Da Nang – Hanoi
Route Summary
Duration: 3 days - 1,340 Kms
Route description coming soon.
Click for Route details:
Distance: 180 kms
This is a relatively short ride day so no time pressure to get at it early. The early riser though, is regularly rewarded with a beautiful sunrise on busy beaches.
One of my preferred morning beach cities for the vibe. Several ladies in their dancing groups mixing exercise with social entertainment.
For those who get at it early, the morning views from the Monkey Pass over Danang City and from the Hai Van pass of the ocean are quite spectacular so long as there is no low cloud.
For those on automatic transmission scooters delete (A, B & C) as they are NOT allowed on the Monkey Pass.
You need to be aware that trucks carrying flammables are not allowed in the tunnel so run over the pass. This is less frequent with many using the expressway around behind the pass.
Watch for two coming at you side by side in unrealistic overtaking maneuvers in any case.
(D) Is the coffee stop at the top of the Pass. Plenty of sellers there with souvenirs etc. Some fortresses too, battle scarred from gunfire to hold ground between the North and South historically.
Some nice views coming off the pass on the North side too but keep focused on the job and park safely for photography.
(E) Is your seafood lunch stop right on the beach. A few options in the area. All good, but this one has western seating and always been happy with the food.
(F) After lunch this map will take you to another interesting coastal area. Then onto an island with some interesting and ornate centuries old burial sites.
There is a lot to do around Hue. To the North, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are interesting but nothing further on the coast really. The citadel is right in town. If it’s a hot day, take plenty of water. I find with the high perimeter walls it’s uncomfortably hot in there.
A sunset boat ride up the river for sunset is a nice finish for the day and relatively inexpensive.
Distance: 195 kms
Get down to the river early. It’s a nice vibe with the locals exercising along the boardwalk and fisherman beating the sun in their open boats.
This isn’t a big day travel time wise but you can burn some time at the stops. A nice early start following the Perfume River out of Hue.
(A, B & C) are all historic points of interest. A good coffee stop right in front at the left turn up the top.
(D) on the map is Hamburger Hill, the site of a significant battle offensive in May 1969. There is a memorial at the top and a number of other sites off the main track.
It’s quite a climb and as I understand it you are supposed to have a guide although I did it by myself. Adds only 15 kms to the day but some time. Take water if tackling this.
Even if you decide against the climb it’s a great area to go exploring off this map in any case. I went alone the first time and all went okay but very remote so I advise sticking to the main tracks if by yourself.
From there we meet up with the HCM Road and follow the Thach Han River. Some really nice swim and photo opportunities along this stretch.
(E) on the map the best of them.
(F & G) again historical sites keeping you on the right path.
(G) is the US Military Combat Base. Opens at 7.30am if you get in late and well worth a look for the modest entry fee. Quite a bit to learn there if you want to commit the time.
Distance: 230 kms
This is not a huge day distance wise but will take longer than you think. With an early start you’ll get it done comfortably at a relaxed pace though. This stretch of the Ho Chi Minh Road is quite simply a must do experience in this country. Mostly a raked concrete surface with plenty of grip but hard on tyre’s and challenging in places if riding spiritedly. Landslides are common through here so be mindful of sand or clay on corners. My favourite ride day between Danang and Hanoi.
There’s a good Banh Mi lady just down the hill from Green Hotel. Doesn’t hurt to grab a second one to take with you. Not a lot of culinary options on offer today. The other tags are either accommodation options or places of interest.
These days there is fuel available about half way but as always a good idea to fill before you leave and take water. Not too much in the way of services through much of this.
(A) The US Military Combat Base. Opens at 7.30am and is well worth a look for the modest entry fee. Quite a bit to learn there if you want to commit the time.
(B & C) are nice swim spots well located for rest stops.
(D) a good photo stop.
(E) one of few accommodation options if you wanted to break it up.
(F) another photo stop and
(G) a higher end accommodation option in the village on the river.
