Spanning more than 1,500 km with countless breathtaking stretches, the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail is a dream route for motorcycle enthusiasts. Among the many itineraries we’ve designed along this historic road, our 8-Day Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorcycle Tour stands out as the ultimate choice. The journey leads you off the beaten path to uncover the hidden beauty of Northern Vietnam, while also covering the most iconic sections of the trail from Hanoi to Da Nang.
Along the way, you’ll explore significant historical sites in the DMZ, and enjoy a thrilling mix of smooth on-road cruising and adventurous off-road riding. Without a doubt, this is one of the crown jewels of our Vietnam Motorcycle Tours collection.
Our adventure begins at 9 a.m., departing from the western outskirts of Hanoi where the traffic eases. Soon, the chaos of the city gives way to serene countryside roads, leading us into rural Vietnam. Within an hour, we’re surrounded by quiet villages, rice fields, and the rustic charm of daily local life. As the afternoon unfolds, the journey grows more exhilarating, carrying us higher into the northern mountains. An off-road adventure awaits, winding through remote villages around Phu Yen. By late afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., we roll into the tranquil town of Phu Yen, Son La Province, where the first day ends with a restful overnight stay in a local hotel. This promises to be one of the most enjoyable days on the Ho Chi Minh Trail motorcycle tour. Leaving town behind, we follow winding roads along the Da River, then ride up and down through scenic mountain passes until reaching the Moc Chau Plateau. Here, the adventure continues with a fun off-road ride across lush tea plantations before crossing the historic Hua Tat Pass – a quiet, French-built road offering spectacular views. After lunch, we can either challenge ourselves with more off-road trails over the hills near Mai Chau, or enjoy a relaxed cruise along peaceful countryside backroads. The day concludes around 4:30 p.m., with a warm homestay experience among the Thai ethnic community. Begin the day with a cup of local coffee, taking in views of emerald rice fields and green mountains from a traditional Thai stilt house. After breakfast and farewells to the peaceful village of Mai Chau, we kick off with an off-road ride around the valley before following a narrow, scenic paved trail along the Ma River to Cam Thuy town for lunch. From here, we join the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, riding southward all the way to Tan Ky town, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel. Though small and quiet, with just a few thousand residents, Tan Ky holds historic importance as the starting point of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in northern Vietnam, once used by Vietnamese troops heading to the DMZ and the South. It’s also a perfect place to witness the simple daily life of people in this remote area. Begin the day with a simple breakfast prepared by the locals before continuing our ride along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This section of the trail is smooth and relaxing, allowing us to fully enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we approach the majestic Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Formed over 400 million years ago, this is the oldest major karst region in Asia, shaped by massive tectonic shifts into a dramatic landscape of caves, cliffs, and underground rivers. With over 65 km of caves and waterways, its sheer scale and complexity make it one of the most extraordinary karst areas in the world. The afternoon ride near Phong Nha offers some of the most breathtaking views of the entire Ho Chi Minh Trail. If we arrive around 3:30 p.m., a two-hour boat trip along the river will take us into spectacular limestone caves, providing an unforgettable glimpse of nature’s artistry. The day ends with an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Phong Nha. From Phong Nha, the Ho Chi Minh Trail splits into two routes: the eastern and the western branches. At Chi’s Wheels, we highly recommend taking the western trail. Stretching over 200 km through Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, this route offers spectacular mountain views and near solitude—you’ll encounter only a handful of other motorbikes along the way. A highlight of the day is a visit to the former US Marine Base, with its tunnels, airfield, and fascinating museum. