12 Days Highlands Adventure Special

July 2nd -13th
12 Days Highlands Adventure Special
Host VMT founder Jason Thatcher

Day 1
Nha Trang Coastal Villages Ride
10am Start

After a riders briefing its time to saddle up and see local sites of the Seaside Town of Nha Trang Ride the beautiful Coastal and country back roads and check out some local seaside villages .   This spectacuar road is carved into the  mountainside and offers the most incredible views out across the ocean and surrounding islands . We arrive at Long Beach lined with beach shacks built from bamboo and palm trees.  take a dip in crystal clear warm waters of the South China Sea or relax and take in the views from a deck chair under our cool shaded beach hut .  Enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch Vietnamese style .  The return ride is just as spectacular as make our ride back along the winding coastal road to Nha Trang. Nha Trang  Bordered by  palm-shaded beaches of white sand. Nha Trang is considered as the most charming coastal town of Vietnam, its legendary beauty is known throughout Southeast Asia. as a land of soft white sand surrounded by warm turquoise water, filled with marine life and dotted with deserted islands. Nha Trang is the idea place to start your Motorbike adventure. with plenty of cool bars and fine restaurants, Nha Trang also happens to be the Gateway to the Central Highlands that offers the best motorcycling in Asia .  Overnight: Nha Trang . Hotel with Rooftop Pool

Day 2
Nha Trang -Dalat 160km ..
9am start

Day 2 We head into the countryside passing many rice fields and farmers busy going about their daily chores . heading into the hills the roads soon become peaceful and surrounded by stunning countryside as  we head towards Dalat .This is a  full day ride with plenty of stops to take in the sites of jungle covered mountains, We stop by a river for a picnic lunch. this great road is packed with winding passes as we ride up into the clouds and cooler temps  along with road side waterfalls ..  The Real Vietnam .. "this place is amazing!! Located on the Langbian plateau , 1600 meters above sea level . Dalat a cool retreat from the heat of the coastal plains. well known for its lakes, waterfalls, pine forrests  and old french-styled villas. Vietnams most popular honeymoon spot.. We arrive late afternoon . Checking into our preferred hotel that offers  old world design while offering all the mod-cons. and also an interesting collection of old cars and motorcycles . Dalats Night Markets are well worth checking-out. OVERNIGHT: Dalat . Hotel

Day 3
Dalat - Lake lak 160km
9am start
Day3 Back in the Saddle and another great day of  riding more winding country roads as we head to Lake Lak with plenty of interesting stops

(no tourist stuff )  don't let the mileage fool you as each day takes a fair amount of incredible riding. most days your lucky to average more than 20-30km per hour  a relaxed pace that gives you time to really take in this incredibly beautiful country with so many interesting sights often hidden right next to the road. Our expert guides will unfold the hidden secrets of Vietnams glory and charm " you be lucky to see tourist in these areas" . they are too busy doing the SAME SAME!! boring main city hops . . At Lake Lak we stay at a great local hotel which is local in the centre of the village . Vietnam food is always fresh & beers and drinks served COLD.. Lake Lak , a large natural lake formed by converging rivers and steams, untouched minority villages people from the Mnong and Edeh tribes live on the shores of Lake Luk .. OVERNIGHT Lake Luk . Hotel


Day 4
Lake Luk - Buon Me Thuot 110km
8.30am start

Day 4 After breakfast we ride  down to a Minority village filled with tradition long houses and has a number of Elephants  ..  back on the bikes we head to BMT passing through some tropical rain forest up past coffee plantations and farms . one of the interesting parts of our rides are the children who often share the roadside walking to and from school . they know our bikes as the stand apart from the common scooter  . they enjoy waving at us passing by and you cannot help but wave back at our smiling friends .  BMT is Coffee Trader Central and has some great markets . these are best seen early evening or very early in the mornings .
OVERNIGHT: Buon Me Thuot . Hotel


