The Great Motorcycle Routes★★★
Vietnam is the ultimate motorcycle country — and the mountain roads are among the most spectacular in the world. Here are the three major routes that every motorcycle fan should have on their radar:
1. Ha Giang Loop (3–4 days, 350 km)
→ Detailed description in the chapter Hanoi & North. Vietnam's most famous route: Mã Pí Lèng Pass, Nho Quế Gorge, Hmong villages, UNESCO Geopark.
2. Hồ Chí Minh Route (Western Route, 2–3 weeks, ~1,800 km)
The legendary Hồ Chí Minh Road (Đường Hồ Chí Minh) runs parallel to the coast through the highlands — from Hanoi to HCMC. Less known than the coastal road, but scenically superior:
- Section 1: Hanoi → Phong Nha (500 km, 3–4 days). Through Cúc Phương National Park and the mountains.
- Section 2: Phong Nha → Đà Lạt (800 km, 5–7 days). Through the central highlands, coffee plantations, ethnic minorities.
- Section 3: Đà Lạt → HCMC (300 km, 2 days). Down into the lowlands.
3. Hải Vân Pass & Central Vietnam (1–2 days, 200 km)
The "short" route for those who don't want to ride for weeks: Huế → Hải Vân Pass → Đà Nẵng → Hội An. Can be ridden with an Easy Rider or on your own. The pass alone is the highlight, but the coastal road south of Đà Nẵng is also beautiful.
Practical Tips for Motorcyclists
- Buying a Motorcycle: For long distances, buying is worthwhile instead of renting. A used Honda Win costs 5–8 million VND (185–296 €) in Hanoi, sale in HCMC (or vice versa). Tigit Motorbikes also offers reliable rental motorcycles for one-way trips.
- Luggage: Two side bags or a backpack attached to the motorcycle. Less is more.
- Workshop: Honda workshops (Tiệm Sửa Xe) are in every village. Repairs are dirt cheap (tire patching: 20,000 VND / 0.74 €).
Achtung
Vietnam has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world. ALWAYS ride with a helmet, sober, and during daylight. At night, unlit vehicles, dogs, cows, and potholes are deadly dangers. Without an international driver's license with a motorcycle class, no travel insurance will cover an accident!
