Da Nang is a beautiful small city in central Vietnam. Possessing a long coastline with clear blue water, Da Nang beaches are known as the paradise of the beach in Vietnam. If you are an adventurer, a journey from Hanoi to Danang by motorbike will be an extremely interesting trip to experience the beauty of Vietnam. So what is the destination, what to do, what to see during this exciting journey. I will fully guide you in this article.
Readmore: Da Nang Beach, Viet Nam – Looking For the Best Time of Your Life
Motorbike from Hanoi to Da Nang
Motorbike is a favorite choice of many, not only because it’s the most popular transportation in Vietnam but also for how interesting and flexible it is. Along the way, you’re absolutely free to pull a halt at any spot that attracts your eyes. With a motorbike, everything is up to you.
The most common schedule usually takes 5 or 6 days:
- Day 1: From Hanoi to Tan Ky (The ride is 12 hours long, thus, people also divide it into 2 days in order to not miss on many locations.)
- Day 2: From Tan Ky to Phong Nha (Phong Nha – Ke Bang is on UNESCO World Heritage List.)
- Day 3: From Phong Nha to Khe Sanh
- Day 4: From Khe Sanh to Hue (The beautiful imperial city)
- Day 5: From Hue to Da Nang
When you choose to rent a bike, be careful and check on its parts like gears, throttles, tires, and so on. It might be a hassle if you’re on the highway and something goes wrong. Last but not least, if Vietnam’s traffic isn’t familiar to you, riding a bike can be dangerous.
If you aren’t limited in terms of time, extending the duration of the road trip is also a favorable choice. Rather than darting along the routes relentlessly, you will have the opportunity to actually discover the beauty of Vietnam.
Map
5 days Itinerary motorbike tour from Hanoi to Danang
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Tan Ky (5 hours & 6 hours driving, respectively)
Hanoi – Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh – Tan Lac – Moc Chau – Mai Chau Town
From Hoa Lac, follow the southern direction on the highway. Once you have arrived at Xuan Mai, take the highway 6 to the west and get to Hoa Binh.
Here. you can either go straight through the town and visit Hoa Binh Dam or cross the bridge to Mai Chau. The latter is quicker, but Hoa Binh Dam is quite an interesting stop.
After conquering a mountain pass, you will see the Tan Lac Hotel on the other side. The right way will lead you to Tong Dau or Moc Chau. There’s another mountain pass around 5 kilometers outside Mai Chau Town, the whole Mai Chau Valley is visible from the sightseeing spot.
The next milestone is Tong Dau Junction. Turn left at the petrol station, you will be heading to Mai Chau Town. Staying the night is also possible with two villages: Poong Coong and Ban Lac.
Destinations
Go Lao Waterfall
Go Lao Waterfall, Mo Luong Cave, Chieu Cave, Pa Co Market, Hoa Binh Dam.
Where to eat
Meals in guesthouses are the most common. Many people love them for the fresh ingredients and the quality of the cooking.
Mai Chau – Ba Thuoc – Ngoc Lac – Thai Hoa – Tan Ky
Take the highway 15 to either Pu Luong National Park (Highway 15B) or Ngoc Lac (follow the river).
Pu Luong will be a fun ride but it’s a little out of the scheduled route, and you will have to drive some more to get back to the track to Ngoc Lac.
If you stay on the 15 South, please cross the river and proceed to go for around 40 kilometers on Cau Na Sai. Note that the river is now on your left.
In Ngoc Lac, you will meet the highway 21 and the ride from here is very easy despite the hazards. If you look for accommodation, Ben En National Park is only 10 kilometers away; if not, let’s head straight to Thai Hoa then Tan Ky.
What to see? Pu Luong National Park and Ben En National Park.
Where to eat? Since you must have reserved a hotel room at Tan Ky, the dinner offered by them is not a bad choice at all. There are also local restaurants around with western food and great Vietnamese coffee.
Day 2: Tan Ky – Phong Nha (7 hours driving)
Tan Ky – Pho Chau – Phong Nha, Ke Bang
The distance we need to pass by is longer today but it will lead us through the peaceful countryside, an easy ride. Along the Ho Chi Minh Highway, you will see the Ho Chi Minh Trail victory monument before heading to Phong Nha, Ke Bang, the biggest cave in not only Vietnam but the whole Indochina area, recognized by UNESCO.
What to see? Phong Nha Cave
Day 3: Phong Nha – Khe Sanh (6 hours driving)
Phong Nha – Huong Hoa – Khe Sanh
Regardless of where you start from, it’s likely for you to end up in the TL 20/565 to return to the Ho Chi Minh highway.
In the next 200 kilometers, there is no detour until you reach Huong Hoa and Khe Sanh. You will know that you have made it by spotting the T junction. Down this road, travelers might find some small hotels, which aren’t too different from one another.
What to See? Khe Sanh Combat Base.
Where to eat? Even though there are stops on the way from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh, I recommend keeping yourself hydrated. Once in Khe Sanh, you might have more choices from the local eateries.
Day 4: Khe Sanh – Hue (6 hours driving)
Khe Sanh – A Luoi or Hue
Again, if time allows, you should stray off the Ho Chi Minh Trail for a while and take the road No. 9 to visit Hien Luong Bridge by the 17th parallel – a memorable symbolization for the separation of North and South Vietnam.
What to see? Imperial City Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda.
Where to eat? It’s time to make up for the past few days! Hue is a city with many signature dishes that tourists wouldn’t want to miss. Com Hen, Banh Beo, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Khoai, and so on – be sure to try them all at least once!
Day 5: Hue – Da Nang (5 hours driving)
Hue – Thuan An Peninsula – Hien Van – Lang Co – Hai Van Pass – Hoi An – Da Nang
This route will be longer than the second but full of experiences. It’s tranquil and beautiful enough to be the greatest part of your long journey. The ride takes you along the coastline. From the top of Hai Van Pass, the view of Lang Co Beach is splendid. I won’t be surprised if you are charmed and opt to stop by for a better glimpse of the ocean and maybe a cup of coffee.
Hue – Highway 1 – Da Nang
Unlike the former, this route will take you to the bottom of Hai Van Pass and Lang Co. Highway 1 is known for how busy and jammed it is yet it will save you so much time.
What to see? Ba Na Hills, My Son Sanctuary, Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An. If you want more suggestions, check my list of things to do in Da Nang out.
Where to eat? Many local eateries will serve Banh Xeo and Mi Quang. The seafood here is also very popular.
