MOTORBIKE TOUR 10 DAYS FROM HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH VIA CENTRAL HIGHLAND

Swim at the natural waterfall in K'tu village

The motorbike trip from Kham Duc to Kon Tum is a rewarding journey that takes us through the beautiful highlands of central Vietnam. This route, along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, passes through remote villages, dense forests, and mountainous terrain, offering a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty and cultural richness.
We will leave Kham Duc after breakfast and roll on the Ho Chi Minh Road, the Ho Chi Minh Road known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail which is an iconic route in Vietnam that stretches from the north to the south of the country. It was a network of paths and trails used during the Vietnam War to transport troops, supplies, and equipment from North to South Vietnam and spans over 1,000 miles (1,700 kilometers), starting near Hanoi in the north and extending to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Going along the green mountain ranges to the Indochina T-junction which is the border between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for lunch and rest.
Riding an hour more we will come to Ngoc Hoi town which was the biggest battlefield during the Vietnam War, we will stop at the war monument where you can see the VC (Vietnam Communist) tanks, that were used to fight against the Americans and Southern soldiers during the war. Continue on the Ho Chi Minh road, we also visit Charlie Hill and Phoenix Airport, Charlie Hill and Phoenix Airport were the site of intense fighting during the Vietnam War, specifically during the Battle of Charlie Hill in 1967, it was a crucial point for both American and North Vietnamese forces. The hill provided a vantage point for military operations, and its control was vital for the surrounding areas. The battles fought here highlight the strategic military maneuvers of the time. Visiting Charlie Hill offers a chance for us to learn about the war's impact on the local landscape and its people. It's an opportunity for reflection on historical events and their significance.

Arrive at Kontum, the land of the Bana people we will visit the Wooden Church, the church was built in 1913 and serves as a testament to the history of Catholicism in the Central Highlands and the efforts of French missionaries who established Christianity in the area. The church is distinguished by its traditional wooden construction, using local materials. It exhibits a blend of Romanesque and catholic architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings and design elements that reflect both Christian and indigenous cultural influences. The church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural center for the local community. It hosts various religious events, festivals, and gatherings. Check in our hotel at 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kontum.

Visit the Ba Na village

Before leaving Kontum we will take a village road to Kon Katu village which is the home of the Ba Na (or Bahnar) ethnic group, known for its rich cultural heritage, unique architectural styles, and community-focused lifestyle. When coming here one of the main attractions in Kon Katu is the Rong House - a large, elevated community building with a towering, steeply pitched roof. This traditional Ba Na structure is the center of village life, used for ceremonies, community meetings, and gatherings. Its tall, pointed roof is both symbolic and functional, designed to stand out and withstand the region’s tropical climate. The Ba Na people maintain a deep connection to nature and spirituality, reflected in their traditional practices, songs, and dances. We will visit a local house where local people making traditional handicrafts, such as weaving and wood carving, are also prominent, showcasing the Ba Na people’s skills and artistry.  

Say goodbye to Kontum, a small and peaceful land by the Dkbla River, a virgin land with pristine nature and intact hill-tribe cultures such as the Bahnar, the J’rai, and the Sedan, we will ride again on the Ho Chi Minh trail and visit the Sea Lake “The Eyes of Pleiku”, it is a nice local destination for the locals who want to enjoy the serene landscape, cool climate, and scenic views. The next area on our journey that the tea farm, this tea farm offers not only a chance to explore the cultivation process but also the beauty of the surrounding scenery. It is also the oldest tea plantation that French people grew in the central highland during the French period, walking in the tea farm and enjoying a cup of coffee in this area. Next to the tea farm, there is also the oldest Buddhist temple with a unique lying Buddha statue where we have time to come and visit. We arrive at Chuse around 4 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Visit Ngoc Hoi town which is the hardest battlefield area during the Vietnam War

