Itinerary Overview
This 14-day one-way 4×4 expedition follows the lower Mekong corridor before pushing deep into inland Cambodia and southern Laos, linking river systems, border towns, and remote highland interiors. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, The IA designs this journey around geographic logic, border flow, and long-distance overland rhythm rather than classic sightseeing. The route moves steadily northward and inland, with each country revealing itself through terrain and daily road conditions, creating a raw cross-border experience shaped by Vietnam car tours.
The journey begins in Southern Vietnam, crossing the Mekong Delta through Can Tho and Chau Doc, where waterways, ferries, and border trade define the pace of travel. From here, the route shifts toward the coast and the island edge at Phu Quoc before crossing into Cambodia via the Ha Tien corridor, heading toward Sihanoukville. Inland Cambodia unfolds through Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, where flat river plains gradually give way to quieter provincial roads and rural landscapes.
Turning north, the expedition follows the upper Mekong through Stung Treng and Kong Island, marking the transition from Cambodia into southern Laos. The terrain becomes increasingly remote as the route passes through Salavan, Thakhek, and Nahin, where karst formations, river valleys, and sparse settlements characterise the long driving days. The journey concludes in Vientiane, completing a true Indochina overland traverse built around rivers, borders, and the interior backbone of mainland Southeast Asia, guided throughout by The IA’s real cross-border experience.
Tour Highlights
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. Battambang Rural Plains showcase Cambodia’s agricultural heartland.
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Siem Reap Provincial Roads unfold quiet countryside beyond temple zones.
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Upper Mekong River Drive follows remote stretches of Southeast Asia’s lifeline.
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Stung Treng Border Region signals entry into sparsely populated riverfronts.
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Southern Laos Overland Route deepens isolation across forested interiors.
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Salavan Highland Interior highlights rolling terrain and provincial life.
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Thakhek Karst Landscape reveals limestone valleys and river corridors.
Summary
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Culture: The journey explores river-based trade, borderland communities, and highland cultures across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
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Average Daily Ride Hours: 4 – 6 hours
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Total Distance: 2490 KM
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Level: Intermediate
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Day 1: : Da Nang - Kham Duc
Leaving the coast behind, the drive turns inland toward the Annamite Range. Long-distance driving begins gently before elevation rises into forested hills. Traffic thins quickly, shifting the rhythm from coastal flow to interior focus. Scenic curves appear as valleys narrow and terrain tightens. Rural settlements become sparse, emphasizing distance from the sea. The air cools slightly with altitude. The landscape feels increasingly raw and less developed. Kham Duc appears quietly, surrounded by dense forest. The evening is calm after a committed inland stage.
Summary
Distance: ~210 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 2: : Kham Duc - Kon Tum
The route continues deeper into the Central Highlands. Elevation changes remain steady, shaping a focused driving day. Forested slopes dominate the scenery with long uninterrupted sections. Traffic is minimal throughout, allowing composed progress. The road flows naturally through valleys and ridgelines. Plantations and remote villages appear intermittently. The sense of isolation grows gradually rather than abruptly. Kon Tum arrives as a highland center with a grounded atmosphere. Evening time is relaxed and practical.
Summary
Distance: ~180 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 3: : Kon Tum - Attapeu
Leaving Vietnam, the drive heads toward the southern Laos border. Elevation changes intensify approaching the frontier. Traffic is extremely light, reinforcing remoteness. The border crossing marks a clear shift into a cross-border overland expedition. On the Laos side, the landscape opens wider with less structured development. Long scenic stretches run through forested hills. Driving remains steady and deliberate. Attapeu appears understated near the edge of the plateau. The evening is quiet after a demanding transition day.
Summary
Distance: ~240 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 4: : Attapeu - Pakse
The drive trends northwest across southern Laos highlands. Rolling terrain replaces steeper mountain corridors. Traffic remains minimal, keeping the pace relaxed. Forests and agricultural zones shape the scenery. Elevation changes soften gradually through the day. The sense of space becomes more expansive. Long-distance driving defines the rhythm without pressure. Pakse arrives as a Mekong-side hub with open surroundings. Evening time balances comfort and recovery.
Summary
Distance: ~200 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 5: : Pakse - Bolaven Plateau
Leaving the Mekong corridor, the route climbs back into higher ground. Elevation increases steadily, bringing cooler air and denser vegetation. Scenic curves define much of the drive. Traffic drops quickly once inland. Water systems and volcanic soil shape the plateau landscape. The road encourages attentive but smooth driving. The environment feels fertile and elevated. Arrival on the Bolaven Plateau comes with misty air and open farmland. Evening time is calm and rural.
Summary
Distance: ~120 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 6: : Bolaven Plateau - Salavan
The drive descends gradually from the plateau into quieter southern provinces. Elevation changes remain gentle. Forested sections alternate with cultivated valleys. Traffic stays extremely light throughout the day. Long scenic stretches encourage consistent pacing. The landscape feels remote but approachable. Settlements appear infrequently along the route. Salavan arrives quietly with a provincial atmosphere. Evening time is simple and restful.
