Itinerary Overview

The Vietnam War has left traces all over Indochina and beyond, both visible and more subtle. One of the more dramatic legacies of this troubling period is the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which is a network of trails used by the North Vietnamese Army to transport personnel and supplies south during the Vietnam War by going through Laos and around the US Army. As a result, Laos became subject to bombing by the US. To this day, Laos is the most heavily bombed nation in the world. The bulk of the route is found in Laos, and a plethora of evidence from this era remains scattered along the country’s present-day Ho Chi Minh Trail, ready to be discovered as part of your tailor-made tour.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail motorcycle tour offers bikers one of the best motorcycling roads in Southeast Asia, as it starts in the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, traverses through the Annamite Mountains, which form a natural border between Vietnam and Laos and ends in the vibrant beach city Da Nang. Embark on this cross-border 10-day excursion; you will be kept on the dirt trails as much as possible, ensuring a thrilling and adventurous ride. 

Tour Highlights

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Summary

Tour Highlights

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    Adrenaline-pumping escapades await

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    Hardest roads for motorcycling in Indochina, river crossings, homemade bridges & remote dirt trails!

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    Travel back in time to enjoy the unique beauty and serenity of Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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    An off-the-beaten-track experience highlighted by a close-up view of the Plain of Jars, reminiscent of England’s Stonehenge.

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    Jaws dropped at the apocalyptic scene of the Flooded Forests of Nam Theun 2 Dam.

  • Day 0: Arrive in Luang Prabang

    Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and taken to your hotel for check-in. After a welcome briefing, you will meet the reliable horses accompanying you throughout your journey in Laos. Please let us know if you have any unique preferences or requirements, and we will accommodate them. and we will have a welcome dinner together.
    Summary
    Accommodation:Victoria Xiengthong Palace
    Distance: 0
    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 1: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng

    After breakfast, it's time to pick up our bikes and begin our trip to Vang Vieng, the mecca of all backpackers, located in a magnificent karst landscape and, until recently, was the alcohol and drug capital of Laos. The road out of town is a compressed dirt track leading to the paved main road. Compressed dirt roads are familiar in Laos, so we will hit another one shortly after leaving the main road. Then, it’s a track and trail that the Ranger may not follow.
    We will arrive in Vang Vieng in the late afternoon and stop for lunch at a local spot.
    Summary
    Accommodation: ViengTara VangVieng Resort
    Distance: 225km
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Day 2: Vang Vieng - Phonsavan

    After visiting the well-known city of Vang Vieng, we continued to a much darker chapter of Laotian history. After an early breakfast, we will head on the main road until we reach older, less-developed roads. There is a secondary, underused route, but a hydroelectric plant occasionally floods it.
    After lunch, we will embark on an off-road adventure through the lower parts of Phonsavan, exploring some secluded locations. Expect it to take about 3 hours, leaving us plenty of time to visit the Plain of Jars. Around twilight, we will get to a hotel and enjoy a local dinner in Phonsavan.
    Summary
    Accommodation: Pukyo Belgian-Lao Bed & Breakfast
    Distance: 200km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 3: Phonsavan - Muang Mok

    It was a really great ride today. The tough ride of 82 km (first part) takes you through remote areas and forests where villagers still live with very little impact from modern civilization. It is hard to find a place to eat along the way.
    Leaving Phonsavan, we head over to Phu Samsoum, the second-highest mountain in Laos. There, we’ll enjoy a local lunch before heading back down the trails. Today, we have some big rivers to cross and stunning trails running up along the Vietnamese border. Then, we drop down into the small town of Muang Mok, where we stay overnight, enjoying the local food and drink.
    Summary
    Accommodation: Nam Xong Guesthouse
    Distance: 180km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 4: Muong Mok - Na Hin

    After breakfast, we say goodbye to Muong Mok and head out on the road to the Borikamxay Province. We leave the dirt road behind, and a short blast takes us to Viengtong.
    After lunch, we will head deep into the off-road forests, leaving the Borikamxay province and entering the heart of the Khammouane Province, where the karst mountains emerge. We will climb hills and wind around mountains on freshly graded dirt roads, finishing the day on a delightful tiny track that leads into the settlement of Nahin. Then, we will check into our guest house for a well-earned rest.
    Summary
    Accommodation: The Rock Lodge@Phouphamarn
    Distance: 230 km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 5: Na Hin - Nong Chan

