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Tom | vietnamcoracle@gmail.com
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Hi Tom
Big fan of the blog – fascinating and compelling reading, thank you for your work! Already thinking ahead to a trip over xmas 2023 and we’re (two adults, a 19 yo and 14yo) thinking of flying into Ho Chi Minh for a few days and then taking a train to Phan Thiet for a week or so. We were in Phu Quoc (at Ninila) just before lockdown and have always longed to return to Vietnam. We’re very open to other suggestions at this point!
very best
Rob
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your kind words.
That time of year is great for Phu Quoc, particularly Ong Lang beach (where Ninila is) and Long Beach (stretching south of Duong Dong, the island’s main town), and also Ganh Dau (in the northwest of the island) and Vung Bau beach. There are so many places to stay. Check out my Phu Quoc Beaches guide and Phu Quoc Hotels Reviews archive for more details.
Best,
Tom
thanks for the reply, Tom. We actually were in PQ end of 2019, so that’s why I’m now looking at Ho Chi Minh / Phan Thiet over Dec/Jan 23/24. I’ll keep reading!
best
Rob
Love your article on Bun Rieu Cua Oc. I’m planning a trip to Phang Rang in January 2023 for Tet. Can’t wait to eat at the restaurant and many other restaurants. We are know for our seafood because of location. And f you get a chance to travel to Phang Rang, I strongly suggest you try Banh Xeo and Banh Can. I highly recommend it. Thank you for your article. Very detailed and superb photography. Keep up the awesome and good work!
Thanks, Anh.
Yes, I love Phan Rang – especially around Tet time of year. I also enjoy the bánh căn and bánh xèo there. The coastal roads directly north and south of Phan Rang are fantastic. If you haven’t already, take a look at Dragons’ Graveyard and Nui Chua Coast Road.
Best,
Tom
Hi there Thom, Today I did my first hike in Con Dao National Park based on your excellent article about hiking in this area. After reading your experiences I decided to stay here a bit longer and focus on doing as much as possible of the five trails you posted. So that’s awesome! Also I saw your article about the ferry to Can Tho. I’ll be using this ferry to explore the Mekon Delta. Thank you for that one also. So the donation I just did, is well deserved. Keep up your good work!
Hi Duncan,
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed your first hike on the island – I hope you like the other ones too.
Regarding the ferry from Con Dao to Can Tho, I think it’s on a reduced schedule now – just once a week. However, you should be able to easily find the current information at the Mai Linh office on the seafront road in Con Son town.
Also, the ferry service to Tran De (Soc Trang province, Mekong Delta) is currently operating daily – check at the Superdong office in Con Son town.
Best,
Tom
Hi, planning to be in Vietnam in January 2023. Will be wanting to take the ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dau. I read they go Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday’s and Sundays but when I go to the ferry schedule, it only shows Saturdays, if anything at all. Makes it difficult to book hotels, trips etc if I don’t know when I can travel.
Any ideas please?
Hi Philippa,
I’ve written a full guide to the Vung Tau-Con Dao Ferry on this page.
Unfortunately, the schedule changes regularly according to seasons and weather conditions. January is the windy season, so it’s possible there will be fewer sailings then. But also, January is Tet Lunar New Year – the busiest time for domestic travel – so that means they might put on more sailings. However, they usually only release the ferry schedule ever two months.
The best thing to do would be go to the ticket office in Vung Tau when you arrive, or if you have specific dates and want to plan your trip in advance, you should consider flying.
Best,
Tom
Hi Tom:
One of my high school classmate (class of 1975) just sent me some photo on his recent trip on Truong Son Dong road.
They are awesome!
Do you have any writing on Truong Son Tay road?
Thank you.
Duc in Anaheim, California
Hi Duc,
Yes, sure: here’s my guide to the Truong Son Dong Road.
Best,
Tom
Oh, and for the Truong Son Tay (usually referred to as the Western Ho Chi Minh Road), take a look at section 5 of my Ho Chi Minh Road guide or this route.
Best,
Tom
Hi Tom,
I’ve never been to Southeast Asia, but I’m planning a motorcycle trip from Hanoi to Singapore. Looking for advice on places to avoid, good routes, things like that. I don’t want to over a planet, but I don’t want to miss the good stuff either…
Happy to contribute photos and content to the website if you’re interested.
Thank you,
Tad
Hi Tad,
Sounds like a good road trip.
As for advice about routes and everything else, that’s what this website is all about. You can browse dozens of suggested motorbike routes all over Vietnam in my Motorbike Guides Archive. And for other motorbike-related advice, check out my Resources Archive.
Best,
Tom
Visiting Vietnam in October
Loved. Your Advice and information
Thanks, Janice.
Tom
Party of 3 will be visiting Vung Tau next week.
Would like a tour of the Australian army area of operations Nui Dat & the Long Tan memorial.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Keith.
Hi Keith,
I’m afraid I don’t have any good contacts for tours of the ANZAC area. However, I would suggest you pop into one of the many Aussie and Kiwi bars on Phan Chu Trinh Street in Vung Tau (Belly’s, for example) and ask there – I’m sure they’d be able to help.
Best,
Tom
Agree with Tom. Pop into Belly’s Wateringhole on Phan Chu Trinh in Vung Tau there is a group of Veterans there that run tours to the area and all profits go to the orphanage and old people’s home. Plenty of hotels, try Tom’s hotel booking site. Have a great trip.
