HCM City – Ta Dung – 3 Day Loop
Route Summary:
Duration: 3 days - 600 kms
For those wanting to keep the ride day distances down this is the best option to see the beautiful Ta Dung lakes area and the best waterfall in the South with just 3 days to do it. Day one is four hours so with Friday afternoon off this is a great weekend adventure.
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HCM City - Cat Tien via River
Distance - 165 Kms
Over a decade based in Saigon there mustn’t be a route out to the North I haven’t tried. This is one of two favourites and between the two makes the Cat Tien National Park a great weekend escape.Â
The Park covers an area of 750 km² in the provinces of Dong Nai, Bình Phuoc and Lam Dong and preserves one of the largest areas of lowland tropical forests left in Vietnam. Easy to spend some time there if natural beauty in peace and quiet appeals as a nice change of pace.
(A) Is a nice tourist development nicely located for an interesting rest stop with coffee and food available.Â
(B) A coffee shop more a a way point to keep you off the main arterial. Keep at and enjoy the next stop.Â
(C, D and E) are view points to the Tri An Lake. (C) the better of the lunch options in the area.
(F) Just a short, unavoidable stretch on the main road crossing the Dong Nai river. The fisherman live in these shanty dwellings and store their catch live in nets ready for their time at the market.Â
Some great concrete back roads through the farmland. Just the odd local tending to their rice paddies otherwise you have the place to yourself.Â
(G) is this great photo stop just shy of the night destination. This shot is many years ago. Looks a bit different these days.
(H) One of many accommodation options. I use this one mostly for its proximity to the National Park if having a day off to explore. The cabins on the river bank are basic but comfortable and affordable. The restaurant food, mostly Vietnamese is also good and reasonably priced.Â
The park is a great day out with your partner or children. Lots to see and do. The accommodation has bicycles to hire as motorcycles are not allowed to be taken across the river ferry into the park.
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Cat Tien - Ta Dung Loop
Distance: 280 kms
I just love this road and lake system it follows dividing the Lam Dong and Dak Nong Provinces. It’s a bit rough in patches and at times some gravel on corners but nothing serious. The views to the lakes system some of the best water views in the country. Particularly Ta Dung overlooking what some refer to as the inland Halong Bay. Â
(A)Â The bridge to this way point gets you immediately out of town and into farmland. Historically Google didn’t recognise it but seems it does now so that helps me to keep customers off the main roads.
(B) A good photo stop overlooking Da Teh Lake. The start of a big day of drone photography if you carry one.Â
(C)Â The way around the wall damming the Dong Nai River. As you see this lake system through the day it becomes most impressive the volume of water this wall retains.Â
(D) Your lunch stop overlooks some of the best views of Ta Dung National Park . The park covers 220 km² though so plenty to explore. At its heart a hydro dam that created a massive lakes system with 40 islands and peninsulas in the Dong Nai River system.Â
(E)Â This bridge is a good photo stop but marked primarily to keep you on this great stretch of winding road around the lake system.
(F)Â Dambri Falls is quite an established attraction and at times quite crowded. The 200k entry is probably worth it only if you have the time to spend on the activities there.Â
(G)Â Back to your Cat Tien accommodation for the night. I have added my preferred Ta Dung accommodation options in the notes as some may want to break this loop into two days. If time allows a night in this area is very tempting.Â
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Cat Tien - Cat Lai Ferry
Distance: 160 Kms
The first part of the run to the big smoke around the lake area is the best of it. The waterpark is worth a look and a quick dip. From there it’s back to reality the best way possible in the wet season. Works in the dry too but i have options for that.  Â
(A & B) a lake dam wall. Nice and very different views on each side. Â
(C) a waterpark with falls. I’ve been in for a look but don’t use it. A swim stop or a great option travelling with kids. For the purpose of this a pin to keep you off the highway. Â
We stick to back roads where possible, all sealed. You may question some of the route but it’s mapped to minimise police presence, trucks and buses. Three short stretches are unavoidable.  Â
Plenty of off roads too if you have time and want to follow this loosely. Â
(D, E & F) are coffee stops again primarily pinned to keep the ride interesting and safe. (E) and particularly (F) the better ones. Â
(G) the ferry where the Rat Race awaits. If returning with a hire bike refueling on the way to the shop would be very much appreciated. Don’t worry about cleaning, we have that covered. Â
Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers.
(Excluded from the above itinerary)Â
Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers and excluded from the above itinerary.
