Vietnam Motorcycle expedition

February 11-28

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About the expedition

The greatest adventure of your life!
A group of ten people is being assembled for a motorbike expedition in Vietnam, February 11–28.
Hanoi Old Quarter, Sa Pa rice terraces, Son Doong – the largest caves in the world, Da Nang white sand beaches, Da Lat mountains and coffee plantations, the heat and chaos of Saigon – and much more.
We will ride, sail, hike, taste, see and experience a lot. It will be tough – but unforgettable!

The journey – 17 days and approximately 3200 km.
The route in the description is precise, but the daily distance will depend on many unpredictable factors – especially in Vietnam. Once on the road, we’ll see how well we fit the schedule and how much time we can spend in each place. That’s why only the locations we’ll definitely visit are listed here.

A shared WhatsApp group will cover all practical matters – visas, arrival, mobile internet, transportation, etc. Everything is quite simple once you know how it works.

Important!
Alcohol and other intoxicants are strictly prohibited during the trip.

So, we’ll meet in Hanoi Old Quarter on February 11. The motorbike rental spot is within walking distance. We’ll get to know each other, discuss the trip, explore the Old Quarter, have dinner or try traditional egg yolk coffee.

The next morning, early – we’ll pick up the bikes and head straight into Hanoi’s chaos – noise, rivers of scooters, and constant honking.

The first real riding stage – Sapa.
This is the northern mountainous region near the Chinese border. The roads are winding, often covered in mist, with locals on goats or carrying chickens to market.
Sapa itself is touristy, but once you head into the surrounding villages, true beauty begins: terraced rice fields, mountains with buffalo grazing by the road. The air is fresher here – especially in February.
Food is simpler but tasty: fried vegetables, meat cooked over an open fire, sticky rice in bamboo tubes.

Next day – from Sapa back south via alternate routes to Ninh Binh.
Completely different scenery: limestone cliffs rising from rice fields – like Ha Long, but without crowds and boats.
You should take a boat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc, and hike to the top of Hang Mua hill for an amazing valley view.
Locals offer goat meat dishes (e.g., goat with lemongrass) and fried rice – authentic and delicious.

Next major city – Vinh.
We’ll just sleep, eat, and stop by the beach. The city is notable only because Ho Chi Minh – the deified leader of Vietnam – was born nearby.
All colonial architecture was destroyed in the war, so it feels very Soviet. But it’s fine for food and rest.

Then we ride to Phong Nha – a mountainous region and Vietnam’s main national park.
We’ll stay for a few days in an idyllic area with the world’s largest cave system.
With a team of professional guides, we’ll hike and explore the Son Doong caves – a unique, strictly protected ecosystem with a limited number of tourists allowed per year.
A three-day jungle trek: caves, underground rivers, overnight stays with locals and in the jungle, traditional food.
Three days offline, surrounded by nature.

Next stage – through Dong Hoi to Hue.
Dong Hoi is a cozy coastal town, and Hue is the former imperial capital, where you can still see the old Citadel, and around it – rivers, temples, boats.
Try the local bun bo Hue soup – strong-flavored, with lemongrass, beef, and chili.
Hue cuisine is considered one of the most refined in Vietnam.

From Hue we’ll ride over Hai Van Pass – officially entering southern Vietnam.
The views are stunning: mountains, sea, clouds.
If the weather is good, we’ll want to stop often.
At the bottom lies Da Nang – a modern city with bridges, cranes, Western-style cafes and restaurants.
We’ll stay there, enjoy the beaches, and visit the Marble Mountain cave temples.

From Da Nang – we’ll head past Hoi An.
It’s very touristy, but worth a visit. A UNESCO heritage Old Town, yellow houses, traditional lanterns, street food.
You must try the local banh mi (one of the best), cao lau noodles, and if time permits – relax at An Bang or Cua Dai beaches.

Next – Quy Nhon.
A less touristy town, but with a beautiful coastline. Peaceful beaches, fishermen, seafood.

Then – to the mountains – Da Lat.
A cooler city with coffee plantations, waterfalls, and a slightly European vibe.
It was a colonial summer retreat, so much of the old architecture is French.
The city is full of hidden cafes, bars, restaurants – a great place to explore at night.
The night market is worth a visit too.
Around Da Lat we’ll go hiking – for panoramic views of coffee and tea plantations.

After Da Lat we’ll descend back to the sea – to Vung Tau, a favorite resort for Saigon locals.
Again – beaches, seafood, resort vibes.

Final stop – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Back to noise, traffic, chaos, and crowds.
Plenty to see and taste: the Old Town, skyscrapers, markets, parks, street food, and even Michelin-starred restaurants.
On February 27 we’ll return the bikes in Saigon, enjoy the city, and fly home – full of unforgettable memories.

Trip Costs:

Participation fee – €380

Motorbike rental – €360–800 (depending on bike choice)

Refundable deposit at trip end – €500–1000 (depending on bike)

Fuel – up to €20/day

Phong Nha hike (Son Doong caves) – €300 (includes food and overnight stays)

Food – €2–10 per meal

Accommodation – €7–25 per person per night

Additional excursions and entertainment

Flights – €600–1000

Insurance – about €50

FAQ

Is a visa required?

An electronic visa is required to enter Vietnam. The application process is very simple, costs $25 USD, and the visa is issued within three days.

How much do flights to Vietnam cost?

Flights from Europe to Vietnam cost between €600 and €1000.

Is this trip alcohol-free?

Yes. In all Trip Extreme journeys, alcohol and other intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited.

Should I bring cash?

It’s best to bring cash, as ATMs that accept European cards can be difficult to find outside major cities (there won’t be issues in big cities). It’s most beneficial to bring US dollars, ideally in newer and larger bills, as the exchange rate depends on this.

Will there be internet access?

Vietnam has good connectivity with widespread 5G coverage, and all hotels will offer free Wi-Fi. You can purchase a SIM card with data at the airport upon arrival. It will be two euros more expensive than in the city, but the seller will install and configure it for you right away. You can also install an eSIM via apps like Airalo or Saily, though this will be slightly more expensive.

Is Vietnam a safe country?

Vietnam is very safe for tourists, but as always, common sense should be applied.

Is it safe to eat in public places?

Eating at public restaurants, or even street food, is generally safe (much safer than, for example, in India). However, during the first few days, I wouldn’t recommend street food, as your body needs time to adapt. In my fourteen trips to Vietnam, I’ve never experienced food poisoning, but I always carry a first-aid kit with anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medication.

Are there any required vaccinations?

There are no mandatory vaccinations, but it’s recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis.

Is it worth shopping in Vietnam?

Vietnam manufactures clothing and footwear for many well-known brands, making it an excellent place for shopping. Some of these products end up in specialized markets, where they can be up to ten times cheaper than in European stores. However, you need to be cautious, as there are many counterfeit goods on the market.

Do you want to join?