Itinerary Overview

This 20-day one-way 4×4 journey is a full-length overland traverse, built to connect Vietnam from its southern edge to the far northern borderlands in one continuous flow. Starting in Ca Mau and finishing at Ha Long, The IA designs this expedition around distance, terrain logic, and gradual regional transitions rather than highlights or shortcuts, making it ideal for long-form Vietnam car tours. Each stage is paced to let landscapes change naturally, from river delta to highland plateau, from coastal plains to limestone mountains.
The southern section moves through the Mekong Delta, where water defines daily life, passing Can Tho and Chau Doc before transitioning into the urban rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City. From there, the route shifts into drier coastal and upland terrain, crossing Phan Thiet, climbing into the cooler elevations of Da Lat, and continuing toward the coast at Nha Trang. The journey then turns inland again, entering the Central Highlands through Buon Ma Thuot and Kon Tum, where distance increases and the overland character become more pronounced.
The central corridor follows historic inland routes northward, passing Hoi An and Hue before reaching the former frontline landscapes of Khe Sanh and the karst region of Phong Nha. From the coast near Cua Lo, the route bends back into the mountains, climbing through Pu Luong and Ta Xua, where terrain tightens and elevation reshapes the driving rhythm.
The northern phase delivers the most dramatic landscapes of the journey, moving through Sa Pa, the limestone plateau of Ha Giang and Meo Vac, the forested lakes of Ba Be, and the border waterfalls at Ban Gioc. The expedition concludes at Ha Long, where limestone islands and open water provide a calm, natural finish after a long and demanding overland traverse. This is Vietnam experienced end to end, shaped by terrain, time, and The IA’s real-world expedition knowledge.

Tour Highlights

Vietnam 4x4 one way expedition connecting the country from delta to border
A continuous north–south overland route shaped by terrain and distance
Mekong Delta landscapes where rivers define daily life
Southern coastal transition from lowlands to dry seaside plains
Central Highlands mountain traverse with long remote stages
Kon Tum plateau showcasing the depth of Vietnam’s interior highlands
Hoi An cultural corridor blending inland routes with historic coast
Hue historic landscapes reflecting imperial and wartime layers
Khe Sanh highlands shaped by war history and rugged terrain
Phong Nha karst region defined by limestone mountains and forest corridors
Pu Luong valley terrain offering quiet northern upland scenery
Ta Xua cloud ridges with high elevation roads and open horizons
Sa Pa highlands combining cultivated slopes and mountain climate
Ha Giang karst plateau delivering Vietnam’s most dramatic limestone roads
Meo Vac limestone routes carved through extreme mountain terrain
Ba Be forested lakes bringing water and calm after highland stages
Ban Gioc border waterfall marking the northeastern frontier
Northeast Vietnam frontier landscapes leading toward the Gulf of Tonkin

Ca Mau - Can Tho

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet - Da Lat

Da Lat - Nha Trang

Nha Trang - Buon Ma Thuot

Buon Ma Thuot - Kon Tum

Kon Tum - Hoi An

Hoi An - Free Day

Hoi An - Hue

Hue - Khe Sanh

Khe Sanh - Phong Nha

Phong Nha - Cua Lo

Cua Lo - Pu Luong

Pu Luong - Ta Xua

Ta Xua - Sa Pa

Sa Pa - Ha Giang

Ha Giang - Meo Vac

Meo Vac - Ba Be

Ba Be - Ban Gioc - Ha Long

Overview

Details

Prices

FAQs

Summary

Culture: A journey through Vietnam’s regional cultures from river-based delta life to highland ethnic communities and historic war corridors
Average Daily Ride Hours: 4 – 6 hours
Total Distance KM: 4565 km
Level: Intermediate

