15 Day Vietnam Laos Motorcycle Tour: Hanoi to Saigon via Luang Prabang
This 15 day cross-border motorcycle tour from Hanoi to Laos, back to Vietnam all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, packs an extraordinary range of landscapes, history, and culture into one of the most diverse riding routes in Southeast Asia.
The journey winds south from Hanoi through the peaceful Mai Chau Valley before crossing into Laos, taking in the spiritual charm of Luang Prabang, the dramatic karst scenery of Vang Vieng, and the riverside energy of Vientiane and Savannakhet.
Crossing back into Vietnam, the route passes through the war-scarred highlands of Khe Sanh and the imperial heritage of Hue before finishing in the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An on Vietnam’s central coast, all the way to Saigon.
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Tour Highlights:
- Ride a 15-day cross-border motorcycle loop from Hanoi through Vietnam and Laos to Hoi An, Nha Trang and Saigon
- Explore iconic destinations including Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hoi An, Nha Trang & Cat Tien National Park
- Cross two international borders experiencing Lao Buddhist culture, Vietnam War history, and ancient town heritage
- A perfect blend of mountain valleys, karst landscapes, imperial cities, and coastal riding across the region
Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau (170 km)
Heading northwest from Hanoi, the ride opens alongside Hong Son Lake with sweeping views of limestone peaks, tiny forested islands, and calm reflective waters. The road winds through charming rural landscapes before descending into the peaceful Mai Chau Valley by afternoon. After time to explore, dinner is followed by a traditional Thai dance performance. Overnight in a Thai stilt house.
Highlights: Hong Son Lake, limestone scenery, Mai Chau Valley, Thai cultural performance, stilt house stay
Day 2: Cross into Laos: Mai Chau to Sam Nua (200 km)
An early start heads toward the Vietnam-Laos border crossing, transitioning into the lush highland scenery of northern Laos. The ride continues through dramatic mountain roads and quiet rural villages into Sam Nua, a charming town nestled in the scenic Houaphanh Province.
Highlights: Vietnam-Laos border crossing, northern Laos mountain roads, Sam Nua highland town
Day 3: Luang Prabang (380 km)
One of the longest riding days of the tour covers sweeping Laotian countryside before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. Ancient temples, traditional architecture, and a vibrant night market await on arrival.
Highlights: Laos highland countryside, Luang Prabang UNESCO town, ancient temples, night market
Day 4: Luang Prabang Rest Day
A full day to explore Luang Prabang at leisure. Morning visits to the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong are followed by an afternoon at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall with its turquoise tiered pools.
Highlights: Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, Kuang Si Waterfall, optional cooking class
Day 5: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (200 km)
The ride south from Luang Prabang delivers panoramic views of limestone karst formations and lush river valleys into the adventure hub of Vang Vieng. Optional afternoon activities include tubing or kayaking through the dramatic natural scenery surrounding the town.
Day 6: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (150 km)
A smooth ride south leads into Vientiane, the relaxed capital of Laos where traditional culture and city life sit comfortably side by side. Key stops include the iconic Pha That Luang stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument before a traditional Lao dinner in the city.
Day 7: Vientiane to Savannakhet (460 km)
The longest day of the tour follows the Mekong River corridor south through open Laotian landscapes into Savannakhet, a laid-back riverside town with a distinct French colonial character. Time to stroll the riverfront before dinner.
Highlights: Mekong River road, southern Laos scenery, Savannakhet riverside town, French colonial architecture
Day 8: Savannakhet to Khe Sanh, Vietnam (150 km)
Crossing back into Vietnam, the route heads through rugged highland terrain into Khe Sanh, one of the most historically significant towns of the Vietnam War. Visits to the Khe Sanh Combat Base and Ta Con Airfield offer a powerful insight into the conflict’s impact on this remote region.
Highlights: Laos-Vietnam border crossing, highland terrain, Khe Sanh Combat Base, Ta Con Airfield
Day 9: Hoi An via Hai Van Pass (360 km)
The ride continues southeast through scenic highland roads into Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, with time to visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City before pushing on.
The afternoon tackles the legendary Hai Van Pass, delivering sweeping views over jungle and coastline before descending toward the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and exceptional local cuisine provide a memorable end to the cross-border adventure.
Highlights: Hue Imperial Citadel, Hai Van Pass, Hoi An ancient town
Day 10: Hoi An to Mang Den (250 km)
Leaving Hoi An, the route heads inland along the scenic Phuoc Son Trail through lush mountain landscapes, dense forests, and quiet rural villages. The ride passes through remote territory of the Ba Na ethnic community, offering a genuine glimpse into traditional highland culture and untouched natural scenery.
As the road climbs toward Mang Den, often called the “second Da Lat,” the scenery transitions into cool pine forests and peaceful mountain lakes for a serene end to the day.
Day 11: Buon Ma Thuot – Dirt trail(290 km)
Leaving Mang Den, the route heads south through the Central Highlands on dirt trails toward Pleiku and Kon Tum past lush forests, rolling hills, and quiet rural villages. A significant stop at the historic Ia Drang Valley battlefield adds powerful wartime context before the ride continues into Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s celebrated coffee capital.
En-route we can stop for a visit to Yok Don national park (optional stop)
Day 12 & 13: Nha Trang (200 km)
Leaving the highlands behind, the ride descends through the Tay Son mountains toward the coast, rejoining the highway around 30 km north of Nha Trang before following a stunning coastal road into the city. Emerald waters and colorful fishing boats line the final stretch into Nha Trang.
The next day is a free day at your own, enjoy the beach capital of Vietnam your way.
Day 14: Cat Tien National Park – Dirt trail (340 km)
Today’s ride climbs into the Central Highlands along one of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain roads, famously featured in the BBC Top Gear Vietnam Special.
The route mixes sealed roads with exciting dirt trail sections through highland terrain before reaching Da Lat, we stop for lunch and then carry on again.
An optional stop at the stunning Dambri Waterfall, one of the tallest in the Central Highlands, makes for a rewarding mid-ride break before pushing south on Road 20 toward Cat Tien National Park.
After checking in, the evening brings a guided visit into the national park, an area that served as a wartime militia base and bears the visible scars of extensive herbicide damage, with open grassland and bamboo replacing what was once dense tropical forest.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (160 km)
The final ride covers a relatively short distance but builds in energy as the landscape transitions from jungle wilderness into the buzzing outskirts of Saigon. Traffic thickens on the city approach, a fitting contrast to the remote roads left behind, as the tour concludes in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.