We are planning a cycling trip Hanoi- to Ho Chi Min in February 2023. Estimated distance 2600 kms. Follow the coast line and avoid mountains. Any tips? How to extend a visa since such a trip will be in excess of the standard 30 day visa period??
Hi Frans,
Yes, sure, take a look at my Coastal Routes Archive for lots of ideas and routes.
To extend your visa, you’ll have to leave the country and come back in again – try the Cambodia or Lao border crossings.
Best,
Tom
Hello Frans,
I am planning the same trip starting late January/early February. What are your exact dates? Would be fun to connect.
We are then heading from Ho Chi Minh through Cambodia, Thailand, down to Singapore. Hoping to do all of it on a scooter.
Hello friends thank you for this great resource. I bicycle. Pedal. I learned of your guide through another cyclist. Now am happy to see I can subscribe. I look frwd to your informative posts. I hope my return to biking SE Asia comes soon.
Hi Lorna,
Great, thanks. I hope you enjoy the new posts.
Tom
Hello
I am planning with 2 friends doing on motobike the hochiminh road on november 2022 starting in Hanoï. I am looking for a agency offering a guide service for the trip and a good motobike renting agency. Do you have any suggestion?
Sorry for my poor english! (:
Thank’s
Garry
Hi Garry,
You could try contacting some of the motorbike rental companies that I recommend on this page.
Best,
Tom
Hello
Just in first stage of planning our trip! What do you suggest clothing wise and footwear ? Thank you
Hi Mary,
Clothing and footwear depends entirely on what time of year you are travelling, where you intend to go, and what you intend to do.
Take a look at my Weather Guide to get an idea of conditions in different parts of the country at different times of year.
Best,
Tom
living in Vietnam since november 2019 so due to covid not been able to explore. Your articles will certainly put me on the right track.
thanks
Leon Dolle
Hi Leon,
Thanks. I hope you get the chance to start exploring more soon.
Best,
Tom
Just found out about your web site and the great service you are providing. We plan to visit Vietna (first time) in November this year. We never take organized/group tour anywher we go and so happy to find Vietnamcoracle as we plan our off beat itenirary. We certainly plan to book all our hotels/local travel thruogh you web link. Looks like to visit Ha Giang, Moc Chau we may need to use local drivers. Any recommendations will be helpful ( nt sure if you ever respond to the emails sent to you through thismediuml.
With great sense of appreciation,
Pars Patel
1 615 424 0438
Brentwwod/Nashville TN USA
Hi Pars,
Thanks for your comment.
To visit Ha Giang, you can take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang city. Then, if you don’t want to ride a motorbike yourself or ride pillion on a motorbike, you can find a car and driver to hire for a few days. I recommend you contact QT Motorbikes in Ha Giang – check their website and send them an email. They can advise you about getting the bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang and on hiring motorbikes, cars, drivers.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom
Totally awesome site, even though I don’t ride a bike. Until I read Lonely Planet and saw your address, I was finding it confusing to get info about this part of VN. Your info and images are helping to clarify things, not to mention increasing our desire to see this part of the world for ourselves. We are two keen photographers from NZ, hoping to capture some of the spectacular landscapes and so wondered if you could tell me if we get to say, Ha Giang, would it then be possible to hire a driver and car to travel the loop and other areas or do we need to do this in Hanoi? I would prefer that local operators benefited from our tourist dollars if possible. I know you are the bike guru, but hopefully you can give me some idea.
Warm regards
Val
Hi Val,
Thanks for the message and kind words about my site.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to hire a car and driver to take you on multi-day excursions. In the main cities or tourist centres in the northern mountains, such as Ha Giang and Sapa, it should just be a matter of asking at your hotel reception. However, it’s always worth asking at a few different places before you decide which one to go with: work out a daily rate before you go and make sure they know you want to be as flexible as possible with your route and stopping wherever you like etc. Just give yourself some time (say, a day or two) to make the arrangement.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Back to Southeast Asia after 2 years,,,the last 3 bike trips around VN seem like a dream now, like those misty Karsts in the North.
That sense of adventure pulls us again, but it is tinged with a new unknown.
Although double vaxxed, what lies out there? Is it safe yet to go out to the ”middle of nowhere” we loved?
Is the mid July 2022 to soon?….,decisions
Hi Steve,
I’m happy to write that the simple answer to your questions is: Yes! Everything is open, everything is fine, travel is good. Come now.
Best,
Tom
Outstanding information mate. I hope to convince my wife to do join me on some of those routes. Winter travel up there should be interesting?
Thanks, Peter.
Yes, there’s always a good part of Vietnam to visit at any time of year. For more about weather and where/when to go take a look at this guide.
Best,
Tom
Hi Tom
I have visited Vietnam, mainly for work, on many occasions and am longing to return after 2.5 years away!! I have to visit SE Asia anyway in April and wanted to add a few days in Hanoi to see friends. I am fully vaccinated and boosted but am still unclear whether it will actually happen and how difficult visa/ border controls will be. Any sense from what you hear on the ground. I have both a UK and a EU passport.
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately, there is currently no more information about what will be required to enter Vietnam or how the reopening will be handled. It is very strange indeed. But, as it stands, the nation is still due to reopen tomorrow, March 15.
