Khe Sanh - Phong Nha
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.
These days there is fuel available about half way but as always a good idea to fill before you leave and take water. There’s not too much in the way of services through much of this.
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.
(B) This waterfall is my swim stop but better located when running this road South. A bit early in the day North bound but a great photo stop in any case.
(C) A roadside waterfall which in wet season particularly is a well located rest and photo stop.
(D) Always a stop here, one of very few intersections if leading others to group up. A historic milestone marks the corner and if you take left you’re off to the coast.
(E) Historically decent food on this ride has been hard to come by but Ms Thu at this well set up roadside cafe has got us covered these days.
(F) In recent times this hotel is an option in the unlikely event of a bike or health problem. I’ve never used it but now nice to know there’s something if needed.
(G) One of many caves in the area if you want to add that to the day. I’m usually to focused on the road to bother but it is a good rest stop.
(H) Phong Nha – Ke Bang tourist centre to pick up a souvenir of the area maybe on your way out or a boat for a run through the Phong Nha Cave.
(I) 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. Ben and Bich the hosts have great local knowledge and work hard putting together activities for their guests.
Phong Nha township on the banks of the Son River is part of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bà ng National Park, a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site
The area has developed in recent years as a popular tourist destination.
Attractions include numerous caves to explore. Phong Nha Cave a leisurely river cruise though caves under the mountains and Paradise a little more traditional dry cave are 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 to the North, were the land sections in the filming of King Kong. This area is a great motorcycling day loop from the township.