Day 5
Buon Ma Thuot to Kon Tum (on the Ho Chi Minh Road): 230km
8.30am start

Today we join the Ho Chi Minh Road, perhaps the best riding route in all Vietnam. A motorbiker’s dream, this fantastic ribbon of tarmac runs over 2,000km; all the way from the north to the south of Vietnam. The road is quiet, sparsely populated and passes through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery. At times the Ho Chi Minh Road follows the course of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which was the military supply line between north and south Vietnam during the ‘American War’. Today’s ride – the first leg of almost 800km we’ll spend on this incredible road that slices through natural forest, some areas are still left bare from the defoliants dropped during the American war. Sections of road stretching out dozens of kilometres ahead of you over rolling hills. This is one of the best rides in Asia, yet you’ll have it almost all to yourself. OVERNIGHT: Kon Tum. Hotel and Bike parking in the Ballroom

DAY 6
Kon Tum to Kham Duc: 180km

This part of the highlands is one of the most scenic areas in Vietnam, but it’s also one of the poorest. In Kon Tum we visit local sites . VMT is currently working to help local schools and medical clinics . Ask us more about our Soical Good Projects .  it’s a great way to leave something behind from your trip to Vietnam. Back in the saddle the Ho Chi Minh Road takes us into misty mountains clad in deep twisted green jungle, with rivers roaring far below. Waterfalls cascade off the mountains and spray our bikes. This remote area along the Lao border was once the scene of fierce battles between the Americans and the Vietcong, especially around Dak To, where an old US air base is still visible from the road; the runway now covered in cassava plants. Traffic is so light in this region that we share the road not with cars but with lumbering cattle and buffalo  who wade across the tarmac, herded by friendly old farmers. Children wave excitedly as we pass by tiny rural hamlets – In these areas we often arrange to buy books and pens to hand out to the local children and small village schools  . We spend the night at Kham Duc, a small rural village stucked into the mountains. OVERNIGHT: Kham Duc. Hotel

DAY 7
Kham Duc to A Luoi: 200km

One of the best day’s riding in Vietnam winding roads ahead . This long, awesome stretch of the Ho Chi Minh Road glides along fertile valleys before taking off into soaring mountains with countless thrilling switchbacks and hairpin bends for you and your motorbike to negotiate. A hypnotic rhythm sets in as you lean left then right, riding ever higher, into ever denser jungle. This section of road is so rarely used that you can count the number of vehicles you see on one hand. The scenery just keeps on getting better and better as you leave the ‘real world’ far behind and enter the remote Lao border area, where rare animals, such as the saola (also known as the Asian Unicorn and never seen in the wild by a westerner), still roam. Riding this amazing road produces a feeling of freedom and escape that most people can only dream about, or experience vicariously through road trip documentaries: but here we are, doing the real thing. The small, friendly town of A Luoi – where local old men are fond of smoking ‘Lao tobacco’ from bamboo pipes – is our night stop. OVERNIGHT: A Luoi . Family Owned Guesthouse .

DAY 8
A Luoi to Khe Sanh: 100km

Continuing on the Ho Chi Minh Road from A Luoi, we pass by some of the bloodiest battle sites of the ‘American War’. Clearly visible from the road, Hamburger Hill rises from the valley, its slopes still treeless from all the bombing and defoliants dropped on it during the 1969 battle. We’ll have plenty of time to stop and look around, including meeting local people who live in simple wooden homes by the roadside. Women in this area have red-stained teeth from chewing betel leaf, and men are fond of smoking potent ‘Lao tobacco’ from bamboo pipes. Locals are remarkably friendly and you may find it difficult to leave this hospitable valley. The road ploughs on in a straight line through a lush valley filled with tropical fruit trees. Children wave excitedly from the roadside, as if cheering us on our way. Following the lovely Dakrong River valley, we’ll see young women carrying fresh seasonal fruit in wicker baskets on their backs. Stop to have a taste and you’ll find this is the sweetest, juiciest fruit you’ve ever had. The last leg of the day heads east toward the Lao border. An excellent new road snakes up to 1,200 metres above sea-level, to Khe Sanh, site of the infamous 1968 siege. OVERNIGHT: Khe Sanh. Hotel . Home cooked feast

