Hanoi to Hoi An Motorbike Route Guide 2025 for Long-Distance Hanoi Tours

How Many Kilometers from Hanoi to Hoi An & How Long Does It Take?

The Hanoi to Hoi An Motorbike trip spans over 800km and takes you on an epic journey across some of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes. It can be done in 4-6 days, depending on your pace. First timers should allocate longer to tick off highlights, including Phong Nha Caves, Tam Giang Lagoon, and the legendary Hai Van Pass, while confident riders can head around the loop even more quickly.

Stops at Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, and Hue are great places to pause the journey and enjoy it fully. If you travel through the Ho Chi Minh Trail or coastal road, you can find wonders of the culture and history like Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, and Khe Sanh Combat Base.

Recommended Hanoi to Hoi An Motorbike Route Options

Route 1: Coastal Scenic via QL1A

Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Vinh – Phong Nha – Hue – Hoi An

It’s the classic route from Hanoi to Hoi An Motorbike, the one to ride if you are looking for easy riding, nice towns, and sea views! You’ll cruise up Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks, loll beside the Ma River, cave explore in the World Heritage Phong Nha at the Phong Nha Caves, motor through Hue, crest the spectacular Hai Van Pass, and roll into delightful Hoi An. It is perfect for first-timers and those who are wondering how many days in Hanoi are enough before beginning this stunning and manageable ride.

Highlights:

• The ride is great, but that may be due to the great roads.
• Access to large cities, and many places to spend the night
• Awesome food stops and historic moments like Vinh Moc Tunnels, Marble Mountain, and Tam Giang Lagoon

Hai Van Pass (Sours: baobacgiang)

Route 2: Mountain Majesty via Ho Chi Minh Trail

Hanoi – Thanh Hoa – Khe Sanh – A Luoi – Hue – Hoi An

Wanting solitude, dramatic views, and an epic adventure? And this mythical Ho Chi Minh Trail is as pipe dreamer’s pipe dream for any rider. Beginning in Ha Noi, this route snakes through Vietnam’s rugged mountain range under the cover of forested peaks, past eerie war remnants such as Khe Sanh Combat Base, over the infamous 17th Parallel, and past emotive monuments like the Hien Luong Bridge.

Hien Luong Bridge (Sours: baobacgiang)

Highlights:

• Less traffic, wild scenery
• Wartime trails and remote ethnic villages of old villages and towns.
• A rewardingly punishing test of endurance

Types of Motorbikes & Where to Rent

Manual, Semi-Auto, or Automatic?

• Manual (e.g., Honda XR150, Winner X): Suitable for long trips, cross-country, challenging terrain.
• Semi-Automatic (e.g., Yamaha Sirius, Honda Wave RSX): Good for newbies, less fuel consumption, low maintenance.
• Automatic (e.g., Honda Air Blade): Decent for short trips, more suitable for city action (eg, Da Nang or Hoi An)

Recommended Motorbikes for Long-Distance Travel

These are the bikes that do well over the picturesque journeys from Ha Noi to Phong Nha Caves, through the Ma River, and historical sites like the Hien Luong Bridge.

Trusted Motorbike Rentals in Ha Noi

Honda XR150 (Sours: xecontay)

Safety Tips & Common Rider Mistakes to Avoid

Always Ride During Daylight

Vietnamese roads can be unruly, particularly in remote areas surrounding the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Phong Nha Caves, or on the climb to Hai Van Pass. The hazards at night include potholes, animals and fog, and low visibility. Map out each day carefully and set out early so you can rest safely overnight, come dark.

• If you’re wondering how many days in Hanoi before you leave, factor in this daylight-only riding; this might mean that you spend longer doing the loop, but it is so worth it.

Don’t Underestimate Fatigue or Dehydration

Riding a motorbike for long distances and making that 180 km in a day can take a toll on your body. Many riders overdo it and are left with nothing. Give yourself a 60-90 minute break when you need it. Stretch. Snack. Hydrate! Dehydration nation: whether it’s the hot zones around Da Nang or the steamy jungles around Heritage Phong Nha Ke Bang, dehydration comes in quickly. Bring:

Bring:

• Rehydration salts
• Energy bars
• A reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen

Know Where to Fuel Up and Sleep

The roads between Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, and Hoi An have long rural stretches with few gas stations. Top off early, including before riding or driving into the mountains and/or crossing the 17th Parallel at Hien Luong Bridge. 

Fuel Up:

• Refuel in large towns, e.g., Vinh, Dong Hoi, or Hue.
• Take a 1L fuel reserve if you are going deep into the Ho Chi Minh Trail legs

Stay Overnight:

• Search for homestays or guesthouses in Phong Nha, A Luoi, and close to Marble Mountain
• Book ahead during weekends and holidays

Alternative Ways Back to Hanoi 

By Train – Da Nang to Hanoi (Sleeper Cabin)

Route: Da Nang Railway Station to Hanoi Railway Station

 Travel Time: Around 16 to 17 hours

 Ticket Prices:

• Soft seat (air-conditioned): 500,000 – 650,000 VND
• 6-berth soft sleeper cabin: 700,000 – 850,000 VND
• 4-berth VIP sleeper cabin: 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 VND

Booking options:

• dsvn.vn (Official Vietnam Railways)
• 12go.asia
• baolau.com

Train (Sours: go2joy)

By Plane – Da Nang International Airport to Hanoi (Noi Bai)

Route: Da Nang International Airport to Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi

 Flight Duration: Around 1 hour 20 minutes

 Airfare Range:

• VietJet Air: 600,000 – 1,200,000 VND
• Vietnam Airlines: 1,000,000 – 1,600,000 VND
• Bamboo Airways: 850,000 – 1,500,000 VND

This is the fastest way back. A great option for those short on time after doing the complete Hanoi to Hoi An motorbike route on the coastal road and the historic Phong Nha Ke Bang.

Tip: Reserve early for the lowest fares. Check those baggage policies if you’re bringing gear.

Plane (Sours: thuongtruong)

By Bus – Hoi An or Da Nang to Hanoi

Route Options:

• From Hoi An to Hanoi
• From Da Nang to Hanoi

Travel Time: 18 to 20 hours

 Ticket Prices:

• The Sinh Tourist: 450,000 – 550,000 VND
• Queen Café: 500,000 – 600,000 VND
• Hung Thanh: 450,000 – 520,000 VND

Bus (Sours: baothainguyen)

Conclusion

The Hanoi to Hoi An Motorbike adventure is designed for travelers who seek the authentic Vietnam experience – riders who want to take their time to soak in the wonders of Phong Nha Caves, dominate the Hai Van Pass, and absorb the culture of every destination throughout the journey. Whether you’re a backpacker or an intrepid explorer, this is the journey that will haunt you for the rest of your life. And still pondering how many days in Hanoi to get ready? Just be sure to allot yourself plenty of time once you’re on the road, because the adventure does start when you pull out of the driveway.