Book Now
Tour Highlights
Cruise the Summit to the Sea
Tour Description
Vietnam motorcycle tour
Location
Vietnam
Duration
11 days, 11 nights
Total Distance
1,790 km
Motorcycle
Honda CRF250
Pillion
no
Difficulty
experienced road riders welcome
Tour Itinerary
Lao Cai to Hoi An
Day 1: Hanoi
- 0
- hotel
- Welcome dinner
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel and meet up with your guide for dinner.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa
- 160 km
- hotel
- Y Ty border region
- We'll take a private 4-hour VIP van from Hanoi to the Chinese border, where the bikes will be primed and ready. We'll then ride small paved roads through the Y Ty border town before reaching Sapa, the former French hill station.
Day 3: Sapa - Mu Cang Chai
- 140 km
- homestay
- O Quy Ho Pass
- We ride out of Sapa past the 3,142-metre-high Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam's highest. We'll ride up and over, the O Quy Ho Pass, Vietnam's highest, before climbing up into the impressive rice terracing found near Mu Cang Chai.
Day 4: Mu Cang Chai - Phu Yen
- 160 km
- hotel
- Khau Pha Pass and Tu Le Valley
- We'll climb the Khau Pha Pass past impressive Hmong-tended rice terraces and then descend steeply into the spectacular Tu Le Valley, then continue to Phu Yen, which nestles in a flat valley surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Day 5: Phu Yen - Pu Luong
- 200 km
- homestay
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- We ride alongside the Black River, climb up to Moc Chau's tea plantations and follow an old French road through the forest past many Muong hill tribe villages before descending into the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Day 6: Pu Luong - Vinh
- 300 km
- hotel
- buslting Red River Delta
- We'll travel south along the scenic Ma River, join the Ho Chi Minh Highway, and continue south near the Lao border. In the afternoon, we head east to Vinh, a coastal city close to Ho Chi Minh's birthplace
Day 7: Vinh - Phong Nha
- 280 km
- hotel
- Dong Loc Intersection
- Heading south, we'll pass the Dong Loc intersection, considered the start of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and journey through remote border areas with stunning karst limestone formations.
Day 8: Phong Nha rest day
- 50 km
- hotel
- The World-Herritage-listed Phong Nha-Khe Bang National Park and Phong Nha Cave
- Kick back by the pool or explore the park and take a boat trip into Phong Nha Cave.
Day 9: Phong Nha - Khe Sanh
- 220 km
- hotel
- Phong Nha-Khe Bang National Park and Khe Sanh Museum
- We head south through the dense primary forest of Khe Bang National Park, encountering isolated villages and thick jungle. In the afternoon, we'll reach Khe Sanh, known for the famous siege before the Tet Offensive.
Day 10: Khe Sanh - Hue
- 160 km
- hotel
- Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Imperial Citidel
- We head to the coast through the former DMZ and visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where villagers lived underground during the war. Hugging small coastal roads, we'll arrive at the scenic city of Hue.
Day 11: Hue - Hoi An
- 140 km
- hotel
- Hai Van Pass
- We'll follow the coast and ride the famous Hai Van Pass before heading past China Beach, where the first US Marines landed at Danang in 1965, and end our adventure at the charming town of Hoi An.
Tour Video
The Experience
The Motorcycle
Honda CRF250
Engine
Engine Type
liquid cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement
249 cc
Bore X Stroke
79 x 50.9
Ignition
computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Fuel System
PGM-FI fuel injection
Compression Ratio
13.9:1
Transmission
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5 speed
Dimensions and Weight
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
875 mm
Ground Clearance
332 mm
Kerb Weight
145 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.7 litres
Dimensions
2195 mm (L) x 815 mm (W) x 1195 mm (H)
Wheels, Suspension and Brakes
Suspension Front
49 mm leading-axle inverted, 12.2 inch travel
Suspension Rear
single shock with spring preload, 12.3 inch travel
Brakes Front
single 260 mm disc
Brakes Rear
single 240 mm disc
Tyres Front
80/100 21
Tyres Rear
100/90 19
Pricing Options
Per Rider
Inclusions and Extras
All-Inclusive Vietnam motorcycle tour
Motorcycle Hire
Fuel
Accommodation
Support Team
Motorcyle Equipment
Meals
Permits, Tolls and Entrance Fees
Personal Expenses and Alcohol
Damage to the Motorcycles
Personal Travel and Medical Insurance
Reviews
20+ Years On the Road
Digby’s deep knowledge of the areas, combined with his passion for riding, makes every trip unforgettable. The routes he chooses are nothing short of spectacular—winding roads, stunning vistas, and hidden gems you’d never discover on your own. On top of that, his fun and friendly personality adds so much to the experience. It doesn’t feel like a guided tour; it feels like riding with an old friend.