Day 9
Khe Sanh to Phong Nha (Western Ho Chi Minh Road): 280km
Take a deep breath, because you’re about to experience the best day’s riding in Vietnam. The western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road is an extraordinary stretch of tarmac: skirting the border with Laos and boasting more than 3,000 corners, this incredible route weaves its way up and down one of the most scenic, least-trodden, magical parts of Vietnam. While locals in Khe Sanh may ask why you want to ride such a deserted road, the answer is obvious to any motorcycle enthusiast: it’s heaps of fun! After rolling out of Khe Sanh and passing by the old US air base, the road narrows and the modern world seems to disappear completely. For 280km the Western Ho Chi Minh road sweeps and swoons over jungle-clad mountains, echoing to the sound of exotic birds and gushing waterfalls. There are no significant settlements on this road and not one gas station for its entire length. The only dwellings are wooden stilts homes, mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities, who are ecstatic to see foreigners. This area is so isolated that you’re more likely to see buffalo and oxen on the road than vehicles. Much of this territory is part of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, which has recently received press attention thanks to the discovery of the world’s largest cave system, lying beneath the limestone mountains here. For now this is Asia’s best-kept motorbiking secret, but it won’t be long before the word spreads: let’s enjoy it now, while we still have it all to ourselves.  Hotel located on riverside  OVERNIGHT: Phong Nha. Hotel . Riverside views

Day 10
Rest Day & Explore Phong Nha Caves:
The town of Phong Nha is a small riverside settlement, surrounded by awesome limestone karst mountains. This is the perfect setting for a relaxing day. Kick back with a beer and socialize with your touring companions, and maybe take a stroll along the river bank, watching the local fishing boats come and go. Or, if you’re up for more adventure, you can explore some of the spectacular caves in the area. Phong Nha Cave (‘Cave of Teeth’) is accessed by wooden boat through a small entrance on a subterranean waterway. Inside there are stalactites and ancient carvings from the Cham Kingdom & Paradise Cave is reached via a beautiful road through jungle-covered limestone mountains, 15km from Phong Nha town. Although the entrance to the cave is small, once inside the scale is breathtaking: an enormous, cathedral-like space opens before you, illuminated by spotlights. OVERNIGHT: Phong Nha.  Hotel . Riverside views

DAY 11
Phong Nha to Khe Sanh (return leg on the Western Ho Chi Minh Road): 280km
Because once is not enough, this is one of the most incredible roads on earth . Our return ride on the Western Ho Chi Minh Road back to Khe Sanh is nothing short than awesome. small remote villages where time has stood still .an empty road carved through stunning mountains,  a true riders parradise . There’s so much to see and so many wonderful scenic spots to stop and admire the views, that you’ll wish this road never ends. We’ll stop for lunch by the wild waters of the Long Dai River, and we’ll have plenty of time to wallow in the wonderful scenery of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.  OVERNIGHT: Khe Sanh.  Hotel . Home cooked feast

DAY 12
Khe Sanh to Hue: 170km
Retracing our route along the Ho Chi Minh Road from Khe Sanh to A Luoi, we’ll get another chance to gaze upon the fertile valleys in this region, with stunning river views. stops along the way to say hi to the friendly villagers and farmers throughout this region  It’s not unusual to be invited into people’s homes, or be treated to a roadside snack of fresh pineapple, or offered a toke on bamboo tabacoo pipe.the adorable children are shy but enjoy sharing their basic english .  who are ever-present during stops in the countryside. At A Luoi we say our fond farewells to the Ho Chi Minh Road and head eastwards. Coming down from the mountains on a pretty pass through small forests making our way into the hustle and bustle of Ancient Imperial Capital of Hue. OVERNIGHT: Congratutions you completing this amazing ride . time check in relax and enjoy a few drinks or more ..   Hue.  Hotel located in the city centre

