Itinerary Overview

This 21-day one-way 4×4 expedition is a true Indochina traverse, following the Mekong corridor from Southern Vietnam through Cambodia and Laos before climbing into the mountains of Northern Vietnam. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City and finishing in Hanoi, The IA designs this journey around river systems, border flow, and interior overland logic rather than classic tourism routes, positioned within Vietnam car tours. The experience is long, layered, and progressive, with each country revealing itself through terrain and distance.

The expedition begins in the Mekong Delta, moving through Can Tho and Chau Doc where river life, ferries, and border trade define the early rhythm. From the delta edge, the route reaches Phu Quoc before crossing into Cambodia via the Ha Tien corridor toward the coast. Inland Cambodia unfolds gradually, passing through Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, where flat plains, rural roads, and agricultural landscapes dominate long driving days.

Continuing north, the journey follows the upper Mekong through Stung Treng and Kong Island, marking the transition into southern Laos. The terrain tightens through Salavan, Thakhek, and Nahin, where limestone karst, river valleys, and sparse settlements shape the driving experience. From Vientiane, the route turns back into the mountains, climbing through Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang before pushing deeper north via Oudomxay.

The final phase crosses back into Vietnam through the Tay Trang border, entering Dien Bien and the remote highlands of the northwest. The expedition closes through the cooler elevations of Sapa before descending toward Hanoi, completing a full Mekong-to-mountains overland journey shaped by rivers, borders, and The IA’s real expedition pacing.

Tour Highlights

Mekong Delta Overland Route introduces river-shaped terrain and lowland driving
Can Tho River Network reflects daily life tied closely to waterways
Chau Doc Border Town marks frontier trade and cultural transition
Phu Quoc Island Transition shifts from overland to maritime rhythm
Ha Tien Border Crossing defines entry into Cambodia
Cambodia Coastal Entry opens broad lowland scenery
Phnom Penh Inland Corridor shows central plains and capital contrast
Battambang Rural Plains emphasize agricultural heartlands
Siem Reap Provincial Roads cross flat cultural regions
Upper Mekong River Drive follows long frontier corridors
Stung Treng Border Region reflects remote Mekong landscapes
Kong Island River Section highlights quiet riverine isolation
Southern Laos Overland Route enters interior highlands
Salavan Interior Highlands reveal rolling terrain and plantations
Thakhek Karst Landscape features limestone and river valleys
Nahin Mountain Valley defines enclosed karst terrain
Vientiane Mekong Corridor contrasts urban calm with river life
Vang Vieng Limestone Valleys deliver dramatic karst scenery
Luang Prabang Mountain Route blends culture and terrain
Oudomxay Remote Highlands emphasize northern isolation
Tay Trang Border Crossing marks re-entry into Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho

Can Tho - Chau Doc

Chau Doc - Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc - Ha Tien Border - Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh - Free Day

Phnom Penh - Battambang

Battambang - Siem Reap

Siem Reap - Stung Treng

Stung Treng - Kong Island

Kong Island - Salavan

Salavan - Thakhek

Thakhek - Nahin

Nahin - Vientiane

Vientiane - Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang - Free Day

Luang Prabang - Oudomxay

Oudomxay - Tay Trang Border - Dien Bien

Dien Bien - Sapa

Sapa - Hanoi

Overview

Details

Prices

FAQs

Summary

Culture: A continuous cultural flow follows the Mekong from delta communities through Indochina’s interior highlands into northern Vietnam
Average Daily Ride Hours: 4 – 6 hours
Total Distance: 4350 km
Level: Intermediate

Day 1: : Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho

Leaving Ho Chi Minh City, the drive heads south into the flat and fertile Mekong Delta. Long-distance driving feels relaxed as waterways begin to shape the landscape. Urban density fades quickly, replaced by rice fields and canal networks. Traffic follows a slower regional rhythm that encourages smooth pacing. The road remains level, broken by bridges and river crossings. Daily life unfolds close to the route, tied closely to water and agriculture. Humidity and greenery increase steadily through the day. Arrival in Can Tho brings a lively river-city atmosphere. The evening is calm and grounded in delta life.
Summary
Distance: ~170 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 2: : Can Tho - Chau Doc

The drive continues deeper into the upper delta along wide river corridors. Traffic remains light and predictable, matching the relaxed pace of the region. The scenery feels horizontal and expansive, guided by water rather than terrain. Floating communities and riverside settlements dominate the view. Progress is steady without urgency. Cultural influences shift subtly approaching border regions. The road encourages observation rather than pace. Chau Doc appears with a quiet frontier character near the river systems. Evening time is unhurried and reflective.
Summary
Distance: ~120 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 3: : Chau Doc - Phu Quoc

Leaving Chau Doc, the route follows delta lowlands toward the coast. Waterways and farmland continue to dominate the scenery. Long-distance driving remains smooth and predictable. Traffic stays manageable, keeping the journey comfortable. Arrival at the port marks a clear transition from overland travel. The ferry crossing introduces open water and a slower rhythm. Phu Quoc appears with tropical light and sea air. The evening signals a complete change in atmosphere.
Summary
Distance: ~210 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 4: : Phu Quoc - Ha Tien Border - Sihanoukville

