Related links:
- photo gallery
- customer comments
- reference
- late availability
- vietnam information

The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, on bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometres through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam's mountainous border with Laos. A testimony to the ingenuity, fortitude and commitment of the North Vietnamese, the Trail slipped from use at the end of the war and was taken back by the jungle. Recent road works that follow original sections of the Trail have changed this. This ride takes in the former imperial capital of Hue, the ancient trading town of Hoi An, Khe Sanh battlefield, the infamous A Shaw valley, China beach, Vietnamese war museums and the DMZ. We also take time to stay overnight in a traditional Thai hill tribe village and visit the former Imperial Tombs of Hue. Take this one off chance to be among the first to traverse the Ho Chi Minh Trail! This is a moderate trip, especially designed for bikers.

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
Day 2: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
Day 3: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
Day 4: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
Day 5: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
Day 6: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
Day 7: Khe Sanh - Hue.
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An - Quy Nhon.
Day 11: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang.

Day 1 - 8: OV04

See OV04 above.

Day 9: Hoi An

Whole morning exploring the old town of Hoi An. Afternoon at the Cua Dai beach, about 6km from the old town.

The former harbour town of the Champa people at the estuary of the Thu Bon river was an important Vietnamese trading centre in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, where Chinese from various provinces as well as Japanese, Dutch and Indians settled down. During this period of the China trade, the town was called Hai Pho (Seaside Town) in Vietnamese. During the French colonial period (1883 - 1945), it was called Faifo. Originally Hai Pho was a divided town, because across the "Japanese Bridge", it used to be the Japanese settlement (16^th - 17^th century). The bridge (Chua Cau) is a unique covered structure built by the Japanese, the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist pagoda attached to one side.

The town is known to the French and Spanish as Faifo, and by similar names in Portuguese and Dutch. A number of theories have been put forth as to the origin of this name. Some scholars have suggested that it comes from the word "Hai pho" meaning "sea town", while others have said that it seems more likely to simply be a shortening of Hoi An pho, "the town of Hoi An", to "Hoi pho" which became "Faifo".

In 1999, the old town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15^th to 19^th centuries, whose buildings display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

Today, Hoi An is still a small city, but it attracts a fair number of tourists, also being a well established place on the backpacker trail. Many visit for the numerous art and craft shops and tailors, who produce made-to-measure clothes for a fraction of the western price. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Hoi An - Quy Nhon (280 km, 8 hours riding)

Join the National Highway 1 and head down the beautiful coastal line of Vietnam until Quy Nhon. Traffic is somewhat easier to handle than the Central Highlands of vietnam. Overnight in a beach front hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (200 km, 6 hours riding). Farewell lunch

Another day filled up with beautiful coast line views. After lunch, we will say goodbye and our guide flies back to Hanoi from Nha Trang. (B, L)

There are two options: Return to Hanoi on train or by air or go down South on your own.

B: Breakfast.
L: Lunch.
D: Dinner.

Contact us.

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HO CHI MINH TRAIL TOURING 13 DAYS 13 days/ 12 nights

Booking code: OV42

Related links:
- photo gallery
- customer comments
- reference
- late availability
- vietnam information

The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, on bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometres through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam's mountainous border with Laos. A testimony to the ingenuity, fortitude and commitment of the North Vietnamese, the Trail slipped from use at the end of the war and was taken back by the jungle. Recent road works that follow original sections of the Trail have changed this. This ride takes in the former imperial capital of Hue, the ancient trading town of Hoi An, Khe Sanh battlefield, the infamous A Shaw valley, China beach, Vietnamese war museums and the DMZ. We also take time to stay overnight in a traditional Thai hill tribe village and visit the former Imperial Tombs of Hue. Take this one off chance to be among the first to traverse the Ho Chi Minh Trail! This is a moderate level trip, designed for bikers or experienced riders.

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
Day 2: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
Day 3: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
Day 4: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
Day 5: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
Day 6: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
Day 7: Khe Sanh - Hue.
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An - Kon Tum.
Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot.
Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang.
Day 13: Nha Trang. Farewell lunch.