Day 1: : Ca Mau - Can Tho

The journey begins at Vietnam’s southern edge, leaving Ca Mau through flat delta landscapes shaped by waterways. Long-distance driving is smooth and unhurried, following the natural rhythm of the Mekong. Canals, rivers, and dense greenery dominate the scenery. Traffic flows at a local pace, encouraging patience and steady control. Small settlements line the route, reflecting daily life tied closely to water. Elevation remains flat, keeping the drive relaxed. The sense of moving northward is gradual rather than abrupt. Arrival in Can Tho comes with a lively river-city atmosphere. The evening is calm, preparing for the long road ahead.
Summary
Distance: ~180 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 2: : Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Leaving the delta core, the drive follows fertile corridors toward the country’s largest city. Long-distance driving remains smooth and predictable. River crossings and bridges mark steady progress north. Rural scenery slowly gives way to denser development. Traffic increases gradually, signaling approach to a major urban center. The contrast between delta calm and city movement becomes clear. The road favors consistency over speed. Ho Chi Minh City appears with familiar scale and energy. The evening allows rest before turning toward the coast.
Summary
Distance: ~170 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 3: : Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet

Departing the city, the route moves into open southern landscapes. Long-distance driving sets a steady rhythm as urban density fades. Agricultural plains and dry coastal zones shape the scenery. Traffic thins noticeably outside metropolitan areas. Light and temperature shift subtly approaching the coast. The road flows smoothly with long scenic sections. Sea air becomes noticeable nearing the destination. Phan Thiet arrives with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Evening time is unhurried by the shore.
Summary
Distance: ~200 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 4: : Phan Thiet - Da Lat

The drive turns inland, marking a clear change in terrain. Elevation increases steadily, bringing cooler air and tighter scenic curves. Coastal flats give way to forested slopes. Traffic remains manageable, allowing focused driving. Valleys open and close as altitude builds. The transition from coast to highlands feels continuous. Scenery becomes greener and more layered. Da Lat appears with a cool climate and mountain-town calm. The evening is relaxed after a varied ascent.
Summary
Distance: ~180 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 5: : Da Lat - Nha Trang

Leaving the highlands, the route descends through layered mountain terrain. Elevation drops steadily, warming the air. Scenic curves define much of the drive. Forested slopes soften into broader valleys. Traffic remains light, supporting smooth progress. Coastal influence grows stronger nearing the shoreline. Light opens toward the horizon. Nha Trang arrives with a lively maritime atmosphere. The evening contrasts sharply with the previous highland calm.
Summary
Distance: ~140 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 6: : Nha Trang - Buon Ma Thuot

The route turns inland again, leaving the coast behind. Elevation increases gradually across rolling terrain. Scenic curves and open stretches shape the drive. Traffic thins quickly, reinforcing a sense of distance. Forests and plantations dominate the landscape. The climate cools slightly with altitude. The drive feels steady and balanced. Buon Ma Thuot appears as a grounded highland center. Evening time is calm and restorative.
Summary
Distance: ~220 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 7: : Buon Ma Thuot - Kon Tum

The journey continues across expansive Central Highlands plateaus. Long-distance driving defines the rhythm of the day. Coffee plantations and rural communities appear along the route. Elevation changes remain gentle and consistent. Traffic stays minimal throughout. The landscape feels open and less compressed. The sense of remoteness grows steadily. Kon Tum arrives with a distinct highland character. The evening is quiet after a full day on the road.
Summary
Distance: ~250 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 8: : Kon Tum - Hoi An

This stage marks a transition from highlands toward the coast. The drive begins across rolling plateaus before descending through forested terrain. Elevation drops steadily, changing both scenery and air. Scenic sections keep the drive engaging. Traffic increases slightly nearing coastal regions. Cultural and geographic shifts become noticeable. Light opens toward the sea. Arrival in Hoi An brings a historic and relaxed atmosphere. Evening time is welcoming and calm.
Summary
Distance: ~300 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 9: : Hoi An - Free Day

This day is reserved for rest without long-distance driving. Time is available to explore at an easy pace. The slower rhythm allows recovery after consecutive travel days. Short local movements can be done comfortably. The coastal climate feels refreshing. Cultural surroundings add depth without effort. The pause helps reset energy. Evening time remains flexible and relaxed.
Summary
Distance: ~0 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 10: : Hoi An - Hue

Leaving Hoi An, the route follows central coastal corridors. The drive feels lighter, with wide views and predictable flow. Scenic curves appear without technical difficulty. Traffic remains manageable throughout. Coastal influence shapes light and air. The journey feels connected rather than remote. Cultural transition becomes clear nearing the destination. Hue arrives with a calm historic presence. Evening time balances comfort and atmosphere.
Summary
Distance: ~140 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 11: : Hue - Khe Sanh

