Embark on an unforgettable journey: Hanoi to Da Nang by Big Bike. At Rentabike Vietnam, we’ve meticulously crafted a route that unveils the true essence of Vietnam, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil shores of Da Nang. This isn’t just a ride; it’s an immersive experience.
Over 8 days, our guided tour takes you on a meticulously planned route, ensuring you experience the best of Vietnam. Join our Run to the Sun tour for the adventure of a lifetime.
This is the route we suggest you take for anything between 6 to 10 days. It takes you to all the great spots on the best roads. Alternatively, check out our Maps page for up to day research.
Ready for adventure? The Honda XR150 is your perfect companion for rugged backroads, mountain passes, and open highways.
✅ Lightweight, reliable, and fuel-efficient
✅ Comfortable for long rides and multi-day tours
✅ Trusted by riders across Vietnam for the legendary Ha Giang Loop
At Rentabike Vietnam, we understand the importance of a reliable and high-performance motorcycle. Our fleet of bikes are newly purchased and regularly maintained. The CB500x is the best choice of what is readily available in Vietnam for a long haul trip like this. It is perfectly suited for the route taken and the traffic conditions experienced. It can also handle a pillion passenger as well due to the lower speeds experienced here.
What is more, we provide a thorough pre-ride inspection to ensure your bike is in peak condition and are on hand via email, telephone, messenger to help you out with translation, questions or any unfortunate incidents.
In fact, we appreciate being told of any problems you encounter and will not penalise you for letting us know. It is important for future rider safety that we know the bike’s true history
We can help you with this route or variation of it and have carefully curated a route that highlights the most scenic and culturally significant destinations. The route given is just a framework to get you started. Every trip will be bespoke therefore we can help with your route choices so you ride in the style that suits you.
Remember, you need How to Drive Legally in Vietnam and will need to have your own home license and also an IDP 1968. We also have detailed all you need to know about the penalties you may face in our blog.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of getting insurance for the bike in Vietnam. So, driving carefully is a must.
Your Vietnamese motorcycle adventure begins in the heart of Hanoi! After picking up your bike and taking her for a spin around the block, we head out onto the crowded city roads. We are heading towards Pu Luong Nature Reserve, but there is plenty of urban area to get through first.
We’ll stick close together and wind our way carefully through the traffic until the roads gradually open up and the commuter traffic dies down.
Pretty soon, we are cruising along and have left town far behind. This is when the real adventure begins.
This first leg is all about escaping the city and getting out into rural Vietnam. We do our best to get you off the main road as soon as possible. So, expect a mix of well-maintained asphalt roads and scenic countryside routes, which are a bit more on the bumpy side. We’ll wind through small plots of family farmed land and lush green rice paddies, as well as small traditional villages. This is the real Vietnam.
Pu Luong, with its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, offers a perfect first stop to unwind and appreciate the freedom of the open road.
Today we head out of the natural beauty of Pu Luong and prepare for a more exciting ride as we head towards Tan Ky. This leg sees us winding our way up some steep mountain passes and little winding roads that Vietnam is well known for. Far removed from the long straight roads that some of you will be used to, you’ll experience the thrill of sharp curves and switchbacks while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Remember to pay attention, stay in lane and be ready for the unexpected.
This section is more challenging and a chance for you to get out of your comfort zone to test your skills. Just keep your eyes of the road and don’t get distracted by the stunning scenery. Tan Ky, although steeped in history, is a small, dull town but there are good food and hotel options to be had.
Your guide will be keeping a watchful eye on you and your bike to make sure that you are safe and comfortable.
Now, we are really starting to crank it up as we ride from Tan Ky to Phong Nha! This section introduces you to more winding mountain roads and trickier steep corners and switchback. Practise changing gear swiftly if you want to succeed here. The CB500x eats up terrain like this, so long as you tell it what to do.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park awaits, offering a visual feast of dramatic scenery. This section is ideal for riders seeking a mix of smooth riding and engaging twists. The roads are fairly quiet and allow you to stretch your legs a little. We keep the bikes in tip top condition so you will be able to get the most out of it.
Get ready to ride a piece of history! The route from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh takes you along the iconic Ho Chi Minh Road. This is a stretch of twisty road carved out of virgin jungle and is a unique riding experience. There are varied road conditions and a feeling of history all along this stretch. You’ll see small, remote villages and locals hard at work and then stretches of desolate lonely road that may cause worry in some. This is the natural beauty of the place.
The Honda CB500x is well-equipped to handle this terrain, ensuring a comfortable ride with the ability to stop on a dime, and there being no fear of running out of fuel with its huge tank.
Near the end of day, we visit Khe Sanh, the historic airbase. You’ll see a whole raft of military machines and learn about how the war was fought here. For some it is a sombre place.
From the historic Khe Sanh, we pass through the mountains then down towards the ancient coastal capital of Hue. This leg has smoother roads, allowing you to relax (a little) and enjoy the scenic valleys all around you. There is often rain here so be prepared. Rolling downwards can be relaxing but there is plenty of traffic so don’t take your eye off the ball.
Entering Hue is always a pleasant experience. It is very low rise and charming and full of culture. The walking street in the hear of the tourist area is again busy and lively. This gives us a chance to see how we’ve absorbed the local driving methods.