However, I would thing that by April the situation will be much clearer, and hopefully you will be able to pop over to Hanoi for a few days without much hassle.
Best,
Tom
Hi Tom, I have been visiting Vietnamcoracle, since last two, your blog is too good, I love reading it, I have been planning to visit Vietnam, due to covid I had to postpone it.
Please keep updating and write new articles.
Hi Samuel,
Thank you, that means a lot to me.
I hope you are able to travel to Vietnam soon – perhaps 2022.
Best,
Tom
Hi!
I just wanted to say that I came across your website while researching Vietnam as I am considering moving here to teach next summer, and it is probably the most amazing website I have ever seen. It is so incredibly useful for me (I am from the UK and turning 22 the same as you when you came out) and I am so grateful you have created this. I am excited to read more of your posts! Thank you so so much!
Hi Abbie,
Thank you for your very kind words. And I’m happy to hear my site has been useful for you so far.
I hope it’ll give you more good reasons to move to Vietnam and that you’ll enjoy your time here.
Best,
Tom
Tom – thoroughly enjoy all your Vietnam blogs – especially while I’m a Covid exile back in UK from my new home in Hanoi. I am a cyclist rather than a biker but I find your maps – and routes – and journeys, as ideal for bicycles as motorbikes. One thing I am looking for though is an interpretative map that has the ability to show vertical profiles along identified routes (similar to what you get with some UK OS maps – like Anquet, etc) – Have you come across any such maps for Vietnam at all ??
Regards
Eddie McGowan
Hi Eddie,
Apologies for my slow reply.
I don’t know of a specific map like that, but a lot of cyclists I know simply use Google Maps and switch to the ‘terrain’ view which has contour line etc so you can sort of gauge the steepness of inclines.
Best,
Tom
Hi Tom,
I’m Vietnamese, i like the articles made by foreigners writing about our country. I enjoy seeing the way you discover the places, people and things in VN.
Keep try,
stay health in this Covid time!
Rgds/huu
Hi Huu,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoy my website.
Best,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Just realized who you are, I don’t know how I missed it. Hope you’re well?
Anyway followed your Saigon to Muine ride in the opposite direction on a bicycle in May of this year and loved it. Great recommendations and a beautiful quiet route.
Now looking at continuing the route from Phan Theit, I can take my bicycle on the train and do the rest of the ride to Nha Trang using the campsites you have recommended.
Thanks for saving me from COVID confinement!!
KR
Trish
Hi Trish,
Thank you. Great to hear you’ve found the site helpful.
I hope you enjoy the ride north of Phan Thiet too – the Sand Dune Highway, the Dragon’s Graveyard and Nui Chua are three of the most scenic coastal rides anywhere in Vietnam.
Please note that some of the campsites may not be operating any longer, as things change quickly in that region.
I hope you enjoy it,
Tom
Your style writing is beautifully vivid and gripping . I aspire to become an author in the space of travel . Lately I have been writing , but it comes across as the writing of an amateur . I am inspired to build this skill and so I have been reading a few blogs . I haven’t come across many like you . The piece you wrote on Bo Bla made me get goose bumps . Its articulate and its rustic and beautiful . I read about the first sketch in Saigon . I am really hoping that one day I can reach somewhere close to your level of art . This is a stroke of luck of pure sign that nature is supporting me in my endeavor .
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are able to write about your travels too.
Tom
Hello and thank you very much for this really amazing site! I couldn’t agree more with the other people posts that how much value you have created with your writings!
It’s been 5 years since my last visit to Vietnam and then there was nowhere near as good online guides as your website. It’s been really helpful for lots of things on our (my wife and 4 years old son) journey in Vietnam now. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Hi Markus,
Thank you. I’m really glad to hear that. I hope you continue to enjoy your travels through Vietnam.
Tom
A fabulous resource! Well done. I can’t imagine how much time you have put into this.
Anyway, we are visiting for 4 weeks in Feb/March 2020, and I am currently reading as much as I can for ideas of where to go and what to see and do. Once again, well done and thanks.
Emyr
Hi Emyr,
Thank you, it’s great to hear you’re enjoying my site. I hope your trip planning goes well.
Tom
Wow … what a fantastic resource. Thanks Tom, a magnificant effort putting all this together and making it available. I am heading to Vietnam in November of this year. I am meeting a friend in Hanoi and we are doing a 6 day ride in Hà Giang. After that, I had been thinking of doing a short trip to Laos but after looking at Vietnam Coracle I am increasingly thinking that I should stay in Vietnam and do some of the roads you reported on in the Southern Dry Season guide. I have around 6 days from the 9th – 15th of November – is this a good time do you think – is it still raining at this time or would the wet season have finished?
Kind regards
Richard
Hi Richard,
At that time of year it should be OK anywhere south of Nha Trang, but there will still be rain around, because November is a transitional month between the rainy and the dry seasons. In general, the weather should be fine, but there’s always the chance that you might get unlucky and coincide with one of the last typhoons of the year hitting the south-central regions.
If I had 6 days on a motorbike at that time of year in the south, I’d probably focus of the coastal roads between Nha Trang south to Vung Tau, and/or on the roads up to and around Dalat. You’ll find all of those marked on my Southern Dry Season map and guide.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Planning my first trip to Vietnam, and your site is fantastic! I am spending some time in the north, and am contemplating doing the Sapa Sin Ho loop. Are there directions on your site to direct me how to download your map(s) onto my google maps? I couldn’t find them, so I thought I would ask. Again, many thanks, Vince.