Day 1 - 9: OV41

See OV41 above.

Day 10: Hoi An - Kon Tum (~290 km, ~9 h)

We strike back up to the mountains, rejoining the Trail at Phuoc Son (also known as Kham Duc). From there we head up the towering Lo So Pass, passing through remote areas thinly populated by peoples of the Ba Na ethnicity. Edging close to the border with Laos, where a number of Trail arteries crossed over in Laos, we continue on to Kon Tum.

Overnight in Kon Tum.

Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot (~240 km, ~8 h)

In the morning we head south through the Central Highlands, passing Pleiku and the Ia Drang valley battlefield, before continuing onto Buon Ma Thuot (also known as Buon Me Thuot), the city where northern forces launched their final assault on the then Saigon. Buon Ma Thuot produces most and best coffee products in Vietnam.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang (~190 km, ~7 h)

We take an easy drive back down off the Tay Son highlands towards the coast, arriving at Highway 1 some 30 km north of Nha Trang. Taking in this scenic coastal stretch past turquoise waters and scarlet fishing boats, we arrive in the bright lights of Nha Trang and its relaxing holiday options.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 13: Nha Trang (relax)

A free day by the beach before gathering for a seafood feast to recount our adventure and toast the Ho Chi Minh Trail. There are two options: Return to Hanoi on train or by air or go down South on your own.

B: Breakfast.
L: Lunch.
D: Dinner.

Contact us.

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HO CHI MINH TRAIL RIDE 16 DAYS 16 days/ 15 nights

Booking code: OV45

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau.
Day 2: Mai Chau - Vinh.
Day 3: Vinh - Huong Khe.
Day 4: Huong Khe - Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
Day 5: Dong Hoi - Dong Ha.
Day 6: Dong Ha - Khe Sanh - A Luoi.
Day 7: A Luoi - Hien - Thanh My - Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Free at leisure.
Day 9: Hoi An - My Son - Dong Phu - Kham Duc (Phuoc Son).
Day 10: Kham Duc - Kon Tum.
Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Me Thuot.
Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Lak Lake - Da Lat.
Day 13: Da Lat Touring.
Day 14: Da Lat - Saigon.
Day 15: Saigon.
Day 16: Saigon. Farewell lunch.

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau

In the morning we take a short bus drive the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum on the outskirts of Hanoi. The museum is a great place to learn about the historic trail which we will ride on. After the visit to the museum we will jump on our Hondas and spend sometime to get familiar with the bikes.

Now, let's begin our adventure. We will ride on Highway 6 passing extensive farming lands comprising a sea of paddy fields split by tree-lined roads punctuated by limestone karst scenery.

After a light lunch in Hoa Binh Town, the capital of Hoa Binh Province, we cross two short mountain passes then descend to the mountain valley settlement of Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight in a stilt house of the Thai people.

- Distance: 140 km
- Accommodation: Home stay in village
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mai Chau - Vinh

Say goodbye to the villagers, we then head south on a beautiful winding road which follow the banks of the Ma River. After some hours riding on undulating quiet road we join the new Ho Chi Minh Highway. This newly carved route leads us due south, through remote back country, not far from the Laos border. Lunch will be on the way with local foods. In the afternoon we cut eastward towards the coast and stay overnight in the peaceful city of Vinh, which is close to where Ho Chi Minh was born. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

- Distance: 268 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Vinh City
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Vinh - Huong Khe

This morning we head inland towards the Laos border after 40 minutes riding we can reach the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in Kim Lien Village. The place is truly a shrine to the Vietnamese and visited by few westerners.

After paying respects to Uncle Ho, we head to the HCM Highway via Thanh Chuong District. You cross the Lam River on the Ro Bridge and then drive primarily on the beautiful new highway of Ho Chi Minh. Lunch break in Pho Chau Town, a tiny town about 40 km from Thanh Chuong.

After lunch, we continue on the quiet highway to Dong Loc Intersection, (main junction for supply lines during the war) which is widely regarded in Vietnamese eyes as the beginning of Ho Chi Minh Trail. We then pass through remote back country, close to the border, as the scenery steadily becomes dominated by karst limestone rock formations. We will reach our overnight spot, Huong Khe Town, around 5 pm. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in a mini hotel.

