Vietnam has long seen as the country of green coffee plantations, compelling rice terraces, crowded water buffaloes, countless pagodas, scenic coastlines, and beyond-stunning countryside scenery through countless war movies. Well, as a tourist, you will never feel like at home when traveling through the country of exotic beauty and special cultural heritage there.
Actually, there is a lot for you to try when visiting this wonderful destination, especially with a complete Vietnam motorcycle trip. Make your journey be well organized to one of 6 most thrilling roads on your two-wheels today. Here we go, thrill-seekers!
1. The O Quy Ho Pass
Get ready to ride through the longest mountain pass about 31 miles (50 km) to National Highway 4D, connecting Lao Cai – Lai Chau in Vietnam. Located on an altitude of 2,000m, O Quy Ho Pass winds through high cliffs and deep abyss. Overcoming your fear and climbing to the top of the mountain pass, you will have the opportunity to admire the sea of floating clouds like a fairyland (the Heaven Gate). Although the cloudy mountain pass is poetic, sheer drops on one side and steep cliffs on the other one always make it a challenge for tourists. Except for those dangers, when standing on the top of this legendary mountainous pass, your eyes will be well treated with the overall stunning views of Fansipan Peak and romantic Thac Ba Waterfall.
2. Hanoi – Mu Cang Chai
Back to nature with the most beautiful green rice terraced fields with a Vietnam motorcycle trip to Mu Cang Chai, located about 170 miles (280 km) from Hanoi. Absolutely, don’t forget to wander around the Old Quarters in Hanoi and treat your appetite with delicious street foods before heading to the highland commune of peaceful Yen Bai province.
Here you will drop your fear and enter your new journey to the Khau Pha Pass, one of the top five greatest passes of Northern Vietnam. Rising about 4,900 ft (1500m) above sea level and 20 miles (32 km) in length, this place will offer you unforgettable moments ever. Be careful when riding through this dangerous pass, especially on foggy days since there are no barriers or any warning signs there. High risks of landslide and multiple hairpin turns also add to the thrill.
3. Saigon – Dalat – Nha Trang
Crystal clear beaches and majestic mountains await! Join the enchanting route from Saigon- Dalat- Nha Trang with us now! Starting from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne- ‘Vietnam’s Hawaii’, you will pass by pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and stunning mountain scenery. Then, you will continue the journey from the laid-back beach resort to Dalat, passing through the famous Dai Ninh and Prenn passes.
These scenic routes will surely bring you the best memories when passing by rolling hills and green fertile farmlands. Take a rest and spend time exploring the marvelous Central Highlands of Vietnam and climb the Long Lanh Pass. They are worth your discovery before reaching the relaxing and quiet coastal resort of Nha Trang.
4. Da Nang- Lang Co
This route is a little bit shorter but no less exciting route on our list. It takes you just about 19 miles (30 km) from Danang city to the charming beach through Hai Van Pass, the 13-mile-long pass on National Route 1A. As one of the most iconic roads with beautiful scenery, you must hold the steering wheel firmly through hairpin turns alongside green lush jungles. You shouldn’t miss the chance to take valuable photos.
5. The Ho Chi Minh Trail
Head to Hanoi from Saigon on the Ho Chi Minh trail through immense green coffee plantations, scenic terraced rice fields, reed-covered lakes, and fascinating hill-tribe villages on your motorbike. Myths and Mountains have been considered the best way to get to know Vietnam. That will be great, I swear!
Motorbiking the trail is now an exciting Vietnam motorcycle trip for any bikers through the iconic countryside in Vietnam. However, this trip is actually not for beginners. Your trip will take place on dirt and gravel roads, new roads and highways, through local towns, and even hill tribe villages, even dodging chickens and water buffalo along the way. So, consider before doing it!
Or else, you can go South from Hanoi and encounter an amazing route from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh before exploring the world’s largest cave so far – the Son Doong Cave. The length of 1,168 miles (1,880 km) will make you exhausted, so it is much better to be well prepared. However, it is worth.
6. The Road of Happiness: Ha Giang
The name of the road only makes you feel curious and want to get there, huh? Highway 4C, a.k.a the Road of Happiness, is a famous winding road in the North of Ha Giang province. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful mix of magnificent landscapes and unique cultures. On a full stomach, cruise down from craggy limestone cliffs, densely forested paths, and hundreds of kinking roads over precipices. Yes, this one is for those who prefer adventure travel to touristy routes to the unknown land.
On the remote, mysterious areas, you will be impressed by granite outcrops, the diverse flora and fauna and friendly hill tribes like the Black Hmong people. The 12-mile ride from Dong Van to Meo Vac is the most splendid route while climbing through one of the most dangerous roads in Vietnam, the Ma Pi Leng Pass. This is for sure not for the faint-hearted ones.
Conclusion
Now, it’s time to close this bucket list of the most thrilling routes for any biker who is interested in the unspoiled beauty and scenic countryside landscapes of Vietnam. Have you ever explored all these roads? Or, are you just planning your very first motorcycle tour in Vietnam? These are all great destinations that bring you a lot of excitement and relaxation.
Get ready to fulfill your desire to travel on the famous roadways, conquer and experience the breathtaking sceneries. I wish you have a fun and meaningful Vietnam motorcycle trip with your loved ones!