Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tour

The Ho Chi Minh Trail has been upgraded to a national highway that is free from traffic and makes for easy riding along the border with Laos.

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau (160 km) Depart from Hanoi in the morning, riding through the lush Vietnamese countryside, small villages, and rice paddies. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route. Arrive in Mai Chau in the afternoon and enjoy a traditional dinner and cultural show in a local Thai village. Overnight at a homestay in Mai Chau.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Vinh (290 km) Leave Mai Chau early in the morning, traveling through mountainous terrain and along scenic highways. Stop for lunch in a small town before continuing the journey towards Vinh. Arrive in Vinh by evening, have dinner at a local restaurant, and stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 3: Vinh to Phong Nha (200 km) After breakfast, depart from Vinh and ride along the coast and through rural villages. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Arrive in Phong Nha by afternoon, known for its stunning caves and national park. Spend the evening exploring the area and have dinner at a local eatery. Overnight at a guesthouse in Phong Nha.

Day 4: Phong Nha to Khe Sanh / Lao Bao (220 km) Depart Phong Nha after breakfast, following the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail through dense forests and mountainous terrain. Stop for lunch at a local eatery en route. Arrive in Khe Sanh, a town with significant historical importance during the Vietnam War, by afternoon. Have dinner and relax in Khe Sanh. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 5: Khe Sanh to Hue (180 km) Leave Khe Sanh in the morning, riding through the Annamite Range and picturesque landscapes. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, by afternoon. Explore the city and have dinner in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Hue.

Day 6: Hue Exploration Spend the day visiting the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda, experiencing historical sites, ancient architecture, and scenic river views. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Hue and enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore or relax. Dinner at a riverside restaurant and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An (150 km) Depart from Hue in the morning, riding along the stunning coastal route, including the Hai Van Pass. Stop at a viewpoint or local restaurant for lunch. Arrive in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by afternoon. Explore the old town and enjoy dinner in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Hoi An.

Free Day: Hoi An Exploration and Departure Take a walking tour of Hoi An in the morning, visiting ancient temples, markets, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Have lunch at a local restaurant in the old town and enjoy free time in the afternoon for shopping, relaxing, or taking a cooking class. Conclude the tour with a farewell dinner in Hoi An. Overnight at the hotel or depart for onward travel.

On tour, the accommodation is a mix of village Home-stay where we eat with our host, and sleep in houses on stilts, hotel with AC, WIFI and hot showers. Meals on tours take the best of local cuisine and picnics in the hills, we take of coffee in the morning to afternoon refreshments and great local dinners.

Please contact us with any special request or needs, we cater to clients with dietary restrictions. We cater to Vegetarians, Vegans, people with food allergies or religious restrictions please let us know.

Do I need previous motorbike riding experience? Yes — this tour is designed for all levels of riders who are comfortable on trail bikes. You don’t need to be a professional, but you should be confident riding on a mix of sealed roads and unpaved tracks. If you’re unsure whether your experience level is suitable, just get in touch and we’ll help you decide.

What bikes are available on the Ho Chi Minh Trail tour? We run the trail on Honda XR150, Honda CRF250L, Honda CRF300L, Honda CB500X, and Yamaha PG-1. All bikes are well-maintained and checked before every departure. If you have a preference or want advice on which bike suits your riding style, contact us before booking.

Is the tour all-inclusive? What does that mean? Yes, fully all-inclusive. Your tour price covers your motorbike, all meals and drinks on the road, accommodation (twin share), petrol, a mechanic, riding gear including helmet and armoured jacket, entrance fees, and permits. The only extras are personal expenses, alcohol, and personal travel insurance.

How big are the groups? We run small groups of 2 to 15 riders. Small groups mean more flexibility on the road, better access to local spots, and a more personal experience. Solo travellers are welcome — contact us about joining an existing group departure.

What is the best time of year to ride the Ho Chi Minh Trail? The best months are February to August when central Vietnam is dry and road conditions are at their best. September to January brings the wet season to the central region — we can still run the tour but conditions will be muddier and some off-road sections may be adjusted. We always tailor the route to current conditions.

Can you cater for dietary requirements? Absolutely. We cater for vegetarians, vegans, and riders with food allergies or religious dietary restrictions. Just let us know when you book and we’ll make sure every meal works for you.

How do I book and what deposit is required? You can book directly through the booking form on this page or by contacting us via email or WhatsApp. A deposit of $500 per person secures your place, with the full balance due before the tour departs. See our full terms on the Terms and Conditions page.

What happens if I have a mechanical problem on the road? A qualified mechanic rides with the group every day as the sweep rider. Any mechanical issue is dealt with on the spot. In the rare case a bike can’t be fixed roadside, we carry spares and have backup arrangements to keep the tour moving with minimal disruption.