- Distance: 160 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Huong Khe Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Huong Khe - Phong Nha - Dong Hoi

Today's ride is on a very quiet section of the new highway. En route, you will come to Khe Ve Intersection and Pheo - the very first branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail into Laos.

Continuing on from Pheo, we will arrive in Phong Nha around noon. After lunch in local restaurant, we board a dragon boat to explore the famous Nature World Heritage Site of Phong Nha cave.

After the exploration of Phong Nga, we ride 30 km eastward to the coastal town of Dong Hoi, our today's overnight spot. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

- Distance: 210 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Dong Hoi - Dong Ha

Today's ride is also on the new, quiet highway. Along the way, we will have a short stop at Truong Son National Cemetery to pay respect to the soldiers who fought and died on the trail during the American War. Later we head to Dong Ha Town passing Ben Tat Bridge, built by the VC over the Ben Hai River.

Arriving in Dong Ha, we will check into the hotel, and have some lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to the mystic Vinh Moc Tunnel and the famous DMZ, Doc Mieu fire base and the historic Hien Luong Bridge.

Dinner and overnight in Dong Ha.

- Distance: 250 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Ha Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Dong Ha - Khe Sanh - A Luoi

Continuing west on Highway 9, we will climb into the Truong Son foothills. About 16 km from Khe Sanh is the Dakrong Bridge and the road turns winding and narrow. A bit further, we will come to Huang Hoa, once known as Khe Sanh Base, which was established as a forward base by General Westmoreland near Laos to secure Highway 9. About 3 km from Khe Sanh is Ta Con Airbase.

Lunch in Khe Sanh and then head out across the famous Dakrong River Bridge on Route 14 Near the town of Ta Rut, we will stop for a visit with the Pa Co people and a walk through their village.

From Ta Rut, you head over scenic Pe Ke Pass and then down to A Luoi for the night.

Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in a simple guest house.

- Distance: 200 km
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in A Luoi
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: A Luoi - Hien - Thanh My - Hoi An

Today's riding is the best riding of the whole route. For the first 110 km, we cross one of the longest and most stunning pass on new and quiet road, through stunning scenery of primitive forests backed by the imposing Truong Son mountain range. There are also two long tunnels and very little traffic. The next 68 km from Hien to Thanh My are on good road with some gentle climbs. Lunch on the way in local restaurant. The last 40 km of the day are on an older, bumpier road all the way from Ai Nghia to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Dinner and overnight in Hoi An.

- Distance: 240 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Hoi An - Free at leisure

Hoi An, nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Before the river silted up, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia, and a center for East-West exchange and trade. The rooftops of Hoi An retain a magical old world Oriental feel and are a favorite subject for Vietnamese artists. In the early 1980s Hoi An's ancient quarters and historical monuments came under the protection and restoration efforts of UNESCO and the Polish government.

You will spend the day visiting the town of Hoi An on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.

- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An Town
- Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Hoi An - My Son - Dong Phu - Kham Duc (Phuoc Son)

Time to hit the road again! We leave Hoi An in the morning and head to My Son, a world heritage site that is the Cham version of Angkor Wat.

Most of the temples are dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, considered by the Cham as the founder and protector of their dynasties.

From My Son, we will continue along the highway, busy at first, until the road shifts and becomes smaller, although paved. Then the drive becomes challenging, but a lot of fun and progress is far slower.

We will continue driving along the river, but the road itself, new and not very busy, climbs up along a very steep valley with the river rushing below. The river below is dotted with unique rock formations and there are waterfalls along the way. Lunch will be in Dong Phu.

Leaving Dong Phu, eventually, we will come to the town of Kham Duc or Phuoc Son. Overnight in Kham Duc Hotel.

- Distance: 200 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kham Duc
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Kham Duc - Kon Tum

After breakfast in local restaurant we continue driving north on Highway 14 today on a bit of a bumpy section of the road to Kon Tum.

