“Long and sinuous, like the mythical naga serpent, Vietnam was made for exploring by road.” That is what the world famous travel magazine Lonely Planet said about Vietnam. In this post Travel Sense Asia would like to introduce to you 6 best road trips to explore Vietnam.
Ha Giang loop: 350km
Ha Giang is a mountain province in northeast Vietnam where you can easily find high mountains or deep valleys. Ha Giang loop has a total length of 350km and is considered as one of the toughest road trips in Vietnam. The most beautiful part starts from Ha Giang city to Yen Minh, Dong Van, over Ma Pi Leng pass.
On the way travellers can admire breathtaking mountain scenery, enjoy an interested boat trip to explore the emerald Nho Que River, hike through rice terraces or stop at some ethnic villages to learn more about cultural identities of local minorities groups, including Hmong, Tay and Thai.
Cao Bang – Ban Gioc: 80km
The drive from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall at China-Vietnam border will take you from rice fields, lush farmlands, stilt villages and crystal clear lakes. It is one of the wildest road trips in Vietnam.
During the journey, travelers will conquer the 3.5-kilometer-long Ma Phuc Pass, which can only be handled by experienced drivers. The pass allows travelers to admire gorgeous terraced rice fields below.
Da Lat – Nha Trang: 134km
This trip will take you from the highland and coffee/tea farms of Da Lat to the sunny beaches of Nha Trang. It is known as one of the and easiest road trips in Vietnam, but still impressive because travellers can experience the obvious change of climate and landscape at the two destinations.
Hai Van Pass: 20km
Although this route a distance of only 20km but it is one of the most attractive road trips in Vietnam. It starts from Lang Co Bay in Hue and ends at Da Nang. On the way tourists can stop at the viewpoint for a Vietnamese iced coffee, visit the remains of several French fortifications and admire the beautiful coast of Da Nang city.
Ho Chi Minh city – My Tho: 70km
This is the most important route in the southern Vietnam. It helps to connect Ho Chi Minh city and the provinces in Mekong Delta region. It is one of the most easiest road trips in Vietnam with just 70 kilometers length, taking around 1h30’ transfer.
The landscape along the way is quite simple with endless rice fields, cannot compare with mountain roads in the north. But it brings travellers a distinctive experience. Arriving in My Tho, the boat is waiting for you and the journey in the labyrinth of water canals in Mekong Delta begins.
Ben Dam – Dam Trau: 25km
This route Ben Dam – Dam Trau is the most beautiful road in the Con Son island, the biggest island of Con Dao archipelago. With the low population density, this island is perfect place for an escape.
The 25-kilometer journey starts from Ben Dam Port, where mainland ferries arrives. Travelers can wind their way past forested hillsides, French colonial prisons, before ending up at Dam Trau, a long stretch of beach near the airport.