Central Vietnam Easy Rider: Phong Nha, DMZ, Hue via HCM Trail

Day 1: Phong Nha → Ho Chi Minh Trail → Mountain villages → Khe Sanh

1. 1h
   The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, also known as the Truong Son Trail, was a vast wartime supply network connecting North and South Vietnam through remote mountains and dense jungle. Today, this historic route offers one of the most scenic motorbike journeys in Central Vietnam.
2. U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo)
   20m
   Explore U Bo Mountain, the highest peak along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, rising 1,009 meters above sea level. From a distance, the mountain resembles the hump of a cow, giving rise to its name “U Bo” (Cow’s Hump).
   
   Covered by rich primeval forest, the area is home to a diverse ecosystem and many rare species. During the Indochina War, U Bo Mountain served as an important gathering point for Viet Minh troops and weapons during the resistance against French colonial forces.
   
   We stop here to admire the majestic beauty of the Truong Son mountain range, take memorable photos, and experience the peaceful daily life of the local people living deep in the mountains of Central Vietnam.
3. 30m
   Hidden deep in the jungles along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, Cây Sú Suspension Bridge is a peaceful stop surrounded by mountains, rivers, and tropical forest. Originally built for local communities, the bridge now offers travelers a chance to admire the untouched beauty of rural Central Vietnam, take memorable photos, and enjoy breathtaking views of the jungle landscape before continuing the adventure through the Truong Son mountains.
4. 40m
   At Khu Đăng Pass, we stop to relax, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We also visit a small village of the Pa Co ethnic minority people.
   
   The Pa Co are one of the small ethnic communities living in the remote mountains of Central Vietnam, especially in the Quảng Trị region. Known for their deep connection to nature and traditional way of life, the Pa Co people have preserved their unique culture, customs, and traditions for generations.
5. 30m
   Ride through one of the most beautiful sections of the Ho Chi Minh Trail between Phong Nha and Khe Sanh, passing spectacular mountain landscapes, local villages, hidden waterfalls and remote countryside rarely visited by tourists.
6. 30m
   Despite heavy bombing during the Vietnam War, the Ho Chi Minh Trail remained active thanks to its complex network of jungle routes and hidden paths. Today, travelers can experience both the fascinating history and breathtaking scenery of this legendary road.
7. Chenh Venh Waterfall
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The Chenh Venh Waterfall located in Huong Phung Ward, Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province that flows from the big mountains down to the river.
   
   The Chenh Venh Waterfall is a beauty of the waterfall will leave you speechless. Surrounded by dense forest and rocky cliffs, the waterfall cascades down into cool, clear pools perfect for a refreshing dip.
   
   Take some time to relax by the waterfall and enjoy the natural beauty of this tranquil spot. The sound of the water rushing over the rocks creates a peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal place for a break and a photo opportunity. This is an amazing place for you refreshing retreat.
8. Khe Sanh Combat Base
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Khe Sanh Combat Base was a major U.S. military installation during the Vietnam War, located in Quảng Trị Province in northern South Vietnam, near the border with Laos. The base became famous for the 1968 Battle of Khe Sanh, one of the most significant and intense engagements of the war.
   
   The base was positioned near the border with North Vietnam and Laos, making it an important location for controlling the region and intercepting supplies and personnel moving along the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Day 2: Khe Sanh → War history sites → Remote countryside

1. 40m
   Road 9 ( the path of Heroes ) is the road leading towards Khe Sanh. It became significant during the war, as it was the primary route for transporting supplies and reinforcements to the base. The area was heavily contested during the war, with U.S. and allied forces using it to resupply and reinforce the Khe Sanh base while the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) attempted to cut off access and infiltrate the region.
2. 20m
   The Dakrong Bridge – The Bridge was used during the Vietnam War for the transportation of supplies from North to South Vietnam.
3. Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery
   40m · Admission ticket included
   Truong Son National Military Cemetery – A biggest Cemetery for Soldiers in Vietnam.
4. 1h
   The Hien Luong Bridge is a historic bridge located in Vietnam. It spans the Ben Hai River, which marks the former border between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the Hien Luong Bridge served as a critical dividing point between North and South Vietnam. The Ben Hai River was the border created after the 1954 Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided Vietnam into two regions: the communist North and the anti-communist South.
5. Vinh Moc Tunnel
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The Vinh Moc Tunnels are an impressive underground network located in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. They were constructed during the Vietnam War, specifically in the late 1960s, as a response to the heavy bombing campaigns carried out by the United States on the region. The tunnels were built by the local people to protect themselves from the relentless bombing and to provide shelter for civilians and soldiers alike.

Day 3: Countryside → Hue Imperial region

1. 1h
   The Beach known for its long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters
2. Tam Giang Lagoon
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Tam Giang Lagoon is a biggest Lagoon in southest Asia. The Lagoon has an area of 20.000 hectares water surface, and stretches 70 kilometers along the coast. The lagoon framed by the mountains on the west and a strip of land separating it from the ocean.
   The name "Tam Giang" means "three rivers" referring to the "three rivers" that feed into this large brackish lagoon located in Hue province. The Lagoon spans via 4 districts: Phú Lộc, Phú Vang, Phong Điền, Quảng Điền.
   
   We cross the lagoon by Ferry about 30 minutes to learn how to fishing, learn everything about Vietnamese Fishing Life
3. Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
   2h · Admission ticket included
   The Hue Citadel (also known as the Imperial City) is a historic complex in Hue, Vietnam. It was the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Vietnam.
4. Thien Mu Pagoda
   40m
   Thien Mu Pagodawas originally built in 1601 during the reign of Lord Nguyễn Hoàng, the founder of the Nguyễn Dynasty, which later ruled Vietnam. The pagoda has been a symbol of the city and the dynasty for centuries. Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam, located in the city of Huế, which was the former imperial capital. The pagoda, whose name means "Heavenly Lady" in Vietnamese, sits on a hill overlooking the Perfume River.
5. 40m · Admission ticket included
   the Thuy Tien Water Park, which is an abandoned water park located in Hue, Vietnam. This water park, built in the early 2000s, was originally designed to be a major tourist attraction. However, due to various reasons, including poor management and financial issues, the park was never completed and ultimately abandoned.
   
   The park became a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers due to its eerie, decaying state. Over time, it gained a reputation for its creepy atmosphere, especially with its unfinished structures, rusty slides, and a large, abandoned statue of a mythical creature. The park also gained some attention for its overgrown vegetation and crumbling infrastructure.

Pickup details

Pickup & drop-off available from hotels, hostels, homestays, Airbnbs, private residences, coffee shops, airport, train stations and bus stations in Phong Nha, Hue, Dong Ha and Dong Hoi. Please provide your pickup details after booking. Flexible departure times available. If you cannot enter your pickup location during booking, simply send us your location after booking and we will arrange pickup from the correct location.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Important for Solo Travelers (1 Person Booking): If you are booking this tour for 1 person and choose the Self-Ride option, an additional US$16 fee applies to cover the motorbike and fuel. There is no additional fee if you choose the Pillion Passenger (Easy Rider) option and ride with one of our experienced guides.