The morning begins with island departure and coastal transfer. Border formalities mark entry into Cambodia and a new stage of the expedition. On the Cambodian side, landscapes open into broader coastal plains. Traffic remains light, allowing steady and composed progress. The environment feels warmer and less structured. Long scenic sections stretch inland from the coast. The sense of crossing regions is clear through settlement patterns. Sihanoukville arrives with a maritime frontier atmosphere. Evening time is relaxed by the sea.
Summary
Distance: ~190 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 5: : Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Leaving the coast, the drive heads inland across Cambodia’s central lowlands. Long-distance driving defines the day with a consistent rhythm. Flat terrain allows smooth and uninterrupted progress. Rural settlements and farmland dominate the scenery. Traffic increases gradually approaching the capital. The contrast between coastal calm and urban density becomes clear. Phnom Penh appears expansive and energetic. Evening time balances rest with city atmosphere.
Summary
Distance: ~230 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 6: : Phnom Penh - Free Day

This day is reserved for rest without long-distance driving. Time is available for light exploration at an easy pace. The slower rhythm allows recovery after several travel stages. Short local movements remain optional. The day helps adjust to Cambodia’s capital environment. Evening time remains flexible and calm.
Summary
Distance: ~0 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 7: : Phnom Penh - Battambang

Leaving the capital, the route turns northwest into Cambodia’s agricultural heartlands. Long scenic stretches encourage smooth and composed driving. Traffic thins steadily outside urban zones. The landscape feels open and spacious, shaped by rice cultivation. Elevation remains flat, keeping the drive relaxed. Rural Cambodia becomes more pronounced with distance. Battambang arrives with a slower provincial rhythm. Evening time is calm and understated.
Summary
Distance: ~290 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 8: : Battambang - Siem Reap

The drive continues across fertile plains toward the cultural north. Driving remains smooth and predictable throughout the day. Traffic stays light, allowing consistent progress. Rural scenery dominates with minimal elevation change. The journey feels short and unforced. Cultural significance increases nearing the destination. Siem Reap arrives with a clear shift in atmosphere. Evening time is relaxed and comfortable.
Summary
Distance: ~170 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 9: : Siem Reap - Stung Treng

Leaving the Angkor region, the route heads northeast along the Mekong corridor. Terrain remains mostly flat but increasingly remote. Traffic drops noticeably as settlements become sparse. Long-distance driving defines the rhythm of the day. River influence becomes more visible throughout the journey. The sense of frontier travel grows steadily. Stung Treng appears quietly along the Mekong. Evening time is calm and grounded.
Summary
Distance: ~300 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 10: : Stung Treng - Kong Island

The drive follows the Mekong deeper into border regions. Landscapes flatten further, shaped by river systems and forest edges. Traffic remains minimal throughout the day. Progress feels steady and unhurried. Villages appear infrequently, reinforcing isolation. The sense of overland scale becomes clear. Kong Island arrives with a quiet riverine atmosphere. Evening time is reflective and still.
Summary
Distance: ~210 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 11: : Kong Island - Salavan

Leaving the Mekong corridor, the route turns east toward southern Laos highlands. Elevation increases gradually across rolling terrain. Forested sections replace river landscapes. Traffic stays extremely light. The drive feels isolated and expansive. Long scenic stretches encourage steady pacing. Salavan appears with a quiet provincial character. Evening time is calm after a committed inland stage.
Summary
Distance: ~230 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 12: : Salavan - Thakhek

The journey continues north through interior Laos. Rolling terrain and forested corridors dominate the scenery. Elevation changes remain gentle and consistent. Traffic stays minimal, allowing uninterrupted progress. The drive favors endurance over technical challenge. Settlements are sparse, emphasizing distance. Thakhek arrives along the Mekong with a relaxed atmosphere. Evening time is unhurried.
Summary
Distance: ~300 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 13: : Thakhek - Nahin

Leaving the Mekong, the route turns east into limestone country. Terrain becomes more enclosed with rising hills and valleys. Scenic curves define the driving experience. Traffic drops quickly outside populated areas. Forested landscapes dominate long sections. The drive demands focus while remaining fluid. Nahin appears small and remote within karst surroundings. Evening time is quiet and grounded.
Summary
Distance: ~160 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 14: : Nahin - Vientiane

The drive trends west toward the Laotian capital. Valleys widen gradually, and roads feel more structured. Long-distance driving remains smooth and consistent. Traffic increases slightly but stays manageable. The contrast between remote interior and urban life becomes clear. Elevation decreases steadily. Vientiane appears calm and spacious. Evening time balances comfort and rest.
Summary
Distance: ~290 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 15: : Vientiane - Vang Vieng

