Southern Vietnam, with its warm tropical climate, winding roads through mountains and coastal stretches, is a dream destination for travelers who love to explore on two wheels. If you’re planning a motorcycle trip to immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of this region, don’t miss the incredible route suggestions we’ve put together. Starting from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, these routes will take you through tranquil countryside, lush national parks, captivating beaches, and charming coastal cities. Join “Travel Around the World” as we explore these exciting journeys!
Why Southern Vietnam Is a Paradise for Motorcycle Touring?
Southern Vietnam holds a unique charm for motorcycle enthusiasts, and here’s why:
- Ideal Weather: With a tropical climate that offers warm, sunny days year-round, Southern Vietnam is perfect for long trips without sudden weather interruptions. The dry season, in particular, provides perfect riding conditions.
- Diverse Terrain: From flat coastal roads to winding mountain passes and clay-rich basalt terrains of the highlands, the region provides diverse and thrilling riding experiences.
- Stunning Natural Scenery: Southern Vietnam boasts breathtaking landscapes, including pristine beaches, expansive primary forests, fruit-laden orchards, serene rivers, and majestic waterfalls. Every route reveals unique and unforgettable views.
- Rich Culinary Culture: A motorcycle trip in Southern Vietnam isn’t complete without sampling the local cuisine. Each area you pass through has its specialties—from fresh seafood along the coast to rustic countryside dishes and aromatic highland coffees.
- Well-Developed Infrastructure: The region has an improving network of roads, especially along the coastline and highways. Along your routes, you’ll find petrol stations, eateries, guesthouses, and other essential services, ensuring a safe and hassle-free trip.
Recommended Motorcycle Routes Starting from Ho Chi Minh City
Below are four stunning motorcycle routes from Ho Chi Minh City, tailored for different durations and preferences:
1. 2-3 Day Route: Explore Cat Tien National Park & Lagi Beach (Purple Route)
If you have limited time but still crave a memorable motorcycle trip, this 2-3 day route is perfect. It combines lush inland roads with scenic coastal stretches, leading you to Cat Tien National Park and the peaceful Lagi beach.
Highlights:
- Cat Tien National Park: One of Vietnam’s largest biosphere reserves, featuring diverse ecosystems, primary forests, the poetic Dong Nai River, and rare flora and fauna. Activities include trekking, exploring Crocodile Lake (“Bau Sau”), and night wildlife tours.
- Lagi Coastal Road: The DT719 road from Lagi back to Ho Chi Minh City is renowned as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal routes. You’ll enjoy fresh sea air, fishing villages, and stretches of untouched beaches.
- Coco Beach Camp Lagi: A unique stop with creatively designed wooden huts and tents, offering a relaxing seaside ambiance and photo-perfect vibes.
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City → Cat Tien National Park (~150 km)
Start from Ho Chi Minh City heading along National Highway 1A, then turn onto National Highway 20 towards Dinh Quan. The route is straightforward and mainly includes highway driving. Upon reaching Dinh Quan, take Provincial Road 721 to Cat Tien National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass tranquil countryside, lush orchards, and the serene Dong Nai River. Once in Cat Tien, check in and relax. Spend your afternoon trekking or cycling through the park.
- Day 2: Cat Tien National Park → Lagi (~180 km)
After enjoying fresh morning air in Cat Tien, check out and embark on the journey to Lagi. Highlights of today’s ride include the scenic DT720 and DT719 roads. DT720 winds through rubber plantations and cashew orchards, while DT719 offers stunning coastal views, sandy beaches, and fishing villages. In Lagi, stay at Coco Beach Camp or another nearby accommodation.
- Day 3: Lagi → Ho Chi Minh City (~170 km)
Return to Ho Chi Minh City via the gorgeous coastal road DT719. While there may not be many major attractions along this route, the serene stretches of beach lined roads make for an enjoyable ride back home. Reach Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon to conclude your adventure.
Suggested Accommodation:
- Cat Tien National Park: Green Bamboo Lodge, Green Hope Lodge (eco-friendly stays close to nature).
- Lagi: Coco Beach Camp (quirky tents and huts), or other beachfront hotels and guesthouses.
Scenic road from Ho Chi Minh City
2. 4-Day Route: Dreamy Da Lat and Sunny Mui Ne (Green Route)
This 4-day route takes you to two of Southern Vietnam’s most iconic destinations: Da Lat and Mui Ne. Ride along the scenic DT725 mountain pass, explore Da Lat’s charm, and bask in Mui Ne’s dynamic coastal vibes.
Highlights:
- DT725 Mountain Pass: Known for its picturesque curves, this pass connects Cat Tien to Da Lat and offers views of pine forests, tea plantations, and coffee farms.
- Da Lat: The city of eternal spring with its cool climate, French colonial architecture, vibrant flower gardens, and cozy cafés.
- Mui Ne: A coastal haven with pristine beaches, unique sand dunes, traditional fishing villages, and upscale resorts.
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Follow the same route as the 2-3 Day Route (Ho Chi Minh City → Cat Tien National Park).
- Day 3: Cat Tien National Park → Da Lat (~200 km)
Embark on the breathtaking DT725 pass to Da Lat. This challenging yet rewarding ride offers unforgettable mountain and highland landscapes. Arrive in Da Lat in the afternoon, where you can explore popular attractions like Ho Xuan Huong, Lam Vien Square, Da Lat Market, Da Lat Railway Station, and more.
- Day 4: Da Lat → Mui Ne → Ho Chi Minh City (~300 km)
Take a scenic ride descending from Da Lat to Mui Ne, enjoy the coastal attractions, then return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Suggested Accommodation:
- Da Lat: Calla Lilly Villa, Che House.
- Mui Ne: Beachfront resorts, hotels, and guesthouses.
DT725 mountain pass to Da Lat
3. 4-5 Day Route: Coastal Beauty of Binh Thuan Province (Orange Route)
For beach lovers, this longer route showcases scenic coastal roads in Binh Thuan Province, allowing you to explore untouched beaches, sand dunes, and fishing villages.
Highlights:
- Binh Thuan Coastal Roads: Renowned for their beauty, these roads weave along the coast, offering panoramic sea views and rugged cliffs.
- Phan Thiet and Mui Ne: Popular destinations with vibrant beaches, unique attractions like Fairy Stream and Sand Dunes, and delicious seafood.
Suggested Accommodation:
Focus on coastal stays in Phan Thiet or Mui Ne.
Coastal roads in Binh Thuan
4. 5-6 Day Route: From Da Lat to Nha Trang (Black Route)
This route combines Da Lat’s highland charm with Nha Trang’s vibrant coastal atmosphere. Experience the legendary 27C Mountain Pass en route.
Highlights:
- 27C Mountain Pass: Nicknamed the most beautiful pass in Vietnam, it connects Da Lat and Nha Trang, weaving through pristine forests and stunning waterfalls.
- Nha Trang: A bustling coastal city with gorgeous beaches, off-shore islands, and exciting water activities.
Suggested Accommodation:
Stay at beachfront hotels or resorts in Nha Trang.
27C pass to Nha Trang
Conclusion
With these motorcycle route suggestions across Southern Vietnam, “Travel Around the World” hopes you’ve found inspiration for your next adventure. Each route offers unique experiences, so choose the one that fits your schedule and interests. Remember to prepare thoroughly, ride safely, and soak up the incredible beauty of Southern Vietnam on two wheels. Don’t forget to share your journey and discoveries with us and the motorcycling community!