Continue our Easy Rider trip for the fourth day, we will visit Phu Cuong waterfall, a beautiful waterfall in the area. Then, we will take a ride through the rice field roads, and village roads and stop at the pepper plantation where you can try the hot- fresh taste of the plant, and also the rubber plantation - the biggest tree product in the central highland as well as Vietnam. Take a rest on the hammock for a cup of coffee and ride through Ho Chi Minh Road to the local restaurant for lunch in the middle of the day.
After lunch we will ride to BMT City and visit the Dak Lak Cultural and Historical Museum (which closes on Monday) -The museum is known for its striking architecture inspired by traditional longhouses, it offers a deep insight into the diverse cultures, history, and natural landscape of this region. Two main sections of this museum will be explained by our guide to let you understand more about ethnology and history. The ethnology section highlights the lifestyles and traditions of the local ethnic groups, particularly the Ede, Ja Rai, and M’nong, through displays of traditional costumes, musical instruments, tools, and artifacts, and the history section covers the region's history from ancient times to the modern era, including exhibits on the resistance against colonialism and the Vietnam War. Arrive at our hotel around 4 pm. 

Accommodation: Hotel

Taking a small road to Darysap National Park

Leaving Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake, we will visit the old Dak Lak political Prison, located in Buon Ma Thuot city, which is a historical site that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s turbulent past during the colonial and wartime periods. Built by the French in the early 20th century, this prison was used to detain Vietnamese political prisoners and independence fighters. Known for its harsh conditions, Dak Lak Prison became a symbol of resistance and a testament to the resilience of those who fought for Vietnam’s freedom.
Moving out of the busy BMT City we will visit the cocoa plantation where we will have time to explore the plantation as well as try a cup of hot/ ice chocolate. Keep going on our motorbike and stop at the village where local people make incense, noodles, and mushrooms.
Having lunch with a special Vietnamese meal - Chicken rice on the way to Draysap waterfall. Coming to Dray Sap Waterfall is a fantastic idea for a hot day to experience the Central Highlands' natural beauty. Dray Sap Waterfall is one of the most majestic waterfalls in the region. Here, we’ll have time to explore the cascades, swim, and take photos. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest, making it a peaceful escape into nature.

Continuing the ride, you’ll pass through traditional villages, and vast farmlands and take a small ferry to arrive at Lak Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by mountains and traditional stilt houses.

Accommodation: Lake Hotel or Homestay

Mountain road up to Dalat

Wake up early 6 am for the dug-out canoe trip, this trip offers a serene and authentic experience of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Lak Lake, one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the region, is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and traditional M’nong ethnic villages, creating a peaceful, scenic backdrop.

On this journey, you’ll board a wooden dugout canoe, handcrafted by locals, and gently paddle across the tranquil, glassy waters of the lake. As you drift along, you’ll see local fishermen, herds of water buffalo, and diverse bird species, offering a glimpse into the daily life and natural beauty of the area. The ride also often brings views of the remote M’nong villages along the lakeshore, where traditional stilt houses dot the landscape, preserving ancient customs.

Before Leaving the wildlife of Lak village to Dakmil, we will walk around the village to see many houses made from bamboo and wood, elevated to protect against floods and provide ventilation in the warm climate. The M’nong people have lived here for generations, maintaining their unique customs, stilt houses, and traditional crafts. You can see the M’nong way of life, from farming and fishing to weaving and other traditional crafts. If we come to the festival, we will see M'nong people play folk music, dances, and celebrations, often performed with the beating of gongs.

Goodbye to an authentic village, we will head to the breathtaking countryside road to Dalat to see the beautiful landscapes and visit the coffee plantation where you will try to taste different types of coffee like Robusta, Arabica, or weasel animal coffee. Continue your journey to a local family where you can try the taste of the strongest traditional homemade rice wine. The next destination we will visit to the silk worm factory and see how the workers make silk products from the worms.

After that, we will visit the Elephant Waterfall, which is the most beautiful waterfall in this area. Close to the fall is the Buddhist Temple, a huge Happy Buddha statue, and the highest Lady Buddha statue ( 71 meters high) in the south where you will enjoy your time and get a deeper understanding of  Buddhism through our guides. Arrive at Dalat around 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat

A smooth road ride on the central highland

Today we will have the shortest day and more relaxation after 6 days from Hoian. We will first explore Dalat and leave for Di Linh. We will start after breakfast at 8:30 and visit the unique Crazy House, a surreal architectural marvel and one of Vietnam's most unique tourist attractions. Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, the Crazy House is a blend of fantasy and nature, drawing inspiration from Gaudí's organic architecture. With winding staircases, tree-like structures, and sculptural rooms that resemble caves, the house feels like a dreamscape. The next place to visit is the Bao Dai King Summer Palace, which is one of the three summer palaces built for Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, during the French colonial period. Located in a serene area surrounded by pine trees, this palace was used as an official retreat and working residence for the royal family in the 1940s. The palace includes royal living quarters, offices, and a banquet hall, with each room offering a look into the life and lifestyle of Vietnam’s last emperor. After that we will take a ride along the lakeside lake in Dalat- Tuyen Lam Lake for relaxation, take some nice photos, and go to visit the chicken village where the ethnic K'ho people live, walking around with our guide and visiting the village. 

