultural sites, including Hoa Lo Prison – one of the most haunting Vietnam War sites in Northern Vietnam. Originally built by the French colonial government in the late 1800s, the North Vietnamese later used the prison to hold political and American prisoners during the Vietnam War. The prison earned the nickname “Hanoi Hilton” and symbolized the war’s horror for its grim conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners. Nowadays, it has become a museum that offers a sobering glimpse into the prisoners’ life and their stories as the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity during the war. Visitors can see the damp cells where prisoners were locked up, the displays of torture devices, and the posters of prison life.

2. Demilitarized Zone Motorbike Route ( DMZ route )

A visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Quang Tri Province is a must to get a unique perspective on the Vietnam War. The area marked the border between North and South Vietnam, witnessing some of the most intense fighting during the war. When you visit the DMZ, you will see the remnants of a conflict that shaped an entire generation, including abandoned bunkers or bomb craters. As you choose a motorbike tour to Quang Tri, you will also have a chance to explore the area’s history and natural beauty. There are many poignant memorials, such as the Truong Son National Cemetery, where thousands of Vietnamese soldiers were buried and where you can learn an educational lesson to respect those who died in the war to protect the country.\

3. Vinh Moc Tunnels Motorbike Tour

Another unmissable destination when you visit Quang Tri Province is Vinh Moc Tunnels, a fascinating site that is ideal for exploring by motorbike. In war times, the tunnels became a shelter to protect North Vietnamese villagers who lived and worked from American bombing raids. As a small section of the tunnels is now a museum, you can feel the harsh living conditions of villagers during the war. You cannot imagine how living quarters, storage capacity, a communal kitchen, and a makeshift hospital can fit into the cramped tunnels. We also had the same feeling of surprise and respect towards the resilience of Vietnamese people when we went underground through a small entrance and saw the inside of the tunnels.

4. Khe Sanh Combat Base Motorcycle Trip

Khe Sanh Combat Base was formerly a U.S. Marine Corps base, serving as an important battle site during the Tet Offensive of 1968 when Northern soldiers launched a surprise attack on the Americans. Remnants of the base are left today with a rusted artillery base, bunkers, and trenches for visitors to explore when they make a motorcycle tour to Quang Tri. If you love wandering through the province on your motorbike, you can stop at nearby fishing villages to learn more about the daily lives of locals. The last time we visited Quang Tri, we were overwhelmed by the welcoming gesture of local people when they treated us to delicious cuisine and offered accommodation to stay for a night in ethnic villages. Some young volunteers who can speak English also told us a lot about the war’s stories, returning us to the difficult time in Vietnam’s history.

5. My Lai Massacre Motorcycle Tour

My Lai Massacre, located in Quang Ngai Province, was the tragic site of a horrific war crime in history. In 1968, more than 500 hundred innocent and unarmed Vietnamese people, including women, children, and the elderly, were killed inhumanely by American soldiers. As a way for younger generations to learn more about the past and pay respect to victims, the site has been turned into a memorial with graphic photographs and personal accounts from survivors and witnesses. You will find it difficult to hold your tears when you hear the story and see the painful pictures of the heartbreaking event.

6. A Shau Valley Motorcycle Route

Located in the central region of Vietnam, A Shau Valley was an important strategic site during the Vietnam War as a supply route for the North Vietnamese Army. The valley also witnessed several major battles, including the battle of A Shau in 1966, one of the war’s bloodiest battles. Hue is also a must-go city for visitors to explore Vietnam on a motorbike tour. This city was the former imperial capital of Vietnam with the nostalgic beauty of an ancient citadel. The town was the site of intense fighting during the Tet Offensive in 1968, and the scars of war remain in the restored citadel nowadays.

7. Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tour

If you are interested in Vietnam motorbike tours, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It is a network of roads and trails that ran from North Vietnam regions to South Vietnam parts, serving as an irreplaceable supply route to transport troops, weapons, and supplies during the war. The motorbike trip to the Ho Chi Minh Trail typically starts in Hanoi, following a classic route that passes through some of the most important sites of the Vietnam War. Vinh Moc Tunnel and Khe Sanh Combat Base are the two most popular war sites to visit to finish the classic route. In addition to the historic and natural locations, the trail is also ideal for experiencing the local culture and cuisine. You can stop at local markets, try traditional foods, and meet amazing people to integrate with the local community.

8. Cu Chi Tunnel Motorbike Trip

The Cu Chi Tunnel is an extensive network of underground Vietnamese tunnels in the Cu Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City. Once used as hiding places, communication and supply routes, and living quarters of the Viet Cong, the tunnel is now preserved as a not-to-miss  historical site in Vietnam. While visiting Cu Chi Tunnel, you can understand the bitter reality of war by seeing different types of tunnels where the Viet Cong lived. One of the highlights of visiting Vietnamese tunnels is the rare opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnel yourself. On our last motorcycle tour, we experienced thrilling feelings when crawling under the narrow, dark tunnel. We tried our best to finish the route without getting injuries by being fully aware of the tunnels’ confined spaces. If you want to try it, be careful not to hurt yourself and pay attention to the instructions of tour guides.

9. Reunification Palace Motorbike Route

The Reunification Palace, or Independence Palace, is a cultural site you cannot miss when going on a motorbike tour to Southern Vietnam. During the war, the palace was the official residence of South Vietnam’s president, and it also marked the end of the conflict when an army tank crashed through its gates in 1975. Since it held a remarkable meaning in war times, the palace has become a popular attraction for visitors to learn more about the past. You can explore the rooms and halls of the former president, the basement, which was used as a command center, and the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. The palace is also home to an impressive collection of photographs and artifacts, allowing you to have a detailed view of the history of the Vietnam War.

10. War Remnant Museum Motorcycle Tour

Established in 1975, the War Remnants Museum is now a popular destination for tourists and locals, offering diverse viewpoints into the impact of war on Vietnam and its amazing people. With the collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the war, the museum usually opens exhibits to display weapons and show visitors different stories through pictures.

Conclusion 

After reading the article, we hope you are ready to buckle up and enjoy your next adventure trip to Vietnam War sites by motorbike. With different sites located from North to South, you can freely choose the motorcycle route that you find the most interesting. This is not simply a trip but also an unforgettable adventure to learn about the Vietnam War, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the resilience and determination of Vietnamese people. Follow our site for more interesting Vietnam motorcycle trips! What riders have said about Vietnam Motorcycle Tours on Tripadvisor!