The 7 top road trips in Vietnam

Long and winding, much like the legendary naga serpent, Vietnam gracefully hugs the eastern coastline of mainland Southeast Asia, extending from China in the north down to Cambodia and the Mekong Delta in the south. Its two major cities—Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—are separated by 1137 km (707 miles) of stunning mountains, lush jungles, rice paddies, beaches, and historical landmarks. In short, this country is ideal for road trips.

The journey between Vietnam's northern and southern capitals is just one of the many epic road trips enticing adventurers on four wheels (or, more commonly, two). With over 61 million motorbikes on Vietnam's roads, daring bikers will enjoy great company while exploring the nation’s diverse landscapes, complete with plenty of repair shops, gas stations, and food stops along the route.

Whether you’re planning to travel by car or motorbike, here’s our selection of Vietnam’s finest road trips.

1. Ha Giang Loop

Ideal road trip for wild swimming and mountain trailsHa Giang–Ha Giang; 350 km (218 miles)

The towering peaks and deep valleys of Vietnam’s northernmost province are best experienced at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for refreshing swims in waterfalls, enjoying roadside snacks (nothing boosts energy like dried buffalo), and capturing photos of the terraced rice and corn fields cascading down steep hillsides. Begin your journey in Ha Giang city, the gateway to a realm of conical, forested mountains straight out of an ancient scroll.

Ha Giang translates to 'water and mountains' in Vietnamese, and you're never far from either as you explore this loop through Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Bao Lam, where bubbling streams and cascading waterfalls feature prominently. This winding route passes through communities of at least 10 different ethnic minorities, offering a rewarding multi-day drive with numerous opportunities for side trips and activities, including trekking, river boating, and caving.

Tip for planning: The Ma Pi Leng Pass is undeniably the most picturesque part of the drive, featuring rugged mountains that cradle the emerald Nho Que River. Be sure to set aside half a day for a serene boat trip with a chance to swim in its inviting waters.

2. Cao Bang to Ban Gioc

Premier road trip through Vietnam's countrysideCao Bang–Ban Gioc; 80 km (50 miles)

The journey from Cao Bang to the roaring Ban Gioc Waterfall, which lies along the China–Vietnam border, takes adventurers through some of Northern Vietnam’s most untouched rural landscapes. Expect lush fields, stilt houses, and crystal-clear lakes along the way. However, for driving enthusiasts, the natural beauty may be rivaled by an artificial marvel: the km-long (2.1 miles) Ma Phuc Pass, featuring seven winding turns that provide stunning views of the terraced fields below.

For additional natural wonders, consider a detour to the expansive, stalactite-filled Nguom Ngao Cave, which stretches several kilometers underground, but be sure to save ample time for the main attraction of the road trip. Fed by the Quay Son River, the Ban Gioc Waterfalls straddle the border, dramatically cascading over lush, green-draped shelves. Enjoy the views from the observation platforms or take a bamboo raft for a closer look at the spectacular falls, which plunge over 30 m (98 ft).

Tip for planning: While this route can be explored as a standalone adventure, it’s also a popular extension of the Ha Giang Loop.

3. Dalat to Nha Trang

Ultimate road trip to a French colonial hill stationDalat–Nha Trang; 134 km (83 miles)

Transitioning from the cool highlands surrounding Dalat to the sun-kissed shores of Nha Trang, this brief yet delightful road trip offers a feast of changing landscapes and microclimates. Start early to savor the hilly vistas along the way and the coastal views as you approach your destination.

Begin your journey in the hills around Dalat, established as a refreshing retreat where French colonizers would escape the sweltering heat of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). This unique region of Vietnam is characterized by the scent of pine and farms that produce strawberries, coffee, and flowers rather than rice.

As you descend from the mountains and the humidity returns, the atmosphere becomes more familiar. The well-paved QL27C road winds around hills and meanders through small villages, ultimately leading to the coastline, where a swim in the turquoise waters of Nha Trang Beach serves as a perfect finale to this journey.

4. Hai Van Pass

Ultimate road trip for breathtaking views and sharp turnsDanang–Lang Co Beach; 20 km (12 miles)

Before the Hai Van Tunnel opened in 2005, the mere idea of navigating the hairpin turns and blind corners of the Hai Van Pass sent chills down the spines of bus passengers traveling between Danang and Hue. Now, with much less traffic, this short yet spectacular ride is an enjoyable adventure for even novice drivers.

In Vietnamese, Hai Van Pass translates to 'Ocean Clouds,' flanked by lush jungle-covered mountains on one side and steep cliffs descending to the East Sea on the other. This stunning backdrop has made the road one of the most Instagrammed in the world, boasting an impressive 4,298 photos per mile!

Detour: Take a break at the halfway point for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee while you admire the Indochina-era Hai Van Gate and remnants of French fortifications. Although the pass officially concludes at the breezy Lang Co Beach to the north, many travelers opt to continue for another hour to explore the ancient imperial city of Hue, rich with its palaces and enduring tombs.

5. Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho

Ultimate road trip through the vibrant Mekong DeltaHo Chi Minh City–My Tho; 70 km (44 miles)

The expansive, rice-paper-flat Mekong Delta often doesn’t receive the road trip attention it deserves; its lush, green rice fields can shift from captivating to a bit tedious as the distance increases. Yet, as you escape the sprawling, polluted Ho Chi Minh City, the cityscape transforms into majestic palms, flourishing banana trees, and shimmering waterways nestled among emerald rice paddies.

While the landscapes here are undeniably striking, the true joy of driving in the Mekong Delta lies in easing off the accelerator and wandering through the narrow riverside lanes and pathways, where life unfolds at a much slower rhythm than the bustling streets of HCMC.

Upon reaching My Tho – known for its delicious noodle soup with pork and shrimp – even more cultural treasures await, with the flower farms in Sa Dec just a short drive to the west and Can Tho, home to the Delta's largest floating market, located to the southwest.

6. Con Son Island

Best road trip for secluded island beachesDam Trau–Ben Dam; 25km (15 miles)

Cut off from the mainland for many years, the Con Dao islands are among Vietnam’s hidden treasures. Con Son, the largest and sole inhabited island in the group, features just one main road running its length. Riding a motorcycle is the ideal way to explore the island's picturesque countryside and discover a series of stunning, deserted beaches.

Begin at Dam Trau, a lengthy beach lined with seafood shacks near the airport, then navigate past lush hills, a historical French colonial prison, and a series of beautiful beaches that emerge at low tide, finally arriving at Ben Dam where ferries from the mainland arrive and depart. Take your time over a morning or afternoon and don't forget your swimsuit.

7. Ho Chi Minh Highway

Best road trip for classic Vietnamese experiencesHo Chi Minh City–Hanoi; 1880km (1168 miles)

There are multiple routes connecting Vietnam’s two largest cities, catering to those who prefer beaches, mountains, or smooth highways. For an ideal blend of driving duration (around two weeks) and breathtaking views, take the Ho Chi Minh Highway, which was historically used for transporting troops and supplies during the Vietnam War.

Leaving the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the road traces the Truong Son mountain range, winding through tranquil villages where the aroma of coffee from nearby plantations fills the air. This arid plateau transitions into lush, forested mountains as you enter Central Vietnam, regarded as the most picturesque part of this incredible road trip.

Detour: Adventurous travelers should visit Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, home to the world's largest cave, and Cuc Phuong, Vietnam's oldest national park located in the Red River Delta, before navigating the busy streets of Hanoi.