Have lunch before going to the Pongour waterfall - The waterfall is known for its majestic multi-tiered cascade, the waterfall drops over seven levels of rocky terraces, stretching around 100 meters wide with a height of approximately 40 meters. Surrounded by lush greenery and untouched forest, it offers a breathtaking view and is especially beautiful in the rainy season (from September to November) when the water flow is strongest. Keep riding our motorbike journey in the most beautiful loops through the mountain and coffee farms till our homestay in Di Linh town.

Accommodation: Di Linh hotel

Ridng ATV in a sanddune in Muine

Leave Di Linh town early after breakfast to visit the tea farm - the biggest area of tea farm growing in Vietnam. Di Linh’s tea plantations spread across rolling hills, forming vibrant green landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, especially stunning in the early morning when mist hangs over the fields. Farmers in Di Linh traditionally harvest tea leaves by hand, and the process often becomes a picturesque scene, with workers in conical hats picking leaves in neat rows, this area offers a look into traditional Vietnamese tea cultivation.

After that, we will continue our motorbike journey through the spectacular mountain landscapes and stop at the dragon fruit farm, which is the most famous dragon fruit region growth in Vietnam, the region’s hot, dry climate and sandy soil provide ideal conditions for growing dragon fruit, particularly the red-skinned variety with white or red flesh. We will try the taste of its fresh and sweet from the farm ( in season). Then, we are going to visit the K'ho hill tribe village that lives on the mountain and our experienced tour guide will try his best to explain to you the culture of this group among 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. 

Keep going to Mui Ne along the beautiful mountain landscape and visit the white sand – dune, the must-see in Mui Ne region. It is unlike the typical desert landscape, the dune is surrounded by a lush lake and greenery, creating a surreal mix of sand and oasis. The sand stretches in waves and ridges across the dunes, with some towering over 20 meters high, constantly reshaped by the coastal winds. The area is especially popular for outdoor activities like sandboarding, quad biking, and riding on off-road vehicles the dune is most breathtaking at sunrise and sunset when the sand reflects soft, warm hues, creating an otherworldly scene perfect for photography.

Before coming to your hotel, we will stop at the fishing village for a short rest and listen to the story of the fisherman through our guides. Finish our 2-day motorbike journey at your hotel in Mui Ne around 4:00 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel

The countryside road to Long Hai beach town

The motorbike journey today from Mui Ne to Long Hai is a picturesque coastal route that showcases some of Vietnam's most stunning seaside scenery. Starting in Mui Ne, a popular beach destination known for its sand-dunes and beaches, the route takes us along winding coastal roads with breathtaking views of the South China Sea. One of the highlights of this journey is Ke Ga Islet, located about halfway along the route. This small islet is home to Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, built by the French in the late 19th century. The Ke Ga Lighthouse, standing against a backdrop of rocky cliffs and turquoise waters, offers a unique photo opportunity and a chance to explore an untouched part of Vietnam's coastline.

As we continue toward Long Hai, we’ll pass through traditional fishing villages, stunning coastal cliffs, and peaceful beaches. The road is lined with coconut trees and fishing boats, creating an ideal mix of natural beauty and local culture. This scenic drive is perfect for those looking to enjoy a slower-paced, coastal journey with plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views, and discover hidden gems along Vietnam's beautiful southeastern coast.
Before coming to our hotel in Long Hai we will visit the Minh Dam Army Base, a historic site of the Vietnam war that served as a strategic base for the Viet Minh and Viet Cong forces during the wars against French and American forces. Located in the Minh Dam Mountains, it’s a place of both natural beauty and historical significance, as the rocky terrain and dense forests provide excellent cover and strategic advantage for guerrilla fighters. We arrive at our hotel at 5 pm.

Accommodation: Long Hai Hotel