If you’re considering booking a motorcycle trip, don’t think twice—Digby is the one to go with. I can’t wait to come back for another adventure. Highly recommended!
The cultural side of the Ho Chi Min trail was an experience in itself, and brought to light the extreme difficulties and conditions the Laos people experienced during the Vietnam war.
Stringing together the off road riding and the cultural side of things is a true masterpiece, that only an experienced guide like Digby could achieve.
I feel truly honoured to have had this unique experience and would highly recommend it to anybody with a curious and sporty mind.
River crossings, narrow jungle tracks through ravines and steep climbs, the off-road riding was immense.
The tour was one of the best I've ever experienced. The people , the staff , the food , the accommodation was brilliant.
The trip was organised, stressless .
Plenty of support with the machines, which were classic Russian Urals and surprisingly reliable.
Digby's knowledge of Vietnam and the war was exceptional and really enjoyable to be a part of .
His lovely wife Thuy completed the tour with wonderful hospitality and friendship.
My confidence after that tour was complete and I therefore organised a bunch of Kiwi mates and rode the Himalayas with Digby and his Indian crew . It was a 14 day ride leaving Delhi riding the mountain roads up to Ladakh . Nothing short of "Epic" and I would ride it again in a New York minute .
On this trip we rode Royal Enfield Bullet 500 single bangers which were inbreakable .
team and crew support was excellent . Food and accommodation above par .
Explore Indochina is an experienced company who bring an artisan professional experience to those wanting an authentic ride through 2 amazing countries.
Definitely batting a 1000 .
Would I do it again ? Shit yeah !!
Learn More
Vietnam motorcycle tour FAQ
Is Vietnam affordable for tourism?
Vietnam is a relatively cheap country, especially for the things that matter most, like great food and drink. The economy is dynamic, and the people are hardworking. Companies are competitive, so it is easy to get good value while you tour Vietnam on a motorcycle.
How can I prepare for the Border to Beaches Vietnam Motorcycle Tour?
Our Vietnam motorcycle tours are simple to prepare for because we provide you with all the most important motorbike equipment. All you really need to do is respect the ride conditions while on tour to get the most out of your adventure in Vietnam.
What are the main differences between motorcycle tours in Vietnam and other countries?
Vietnam’s weather is gentle, so you can enjoy a motorbike tour at any time of the year. It is also very well supplied with excellent accommodation and fantastic food. The people of Vietnam are very friendly to visitors, especially motorbike riders.
You can ride in Vietnam all year round. It is hot and green from May through to September. Green means beautiful vistas, and it is well worth suffering from a bit of heat and rain to enjoy the sublime green rice-terraced mountains in the far north. September and October mark the annual rice harvest in the northern mountains, so it’s arguably the most beautiful time. It is dry and cool from October until February, when it can get quite cold and even wet from the constant drizzle. March and April are mild, and the fields begin to get green again from the rice planting.
Are International Driving Permits (IDPs) accepted in Vietnam?
Vietnam only accepts IDPs from countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Unfortunately, many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, are not a party to this convention because they’re signed up to the earlier 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
This anomaly is a big headache for fully licensed and experienced riders because they technically can run afoul of the police and even have their insurance invalidated. At least on the insurance front, some policies only require you to hold a ‘home’ license, so you will still be covered. Also, police rarely, if ever, stop foreigners.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, you need to apply for an E-visa before you fly to Vietnam. Just click this link to start the process, which will end with a letter being sent to you that you’ll need to show both the check-in counter at your point of departure as well as immigration once you arrive in Vietnam.
What other tours do you offer?
Aside from motorcycle tours in Vietnam, we also offer off-road motorbike adventures in Laos, where we while an tour the original Ho Chi Minh Trail. One of our most popular rides takes you on an incredible tour of the Himalayas in India, while an offroad motorbike adventure in Mongolia is hard to beat.
What kind of equipment do I need to bring for a Vietnam motorcycle tour?
If you wish, we can provide you with a motorcycle jacket, an open-face helmet, rain gear, and waterproof bags. You will need to bring sturdy boots, gloves and riding pants.
Do I need to take any vaccinations for Vietnam?
Have a look at this link for health advice concerning India.
What electricity plugs are used in Vietnam?
Electrical wall outlets in Vietnam look like this.