The route turns inland into more rugged terrain. Forested hills and narrowing valleys define the scenery. Elevation changes become more pronounced. Traffic thins quickly, reinforcing remoteness. The drive demands attention but remains fluid. The sense of history grows stronger through isolation. Long scenic stretches encourage composed pacing. Khe Sanh appears remote and reflective. Evening time is quiet and grounded.
Summary
Distance: ~210 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 12: : Khe Sanh - Phong Nha

Leaving upland terrain, the drive moves through forested corridors and river valleys. Scenic curves keep the day engaging. Traffic remains minimal across long sections. Elevation changes soften gradually. The landscape becomes greener and enclosed. The rhythm of driving feels immersive. Cooler air signals approach to limestone zones. Arrival in Phong Nha is calm and nature-focused. Evening time is quiet.
Summary
Distance: ~210 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 13: : Phong Nha - Cua Lo

The route descends gradually toward the coast. Forested hills give way to broader valleys. Long-distance driving feels smoother and lighter. Traffic increases slightly nearing coastal areas. The environment opens noticeably. Light and temperature shift as the sea approaches. The sense of moving north becomes clear. Cua Lo arrives with a relaxed coastal feel. Evening time is calm and open.
Summary
Distance: ~200 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 14: : Cua Lo - Pu Luong

Leaving the coast, the drive turns inland toward northern uplands. Elevation increases steadily through rolling countryside. Rural settlements become more scattered. Traffic remains light, allowing smooth control. Forested hills begin to dominate the scenery. The drive feels quieter and more remote. The landscape softens into valleys and green slopes. Pu Luong appears with a strong nature focus. Evening time is peaceful.
Summary
Distance: ~220 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 15: : Pu Luong - Ta Xua

The route climbs into higher elevations with tighter mountain sections. Scenic curves and ridgelines shape the drive. Elevation changes are frequent and engaging. Traffic stays minimal throughout. Valleys open and close rhythmically. Weather and light may shift at altitude. The sense of remoteness deepens. Ta Xua arrives with open horizons and cool air. The evening is quiet and restorative.
Summary
Distance: ~200 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 16: : Ta Xua - Sa Pa

Leaving Ta Xua, the drive continues across demanding mountain terrain. Elevation changes remain constant. Narrow sections alternate with wider scenic stretches. Settlements are sparse along the route. The drive requires steady focus rather than speed. Landscapes transition toward cultivated highlands. Cooler air becomes more pronounced. Sa Pa appears with a livelier mountain-town setting. Evening time is comfortable and calm.
Summary
Distance: ~250 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 17: : Sa Pa - Ha Giang

The journey resumes toward the far north. Terrain shifts from cultivated slopes to wilder karst landscapes. Elevation changes shape a demanding but fluid drive. Traffic remains light across provincial boundaries. Valleys deepen and rock formations intensify. The geological transition is unmistakable. Progress feels immersive. Ha Giang arrives as a frontier town. Evening time is quiet.
Summary
Distance: ~240 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 18: : Ha Giang - Meo Vac

This is one of the most intense driving days. The road climbs sharply into limestone terrain. Mountain passes follow in constant sequence. Driving demands precision and concentration. Sheer valleys dominate the scenery. Settlements cling to steep slopes. Progress is deliberate and controlled. Arrival in Meo Vac feels earned. Evening time is calm and grounded.
Summary
Distance: ~150 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 19: : Meo Vac - Ba Be

Leaving the plateau, the route descends into greener terrain. Karst formations soften into forested hills. The drive becomes less technical but remains engaging. Traffic stays minimal. Rural life becomes more visible. Elevation changes continue gently. The transition between extremes is clear. Ba Be arrives with water and open space. Evening time is restorative.
Summary
Distance: ~220 km
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: 3–4 stars Hotel
Day 20: : Ba Be - Ban Gioc - Ha Long

The final stage links northern borderlands to the coast. Valleys narrow and widen through karst landscapes. Long-distance driving defines the day’s rhythm. Traffic remains light in border regions. Border proximity is felt through terrain and atmosphere. Landscapes gradually soften into lowlands. Light changes approaching the sea. Ha Long appears with a dramatic coastal shift. The journey concludes with a strong sense of completion.
Summary
Distance: ~380 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