A day to visit different minority villages. We will drive over Lo Xo Pass, making lots of stops along the way to meet De and Trieng minorities, who live along the Dak Po Ko river. Along the river are many amazing hanging bridges, built by the local people to cross to the opposite shore. Lunch will be in Tan Canh, and we can visit a village of Xo Dang, before driving on to Kon Tum.

Along the way, we also pass one of the key towns and battle sites of the Vietnam War - Dak To and outpost Charlie.

In Kon Tum we can visit the Catholic church and the orphanage, based behind the Catholic Church in town and run by a group of French nuns. If time permits, you can also visit a beautiful Bahnar village near town.

Overnight in Kon Tum at the Dac Bla Hotel.

- Distance: 190 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kon Tum
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Me Thuot

The new Ho Chi Minh Highway was built on the old trail, but from Kon Tum to Daklak, the historic HCM trail (Highway 14C), runs parallel to Highway 14 linking Kon Tum, Pleiku, and Buon Me Thuot.

We will continue riding Highway 14 today, finding that traffic is busier than usual. Lunch will be in Pleiku. From here, we ride along the Tun River and up over a pass. Along the way are coffee plantations and the stilt houses of the Central Highland's largest ethnic group, the Gia Rai. Eventually, we will cross the Nha Rong pass down into Buon Me Thuot, the provincial capital of Dac Lac Province, and the site of the last battle of the Vietnam war in March 1975.

At night we can stop by the beer parlors or sample the local coffee grown in the region. It is far and away the best coffee in Vietnam and worth bringing home. Overnight at the Thang Loi Hotel.

- Distance: 240 km

- Accommodation: Hotel in Buon Ma Thuot
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Lak Lake - Da Lat

This morning, we drive to Lak Lake on Route 27, a small paved road with poor surfacing and quite busy. Here we can have a break for refreshment and troll around the by the lake. There are said to be about 31 different ethnic groups in Dac Lac, each with their own traditional dress and customs. Some of the villages are known for elephant hunting and taming, some for weaving and other arts.

After lunch in Lak Lake, we continue on to Da Lat. The road is narrow, winding, but not busy. We have three passes to cross - Krong No, Chuoi, and Phu Son. The drive itself is quite beautiful and lined with dense forests. Late in the afternoon, we will arrive in the hill town of Da Lat. Overnight in Da Lat.

- Distance: 200 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Da Lat
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Da Lat Touring

Da Lat is known as "The City of Love" and is a favorite holiday resort for Vietnamese as well as the French. With evergreen forests, waterfalls, beautiful lakes, the country's best flower gardens, and delicious fresh produce, Da Lat has always provided a welcome respite from the heat of the lowlands. We can spend the day visiting the highlights of Da Lat - its gardens, cathedral, waterfalls, market, Valley of Love, convent, university, train station and key pagodas. Overnight in Da Lat.

- Accommodation: Hotel in Da Lat
- Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Da Lat - Saigon

Today we head to Saigon on bus, since the road is so very crowded and busy! On the way, we will stop for lunch in Bao Loc, where we can also see the impressive Dambri Waterfall. In the afternoon, we will finally arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the day is free to relax or wander on your own.

We might want to visit the Re-Unification Palace, the former palace of President Thieu and his predecessors. Today this building is a museum and venue for official receptions. Inside you can visit the private rooms of the president, the "War Room" from where the South Vietnamese forces were controlled, and, most poignantly, the room where the North Vietnamese army finally took control in 1975. A second stop is at the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 and one of the city's major landmarks. Neo-Romanesque in form, Notre Dame is the major seat of the Catholic religion in modern Vietnam of the Sea. Tonight, weather permitting, we can have dinner outside at the Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Saigon.

- Distance: 300 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Saigon

Our day begins with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the few remaining monuments to the Vietnam War. Beneath the ground lie 200 km of tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Viet Cong during the conflict, which ended in 1975.

From Cu Chi, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City. Here, we can stop at Cholon, the Chinese market. Tonight you will have a farewell dinner. Overnight in Saigon.

- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Departure

Free until car transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Contact us.