The grand finale of your Vietnamese motorcycle tour! The ride from Hue to Da Nang includes the legendary Hai Van Pass, a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast. This is an amazing ribbon of road that gives us stunning coastal views whilst throwing us into challenging curves. It’s so much fun that people ask to ride it again.
The final stint of the journey is coming off the pass and along the long sandy coastline over to Danang. If there is time we’ll take a detour around Son Tra Mountain for more views and historic sights. Then, to Danang and your hotel.
Ready for ultimate freedom? Our one-way rentals let you blaze your own trail across Vietnam — no need to loop back!
✅ Pick up/drop off in Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh City
✅ Explore Vietnam at your pace
✅ No backtracking—just pure, open-road freedom
At Rentabike Vietnam, our aim is to provide an exceptional motorcycle touring experience. Our tours are designed to get you off the main roads and to quieter more scenic areas. Our expert guides are friendly and helpful and they are there to keep you safe and offer assistance when needed.
You only need to enjoy the ride whilst we handle all the logistics, from accommodation to meals, making sure you have a throughly enjoyable journey.
Our tour packages are competitively priced, offering excellent value for an all-inclusive adventure. Contact us for detailed pricing and booking information.
Ready to embark on your Vietnamese motorcycle adventure? Contact us today to learn more and book your tour. We’re here to answer your questions and help you plan your dream trip.”
The distance is roughly 800-1000+ km depending on your exact route (Highway 1A vs. Ho Chi Minh Road variants). While it could be rushed in 3-4 days, that wouldn’t be enjoyable. For a comfortable pace on the CB500X, allowing for sightseeing, rest days, and potential delays (weather, minor repairs), we plan for 7 to 10 days. This allows for daily riding distances of 150-250 km, which is manageable and lets you appreciate the scenery.
Road Conditions vary significantly.
Highway 1A: Mostly paved, often busy, can have potholes especially after rainy seasons.
Ho Chi Minh Road: Mostly paved, often single-lane each way. Expect winding mountain passes, some sections with older pavement, potholes, occasional gravel patches (especially after rain), and potential landslides during wet season (though less likely in drier months).
CB500X Suitability: The bike will handle 99% of this route fine. Its suspension travel is decent for imperfections. Only extreme unpaved sections or deep mud (unlikely on the main routes unless there’s very recent, heavy rain) would pose a real challenge. Standard road tires are sufficient.
Fuel availability is generally good, even on the HCM Road. Petrol stations (Cây xăng) are present in towns and even some larger villages. However, stretches between towns can be 50-100km or occasionally more.
CB500X Range: The CB500X has around a 17.7-litre tank and gets excellent fuel economy (typically 25-30+ km/litre). You can realistically expect a range of 350-450+ km per tank depending on your riding style and the terrain.
Recommendation: Always top up your tank when you pass through a decent-sized town if you’re below half-full, especially on the more remote HCM Road sections. We do not recommend carrying fuel. It is awkward, dangerous and unneccessary.
The spring months (March to May) are often considered the best. Weather is generally warming up, rainfall is lower than in summer, and skies are often clearer.
Autumn (September to November) is also a good option, though the typhoon season can affect the central coast (including Da Nang) primarily from Sept-Nov, bringing potential heavy rain and wind. Check forecasts carefully.
Winter (December to February): Can be cold and foggy/drizzly, especially in the northern mountains and passes. Requires warmer gear.
Summer (June to August): Can be very hot and humid, with increased chances of heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons.
Legally Required: A helmet is legally mandatory for all riders and passengers in Vietnam. While locals often wear basic helmets, a proper, well-fitting full-face or modular helmet is highly recommended for safety.
Highly Recommended:
Motorcycle Jacket: With armour (shoulders, elbows, back). Provides abrasion resistance and impact protection. Mesh jackets are good for the heat.
Gloves: Protect your hands in a fall and reduce fatigue.
Sturdy Trousers: Motorcycle-specific riding pants offer the best protection. At a minimum, wear durable long trousers (jeans, canvas). Avoid shorts.
Boots: Over-the-ankle boots provide crucial ankle support and protection. Proper motorcycle boots are best. Sturdy hiking boots are a minimum. Avoid trainers or sandals.
Rain Gear: A good quality waterproof outer layer is essential, even outside the main rainy season, as showers can occur.
This tour takes you from the northern highlands to the central coast and gives you a great insight into may different aspects of vietnamese cutlure. You will see a range of local people, their traditions and how they fit into the countryside around them. The large majority of the roads are large and allow for enjoyable cruising, even though you still need to be very aware of other road users at times.
Join us on this amazing tour for a once in a lifetime experience.
Engine Type
air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC
Displacement
411 cc
Bore X Stroke
78 mm x 86 mm
Ignition
TCI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic forks; stanchion diameter 41 mm
Rear Suspension
linkage-type monoshock
Front Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
90/90 – 21
Rear Tyres
120/90 – 17
Wheelbase
1465 mm
Seat Height
800 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
15 litres
Dimensions
2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1360 mm (H)
Daily
Total
Rider (CRF 300)
$220
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Rider (XR 150)
Rider (CRF 300)
Rider (CB 500X)
Rider (Himalayan 400)
$220
Rider (GS 1250)
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Jeep (1 PAX)
$210
Jeep (2 PAX)
$120
Jeep (3 PAX)
$90
Jeep (4+ PAX)
$80
Rider (Easy Rider)
$115
Rider (Self-Drive)
$105
Private Room
$15
* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)
