About This Tour
Follow the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail north — dramatic mountain passes, remote minority villages and wartime history, ending in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Route & Itinerary
Dalat — departure into the highlands
We leave Dalat's cool mountain air and head north through pine forests and flower farms, stopping at local villages and roadside coffee stops with views over the highland plateau. Overnight in a highland guesthouse.
Deep into the highlands
We continue along the Ho Chi Minh Trail through remote jungle and communities that see very few foreign visitors. Dense forest, wartime history, and highland guesthouses a world away. Overnight deep in the highlands.
Mountain passes and history
A day of dramatic riding — steep switchbacks, sweeping valley views and wartime landmarks along the old trail, brought to life by your guide.
Coast descent
The landscape shifts as we descend toward the coast. The air warms, the jungle thins, and the South China Sea appears on the horizon. Overnight near the coast.
Arrival in Hoi An
The final push through paddy fields and fishing villages into Hoi An's Ancient Town, where we drop you at your accommodation.
Photos From This Tour
What's Included
Included
- ✓Experienced local guide (or self-drive scooter + support)
- ✓All fuel
- ✓4 nights accommodation
- ✓Motorbike insurance for the bike (not personal medical cover)
- ✓Hotel pickup in Dalat
- ✓Hotel drop-off in Hoi An
- ✓Sightseeing stops along the Ho Chi Minh Trail
- ✓Sightseeing tickets
Not included
- ✕Food & drinks
- ✕Personal travel and medical insurance that covers motorcycling
Passenger or Self-Drive?
🧑✈️ Ride with an Easy Rider
Ride as a passenger behind an experienced local guide. No licence or riding experience needed — just relax, take in the scenery, and let your guide handle the road and the stops.
🏍️ Self-drive
Prefer to ride yourself? A motorbike and fuel are included at the same price, with your guide riding alongside for support. You should be a confident rider and hold a valid motorcycle licence with the appropriate permit for Vietnam.
How Booking Works
- 1
Choose Your Tour
Select your tour, preferred date and riding option.
- 2
Pay a 20% Deposit
Paid securely online when you submit your booking request. Tours that do not start in Dalat take a 50% deposit.
- 3
Booking Confirmed Within 24 Hours
You receive a confirmation email, and your guide contacts you within 24 hours to confirm.
- 4
Pay the Balance Directly
The rest of the price is paid directly to your local guide in cash.
The 20% deposit is part of the total tour price, not an additional booking fee. Tours that do not start in Dalat take 50%, because your guide rides to the start point and books ahead. If the local operator cannot accept the booking, the deposit is refunded in full within 72 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need motorcycle experience?
No. Most travellers ride as a passenger behind an experienced local guide — no licence or experience needed. If you'd rather self-drive, you'll need to be a confident rider (see below).
Do I need a motorcycle licence?
Only for self-drive, and Vietnam is strict about it: you need a motorcycle licence from home plus an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, or a Vietnamese licence. Permits issued in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland are not valid here. As a passenger you need nothing at all, and it costs exactly the same.
Can I bring my luggage?
Yes. On multi-day tours your main luggage is carried for you; you ride with a small day bag. Let your guide know if you have a large bag.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run in light rain with provided rain gear, and your guide adjusts the route for safety. In case of severe weather your guide will adapt the plan with you.
What insurance is included?
Every tour includes the motorbike insurance Vietnamese law requires. It covers the bike and damage to others, not your own medical costs. You need your own travel and medical insurance, and it has to cover motorcycling — many policies do not.
What happens if I cancel?
Your deposit secures your booking request — 20% on tours starting in Dalat, 50% on tours starting elsewhere. If the guide centre cannot accept your booking it is refunded in full. If you cancel: more than 30 days before the start you get everything back, between 30 and 8 days you get half back, and within 7 days it is not refunded. You never owe anything beyond the deposit. See our cancellation policy for full details.
How do I pay the balance in cash?
The balance is paid to your guide in Vietnamese dong when you meet at the start of the tour. Dalat has plenty of ATMs, but most cap each withdrawal at a few million dong — less than the balance on a multi-day tour — so allow for more than one withdrawal, or bring currency to exchange. Your guide can point you to the nearest machine or exchange if you need one.
Why is the deposit higher on some tours?
Most tours take a 20% deposit. Tours that do not start in Dalat — Hoi An to Dalat, and Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat — take 50%. Your guide rides to the start point to meet you and commits to rooms and arrangements further in advance, so more of the price is paid up front.