TOUR PRICE & INCLUSIONS: Premium Special Event Tour
Date: July 2nd - 13th
12 Days Highlands Adventure Ride
Tour Code: JASVMT
Tour price: $3,960.00 AUD

To book this tour: email us at info@vietnammotorbiketours.com or call our bookings line on +61 3 5975 6333
Our tours are perfect for riders who want to discover amazing riding routes away from mainstream tourism, and meet like-minded riders in the process.
We travel at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for random stops by the road in order to take everything in and for you to get the most out of this unique experience. We recommend you arrive at least one day before the tour begins.

Our special Event Premium Tour Prices cover all accommodation costs (including pre-tour night) in comfortable twin-share rooms in quality mid-range hotels or guesthouses with private bathrooms.
All meals (breakfast, lunch) are included, as well as an esky filled with cold bottled water, fruit and snacks when on the road. Our meals are set menus (including options for vegetarians) that showcase the very best of Vietnamese cuisine, which is justly famous as one of the most sophisticated in the world.

All our tours include a support van and driver, guides and a support crew. Our guides and crew have excellent English skills and are passionate about Vietnam and motorbiking.
We provide each rider with a detailed touring map of Vietnam, so you can follow the route while on the road, and retrace your adventure when back home. Also included is your very own Vietnam Motorbike Tours T-shirt. See below for a full list of tour inclusions and exclusions.

Prices includes:
•    Airport pick up and transfers. Private VIP car/mini van
•    Domestic flights transfers on Vietnam Airlines. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang and returning to HCMC or Hanoi from tour destination.
•    1 night pre tour accommodation. at our selected hotel .
•    Pre Tour rider briefing. evening before the tour start 6pm . meet the team of tour group . discuss the incredible ride and things to know .
•    Full motorcycle rental from our fleet of 25 Lifan motorcycle for the duration of the tour.
•    Motorcycle damage cover and limited 3rd party insurance .
•    Entrance tickets and permits.
•    Helmets – clean open-face with drop down screens "limited sizes" riders with xxxl or xxxsmall should consider to bring their own helmet – wet weather gear.
•    Quality mid-range, clean and friendly accommodation many would rank 4 star back home."Aust" All with WIFI, private bathrooms and air-con.
•    Twin-share basis: (single room supplement is an additional $45.00 per night). Limited single rooms in remote areas so let us know early.
•    Meals . Breakfast & Lunch. endless supply of bottled water and soft drinks, snacks & fresh fruits through-out the tour . Dinners not included. We find our riders prefer to arrange and select their own evening meals. allow around $10-$15.00 each for your evening meals. Vietnam is famous for great foods . restaurants are close to our overnight stays .
•    24hr back to base support. Medicines and first-aid kit . all guides carry working mobile phones .
•    All fuel costs, VMT Motorcycle service & maintenance throughout the tour .
•    9-seater minibus support vehicle and driver for luggage transport and assistance.
•    VMT motorcycle guides and support crew. VMT crew are highly experienced dedicated team. our much loved team are just one of the many highlights while touring Vietnam
•    Detailed touring map of Vietnam. Vietnam Motorbike T-shirt. VMT will select at least one night of "DRINKS ON US"
•    Pillion and passenger prices are 50% of the standard rate.

PRICE EXCLUDES.

•    Airfares to & from Vietnam (HCMC) approximately $990.00 AUD.
•    Travel Insurance policy covering the use of a motorbike (mandatory).
•    Personal expenses, such as shopping, souvenirs, laundry, all extra drinks.
•    Tips for staff at tour completion. Vietnam Motorbike Tour guides are well-paid so tips are optional but always appreciated. Aim for $50.00
•    Medical examination and vaccinations before departure.
•    Tourist Visa. Your local travel agent can arrange visas for you or you can book online. You must make visa arrangements before entering Vietnam.