15 Day Vietnam Laos Motorcycle Tour: Hanoi to Saigon via Luang Prabang

Welcome, the route heads northwest out of Hanoi on backroads through Hoa Binh province, passing Hoa Binh Reservoir before dropping into Mai Chau Valley, around 135 kilometers from the city. The valley sits at 340 meters above sea level and is home to White Thai villages that have farmed the same rice terraces for several centuries. You arrive in the afternoon with time to walk the valley floor before dinner. In the evening, White Thai community members perform traditional dance in the stilt house where you stay overnight.

An early start heads toward the Vietnam-Laos border crossing, transitioning into the lush highland scenery of northern Laos. The ride continues through dramatic mountain roads and quiet rural villages into Sam Nua, a charming town nestled in the scenic Houaphanh Province.

One of the longest riding days of the tour covers sweeping Laotian countryside before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. Ancient temples, traditional architecture, and a vibrant night market await on arrival.

A full day to explore Luang Prabang at leisure. Morning visits to the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong are followed by an afternoon at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall with its turquoise tiered pools.

The ride south from Luang Prabang delivers panoramic views of limestone karst formations and lush river valleys into the adventure hub of Vang Vieng. Optional afternoon activities include tubing or kayaking through the dramatic natural scenery surrounding the town.

A smooth ride south leads into Vientiane, the relaxed capital of Laos where traditional culture and city life sit comfortably side by side. Key stops include the iconic Pha That Luang stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument before a traditional Lao dinner in the city.

The longest day of the tour follows the Mekong River corridor south through open Laotian landscapes into Savannakhet, a laid-back riverside town with a distinct French colonial character. Time to stroll the riverfront before dinner.

Crossing back into Vietnam, the route heads through rugged highland terrain into Khe Sanh, one of the most historically significant towns of the Vietnam War. Visits to the Khe Sanh Combat Base and Ta Con Airfield offer a powerful insight into the conflict’s impact on this remote region.

The ride continues southeast through scenic highland roads into Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, with time to visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City before pushing on.

The afternoon tackles the legendary Hai Van Pass, delivering sweeping views over jungle and coastline before descending toward the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and exceptional local cuisine provide a memorable end to the cross-border adventure.

Leaving Hoi An, the route heads inland along the scenic Phuoc Son Trail through lush mountain landscapes, dense forests, and quiet rural villages. The ride passes through remote territory of the Ba Na ethnic community, offering a genuine glimpse into traditional highland culture and untouched natural scenery.

As the road climbs toward Mang Den, often called the “second Da Lat,” the scenery transitions into cool pine forests and peaceful mountain lakes for a serene end to the day.

Leaving Mang Den, the route heads south through the Central Highlands on dirt trails toward Pleiku and Kon Tum past lush forests, rolling hills, and quiet rural villages. A significant stop at the historic Ia Drang Valley battlefield adds powerful wartime context before the ride continues into Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s celebrated coffee capital.

En-route we can stop for a visit to Yok Don national park (optional stop)

Leaving the highlands behind, the ride descends through the Tay Son mountains toward the coast, rejoining the highway around 30 km north of Nha Trang before following a stunning coastal road into the city. Emerald waters and colorful fishing boats line the final stretch into Nha Trang.

The next day is a free day at your own, enjoy the beach capital of Vietnam your way.

Today’s ride climbs into the Central Highlands along one of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain roads, famously featured in the BBC Top Gear Vietnam Special.

The route mixes sealed roads shifting gradually into an exciting dirt trail sections through highland terrain before reaching Da Lat, we stop for lunch and then carry on again.

An optional stop at the stunning Dambri Waterfall, one of the tallest in the Central Highlands, makes for a rewarding mid-ride break before pushing south on Road 20 toward Cat Tien National Park.

After checking in, the evening brings a guided visit into the national park, an area that served as a wartime militia base and bears the visible scars of extensive herbicide damage, with open grassland and bamboo replacing what was once dense tropical forest.

The final ride covers a relatively short distance but builds in energy as the landscape transitions from jungle wilderness into the buzzing outskirts of Saigon. Traffic thickens on the city approach, a fitting contrast to the remote roads left behind, as the tour concludes in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.