EXPLORE VIETNAM 10-DAY HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH MOTORBIKE JOURNEY VIA CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Swim at the natural waterfall in K'tu village

The motorbike trip from Kham Duc to Kon Tum is a rewarding journey through the breathtaking highlands of Central Vietnam. Riding along the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, once a vital wartime supply route stretching over 1,700 km, we’ll pass remote villages, lush forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

After breakfast, we head south toward the Indochina T-Junction, where Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia meet—an iconic stop for lunch and rest. From here, we ride to Ngoc Hoi, one of the largest battlefields of the Vietnam War, and visit the war monument displaying original VC tanks. Continuing on, we explore Charlie Hill and Phoenix Airport, sites of fierce 1967 battles that reveal the region’s strategic importance and its deep wartime scars.

Arriving in Kon Tum, homeland of the Bana ethnic people, we’ll visit the remarkable Wooden Church (built in 1913). Constructed entirely from local timber, it blends Romanesque Catholic design with indigenous artistry, serving both as a place of worship and a cultural hub for the community. We finish the day and check in at our hotel around 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kontum.

Visit the Ba Na village

Before leaving Kontum, we ride to Kon Katu village, home of the Ba Na ethnic minority. Here, you’ll see the impressive Rong House – the cultural heart of the village, used for ceremonies and community gatherings. The Ba Na people are known for their traditional handicrafts, weaving, wood carving, and strong spiritual connection to nature, reflected in their songs and dances.

Saying goodbye to Kontum, a peaceful town by the Dakbla River rich in ethnic cultures such as the Bahnar, J’rai, and Sedang, we continue along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. On the way, we stop at Sea Lake, also called the “Eyes of Pleiku,” a volcanic crater lake surrounded by pine forests and fresh highland air.

The journey continues to the region’s oldest tea plantation, first planted by the French, where you can stroll through the green fields, enjoy the landscape, and taste local tea or coffee. Nearby, we also visit an ancient Buddhist temple with a reclining Buddha statue before arriving in Chu Se around 4:00 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel.

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

On the fourth day of our Easy Rider journey, we begin with a visit to the beautiful Phu Cuong Waterfall before riding through rice fields and village roads. Along the way, we stop at a pepper plantation to taste its fresh, spicy flavor and a rubber plantation, one of the Central Highlands’ key crops. After a coffee break in a hammock, we follow the Ho Chi Minh Road and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue to Buon Ma Thuot City and visit the Dak Lak Cultural and Historical Museum (closed Mondays), designed like an ethnic longhouse. Here, our guide will share insights into the traditions of the Ede, Ja Rai, and M’nong people, as well as the region’s history from ancient times to the Vietnam War. We arrive at our hotel around 4 pm to relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

Taking a small road to Darysap National Park

Leaving Buon Ma Thuot for Lak Lake, our first stop is the historic Dak Lak Political Prison, built by the French in the early 20th century. Once notorious for its harsh conditions, this site imprisoned Vietnamese independence fighters and today stands as a powerful reminder of the nation’s resilience and struggle for freedom.

Exiting the busy city, we visit a cocoa plantation, where you can walk through the farm and enjoy a cup of hot or iced chocolate. Along the way, we also stop by local villages where families handcraft incense, noodles, and mushrooms, offering a glimpse into daily life in the Central Highlands.

For lunch, we enjoy the famous Vietnamese chicken rice before continuing to the stunning Dray Sap Waterfall. Surrounded by lush jungle, this majestic cascade is the perfect place to relax, swim, and capture beautiful photos.

In the afternoon, we ride through peaceful villages and expansive farmlands, before crossing a small ferry to reach Lak Lake—a tranquil gem embraced by mountains, forests, and traditional stilt houses.

Accommodation: Lake Hotel or Homestay

Mountain road up to Dalat

Morning unfolds on a dugout canoe, drifting across Lak Lake’s mirrored surface. You pass M’nong homes, water buffalo grazing, and glimpses of forested hills—time slows, heart opens.

Explore bamboo or wood stilt dwellings, learn about M’nong life, and if lucky, savor the rhythm of folk music and dance during a local festival.

Ride onwards through rolling countryside to Da Lat, visiting coffee farms for sips of Arabica, Robusta, and the legendary weasel coffee, and savoring a shot of potent, homemade “happy water” rice wine. At a silkworm factory, witness silk emerge from humble cocoons before being woven into fine cloth. Discover the grandeur of Elephant Waterfall, a gentle giant in the forest, and stand beneath Vietnam’s Lady Buddha, guardian of the mountains.

Accommodation: Hotel

A smooth road ride on the central highland

Today will be the shortest and most relaxing day after six days of riding from Hoi An. After breakfast around 8:30, we begin our Dalat exploration before heading to Di Linh. Our first stop is the famous Crazy House, a surreal architectural masterpiece created by architect Đặng Việt Nga. Next, we visit the Bao Dai Summer Palace, one of three retreats built for Vietnam’s last emperor. Nestled among pine trees, this 1940s residence still preserves royal living quarters, offices, and banquet halls, offering a glimpse into the emperor’s lifestyle during the French colonial period.

We then take a relaxing ride around Tuyen Lam Lake, a peaceful spot perfect for photos, before visiting the Chicken Village, home of the K’ho ethnic people. Walking through the village with our guide gives you an authentic look into their daily life and traditions.

After lunch, we continue to the magnificent Pongour Waterfall, often called the “most beautiful waterfall in the South.” Its seven-tiered cascades drop 40 meters over rocky terraces, surrounded by untouched forest. During the rainy season (September–November), the waterfall is especially breathtaking. From here, we enjoy some of the most scenic loops through mountains and coffee farms before arriving at our cozy homestay in Di Linh town.

Accommodation: Hotel

Ridng ATV in a sanddune in Muine

Early mist rises from Di Linh’s vast tea plantations, laborers in conical hats plucking leaves in measured rows—tranquil and timeless.

The terrain shifts to rolling hills dotted with dragon fruit farms, their bright fruit clustering against sandy soil—a desert oasis in bloom. A visit to a K’ho hill tribe village enriches understanding of one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Descending toward Mui Ne, breathe in the desert–coastal air. At the surreal white sand dunes, ride or wander over glowing ridges as wind and light dance—sunrise or sunset among them feels otherworldly. Before calling it a day, stroll through a vibrant fishing village and listen to tales from local fishermen.

Accommodation: Hotel

The countryside road to Long Hai beach town

Today’s motorbike ride from Mui Ne to Long Hai follows a stunning coastal route with sweeping views of the South China Sea. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ke Ga Islet, home to Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, built by the French in the 19th century, offering a unique photo opportunity against rocky cliffs and turquoise waters.

The journey continues past fishing villages, coconut-lined beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs, blending natural beauty with local culture. Before reaching our hotel in Long Hai around 5 pm, we’ll visit the Minh Dam Army Base, a historic wartime site set amidst rugged mountains and forests that once served as a strategic stronghold for Viet Minh and Viet Cong forces.

Accommodation: Hotel