Hi Vincent,
It depends on your device – and it may or may not work. But what you need to do is export the map to KML and then upload that file to the maps.me app on your phone. Then you should be able to follow the route on your phone in real time. I suggest googling something like ‘how to export a google map to KML using (device name)’
I hope this helps,
Tom
Tom. Brilliant site, well done. Its guys like you with the energy and drive to set up and operate these sites that make life easy for the rest of us.
Just moved to Dong Hoi to live, operate a small tourist information site, so I will search your site for all references to DH and surrounding area.
Thanks, Zac.
I think they only places you’ll find anything about Dong Hoi are in this coast road guide and section 5 of this guide.
I hope you enjoy life in Dong Hoi,
Tom
My goodness, what an excellent site!
One question: Have you visited D’Ran or Dran, as I have alternately seen it. Apparently 40 km from Da Lat through dramatic terrain.
Hi Kimball,
Yes, QL20/QL27 goes east of Dalat through D’Ran – it’s a very scenic road – there’s a bit more about it here.
Tom
Wow…just Wow. This is such a valuable, thoughtful, comprehensive, and well organized piece of work! This is a loving tribute to your adopted home, and I’m looking forward to checking out tons of your suggestions on our motorbike ride the northeast in December/January. I’m so impressed, and so thankful for your putting together this guide.
Thanks, Justine. I appreciate your message and it’s great to hear you’re enjoying my site.
I hope you have a great time in the northeast.
Tom
Hi Tom
Love your blog!
I’m travelling around south east Asia for 5 weeks Jan-March.
The current plan for the Vietnam leg of the trip has us arriving in Hanoi in the 1st week of March (after 2 weeks in the south).
I’ve had conflicting advice on Hanoi/Halong Bay at that time of year…
Some suggest it is likely to be cool & wet – in which case, we might stick to the south and Hue/Hoi An (deferring Hanoi/Halong until a future visit).
Others suggest it’s not too bad in the north in early March, and try to encourage us to book our Halong/Bai Tu Long cruises now.
Another option – if it is really hard to predict the weather in early March months in advance – would be to book the Hanoi hotel but not book any Halong/Bai Tu Long cruises until we get a better idea of the weather trends a week or so beforehand…
…what are your thoughts?
Hi Gary,
Yes, it is difficult to know for sure what it will be like in March – I’ve been there in March twice and had bleak, grey weather one time, but clear, dry weather the other time.
So, if it were me, I would book the Hanoi hotel and play the Halong trip by ear once you get there.
But you’re doing the right thing by leaving the northern part of your Vietnam trip to the end, when there’s a higher chance that the weather will be better.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Tom
What a fantastic resource you have put together here! I am an Australian lucky enough to have dec and jan off each year. I have been to Vietnam a few times now , but never done the motorbike adventure. I have now had my Australian motorbike license for 10 months, ride everyday to work, now I am ready. What I would like to do is do some adventures north of Hanoi nut I am a little worried about the weather. I would be leaving Hanoi on the 10 December and get back to Hanoi 2 weeks later. It’s not the cold weather that would worry me, nut the idea of snow, mist and fog? Not too sure.
After the north I would take the Ho Chi Minh road and end in Da Nang. This is option 1.
Other option is to go south from Hanoi via Ho Chi Minh road and end up at Plieku. Then make my way across the border into Cambodia and get to Siem Reap, one of my favourite places. After Siem reap off to Ho Chi Minh. Trouble here is that I have not seen much info on this route to Siem Reap, the conditions of roads etc.
I have 5 weeks foe my adventure. What do u think?
Thx again for you site, it is amazing!11
Hi Lockie,
It’s likely to be quite cold in the northern mountains at that time of year, especially on the high passes on a motorbike. Mist, fog and cloud is always an issue in those highlands, at any time of year, so there’s not much you can do about that. Personally, I avoid that area during the winter because I don’t like cold. But lots of riders do visit those northern mountains in December/January and love it. In fact, it’s one of the peak times of year for riders in the north.
Your second option is OK, but I don’t know about the road conditions to Siem Reap either.
In general, at that time of year, the best weather is anywhere south of Nha Trang. So if I was going to choose between your two suggested routes during your dates, I would go for option 1 and ride the northern mountains. Just remember to pack some warms clothes.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom. I bumped into your beautiful and interesting site just now. So much amazing detailed info .
we want to get to pu luong in mid september. we are a family of 2 adaults and 2 kids age 11 and 13 so we will not use bikes…
Do you know any other option to get there?
can you get somewhere with a bus or local driver and then have a guide take us trekking?
cheers
yarden
Hi Yarden,
You should be able to arrange transportation to Mai Chau from Hanoi pretty easily, either through your hotel or any Hanoi-based travel agency. Then I would hire a car and driver from Mai Chau (again, you could use a Hanoi travel agency for this) to take you into Pu Luong Nature Reserve and from homestay to homestay.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom
Thinking about getting out of Ho Chi Minh, and ride my motor bike one way back down the coast to Ho Chi Minh. over 3 or 4 days.
Whats the best way to get to somewhere (Train or whatever) and then enjoy a one way trip down the coast, I just thinking about saving time as I only have 4 or 5 days.
