The Grand World Heritage

We start the first day of riding from our garage in Hoi An, riding out into the beautiful countryside before we stop at Marble Mountain for a short visit. We then head west and climb our way into the mountains. As we wind our way up into the hills towards the Lao border home to the Co Tu Ethnic minority group, we take a break to visit one of the few remaining Co Tu woodcarvers and enjoy a home cooked lunch in his stilted house before continuing our journey deep in to the mountains, meandering through isolated villages of the Co Tu people where the culture and traditions remain untouched by time making this remote and staggeringly beautiful region home to one of the most authentic hill tribes to remain in Vietnam.

(For this night we have several options: A traditional basic bamboo hut at Droong village, a basic hotel room in Tay Giang or a more luxurious experience at Bho Hoong Bungalows ***.)

(Accommodation: Hotel – Upgrade to Bho Hoong Bungalow on request)
(Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, we resume our motorbike ride to Khe Sanh. 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)

Today’s ride is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Obtaining special military permission, we are able to 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.

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

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.

(Accommodation: Beach Resort ****)
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

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 arriving in Hue late afternoon.

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

On day six we do a comprehensive motorbike tour of Hue. The tour visits the citadel, royal tombs while snaking through the back streets of Hue. A delicious vegetarian lunch prepared by Buddhist nuns is served at a local pagoda. After lunch we experience the rural surrounds of Hue, stopping to see traditional handicrafts being made, as well as visiting some US war sites.(All day activities at Hue are included in the tour price though participation is optional.)

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

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.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)