Da Nang – Quy Nhon Loop
Route Summary
Duration: 4 days - 1,025 kms
If chasing diversity of riding environment this in four days is up with the best from Danang. A coast and mountain mix with my favourite coastal city in the country as night one.
Click for Route details:
Distance: 340 kms
From one to the other of my favourite coastal cities to enjoy the dawn in the country. I don’t do this coast run too often as the inland options over three days usually lure me but a nice change if in a hurry to get home.
This is a big day distance wise but it really isn’t too much time wise. You make far better time on the coast than in the mountains but get an early start in any case to enjoy the beaches along the way. Mapped this right out the other side of Quy Nhon to Casa Marina but plenty of great accommodation options in town.
Along the way plenty of local seafood restaurants on the beach. Much prefer one of them than going into Quang Ngai for lunch but it’s easy to go off map slightly if you’d like to check that out.
Some of the beaches along this coastline are stunning. A few breaks through the day for a cool drink or a swim well worth it.
This beach below is right out the front of the Dankbaar Resort and the Sports Bar. Anywhere you stay in Quy Nhon is beautiful. My favourite beach town in Vietnam and the area where I will likely retire.
An early riser here is rewarded by a fantastic vibe in the park and on the beach for the dawn over the ocean. A great start to the day.
Distance: 285 kms
Quy Nhon is the best beach city in Vietnam in my opinion. A beautiful beach with a well kept parkland to accompany it. This is the dawn not to miss. From first light it is a vibrant area as the local dance groups, elderly and young alike exercise and swim in the dawn. I’m most often the only Westerner there and by 6.30am it’s all over. Get at it!
The map reads at 283 km but it’s only that if you want it to be. There’s a few detours that add nearly 80km. The longest is to check out a couple of lakes that you can decide on depending on time. Once you turn onto Truong Son Dong it gets quite isolated and you’ll make good time. Make sure you are fueled up and take water. Not much in the way of services through there but a cracking ride. The hotmix when you turn left to Mang Den is the best in the country.
(A) is a Buddhist Temple
(B) a hydro dam wall
(C) is the airstrip back in the supply trail days
(D) to check out the Vinh Son Lakes
(E) the Kon Chu Rang rangers station
(F) there is bottle fuel and cold refreshments
(G) a great little coffee shop ++
(H) Mang Den is a unique village in Vietnam and the Dak Ke Lake makes a nice morning walk.
(I) is a hidden gem. My favourite place to stay but book early. Not too many rooms.
Distance: 150 kms
There’s not too much in the way of attractions on this ride though for me the whole ride is an attraction. Shorter in respect of distance and for anyone wanting to make up a day easy enough to continue on up the coast to Hoi An or Da Nang.
To Veo Lac this morning is an exceptional track. For those on big bangers as good as it gets. Can be hard on footpegs and exhaust guards 
Plenty off this map to explore if you want to fill the day up particularly for those on XR’s or smaller capacity adventure bikes. I take my Multistrada anywhere but it can be challenging, especially in the steep mountain areas.
(A, B, C & E) today are scenic areas for photo opportunities or just to suck it in.
(B) is a great view over the valley where you are about to ride in the foreground.
Once you get off the range for the more adventurous (D) will divert you to a minority road and through some lovely village country. This bridge is the entry if you turn a little earlier. Much more interesting through there. Some unsealed sections but at the rate the concrete is going down will be all paved before long.
Once into My Khe you’ll notice plenty of fresh seafood restaurants along the beach road. I find them expensive and the beer is never cold. The restaurant attached to the hotel is as good as any for my money. It’s a lovely beach and a great place to be up at dawn. This sunset I shot with my drone shows just how narrow the land passage is between the river and beach.
Distance: 250 kms
In terms of distance this is a short day and a pleasant uncomplicated ride. 20 kms longer if you continue up the coast to Danang.
If Hindu ruins are of any interest to you it can be a very big day though. I’m not much for pagodas and temples so choose to visit only the more elaborate and famous but I do find My Son interesting. You can literally spend hours exploring the various sites.
Some interesting stops of interest along the way but My Son is the area to spend the majority of your available time.
(A) if you get away early is a great coastline vantage point.
(B) a war museum but really just marked to get you the best way out over the A1.
(C&D) a few nice waterfalls and nature walks in this area. Bit of time required to get the best of it.
(E) some decent local food stops in this area
(F) My Son Group is a World Heritage listed archeological site. These Hindu temple ruins date back as far as the 4th century and in my opinion a must do. 150k entry fee and surprisingly very few tourists generally.
A golf cart takes you to site from the entrance then on foot and it can be hot so take water. The parking guys will mind your helmet and jacket. No Drones allowed apparently 
Many restaurants around the area offer Be Thui. Rare cooked Veal wrapped in leaf with vegetable. Quite a treat and not often offered.
From there its a simple ride into Hoi An or Danang to your preferred accommodation. The maps destination is a very nice Aussie owned Boutique Hotel.
Notes:
An added day in Quy Nhon, Hoi An or Danang are all good options to extend your experience. Over the Hai Van Pass and back using the links below and it’s easy to extend it to a great 7 day adventure.
Extra Day 1: Da Nang to Hue
Extra Day 2: Hue to Da Nang
Danang, Vietnam’s third biggest city and the only one of the big three on the coast has many attractions and nightlife to enjoy. Ba Na Hills, The Dragon Bridge and the beautiful beaches worthy of a day or two before you start this tour.
The Danang / Hoi An Hinterland loop or Da Nang / My Son Loop rides are also a great option if time permits to extend your experience.
