Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

The Ho Chi Minh Trail provides intriguing lore and intense terrain, sure to excite motorcycle riders of all levels of expertise. Once used as the supply line linking North and South Vietnam during the American-Vietnamese war, the Ho Chi Minh trail has returned to its origins as a dense jungle environment, though paved roads allow for motorcyclists to pass through. Journey through this stunning and exotic landscape, experiencing the beauty of Vietnam with visits to World Heritage Sites Phong Nha Cave and Khe Bang National Park. Explore the former imperial capital of Hue and trading center of Hoi An, and pass by sites of historical importance including the Demilitarized Zone and the Hien Luong Bridge.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Road Trip: Vietnam's long, thin shape and well-paved roads lend themselves well to exploration by motorbike; a leisurely journey from north to south at a leisurely pace.
  • Chef's Approval: In Mai Chau, travelers will enjoy a dinner of quintessential Vietnamese dishes - a menu that gained high acclaim from renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
  • Underground River: Phong Nha Cave's 14 grottos and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites are best navigated on a underground river cruise.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Mai Chau

After an early arrival in Hanoi, explore the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum before hopping on your bike to begin your trail exploration. Ride today’s 89 miles past a sea of paddy fields and sculptural limestone formations. After a satisfying lunch of local cuisine, journey over two mountain passes before descending into the valley settlement of Mai Chau, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner praised by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst the tribal villages in the rolling, green valley of Mai Chau you will find the remote Mai Chau Lodge. This entirely unique approach to cultural exploration and relaxation combined will satiate every one of your senses and adventurous expectations.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Vinh

Begin today’s 186-mile ride along the rolling banks of the Ma River until reaching the Ho Chi Minh Highway. Follow this road south through remote, jungle-covered backcountry. After a tasty local lunch, ride east, enjoying scenic coastal views until reaching the ocean-side city of Vinh. Spend a peaceful evening tasting local food and drink before tucking in for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Situated in the cultural and economic corridor of Vinh, the Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel is the city’s first 5-star hotel, welcoming guests of business and pleasure alike. Each of the 425 air-conditioned guestrooms are comfortably decorated and furnished while also offering such high quality amenities as 40-inch LCD televisions, minibars, safes, and coffee and tea makers.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Vinh
Vinh

Day 3

Phong Nha

After a light breakfast, begin today’s 174-mile ride south along Highway One, continuing inland to the Lao border. Enjoy a piece of history while passing by the Dong Loc Intersection, the start of the Ho Chi Minh Trail; ride further into remote jungle and watch in awe as the scenery quickly fills with dramatic limestone rock formations. After lunch, explore Phong Nha Cave by boat; later, spend the eveningat the charming Phong Nha hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Home to Asia’s oldest karst mountain range and two of the world’s largest caves, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an ideal destination for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and speleologists. The mountains and caves were formed approximately 400 million years ago and today tourists can explore the caves, camp underground, and swim among spectacular subterranean lakes and rivers.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Khe Sanh

After breakfast, continue south into the exotic primary forest of Khe Bang National Park. Classic villages and dense jungle surround you for miles in this remote portion of the trail. Spend the afternoon lunching on local cuisine and learning intriguing pieces of history that took place along this 143-mile stretch of trail passes. Later, explore the marine base of Khe Sanh.

Hotel Options
About

Khe Sanh is a small town in central Vietnam surrounded by small, gently sloping hills that were the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the Vietnam War. Here lies the Thai Ninh Hotel, an inviting structure with comfortable rooms for travelers passing through.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khe Sanh
Khe Sanh

Day 5

Hue

After a relaxing hotel breakfast, explore the Khe Sanh museum before beginning today’s 99-mile journey down the coast. Adventure across areas of historical importance as you pass the former Demilitarized Zone, the Hien Luong Bridge and the Vinh Moc Tunnels. After lunch, continue riding to the beautiful city of Hue.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This property is positioned on the bank of the Perfume River, with views over the Imperial Citadel.

History: A former French governor’s residence, this 1930’s art deco building remains a beautiful tribute to Hue’s colonial heritage.

Service: Attentive and professional staff provide round the clock care to guests of Le Residence, befitting its colonial elegance.

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Azerai La Residence, Hue Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Hue

Spend the day off the road exploring the city streets of Hue, stopping in local stores and restaurants for shopping and lunch. Later, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise along the rolling Perfume River, opting to journey through the tombs of former emperors Minh Mang and Tu Duc or explore the remains of the Imperial Citadel, largely destroyed during the Tet Offensive.