Love the Vietnam Coracle and has inspired me to do more.
Thanks Mate
Zane
Hi Zane,
It depends on how much you want to ride. I would either send your bike on the train to Nha Trang and ride back down to Saigon on the Coast Road, or send your bike to Phan Thiet and ride back down to Saigon on the Ocean Road.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
I got your guide recommended from another bike rider on my way thru Vietnam. He told me that he copied your maps me pins in his maps.me. I tried everything to do the same with my phone (iPhone) but couldn’t work it out how.
THANKS for all the nice advices and your work behind it. It’s so good!
Hi Alberto,
Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip.
Sorry the maps didn’t work for you – it’s probably an Apple compatibility issue. I’m currently working to try to create a map app for Vietnam Coracle that would be a solution to this kind of problem.
Tom
Thanks for your quick answer and I’m looking forward to your map.
Regards Alberto
Hi Tom,
We love reading your site and last year took your recommendations for accomodation in Ho Chi Minh – The Myst ( out of this world) and Lasenta – Hoi An – also impressive.
This year we are booking the Impressive hotel in Hanoi . Then heading back down to the Lasenta for two nights (train from Hanoi to Da Nang.)
We have another 6 nights in that area unplanned. We are not bike riders but would like your recommendations for this area.
We had thought Lang Co but can’t find much on the area.
We wanted to stay within 100 kmish of Da Nang.
Love to hear your advice.
Maddie
Hi Maddie,
Great to hear that you enjoyed The Myst and Lasenta.
Lang Co is OK – there are some very high-end resorts, such as the Banyan Tree, which is nice but expensive. But I prefer to go a little further to Dam Cau Hai Lagoon. Vedana Lagoon Resort is great for a couple of nights on the lake. And you could combine that with a couple nights are The Pilgrimage near the Royal Tombs by Hue, or Villa Hue in Hue City. Those are all fabulous accommodations. I’ve stayed there with family and friends and really enjoyed them and the local surrounds.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hello Tom, once Congratulations to your beautiful website. I want to the Beach gate of Saigon after huế driving with my wife. I can of Beach route to Ho Chi Minh route drive? by which city from I come best to Ho Chi Minh route?
Greeting Nils
Hi Nils,
Do you mean which are the best roads that connect the coast with the Ho Chi Minh Road? If so, there are lots to choose from: for example, QL49 from Hue to A Luoi, or QL14B/QL14E from Danang/Hoi An to Thanh My/Kham Duc, or QL24 from Quang Ngai to Kon Tum.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thank you so much for your wonderful share on vietnam road trip. Im going to hanoi on 6th March for road trip to saigon in 12 days. Ive did my planning on where to stay and t daily travelling distance based on google maps. I have few questions and hope you can help me with it.
1. Is that reliable to depend on google maps for estimation?
2.At the max i will b travelling 350 km in a day. Is it possible to complete in single day time and not going till sunset?
3. How is the road safety and is it dangerous?
4. If my bike break down at any point how easy is it to get it fixed?
5. Getting local phone line is worth it? How is the gps connectivity throughout the journey. I have not decided which route to take but just by finding it in google maps my journey will b around 2,500 KM. I did saw ur post on 5 route but i need to study it.
Hope you can give me some info on those matters and really appreciate your support.
Hi Danissh,
You can’t trust Google for time estimations or routes – it does not take into account road quality. If you use Google to plan your route you will miss a lot of good roads and scenery. All the routes on my website are designed to be the most scenic, with the least traffic, and staying on good quality road surfaces as much as possible – I suggest you browse through my Motorbike Routes Archive to work out which routes you want to follow, and build your itinerary from that.
It’s definitely worth getting a local SIM card – they only cost around $5 and using data on the road will help you a lot – using GPS with Google Maps.
350km is a long ride for one day in Vietnam. In general, your average speed will be about 50km an hour, but in the more mountainous regions it will be even less than that. So to ride 350km in one day you will need to start early in the morning. It gets dark at around 6pm in most places in Vietnam.
The cities and highways can be dangerous in Vietnam, especially because the local driving culture is quite chaotic. But once you are in the countryside the roads are quite quiet and relatively safe. Again, my routes try to stay on quiet roads and avoid busy main highways as much as possible.
In Vietnam you’re never that far from a motorbike repair shop. Look for the word ‘sửa xe’ which means mechanic.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
I use your website as a resource for my bicycle (push bike) trip from south to north. So far I’ve made it as far as Phong Nha and plan on continuing to follow DHCM all the way. I’m wondering if the same brutal hills will follow me all the way, or does the landscape kind of flatten out a bit from here (Phong Nha) on North? It’s pretty crucial to know the topo when it comes to cycle touring and strategy.
Cheers,
Dana
Hi Dana,
Glad to hear you’ve made it so far.
Yes, to a certain extent the worst of the hill climbs are behind you. However, there’s still a pretty brutal 80km or so just after Phong Nha, after which the general topography flattens out a bit. But it’s certainly not easy. However, if you’ve made it this far I would imagine that in general you will have no problem continues along this route to Hanoi. Remember also that the weather may get colder as you get further north.
