Central Vietnam Highlights Motorbiking Tour - 9 Days is a journey across central Vietnam as we take the road less travelled through ancient cities, stunning coastlines and the scene of some of the bloodiest battles in the American War. Leaving from the UNESCO world heritage town of Hoi An, we begin in the rice fields of the Thu Bon Delta before climbing 2,000 feet along one of the highest roads in Vietnam. Then it’s onto the Ho Chi Minh Highway, which traces the famous Ho Chi Minh trail used by the Viet Cong. After a stop of in the mountain town of Kham Duc, where the U.S army lost 9 helicopters during the 1968 Tet Offensive, it’s back on the road through lush rainforests, mountain passes and a stop off at a waterfall. In Phong Nha National Park we check out the impressive limestone caves before heading to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where an entire village went underground to escape American bombing

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DANANG CITY

We will pick you up by minivan at the Danang International airport to bring you to your hotel in Hoi An. Meet your team and check out the bikes, before we take you out for a nice dinner in Hoi An

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Dinner)

DAY 2: HOI AN MOTORBIKE TO DAC TO (240KM)

We start our adventure traveling along small laneways making our way through the villages and rice fields of the Thu Bon delta. After stopping for a local coffee at the base of the Truong Son mountain range we start our ascent towards Dak To. We twist and turn through Ethnic minority villages before breaking through to the fertile tablelands surrounding Dak To.

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: DAC TO TO KHAM DUC (150KM)

Starting the day with a local breakfast we saddle up and depart Dak To. Today we ride through the Ngoc Linh national park climbing a 2000m pass, arguably the highest road in Vietnam. Stunning step rice paddies, old growth forest and remote villages highlight a spectacular morning ride before hitting the Ho Chi Minh Highway bound for the infamous mountain town of Kham Duc. The scene of a significant battle between the United States and the North Vietnamese during the American war; the original landing strip can still be found here. These days it is used by the local people to dry their cassava.

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: KHAM DUC TO TAY GIANG (160KM)

Ready to ride! Today we ride the roads Google forgot! Up and down the Truong Son range we travel with options of some exhilarating logging tracks to test every rider’s ability.

Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: TAY GIANG TO KHE SANH VIA A LUOI (230KM)

Today’s journey traverses the historic Ho Chi Minh Highway through lush rainforests and over magnificent mountain passes. Take a refreshing dip in a mountain waterfall at midday, where we’ll break for a picnic lunch.,We begin the afternoon, winding through the A Shau Valley, a ruggedly beautiful valley that became famous during the American War as the site of many battles, the most famous being Khe Sanh, where we stay for the night. Arriving in Khe Sanh, we visit the site of the former marine combat base, capping off an amazing day of riding and history.

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: KHE SANH TO PHONG NHA/KE BANG NATIONAL PARK (240 KM)

Today’s ride is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We drive the remote western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Highway through majestic limestone karst and spectacular old-growth jungle. Be amazed at the tenacity of the Vietnamese people during the US war, as this road follows the original Ho Chi Minh Trail through some of the most rugged terrain on Earth.,We arrive in Phong Nha National park, home to over 300 limestone caves including the largest ever found. We rest our bikes and take a boat up the Phong Nha river and explore the Phong Nha cave, returning to the hotel as the sun sets over the majestic limestone castes dotting the landscape.

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: PHONG NHA TO HUE VIA VINH MOC (230KM)

Driving along Ho Chi Minh Highway East, we arrive at the Vinh Moc tunnels, where an entire village went underground in the 1960s to survive the bombing during the war. After exploring the tunnels, we head to a local beach where we can cool off with a swim. After lunch we cross the 17th parallel: the former North/south divide then drive along the coastline through the city of Ghosts arriving in Hue late afternoon.

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: HUE TO HOI AN VIA HAI VAN PASS (190 KM)

Rise and shine, it’s time to set off on the final day of our Hoi An Motorbike Adventure. Today’s journey takes us back to Hoi An by a different route, trading in the mountains for Vietnam’s gorgeous coastline. We head east from Hue and then travel parallel to the sea, passing through fishing villages and along pristine sandy beaches for the first part of the drive. The salty air and refreshing sea breezes are a dramatic contrast to the mountain air from the previous days. We’ll stop often to dip our toes in the sea, chat with fishermen and to take photos. At the half way point of our drive we climb to Highway 1’s highest point, Hai Van Pass, where panoramic views of the coast are all around. The road then winds down toward Hoi An, passing through Danang city and along the coastline.,You can either include a visit to the Hue Citadel in the morning or go over Monkey Mountain after Hai Van Pass in the afternoon.

(Accommodation: Hotel),(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9: DEPARTURE DAY OR STAY ON FOR R&R

Stay on in Hoi An for some relaxing days after your tour. Explore the secret alleys and ancient shop houses that make up the enchanting UNESCO Heritage site of Hoi An. Shopping aside this can take less than four hours, leaving you the option to take in some beach time at Hoi An’s An Bang beach, a 10-minute drive from the old town.,Or make your way back home. A transfer back to the International airport in Danang is included.

(Meals: Breakfast)

OPTIONAL: ADD 1 MORE DAY FOR SIGHTSEEING IN PHONG NHA (AFTER DAY 6),PHONG NHA/KE BANG NATIONAL PARK (120 KM)

Wake to the sounds of rural Vietnam. With a day free to explore Phong Nha National Park, we take a morning motorbike ride to the Paradise limestone cave, Asia’s longest limestone cave. After a traditional Vietnamese lunch at the National Park’s restaurant, you can wander around the grotto systems. In the afternoon we travel to Dong Hoi for some beachside luxury, resting those biker bones.

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