Phong Nha township on the banks of the Son River is part of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area has developed in recent years as a popular tourist destination. Even with the interruption of Covid a popular destination for domestic travelers, locals and expats alike.
Attractions include numerous caves to explore. Phong Nha Cave is a leisurely river cruise through caves under the mountains and Paradise Cave, a little more traditional dry cave is cheap and readily accessible. At the high end Hang Son Doong is reportedly the world’s largest cave with its own very unique ecosystem and a four day commitment far from cheap to explore.
Also of note the limestone and bauxite monoliths rising from a vast floodplain where the land sections in the making of King Kong were filmed makes part of a great motorcycling day loop.
(H) Is my go to out of town on the plain. Well appointed comfortable ensuite hotel rooms to pool villas with a well stocked bar, great pool and an extensive menu.
Distance: 300 kms
This looks like a big day but really it isn’t. Open deserted roads so you’ll make good time. Unless coming off the HCM Road the accommodation options today are pretty thin so it’s worth an early start and get it done.
The road into the Laos border is an absolute beauty. Don’t miss that 38k’s each way but obviously by letting it slide you’ll shorten the day significantly. Plenty of trucks, mostly pulling ore out of Laos so you need to be mindful of that. As the photo suggests, not all get it right.
Once back on Uncle Ho’s Road it opens up and is a bit of a transit leg comparatively to your night stop.
(B) The pick up point for a boat tour around the tea farms.
Weather permitting, it’s a pleasant experience and not expensive. I’ve been a few times and never crowded.
Great drone area too. This is one of my favourite low level shots.
Distance: 300 kms
A reasonable sized day distance wise but easy as it’s not as big a day scenery wise, therefore photography wise. Compared with where you’ve come from and particularly where you may be going the country flattens out a bit in this section so with that higher average speed.
If you don’t have time for a day off in your schedule, get an early start tomorrow to be in mid afternoon. The Tam Coc area is worthy of a good look around. Besides, a dawn start every so often is good for your soul.
(A) a good morning coffee option
(B) is the HCM Trail 0 milestone. Good first photo and rest stop.
Plenty of good food options along the way as always. Where restaurants are over water you can be sure of good seafood even this far off the coast. Alive in tanks so no question around freshness.
(C) is a massive sunflower farm that at certain times of the year is quite spectacular.
(D) is just keeping you on the right track
(E) is an interesting place to check out. A lot of this 13th century Imperial Fortress is in ruins but the gates I imagine rebuilt are pretty impressive. Have a good look around and leave through the East gate to pick up this map again.
(F) another tour option you could bypass if time poor
(G) a great accommodation option perfectly located
It is at the end of the village so an early morning walk through the rice paddies and mountain area is recommended. Having a flick for a fish is good fun.
(H) The Caves boat tour is a must do.
The best of many tours offered in the area if having a day off here or in early enough to squeeze it into the afternoon. Last boats leave at 3.30pm for the full 3 hour tour.
While the lady paddles down the back, relax and enjoy this beautiful part of the country. Of note this is the area the water scenes for King Kong movie blockbuster were shot.
Distance: 135 kms
Without going stupidly out of the way a stretch on the A1 is unavoidable on your way towards the Capital. As you get closer though the pins on this map takes you around the worst of it on top of a levee bank.
We run along that to within a few kilometres of the Southern side of the city.
Be particularly aware of other road users into Hanoi. If you think HCM drivers and riders are reckless wait until you see the antics of some of these characters
If your stay in the Old Quarter is a weekend the Hoan Kiem Lake just a few minutes walk is shut off to traffic and a pretty cool scene. ‘Note Coffee’ on your right as you approach the lake do a great job of the morning caffeine fix.
Plenty of option bars and food options wise in this area also.
The Tay Ho, West Lakes area is the other to consider for your accommodation. Most expats live in this area and also has plenty of great restaurant and bar options.
The morning walk around this lake is exceptional as far as major cities go.