Good luck,
Tom
Hi Tom
I’m in your debt for this wonderful resource as I’m planning a motorbike trip in March from Hanoi to Saigon and onto Phnon Penh. Just wondered if I should do the Saigon to Phuc Quoc loop that takes you back to Saigon (and catch the bus from Saigon to Phnon Penh) or do one side of the loop (which one) and take the bike from Phuc Quoc to Phnon Penh if I can or at least the border?
Terry from Australia
Hi Terry,
I think you can take the bike across the border at Ha Tien (which is also where the ferries go to Phu Quoc), so I would take the westerly route from the Saigon to Phu Quoc guide and then take it from there. For more about Ha Tien see this guide.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Just this morning I thought of traveling to Vietnam for three weeks coming March, and was lucky to hit your site which is very informative and useful, though I still need to go through all the emails and your responses to them,
I intend taking a road trip and have the following queries please and seek your assistance.
1. Which route covers the maximum ‘must see places’ in Vietnam; as well as covers the mountains as well as the beaches.
2. I am quite comfortable riding a bike, but is there any chance of getting a car or a camper for the trip.
3. Is it convenient to find home stays, back packers hostels along the route, or is hotels the only option. I prefer these to hostels.
4. I would be traveling solo, how safe would that be.
5. Is there a possibility to find like minded travel partners for the road trips,.
6. What kind of comfortable budget must one be planning on a three week trip.
7. Which bike would you recommend which is stable on the road and has power as well.
8. Does one need an international driving licence for riding a bike.
My apologies , if that was too much to ask, may have some more as well 🙂
Thank you for the good job you are doing in assisting the travellers with your experience.
Surinder Mann
India
Hi Mann,
For a choice of routes take a look at my 5 Suggested Routes from Saigon to Hanoi. Some of them cover the mountains and the coast. And then for the northern mountains, take a look at my Northern Routes Archive.
At the moment, foreigners are not allowed to rent cars.
In the bigger towns and cities you can always find lots of hotels and hostels, but in smaller places you can find ‘nhà nghỉ’ – these are local Vietnamese guest houses – you can read more about them here.
Yes, travelling solo in Vietnam should be fine. It is still a very safe country to travel in. Just take all the normal safety precautions you would when travelling in any other country and you should be fine.
You will probably meet other riders on your road trip and in the towns you stop at. You can also post on the Vietnam Back Road Facebook page if you want to find other people to travel with.
I’ve written a guide to expenses for a motorbike road trip in Vietnam here.
There are lots of bikes to choose from. Personally, I use an automatic scooter, which is fine for all the routes on this website. But some people prefer a semi-automatic, or a bigger bike that can also go off-road. Try contacting some of the trusted and reliable motorbike rental companies listed in the right sidebar and bottom of every page of my website to see what bikes are available. Try Rent a Bike Vietnam, Tigit Motorbikes, and Dragon Bikes. You can mention Vietnam Coracle if you like, they know me.
Technically you need a local driving license to ride in Vietnam, but in reality very few foreigners riding in Vietnam have one. You can ask for more information about this from the rental companies too.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hello Tom,
I just bumped in your extraordinary site on Vietnam. Thanks for the time you spend so we can enjoy all the knowledge that you accumulated over the years.
Just to make a long story short: We are a couple with 130 years of combined life experience (ha ha ha). We travel the world for the last 4 years with our Landcruiser which took us in most remote places. However, we cannot travel in Vietnam as our car has a right hand wheel which is not allowed in Vietnam.
Here comes in the bike. Both of us have no experience with riding a motorcycle even very little as a back sitter. We have no licence. My wife is rushing now to get her licence for 125cc. I cannot get a licence as I am amputee above the knee (left leg) . I am 85 kg 184 cm height, my wife is 65 kg 168 height. Our plan is to ride for 7 weeks from South to North starting on December 20,2017
Questions:
1. What is the semi-automatic or automatic motorbike that you would recommend and the company to rent from in Ho Chi Minh and return it in Hanoi area?
2. Bothers me that sitting in the back with a prosthesis might be difficult. Any comments if you have some experience on this issue?
3. Any comments on our lack of riding experience in regard to riding in Vietnam?
4. Which route (from the 5 recommended) would you recommend considering our riding skills (or maybe lack of skills) and time frame? We are more interested in scenery and local culture less in beaches.
Thanks a lot for you prompt response if possible as we fly on December 20
Regards,
Israel
Hi Israel,
With 7 weeks on the road you should have plenty of time to get used to riding a motorbike in Vietnam. However, you should be extremely careful on the roads, especially in big cities. Unfortunately, by far the busiest part of any north-south route is leaving Hanoi. But after the first day, the traffic will be much lighter and you should start to feel more and more confident and comfortable on the roads.
It terms of weight, the bike should be able to handle it fine, as long as it’s in good condition. Automatics are easier to ride for a first timer because there are no gears and no foot brake. But if you are used to driving a manual car then perhaps you will feel more at home with a manual motorbike. Take a look at the recommended and trusted bike rental companies listed in the right sidebar and bottom of this page (and every page of my website). Try contacting any of them – Flamingo, Dragon Bikes, Tigit, Rent a Bike and looking at the kind of bikes they have. You can mention Vietnam Coracle if you like, they know me.
Age shouldn’t be a problem either – my parents are in their 70s and they come on road trips with me every year. But again, don’t underestimate the danger of Vietnam’s roads – take it very slowly and carefully. You might feel quite vulnerable for the first couple of days, but providing you stay safe, you will start feeling much better after that.
