Da Nang – Khe Sanh Loop
3 Days - 475 kms
If a few days is all you have it’s hard to argue against this as the best way to spend it from a riders perspective. All good roads and Hue is an interesting overnighter. Read up on Khe Sanh and it speaks for itself.
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 now 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: 100 kms
A reasonable day distance wise but very quiet roads so you’ll hold good average speed. If getting away a bit late or not keen for an early swim or Hamburger Hill delete (A & C). Will drop 20k’s and at least an hour off your time, two if you climb.
(A) An early swim spot and (B) just landmark photo stops really.
(C) Hamburger Hill is quite a climb and as I now understand it you are supposed to have a guide although I did it by myself. Take water if tackling this.
(D-G) Is a 70km section of motorcycling heaven. Strategically marked points for photography and rest stops if you can resist staying in the rhythm.
(E) Is a tunnel around 20 km into this and by myself in 2019, riding rather spiritedly I encountered this King Cobra crossing the road. Just missed his tail and went back for this grainy shot of him in the drain, not very happy with me.
(H) If you’re going okay for time is a swimming spot
