Hanoi to HCM City – 6 Key Details

Updated 06/09/26

The drive from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is an epic road trip that can take you through jungles, along rugged coastlines and through remote ethnic minority villages. The shortest route covers around 1,650 km, but the best way is to zig zag between the beach and mountains, which takes longer. Here are the key details of the journey.

Distance & Duration

• Distance: 1650 km (1,027 miles)
• Driving Time: Roughly 30 hours of driving time (spread over multiple days).
• Suggested Duration: Allow 14-21 days to fully experience the journey and stop at interesting spots along the way.
• Our Route: We suggest a longer route ( about 2,400km ) that has you zig-zagging across the country. You then get to see many more beautiful places.

Route Overview

There are several ways to tackle this route and a lot will depend on your preferences and priorities. It is generally accepted that staying mainly OFF the coastal road, AKA Highway 1, is a good idea. This allows you to experience the jungle and mountains that create the ‘spine’ of Vietnam. Then, you can pop out to the coast when you feel like a break or there is something cool to see.

Our route has you visiting the major locations along the way. You should plan a day or two in some of these locations, depending on your preference. Popular choices are: Phong Nha, Hoi An, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang.

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Key Stops Along the Way

There are a whole host of amazing places to stop on this trip, but you cannot do everything. Here are just a few key places to whet your appetite for adventure:

• Ninh Binh: A hugely popular tourist spot. Take a boat trip, hike up the rocky outcrops for the view and visit ancient temples.
• Phong Nha: Home to the largest cave complex in the world. Visit caves, trek through remote jungle and party a little in this popular backpacker town.
• Khe Sanh: A former military outpost and scene of some of the most vicious fighting in the American war. Visit the airbase and special forces barracks.
• Hue: An ancient capital of Vietnam. There are many tombs of former emperors, pagodas and the amazing abandoned water park to see here.
• Danang: A much more modern beach city worthy of a few days fro R&R off the bike.
• Hoi An: Once a small trading port, but now a thriving tourist spot. Get clothes tailor-made and wander the old streets stopping at cafes and eateries.
• Pleiku: High on a plateau with a pleasant dry climate, you will drive through huge forest plantations inhabited by the Bahnar and Jarai tribes.
• Quy Nhon: A small but popular seaside town close to pristine beaches. Stop over for a sleepy relaxed stay.
• Buon Ma Thuot: Visit plantations of coffee and cocoa and drive on endless dusty tracks through the central highlands.
• Nha Trang: A huge beach resort with everything that comes along with it.
• Dalat: A hill station retreat from the heat of HCMC. Visit waterfalls and adventure parks as well as the crazy house in the centre of town.
• Phan Thiet: The hub of kite surfing in Vietnam. This is a great place to chill on the beach or get active and enjoy all the watersports on offer.

Road Conditions

• The majority of the roads that you will encounter are tarmac and in reasonable condition. Naturally, some areas will be potholed or under construction but this causes few problems.
• If you plan to get off-road and take rough detours, then it would be best to at least take an XR150. However, think twice before riding a CRF for the long distances required on the Hanoi to HCMC route. It might not be so comfortable.
• Fuel is easy to find and even if you have a small gas tank (Honda Future 4.2l) you will be able to fill regularly and will not need to carry fuel with you.
  The only exception is the ‘Duong HCM Tay’ (QL15). It is imperative that you fill FULL before heading out on this route. Make sure to fill up in either No Name Filling Station or Long Son Filling Station
• Be aware of speed limits both in and out of urban areas. Speed traps are becoming more common and fines are high.

Fuel is straightforward on most of this journey, but range matters more on remote sections such as the western Ho Chi Minh Road. For petrol types, realistic motorcycle range and refuelling advice, see our motorcycle fuel guide for Vietnam.

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What to Pack (the basics)

• A water bottle, especially for remote stretches.
• Protective clothing for riding: long sleeves, strong shoes etc…
• Basic First aid kit, spare inner tube, brake/clutch lever
• Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent protective clothing for the hot climate.

FAQ

How long does the trip take?

How long is a piece of string? the journey between Hanoi and HCMC can be done in as little as 5-7 days, but that would be unrealistic if: you wanted to take rest days, if you wanted to visit interesting places, if you wanted to drive at a relaxed pace. Therefore, we recommend a minimum of 14 days and better still 21 days for the trip.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to do this?

Yes, you need a home license for the size of bike you are planning to drive and also an IDP (1968) convention, in order to drive legally. Many people do drive without these but it is becoming increasingly likely that you may be stopped and fined by police. Then, there is the issue of insurance that needs to be dealt with.

How much should I budget for the trip?

This varies greatly based on your travel style (accommodation, food, activities).

Budget Backpacker: $25-$35 USD per day (basic guesthouses, local food, minimal paid attractions).
Mid-Range: $40-$60 USD per day (more comfortable guesthouses/hotels, mix of local and some Western food, more activities).
Comfortable: $70+ USD per day.
This doesn’t include the cost of buying/renting the bike or major repairs.

How much do I need to budget for fuel on the hanoi to HCMC trip?

Currently, May 2025, fuel costs close to 1usd per litre and most bikes will easily use less than 3 litres per 100km. Therefore, if you budgeted 6usd per day assuming 200km per day on average, you would easily undercut this.

How can I navigate the trip

The simplest and most common way is to use Google Maps. However, this can be a little misleading and you should use ti with caution. Once better way is to find the map that you need to use on our maps page on the website and have this on your phone. This will give you a better route and be slightly easier to follow.

Best Time to Travel

Generally speaking, February to April is the best time to organise a trip like this. This is what you might consider the ‘shoulder season’. The temperatures are pleasant and there is less rain throughout the country. Conditions will be comfortable in both the North and the South. For much more detail on the condtions year round take a look at The Best Time to Drive HN – HCMC

This is your opportunity to explore the length of Vietnam and all its remote beauty and cultural heritage. You will encounter striking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unique stops along the way.

Safe travels