Riding pillion with a prosthetic leg could be an issue, but I’m sure you are used to making adjustments for specific situations. You might be interested to watch a recent BBC program about a group of physically challenged people riding and driving across Vietnam – you can watch it here.
I think if you are not interested in beaches and you are first time riders you should consider the Uncle Ho’s Road route, and maybe combine it with the Classic and the Easy Rider routes once you are south of Hue for some variety. This is because these routes are relatively easy to follow and spend most of the time on the Ho Chi Minh Road which is generally less busy.
Remember that December/January can be quite cold and bleak in many areas from Hue to Hanoi. South of Nha Trang the weather should be good at that time of year.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom
I live in a little place call Maple Ridge in British Colombia Canada.
I have travelled thru many many countries but never did keep any diary or journals, and then one day i was surfing the net and happen to hit your website…..WOW……(that was about a month ago).
I have really enjoyed reading about your trips and “adventures” next thing I am planning to make a trip to Vietnam.
How crazy is that. I will keep you updated. My trip will probably be in Feb 2018.
Truly inspirational. THANK YOU
Al
Hi Al,
Thanks for that, it’s great to hear that you like my site and that you’re planning a trip to Vietnam.
I hope you have fun planning your adventure.
Tom
Hi Tom,
So so glad i stumbled across your page. My name is Huyen, but I go by Kathy since I was 14 years old. I am Canadian Vietnamese. I left Vietnam since I was 5 years old and escaped the country as boat people with my family. I will be going back to Vietnam literally in 10 days. I have been back there a couple of times, but the first time I just stayed mostly in Hai Phong, in the North of Vietnam at my Dad’s place, then flew into Saigon (Ho Chi Minh). I did swung by Ha Noi for a day, Ha Long Bay for half of a day as well as Nha Trang and Vung Tau for a day each and I also went with friends at the time so I didn’t really get to experience much. This up coming trip is big deal for me and will be an epic trip for me. I will be there for a little over three weeks. This time around I am traveling alone and I am planning to go from the Saigon all the way up to the North to Sapa. Hope it will be enough time do visit all the places that I planned to hit. Reading through your blogs on your site I feel like i have a tour guide. I have done extensive research for this trip and i have to say your site is awesome! Keep it up and thank you for loving Vietnam and for sharing all that you know. Where about are you located by the way. Do you have a youtube channel or a Facebook page as well by chance?
Looking forward to reading more of your experience and adventure.
To the love of travelling,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your message. It’s great to hear you like my site, and that you’ll be coming back to Vietnam again soon. I hope you enjoy your travels across the country – I’m sure you will.
I’m located in Saigon, but I move around a lot for research (and for fun too, of course). Sure, I have a Youtube channel here and a Facebook page here, although I’ve been pretty bad at adding new videos lately 🙂
Happy travels!
Tom
Hello, Tom!
My name is Ronke, and I live and work in Hanoi since 2015.
Having a strong sense of adventure, I try as much as I can to travel around the country to explore its hidden gems.
I needed to let you know that I’m infinitely grateful, and needed to thank you immensely for your travel guide which I now regard as my personal holy travel resource!
My wish is to meet you in person! You sound like an amazingly adventurous person, a fond quality, and what a talented writer your are! Ok, you got it, I’m your biggest fan! I’m writing this comment on Ong Lang Beach – Mango Bay Resort, thanks to your guide to exploring Phu Quoc by motorbike!
Thank you so much!
Hi Ronke,
Thanks for your kind words. It’s great to hear that you’ve enjoyed reading my site and that you’re now enjoying the many charms of Mango Bay 🙂
I hope you continue to have fun exploring Vietnam, and perhaps we’ll bump into each other on the road some day.
Tom
Hi Tom,
Your website is very usefully for our plans. We would like to go to Vietnam in December. Around december 26. From Panama City. What is the best area for this time of the ayer, Nort or South ?
Thank you !
Hi Daniela,
Thanks, I’m glad you like my site.
December in Vietnam is best in the south, because that is the dry season. In the north it will be winter.
For more about which areas are best to visit at which times of year, take a look at this guide.
I hope this helps,
Tom
I have my own bike from Australia, If I get a tourist visa can I just roll through the border or will they disallow the bike?
I don’t want a local bike.
Simon.
Hi Simon,
I’m not sure about that. Usually getting out of Vietnam across the border with a bike is fine, but getting into Vietnam with a bike is more difficult. However, I don’t have that much experience of this particular scenario, so perhaps you could post your question on the Vietnam Back Roads Facebook page to see if anyone can help you there.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi and thanks for a great website and information. I am arriving into Ho Chi MIn 14/03/2017 for my first visit to Vietnam. I will most likely take the train to Danang or onto Hanoi. I have a 30 day tourist visa and am travelling solo. I am not sure what is best whether I should try to rent a motor bike in Danang and ride to Hanoi to tour the northern region of Vietnam or rent a bike in Hanoi and spend more time in the north. I love mountain scenery, but not sure what is best. Do you have any suggestions? I hope to come back in future, so what I miss this time around will try to complete another time. Being my first visit, I am no doubt an underling in Vietnam, so not sure really. Thanks for your assistance.