    We will spend 2 hours in the morning unleashing your inner adventure at nature's masterpiece, The Rock Viewpoint – an unknown world of ancient karstic forests, amazing views, and endemic fauna in Central Laos. This scenic spot offers breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping adventures like zip lines, spider nets, hanging rope bridges, scenic hikes, suspended bridges, and more.
    After lunch, we will get through the cave by boat!!
    then easy road to Nong Chan
    Summary
    Accommodation: ລີສອດສາຍພູຫຼວງ Sayphouloung Resort
    Distance: 180 km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 6: Nong Chan - Xepon

    After breakfast, we continue our trip on the paved road to Bualapha, a small village just 10 km from the Vietnamese border. The place is well known because of the Mu Gia pass, the so-called “Death Gate” during the Second Indochina War. It is part of the “Ho Chi Minh Trail,” where the Viet Cong transported food, weapons, and other supplies to the South of Vietnam. Mu Gia is now one of the main exit points from Laos to Vietnam.
    We pass Ban Vialbury and then keep riding for another 45 km to Sepon before sunset. Sepon was heavily bombed during the Second Indochina War, and we will spend the night there.
    Summary
    Accommodation:Viengxai Guesthouse
    Distance: 210 km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 7: Xepon - Salavan

    An early departure is recommended! First thing in the morning, we take a slight detour to check out the old Xepon. The old city (written as “Tchepone” on some old maps) was captured by communist forces in 1960 and became an important outpost on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
    From there, we continue on a small but reasonable dirt road surrounded by bomb craters and pieces of UXO to reach a noticeable thing: a 300-meter Bamboo Bridge. The rocky trail becomes potholed and ravine-ravaged, disappearing across the Xe Pouan River near the village of Tat Hai. We zigzag in soft sand, hard rock, and mud, and then, magically, a sealed road appears for the final miles to Salavan.
    Summary
    Accommodation: Phengthavixay Up
    Distance:
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 8: Salavan - Dak Cheung

    With many riding behind us, there’s still more to go. A great day ahead as we use a section of the old Ho Chi Minh Trail to get to remote Dak Cheung; some remote sections await us as we head into the mountains close to the Vietnamese border, once an essential part of that infamous trail network that saw much activity in the war. By the end of the day, you will have sampled a taste of rural Laos and the trail with much more to see. As we overnight in this small town, you will get a real insight into rural Lao life. Expect some fun with the locals.
    Summary
    Accommodation:Hotel HOÀNG GIA
    Distance: 160 km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 9: Dak Cheung - Da Nang (Viet Nam)

    Today, we’re back on the Ho Chi Minh trail and depart for the Nam Giang immigration checkpoint. (border crossing to Vietnam and continuing to Da Nang)
    When we arrive at the border, those Who ride Laos bikes will drop the bike at the border and walk to Vietnam - there will be a bus to take you back to Danang.
    And to those who ride Vietnam Bike - just keep riding back to Danang
    Summary
    Accommodation: Meliá Danang Beach Resort
    Distance: 170km
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Day 10: Da Nang free

    Today, you are free to explore Da Nang on your own or just relax after your long ride.
    We will transfer your group to the airport according to your outbound flight. You may have booked a few extra days in Da Nang to explore the city in more detail.
    Summary
    Meals: Breakfast

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Tour: Dirt Bike from Laos to Da Nang 10 days

Indochina Adventure
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    10 days

  • Icon distance

    Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Muang Mok - Na Hin - Nong Chan - Xepon - Salavan - Dak Cheung - Da Nang

Icon acheive Tour Highlights

  • Adrenaline-pumping escapades await
  • Hardest roads for motorcycling in Indochina, river crossings, homemade bridges & remote dirt trails!
  • Travel back in time to enjoy the unique beauty and serenity of Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • An off-the-beaten-track experience highlighted by a close-up view of the Plain of Jars, reminiscent of England’s Stonehenge.
  • Jaws dropped at the apocalyptic scene of the Flooded Forests of Nam Theun 2 Dam.

Icon destination Destination

  1. North Laos
  2. South Laos
  3. Central Vietnam

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Laos

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