Are you planning on Vietnam motorbike ? Will your trip be two weeks or two months? Can’t decide if you will go from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi? Perhaps you just want to explore the far north or south.
Fear not, whatever direction, and however long you plan to go for, this ultimate Vietnam motorbike route is for you.
I’ve made several motorbiking trips around Vietnam where I’ve visited large cities and small ethnic villages. Drank the strongest rice whiskey and the best mountain coffee. Slept in boutique resorts and in hammocks in the jungle. Now I’ve combined that information here.
Throughout this article, there are links to more detailed guides I have written on individual destinations. I highly suggest having a read of them too.
A quick note on Renting vs Buying a motorbike. If you are riding around Vietnam for less than 2 months I suggest renting.
I’ve partnered with some great motorbike rental shops in Hanoi, Danang, and HCMC. You can get direct access to affordable, reliable motorbikes. One way drop-offs are also available, perfect for travelers.
There is definitely no shortage of amazing scenery in this country. In this ultimate Vietnam motorbike route, you will get to ride along amazing beaches and scenic mountain passes, explore the world largest caves and get way more off the beaten track than you’d ever imagine.
This guide covers over 23 destinations (and growing). However, I have not included all the exact route numbers. For those, I highly recommend getting this detailed road map of Vietnam by National Geographic. You’ll thank me when you realize you need it.
1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – 3 nights
Sit down, get a cold beer and a bowl of Pho soup. You’ve arrived in Vietnam with a huge (2300km+) journey ahead.
Ho Chi Minh City is the starting or ending point for most travelers in Vietnam. One way or another you’ll end up here. Why start in Ho Chi Minh City? It is the easiest place to buy a motorbike in Vietnam and get it fitted with a luggage rack for your long ride.
If you are arriving in VietnamBikers solo and want to find people to join you for the big ride ahead then be sure to stay a couple of nights at the main backpacker street Pham Ngu Lao (seriously awesome hotel deals for under 15 USD per night). You’ll know you’ve arrived at the right place when you see loads of small street stalls selling beer at 25c per can.
There is a great motorbike shop at the end of Pham Ngu Lao street. Though I don’t know the name of the road, just look for the big red neon bull sign. The shop is there on the corner.
2. Can Tho – 1 night
First stop, Can Tho. Instead of going north on this Vietnam motorbike itinerary, we make a small detour south.
Can Tho is a few hours ride south of Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to the iconic Can Tho Floating Market and the huge Mekong Delta. This is where the mighty Mekong River meets the sea, spanning an area of 39,000 square kilometers.
Riding south to Can Tho uses one of the busiest highways in Vietnam called the AH1. It can be a scary first ride in the country. Be sure to leave early in the morning as riding at night gets dangerous due to the number of trucks on the road.
3. Phu Quoc Island – 2 nights
Vietnam Motorbike Itinerary Phu Quoc Island
Next, we’re taking the motorbikes to an island. Phu Quoc Island to be specific.
Pho Quoc Island is located about 2hrs off the south-west coast of Vietnam. This island is a throwback to Vietnam’s earlier days. Dirt roads circle the island with undeveloped beaches dotting the coast. It also has one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, a stunning stretch of white sand called Sao Beach,
Discover small fishing villages or do a scuba diving day trip. Add Phu Quoc Island to your Vietnam motorbike itinerary for a unique destination that many other travelers are sure to miss.
After Phu Quoc Island we head back to Ho Chi Minh City briefly before continuing north towards Hanoi.
4. Cat Thien National Park – 1 night
Cat Thein National Park is my preferred first stop north of Ho Chi Minh City. The alternative route is to head to Mui Ne, however, that road has lots of trucks.
On the way to Cat Thien National Park, you’ll ride back roads for hours through small villages. Once you reach the park entrance take the ferry across the river and spend a night out in the jungle. This is one of my favorite things about motorbiking Vietnam, staying in places you’d never otherwise consider.
Wake up in the morning to the sound of Gibbons calling, then spend your day searching for the last White Rhino, an enigma of sorts. Relax by the riverside and enjoy Vietnam’s slow life.
Cat Thien National Park is less known but an amazing destination compared to Mui Ne. Definitely add it to your Vietnam motorbike itinerary.
5. Dalat – 2 nights
The Cat Thien to Dalat motorbike route passes through the small villages then head up into the mountains. There are some steep winding sections and scenic lookouts along the way.
You might be familiar with Dalat from the coffee bean stores scattered throughout Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Dalat is located in Vietnam’s southern highlands. It is home to many of Vietnam’s coffee fields and fruit plantations.
Dalat is popular with local Vietnamese tourists for its French-style Chateau buildings and the large scenic lake in the center of town. Enjoy the slow lifestyle, the cool mountain weather, and explore the town with this Dalat City Guide. It is a nice change from the hot and humid coastal cities.
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