Summary
Distance: ~160 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 7: : Salavan - Sekong
The route continues east toward the Annamite spine. Terrain becomes more rugged with tighter valleys. Elevation changes increase, shaping a more engaging drive. Traffic remains minimal, reinforcing isolation. Forest cover thickens across long sections. The road demands steady focus without strain. The sense of crossing interior regions becomes clear. Sekong appears small and remote. Evening time is calm and grounded.
Summary
Distance: ~180 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel -
Day 8: : Sekong - Banlung
Leaving Laos, the drive crosses into northeastern Cambodia. Border formalities mark another regional transition. On the Cambodian side, terrain opens into rolling highlands. Traffic remains light and predictable. Forested landscapes and red earth define the scenery. Long-distance driving feels steady and controlled. Cultural shifts become noticeable through settlement patterns. Banlung arrives with a quiet frontier character. Evening time is relaxed after a cross-border stage.
Summary
Distance: ~220 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 9:: Banlung - Mondulkiri
The drive moves south through Cambodia’s eastern highlands. Elevation changes remain gentle but continuous. Forests and open plateaus dominate the view. Traffic is minimal, allowing smooth progress. The road favors endurance rather than technical challenge. Rural life appears scattered across the landscape. The sense of distance remains strong. Mondulkiri arrives with cooler air and wide horizons. Evening time is calm and spacious.
Summary
Distance: ~190 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 10: : Mondulkiri - Buon Ma Thuot
The journey returns into Vietnam across the Central Highlands border. Elevation rises gradually on approach. Traffic stays light through border regions. The transition is felt through terrain and road character. Forested hills give way to plantation landscapes. Long scenic sections encourage steady driving. The environment feels familiar yet distinct after Cambodia. Buon Ma Thuot appears as a grounded highland city. Evening time is relaxed.
Summary
Distance: ~210 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 11: : Buon Ma Thuot - Da Lat
Leaving the plateau core, the route climbs into higher elevations. Scenic curves increase steadily throughout the day. Forested terrain dominates with cooler air returning. Traffic remains manageable and light. Valleys open and close rhythmically along the drive. The road rewards smooth and attentive control. The transition into alpine-style highlands is clear. Da Lat arrives with a cooler climate and slower pace. Evening time is comfortable.
Summary
Distance: ~200 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 12: : Da Lat - Free Day
This day is reserved for rest without long-distance driving. The cooler climate supports recovery. Time is available for light local exploration. The slower rhythm balances previous demanding stages. Short movements remain optional. The day allows reset before descending toward lower regions.
Summary
Distance: ~0 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 13: : Da Lat - Phan Thiet
The drive descends gradually from highlands to the coast. Elevation drops steadily, warming the air. Scenic curves soften into longer flowing sections. Forested slopes give way to drier lowland terrain. Traffic remains manageable throughout. The contrast between cool uplands and coastal plains becomes clear. Light opens toward the horizon. Phan Thiet arrives with sea air and relaxed movement. Evening time is unhurried.
Summary
Distance: ~180 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
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Day 14: : Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City
The final day follows southern lowland landscapes back to the metropolis. Long-distance driving defines the rhythm, favoring comfort and consistency. Agricultural zones and small towns shape the scenery. Traffic increases gradually approaching urban areas. The transition from remote highlands to dense city life becomes clear. The road remains predictable and steady. Ho Chi Minh City reappears with full scale and energy. The expedition concludes with a composed finish after crossing the Annamite backbone.
Summary
Distance: ~200 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+ |
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| Price / 1 Car / 1 Day | 70 USD | 70 USD | 80 USD | 90 USD |
Inclusions
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1 English Speaking Guide & 1 Driver
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Lead the routes by 4x4 Pick Up Truck
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Good Accommodation: 3 - 4 Stars Hotel – Twins or the best Hotel in area
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All Meals On Tour
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Luxury Bus Pickup and Drop off
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Water - Coffee during a day
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Ferry Fee
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Hotel before & after Tour
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Welcome & Farewell Dinner
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All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
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Material insurance for cars 50 - 70%
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Third Party Insurance
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Gasoline/ Petrol
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Walkie-Talkie
Excludes
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Personal insurance - Travel insurance (this at your own risk)
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4G SIM Card - You can buy Viettel 4G sim at airport around 10$
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Air ticket
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Soft Drink, Beers, Alcoholic drinks
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Personal expenses & Other expenses not described in the itinerary
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Visa
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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 |
Related tour
Hello Riders!
Tour: Central Highlands Indochina 4×4 One Way Tour 14 Days: Annamite Expedition
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14 days 13 nights
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2490 KM
Tour Highlights
- . Battambang Rural Plains showcase Cambodia’s agricultural heartland.
- Siem Reap Provincial Roads unfold quiet countryside beyond temple zones.
- Upper Mekong River Drive follows remote stretches of Southeast Asia’s lifeline.
- Stung Treng Border Region signals entry into sparsely populated riverfronts.
- Southern Laos Overland Route deepens isolation across forested interiors.
- Salavan Highland Interior highlights rolling terrain and provincial life.
- Thakhek Karst Landscape reveals limestone valleys and river corridors.
Pickup from
Da Nang
Contact info
