In November and December of 2018, I bought a motorbike to explore all of Vietnam. By starting in Ho Chi Minh and driving north, the scenery become more beautiful each day. The region of Vietnam north of Mai Chau, including the Ha Giang Loop, was the most impressive.
This is the sequence of cities I traveled to, plus a couple of cities I wish I had traveled to - my recommended route! This could be completed at a leisurely pace in two months.
Ho Chi Minh City
The driving in this city was insane, especially the roundabouts. Consider leaving on a Sunday when traffic is not as bad.
• Vietnam Backpacker’s Hostel; purchased the VBH passport for $80, which prepays for 20 nights in VBH hostels.
• Cu Chi Tunnels; outside of town but really cool and worth stopping at on the way out
Da Lat
Pack a sweater! It’s colder here:
• The Maze Bar
• Crazy House
• Elephant springs
• Beautiful drive to Nha Trang; we did this at night - that was dumb.
Nha Trang
Beach city! Not much to do but a nice beach. Lots of Russians.
• iHome Hostel
• Scuba certification classes, $300
Ninhvana
This is a Vietnam Backpacker’s resort style Hostel on a secluded beach in Ninh Vân. Very fun if the weather is nice!
• Free yoga, hiking, volleyball
• Spa, kayaking, Cliff Jumping
Hoi An
Fun city to walk around in!
• Vietnam Backpacker’s Hostel
• Custom made clothes ($10-16), suits, swimsuits, shoes, etc.
• Basket boats on the river
Da Nang
Another beach city, very similar to Nha Trang. The weather was not nice when we stopped by.
• Marble Mountain was a must-do; explore temples caves for hours
• Pizza 4P’s; the best pizza I have eaten on this 8 month trip! $10/pizza, we went twice, reserve online.
• Hai Vân Pass to Hue; if you only rent a motorbike once in Vietnam, this is the easiest place to do it
Hue
Cool city with lots to do!
• Abandoned Waterpark; there are two entrances, one you can bribe your way in and one you cannot. 20k-50k per motorbike. Very slippery, drive carefully.
• Imperial city
Khe San
We missed this but hear that the Khe San Loop is a beautiful drive!
Phong Nha
Cave city! So many caves available to explore. Choose whichever best suit you!
• Easy Tiger Hostel; email to book
• Botanical Garden; beautiful drive there, waterfall to swim in, two hour jungle hike ($4 entrance fee)
• Phong Nha Cave; cool cave accessible only by 12 passenger boat rowed by Vietnamese women.
• Paradise Cave; prettiest cave to walk and take photos
• Dark Cave; adventure cave with zip lining
Ninh Binh
Beautiful region with lots of homestays.
• Hike Hang Mua
Mai Châu, Son La, Lao Cai
Beautiful region. Nothing in the cities, but drive in the direction of these cities and enjoy the views.
Ha Giang
Start of the Ha Giang Loop!
Be prepared for the police stop at the start of the loop.
I crashed outside of Ha Giang but this is the route my friend took and that I would have taken with him.
Du Gía
• Waterfall hike
Dong Vân
• Drive to the northernmost point of Vietnam and jump the fence to sneak into China
Meo Vac
• Little Fred’s Homestay
• Miss Tyun’s Banh Mi
Ba Be Lake
• Boat tour
Cat Ba
I did not go here, but gorgeous scenery for Motorbiking around the island and hiking. Perfect when the weather is good - it was extremely cold when I went!
Hanoi
• Railroad Tracks Road
• War Museum
• The Note Coffee; try Vietnamese Egg Coffee
• Banh Mi 25; Banh Mi recommended by Anthony Bourdain
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