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and perhaps an even greater appreciation of the country. This ride along the western branch is often considered the most remarkable day of the entire Ho Chi Minh Trail motorcycle tour. Today’s ride takes us from west to east across the DMZ, making it the most historically rich day of the Ho Chi Minh Trail motorcycle tour. After breakfast, we follow the 17th parallel – once the dividing line between North and South Vietnam – with stops at iconic sites such as the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River and the underground Vinh Moc Tunnels, where stories of wartime resilience come alive. In the afternoon, we join Highway No.1, experiencing the thrill of riding amidst Vietnam’s bustling traffic before arriving in the charming imperial city of Hue around 5 p.m. The day ends with an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Hue. Spend a full day exploring the hidden charm of Hue, a cultural jewel of Vietnam. Though it’s a light riding day, it remains one of the highlights of the Ho Chi Minh Trail motorcycle tour. After breakfast, enjoy either a bus ride or a leisurely motorcycle tour around Hue, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Imperial Citadel, ancient temples and pagodas, and take a peaceful boat trip on the Perfume River. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax at your own pace before choosing your own dinner spot in the evening. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Hue. The final day of the tour is also the most relaxing. Instead of battling the busy Highway No.1, we take the scenic route along the eastern coastline of Hue, passing peaceful fishing villages and winding coastal roads. The highlight is riding across the legendary Hai Van Pass, hailed as the most beautiful mountain pass in Central Vietnam. By around 4:00 p.m., we arrive in the charming town of Hoi An, check into the hotel, and bid farewell to the Chi’s Wheels team. From here, your journey continues at your own pace, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the timeless beauty of Hoi An. 
END OF TOUR
TOUR PRICE
Our tour prices depend on two main factors:
- Group size: The more riders in your group, the lower the cost per person.
- Type of bike: Choosing a smaller bike will reduce the overall cost.
For personalized pricing and options, please contact us directly. Below is a sample price list for our standard North Vietnam Motorbike Tour with 150cc bikes:
- Solo rider (1 person): USD 200 / day
- Group of 2 riders: USD 150 / day / person
- Group of 3 riders: USD 140 / day / person
- Group of 4–10 riders: USD 130 / day / person
Important Notes
- Tours are fully customizable to your preferences, riding style, and travel dates. Just let us know your expectations and we’ll design your private tour.
- Prices exclude support vehicles, flights, airport pick-up/drop-off… but these services can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Larger capacity bikes are also available – please contact us for details.
- The listed rates apply to Northern Vietnam motorbike tours. Special tours on the Ho Chi Minh Trail or those crossing into Laos/Cambodia will cost more.
- Pricing may vary depending on low/high tourist seasons or special requests – contact us for an accurate quote.
What’s Included
- Experienced English-speaking tour guides (+ mechanic support).
- Quality Honda XR150L / CRF250L / CRF300L (or equivalent) with all fuel.
- All meals on tour (breakfasts, lunches, dinners with authentic local food).
- Accommodation (twin-share hotel rooms or homestays as per itinerary).
- Boat rides / river crossings as mentioned.
- All entrance fees & permits.
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off before and after the tour.
- High-quality trip video as a keepsake.
What’s Excluded
- Medical / travel insurance.
- Motorcycle damages.
- Personal expenses.
- Drinks and tips.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Reservation Process
- Your booking is confirmed once we receive a deposit (10%–30% of the total tour cost).
- A secure payment link will be sent for deposits paid by credit card (note: a 3.5% bank service fee applies).
Payment Policies
- The remaining balance must be settled before the tour starts at our shop.
- Payment options:
- Cash (USD or EUR).
- Credit card (3.5% bank fee applies).
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Deposits are non-refundable, but bookings may be postponed to another date.
- No refunds are provided for bad weather or personal cancellations. Tours may be delayed in adverse conditions, but Chi’s Wheels is not liable if canceled.
- In case of motorbike breakdown, our mechanic will attempt repairs within a day. If the issue cannot be resolved, a replacement bike will be provided. If the tour is shortened due to technical reasons, a refund for the missed day(s) will be issued.
- Bookings can be transferred to another person, but you are responsible for any administrative costs and ensuring the new participant pays the full amount.
Age & License Requirements
No strict age or license restrictions apply. However, all riders must be in good health, physically fit, and capable of handling a motorbike safely.
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