Summary schedule

  • Day 1: Hanoi to Pu Luong
  • Day 2: Pu Luong to Cua Lo
  • Day 3: Cua Lo to Phong Nha
  • Day 4: Phong Nha to Khe Sanh
  • Day 5: Khe Sanh to Hue
  • Day 6: Hue to Da Nang

Day 1: Hanoi to Pu Luong

We kick off the tour around 9:00 AM. After about 40 minutes navigating Hanoi’s busy streets, we break free onto Highway No. 8. From here, the traffic eases up, and the countryside starts to unfold. We then roll along scenic backroads through rice fields into Hoa Binh province, where the landscape shifts-mountains rise, the air gets cleaner, and dramatic karst formations start lining the horizon.

Hanoi to Pu Luong


After lunch, we’ll hit some challenging offroad sections then cruise along Road 432A, a winding backroad that will take us through serene villages with incredible scenery.
We spend the night in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a stunning destination known for its unspoiled landscapes, rolling rice terraces,  waterfalls, and peaceful Thai and Muong ethnic villages. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner and warm hospitality at a cozy homestay hosted by a local Thai family.

Summary:
Distance: 170-180km
Meals: L, D
Accommodation: Homestay

Day 2: Pu Luong to Cua Lo

We begin the day riding through peaceful rural villages before joining Highway 15 and leaving Pu Luong behind. Continuing south along this scenic route, we’ll pass through remote countryside and traditional farming communities.

Pu Luong to Cua Lo

In the afternoon, the ride takes us through endless fields of elephant grass, pineapple and many other.
Later, we stop at the Km0 Historical Monument, the starting point of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War. After learning about the significance of this iconic route, we continue our journey towards the coast.

Tonight, we stay in Cua Lo, a beautiful seaside town in Nghe An Province, where we can relax by the beachafter a rewarding day on the road.

Summary:
Distance: 270km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3: Cua Lo to Phong Nha

We bid farewell to Cua Lo and continue our adventure south. After around an hour of riding, we stop at Dong Loc Junction, one of Vietnam’s most important wartime historical sites and a place of remembrance for those who lived through the conflict.
From here, we rejoin the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail and continue our journey through the heart of central Vietnam. Along the way, we’ll enjoy some enjoyable off-road sections, adding an extra touch of adventure to the day’s ride.

Cua Lo to Phong Nha

In the afternoon, we roll into Quang Binh province-a place steeped in war history and make a stop at Khe Ve T-junction, a historic site etched deep into the memories of the Vietnam War.

We end the day in the town of Phong Nha, which is famous for the mighty Phong Nha cave which we will visit the next day, now it’s time to kick back, crack open some cold beers, and unwind at the hotel.

Summary:
Distance: 250km
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel

Day 4: Phong Nha to Khe Sanh

Another big day awaits for us ahead, today we explore the west branch of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Once played a vital role during the Vietnam War, this route continued to serve civilian purposes after the war ended. However, due to its location and terrain limitation, it gradually fell out of use and was, to some extent, forgotten.
Nevertheless, for this very reason, the Western branch of the Ho Chi Minh trail has become an appealing destination, a heaven for adventurers. This “trail” offers miles of winding road with only a few villages along the way wherein traveler can leave behind bustling cities and fully immerse themselves in stunning nature. 

Coffee plantation in Khe Sanh

After nearly 100 km of riding through remote, empty roads, we finally arrive at the first village of the local Van Kieu ethnic minority people.
In the late afternoon, the journey takes us over the Sa Mu Pass, where we’re treated to a stunning view of a lush green valley from an elevation of 1,400 meters above sea level.
We stop at the historic town of Khe Sanh, which was once one of the bloodiest battlefields of the Vietnam War.

Ride from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh

Summary:
Distance: 220km
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel

Day 5: Khe Sanh to Hue

We begin our journey by visiting Ta Con Airfield, a famous historical site from the Vietnam War. Located near the border and strategically positioned on National Highway 9, which connects Dong Ha (Vietnam) to Southern Laos, this site held significant military importance—not only for the Quang Tri battlefield but also for the entire Indochina region.

Ta Con Airport Relic Museum

After enjoying a cup of coffee along the legendary Route 9, we proceed to visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Built during the fiercest period of the Vietnam War as a shelter for civilians and North Vietnamese troops, this underground network stands as a testament to the harrowing years of relentless bombings in Quang Tri—a land of scorching sun and strong winds.

Leaving the Vinh Moc Tunnels, we follow National Highway 49B along the coastline toward Hue, where we will spend the night.

Summary:
Distance: 160km
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel

Day 6: Hue to Da Nang

 We’ll start our day at 8.30 with a visit to the Hue Imperial City. Once the former capital of Vietnam, Hue has preserved many remarkable historical sites and architectural wonders, with the Imperial City being the most famous and a true symbol of the city. (Casual clothes, we will go back to the hotel and gear up later)

 We’ll depart around 11:00–12:00 AM, following National Highway 49B.
Pay a visit to An Bằng Cemetary to learn about the royal cemetary culture in Hue
Stop for lunch in Lang Co-a beautiful coastal town.

The Breathtaking Hai van pass

 After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to the highlight of the day – The majestic Hai Van Pass, one of the most stunning passes in Vietnam. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Hai Van Pass is also historically significant, having witnessed intense battles during the Vietnam War. We’ll take a short break at the summit to capture stunning photos of the sea, mountains, and clouds all in one frame.

Arrive in Da Nang at about 14.30. End of the Ride!

Summary:
Distance: 100km
Meals: B, L
Accomodation: N/A