Leaving the capital, the route heads north into limestone landscapes. Elevation changes return gradually, shaping an engaging day. Valleys narrow and widen rhythmically. Traffic thins quickly outside urban zones. Karst formations dominate much of the scenery. Driving requires attention but remains composed. Vang Vieng arrives with a relaxed riverside atmosphere. Evening time is quiet and open.
Summary
Distance: ~160 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 16: : Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

The drive continues through layered mountain terrain. Gentle curves alternate with open stretches. Elevation changes remain present but manageable. Traffic stays light, allowing smooth progress. Villages appear occasionally along the route. Cultural depth increases approaching the north. Luang Prabang appears gradually along the river. Evening time is unhurried and calm.
Summary
Distance: ~230 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 17: : Luang Prabang - Free Day

A full rest day without long-distance driving. Time is available for light exploration at an easy pace. The slower rhythm supports recovery after extended travel. Short movements remain optional. The atmosphere feels calm and culturally rich. Evening time remains flexible.
Summary
Distance: ~0 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 18: : Luang Prabang - Oudomxay

Leaving the river valley, the route moves deeper into northern Laos. Mountain terrain becomes more continuous and less cultivated. Elevation changes are frequent but controlled. Traffic remains very light throughout the day. Forested hills and valleys dominate the scenery. Long stretches emphasize distance and scale. Oudomxay appears as a practical northern hub. Evening time is simple and quiet.
Summary
Distance: ~270 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 19: : Oudomxay - Tay Trang Border - Dien Bien

The day begins with remote mountain driving toward the Vietnam border. Elevation changes intensify approaching the frontier. Traffic is minimal, reinforcing isolation. The border crossing marks a clear transition back into Vietnam. Terrain tightens with pronounced mountain corridors. Scenic curves shape the descent. Dien Bien appears within a broad basin surrounded by hills. Evening time is calm after a demanding stage.
Summary
Distance: ~240 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 20: : Dien Bien - Sapa

Leaving Dien Bien, the route turns east across northwest highlands. Long-distance driving defines the rhythm of the day. Elevation changes remain frequent but manageable. Landscapes shift constantly, avoiding repetition. Road conditions require steady attention. Cultivated slopes signal the approach to developed highlands. Arrival in Sapa is gradual and composed. Evening time offers comfort after a full mountain stage.
Summary
Distance: ~260 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 21: : Sapa - Hanoi

The final day focuses on a steady return from the highlands to the capital. The drive begins with a long descent through layered terrain. Cooler mountain air fades as elevation lowers. Long-distance driving favors comfort and consistency. Rural scenery transitions into broader lowland landscapes. Traffic density increases nearing the outskirts. Hanoi reappears with familiar scale and movement. The expedition concludes with a clear sense of completion after crossing Indochina end to end.
Summary
Distance: ~320 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

Price

	2-4 pax	5-8 pax	9 - 12 pax	13+ pax
Price / 1 Pax / 1 Day	200 USD	180 USD	160 USD	Contact Us

CHOOSE THE CAR
	Wildtrack 2.2 2022+	Toyota Hilux 2022+	Wildtrack 3.2 2022+	Raptor 2022+
Price / 1 Car / 1 Day	70 USD	70 USD	80 USD	90 USD

Inclusions

1 English Speaking Guide & 1 Driver
Lead the routes by 4x4 Pick Up Truck
Good Accommodation: 3 - 4 Stars Hotel – Twins or the best Hotel in area
All Meals On Tour
Luxury Bus Pickup and Drop off
Water - Coffee during a day
Ferry Fee
Hotel before & after Tour
Welcome & Farewell Dinner
All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
Material insurance for cars 50 - 70%
Third Party Insurance
Gasoline/ Petrol
Walkie-Talkie

Excludes

Personal insurance - Travel insurance (this at your own risk)
4G SIM Card - You can buy Viettel 4G sim at airport around 10$
Air ticket
Soft Drink, Beers, Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses & Other expenses not described in the itinerary
Visa

Note

• 1 Sweeper Car will come in every 7 Cars
• Cameraman 200$ / 1 day for Photos + Flycam/ FPV + 2 Clips after tour
• Single Supplement for Single Occupancy – Price will be informed upon the tour you book
Halong Bay Cruise + 100$ / 1 person
• Transfer the car back to Depature Spot 400$ / 1 car
• Deposit for Car $ 2000 by credit card for each car. This is used for Car Damage and Fines. The deposit will be released after 1 month
Children
• 5 – under 8: No Charge – can take with 4 people 1 car
• 8 – under 12: 50% of the price – can take with 4 people 1 car
• 12 – under 16: 75% of price – as an adult, not more than 4 people 1 car
• From 16 as an adult

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Group Tour

No.	Arrival date	Tour end date	Bikes	Tour name	Slot	Book tour
1	16/06/2026	30/06/2026	DIRTBIKE	Vietnam Dirtbike Expedition 14 Days: The Classic Route from Hanoi to Saigon	10	Book now