Hue
Hue

Day 7

Hoi An & Danang

After a tasty breakfast, return to the road to complete your final 87 miles of trail. Ride across several stunning mountain vistas, and pass through Da Nang and China Beach, the location of the first American troop landing during the war. After a quick stop for lunch, journey into Hoi An to explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town and enjoy a peaceful night.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel
  • Uniqueness: 100 chic, contemporary villas and 3 outstanding pools
  • Scenic Beauty: Situated on the idyllic China Beach
  • Culture: Witness tradition and historic architecture in the ancient trading port of Hoi An just 10 minutes away
See Hotel
Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Departure

Spend the morning enjoying the beach before heading to the airport for your trip onward.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Mai Chau Lodge

Mai Chau Lodge


Nestled amongst the tribal villages in the rolling, green valley of Mai Chau you will find the remote Mai Chau Lodge. This entirely unique approach to cultural exploration and relaxation combined will satiate every one of your senses and adventurous expectations. A fantastic blend of modern comfort, breathtaking natural beauty, rich history and culture, will leave you with lasting memories of your stay in Vietnam. Your Mai Chau experience is sure to be memorable and action packed, with a full range of activities - from swimming to kayaking, to cycling and rock climbing - you will not have a dull moment during your stay. The Mai Chau Lodge offers guests comfortable accommodation with a choice of mountain or valley views, along with access to all of the hotel’s impressive facilities. Rooms are tastefully designed with a focus on textiles and traditional furnishings and are equipped with Western style bedding. High ceilings and large windows enhance your space giving the room a peaceful and uplifting feel. 


Suggested Hotel For Day 2

Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel

Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel

Situated in the cultural and economic corridor of Vinh, the Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel is the city’s first 5-star hotel, welcoming guests of business and pleasure alike. Each of the 425 air-conditioned guestrooms are comfortably decorated and furnished while also offering such high quality amenities as 40-inch LCD televisions, minibars, safes, and coffee and tea makers. Private bathrooms are also stocked with bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletry essentials. The hotel’s two restaurants serve a combination of local Vietnamese, East Asian, and European dishes. Guests can swim in the outdoor pool, relax at the full-service Majestic Spa and Sauna, and enjoy a drink on the towering rooftop terrace bar – the city’s highest point. A fitness center and karaoke rooms are available.  Exciting local attractions include the Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Museum, Central Park, Ho Chi Minh Square, and Dien Thinh Parish Church.

Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Saigon PhongNha Hotel

Saigon PhongNha Hotel

Home to Asia’s oldest karst mountain range and two of the world’s largest caves, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an ideal destination for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and speleologists. The mountains and caves were formed approximately 400 million years ago and today tourists can explore the caves, camp underground, and swim among spectacular subterranean lakes and rivers. There are many activities to enjoy above ground at this UNESCO World Heritage Site such as trekking through untouched jungle terrain, biking around meandering mountain paths, passing through the local villages, and paddling along sleepy rivers. Saigon PhongNha Hotel provides an ideal destination for weary travelers of this region to relax and restore their energy. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, minibar, complimentary WiFi and views overlooking the city or river.

Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Thai Ninh Hotel

Thai Ninh Hotel

Khe Sanh is a small town in central Vietnam surrounded by small, gently sloping hills that were the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the Vietnam War. Here lies the Thai Ninh Hotel, an inviting structure with comfortable rooms for travelers passing through. Rooms are simply designed with inviting beds, air conditioning, and toiletry essentials. Guests can relax at the on-site restaurant with a warm meal or enjoy a drink at the lounge. The hotel offers internet, sauna room, currency exchange services, free parking, and storage solutions.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Azerai La Residence, Hue
Preferred Hotel

Azerai La Residence, Hue

On the banks of the Perfume River, the boutique Azerai - La Residence Hotel and Spa occupies the former residence of Hue's governor. The hotel is surrounded by lush lawns and looks towards the Imperial Citadel, a picturesque sight in hues of green, red and yellow. The 122 rooms and suites have the spacious feel of a colonial villa, with richly colored art-deco furniture and a river-view terrace. The lavish spa is equipped with Italian products from Comfort Zone. Azerai - La Residence Hue is only 10 miles from the airport (HUI) and is outfitted with a sauna, pool, fitness center, tennis court, and business center. Wi-fi is available everywhere in the hotel.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 7

Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai

Stretching along the white sands of China Beach are Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai's villas and hotel, with unspoiled views of the South China Sea and the Cham Islands. There are 60 one-bedroom villas, and 40 pool villas with courtyard entrances and private pools. High ceilings and hardwood floors are complemented with lavish hues of brown and gray and softly draping canopies over four-poster beds. The Nam Hai Spa is set around a lagoon just off the beach, where you can have a customized spa treatment. Each of the eight private spa villas has an individual steam room. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art treadmills and ellipticals. There are three pools on plateaus that lower away from the pool house and flow towards the beach, and the lowest disappears into the horizon that leads in to the South China Sea. The business center has up-to-the-minute audio/visual equipment, and there is wi-fi in each of the rooms. The property is located 30 minutes from Da Nang International Airport (DAD).

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Exclusively Asia

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