The 10 Most Beautiful Motorcycle Routes in Vietnam

1. The Ha Giang Loop (4–5 days)

Vietnam’s ultimate must-do

Considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Ha Giang Loop takes you into another universe. Vertiginous mountain passes, endless terraced rice fields, isolated ethnic villages… this is adventure in its purest form.

Highlights: Ma Pi Leng Pass (the most impressive in the country), Dong Van market, Sung La Valley, Hmong and Tay villages.
Difficulty level: High. Winding roads with many hairpin bends. Some sections can be in poor condition.
Best time: September–November (after the rains, golden rice fields) or February–April (buckwheat and plum blossoms).
Our tip: Start early in the morning to enjoy the mountain mist. Bring warm clothing—temperatures can drop at altitude.

2. Hai Van Pass – The Cloud Pass (30 km)

The legendary road from Hué to Da Nang

Made famous by the TV show Top Gear, Hai Van Pass (“Ocean Cloud Pass”) winds along the mountainside, with jungle on one side and the ocean on the other. Every turn offers breathtaking views.

Highlights: Spectacular views over Lang Co Bay, abandoned French bunkers at the summit, thrilling descent toward Da Nang.
Difficulty level: Medium. Well-maintained road but often windy.
Best time: All year round, especially beautiful at sunrise.
Our tip: Avoid the highway tunnel under the mountain. The old pass road is the authentic experience. Stop at the top for a coffee with a view.

3. The Coastal Road from Hué to Hoi An (150 km)

The ultimate seaside route

This road follows the South China Sea and offers a perfect balance of paradise beaches, fishing villages, and cultural heritage—a journey through time between two UNESCO World Heritage cities.

Highlights: Lang Co Beach (one of the most beautiful bays in the world), Lap An Lagoon, traditional fishing villages, Hoi An lit up at dusk.
Difficulty level: Easy. Well-maintained main road.
Best time: February–May (dry and sunny weather).
Our tip: Take your time and swim along the way. The small beachfront seafood restaurants are absolutely worth stopping for.

4. The Ho Chi Minh Road (2,000 km in total)

Vietnam’s legendary backbone

The Ho Chi Minh Road runs from North to South through highlands and jungle. Historically used during the war, it’s now an epic journey through authentic Vietnam, far from tourist crowds.

Highlights: Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Central Highlands, coffee plantations in Buon Ma Thuot, primary forests.
Difficulty level: High. Long distances and sometimes isolated roads.
Best time: November–March (dry season).
Our tip: Split the route into several stages. Plan for 200–300 km per day maximum. The section between Khe Sanh and Kon Tum is particularly wild and beautiful.

5. The Mai Chau Loop (2–3 days)

An easy escape from Hanoi

Just 150 km from Hanoi, Mai Chau offers immersion among rice fields and villages of the Thai ethnic group. It’s the perfect route for a first motorcycle experience in Vietnam or a green weekend getaway.

Highlights: Mai Chau Valley (lush rice fields), stilt-house villages, homestays, Pom Coong market, Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Difficulty level: Easy to medium. Mountain roads but well maintained.
Best time: April–May and September–October (vivid green rice).
Our tip: Stay in a traditional stilt house homestay. The warm welcome of the White Thai people is unforgettable.

6. The Dalat to Nha Trang Road (135 km)

From mountains to the sea

This spectacular route descends from Dalat’s misty highlands to the tropical beaches of Nha Trang. Landscapes change dramatically within a few hours: pine forests, tea plantations, jungle, then the azure coast.

Highlights: Steep winding passes, waterfalls, coffee and tea plantations, K’Ho villages, striking climate change.
Difficulty level: Medium. Many downhill curves—watch your brakes.
Best time: All year round. Dalat remains cool even in summer.
Our tip: Leave Dalat early to enjoy the morning coolness. Stop at a coffee plantation along the way. The final descent offers stunning views over Nha Trang Bay.

7. The Ba Be Loop (2–3 days)

The hidden gem of the Northeast

Less visited than Ha Giang, the Ba Be region offers spectacular karst landscapes around Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Winding mountain roads, caves, waterfalls, and Tay ethnic villages.

Highlights: Ba Be Lake (boat trips available), Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, authentic villages, encounters with local ethnic groups.
Difficulty level: Medium. Narrow mountain roads.
Best time: October–April (dry season).
Our tip: Combine motorcycling with a boat trip on the lake for a complete experience. Homestays around the lake are excellent.

8. The Coast from Quy Nhon to Mui Ne (400 km)

The little-known coastal road of the South-Central region

This route follows deserted beaches, passes authentic fishing villages, and crosses lunar-like landscapes. Much less touristy than northern routes, it’s a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Highlights: Wild, nearly deserted beaches, red and white sand dunes near Mui Ne, traditional fishing villages, Cham temples, salt marshes.
Difficulty level: Easy. Mostly flat coastal road.
Best time: November–April (avoid the monsoon).
Our tip: This region is less developed for tourism, which is part of its charm. Book accommodation in advance in small coastal towns.

9. The Mekong Delta by Motorcycle (3–4 days)

The deep South experience

Riding through the delta means weaving between flooded rice fields, tropical orchards, suspension bridges, and floating markets. A lush, aquatic Vietnam completely different from the North’s mountains.

Highlights: Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets, canals and arroyos, exotic fruit orchards, villages on the water, legendary southern hospitality.
Difficulty level: Easy. Flat terrain—watch out for many narrow bridges.
Best time: December–April (dry season).
Our tip: Wake up early to visit floating markets at sunrise. Taste fresh fruit straight from the orchards. The small ferries crossing Mekong branches are part of the adventure.

10. The Cao Bang Loop (3–4 days)

The alternative to Ha Giang

Less famous but just as spectacular, Cao Bang offers stunning mountain scenery, giant waterfalls, and preserved authenticity. This is Vietnam’s wild Northeast.

Highlights: Ban Gioc Waterfalls (the most impressive in the country, on the Chinese border), Thang Hen Lake, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ma Phuc Pass, Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
Difficulty level: Medium to high. Winding mountain roads.
Best time: September–November (waterfalls at their fullest after the rains).
Our tip: Ban Gioc Waterfalls are at their most beautiful after the rainy season. The river divides the site between Vietnam and China, creating a unique panorama.

General Tips for Your Road Trip

Before departure:

• Always check your bike’s condition (brakes, tires, oil, lights)

• Carry a basic repair kit

• Download offline maps on Maps.me or Google Maps

• Always allow more time than planned, especially in the mountains

On the road:

• Ride defensively—Vietnamese traffic is unpredictable

• Honk before overtaking; it’s the local norm

• Refuel whenever possible in rural areas

• Stay hydrated, especially in the South

Essential gear:

• Quality full-face helmet

• Jacket or windbreaker (mountain mornings are cool)

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Waterproof bag for your belongings

• Gloves (even light ones, for comfort)

Our philosophy

Vietnam is best enjoyed slowly. Don’t rush—stop in villages, share a tea with locals, get lost on small back roads. The best memories often come from unexpected detours.

Want to experience these adventures? Our agency offers perfectly maintained motorcycles suited to every route. We advise you on the best itineraries based on your experience and desires. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, we have the ideal bike for your Vietnamese road trip.