Hi Scott,
There is a lot of mountain scenery either way. However, although the north has the biggest and most spectacular mountain scenery in Vietnam, because it is your first time in Vietnam, I would suggest that you start your road trip from Danang and head inland first and then north. This way you will avoid having to confront the chaotic traffic of Hanoi on your first day on the road: the traffic getting out of Danang is much less intense, and it’s very easy to get to the mountains from there.
I suggest you rent your bike in Danang (try Tigit Motorbikes or Rent a Bike Vietnam – they both have offices in Danang) and take Road QL14B west to Thanh My. Here you can join the Ho Chi Minh Road heading north to A Luoi, Khe Sanh, Phong Nha, and then all the way to Hanoi, or head west from Ngoc Lac or Cam Thuy if you want to continue riding to the mountains in the northwest. If you follow this route you will have lots of great mountain scenery, and good, fairly quiet roads to ride. (See sections 3-8 of my Ho Chi Minh Road guide) And then, as you say, the next time you come back to Vietnam you can ride the northern mountains.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom
Your content is fantastic. I am planning (1st time to Viet Nam) 3 weeks in January 2017. Flying in and out of Da Nang. I will happily follow any leads you have in terms of bike rental and accommodations, etc during my trip.
I am reading all your pages but any direct advice will be much appreciated and I will try to get you some commission$.
Thanks Buddy!
Scott
Hi Scott,
Good to hear you’ll be coming to Vietnam soon.
For bike rental in Danang, check out Rent a Bike Vietnam and Tigit Motorbikes – they both have offices in Danang. There are links to both of them in the right sidebar and bottom of all my pages. You can mention Vietnam Coracle if you like, they know me.
The weather in January can be a little cool and rainy in Danang. In general at that time of year it’s best to travel in the south of the country: anywhere south of Nha Trang is the dry season with good weather conditions. So take a look at my southern guides to get an idea of the kind of routes you could ride. For more information about weather read this.
Also, a popular road trip from Danang is the Golden Loop.
Sure, it would be great if you could book some of your accommodation through my site, then I make a small commission (at no extra cost to you). For more details please read this.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi all.
I am similar to this post. I arrive in Hanoi on Jan 19 and travel south.
I have been traveling thailand for the last 30 days. I have a backpack. Any tips on how to mount this on a bike so i can ride more comfortably without having it on my back.
Simliar to this post as i will be booking accomadations off of your links. Site is amazing and as well made me feel quite comfortable after readin all the scary opinions about biking Vietnam.
Cheers.
J
Hi Jay,
I’m glad you have enjoyed reading my posts.
Yes, you can strap your backpack to the back of your motorbike using bungee cords. Or when you rent or buy motorbikes from the three companies that I recommend (Rent a Bike Vietnam, Tigit Motorbikes, and Style Motorbikes) they will usually include a metal rack on the back of your bike or saddles bags. You can find links to all three of the rental companies in the right sidebar and bottom of all my pages. You can mention Vietnam Coracle if you like, they know me.
That would be great if you can book some of your accommodation through my website. Thanks.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
This site is amazing. So much information. There is so much to see and this is causing me to have a hard time deciding where to go on my upcoming trip (first time!) to Vietnam. I was wondering if you could help?
The original idea was the my husband and I were going to meet our friend from New Zealand in Hanoi and travel to Saigon by motorcycle. We arrive in Hanoi on Dec 27th and we are there for about 16 days so the more we thought about this the more I decided biking the whole way in so little time might not be the best idea. So I wanted to share what we are thinking our itinerary will look like so far and get your feedback, if you don’t mind, on what we should add or leave out. We are pretty open and up for a bit of adventure as well.
Dec 27: Arrive in Hanoi and get oriented- that evening take the night train to Sapa
Dec 28: Find bikes and begin the loop tour you recommend here
Dec 30: Make our way back to Sapa and take the night train back to Hanoi
Dec 31: Spend NYE in Hanoi (Not sure if this is a good spot for this- we are open)
Jan 1 or 2: Get down to Hue
Jan 2 or 3: Find bikes and take the Hoi Van Pass to Hoi An
Jan 4: Hang out in Hoi An
From there I am not sure if we should go to Nha Trang abd Dalat or go inland a bit or how we should travel there. Recommendations would be lovely. We eventually have to end up in HCM for our flight home on Jan 11th so there is time to fit a couple places in. I have read mixed things about trying to fit the Mekong Delta in with so little time, as well as Halong Bay but if there is anything that you think we will regret missing please let me know.
Last thing- is it very important to book accommodation ahead of time? I am assuming because of the time of year we are going that it is but if we can leave some things a little more open that would be awesome.
Any help you can give would be super appreciated! Thank you so much.
Cheers,
Joanne
Hi Joanne,
That’s a lot to fit into your time in Vietnam, but it is possible, as long as you don’t mind being on the move all the time. Something you should bear in mind is that, although finding a motorbike to rent is fairly easy, it can sometimes take a bit of time to get everything settled – negotiating prices, bikes, and leaving some sort of collateral, such as a copy of your passport. So, if possible, try to arrange your bikes a day before you set off on them.
That goes for the rest of your travel arrangements, like trains, planes and hotels, because this is a peak time of year for foreign tourists in Vietnam. Try to book as much of the above as possible before you get to Vietnam – it will make your tight schedule easier to deal with.
With the time you have and considering everything else you’ll be doing on your trip, I don’t recommend taking a side trip to the Mekong Delta.
After Hoi An, I would suggest taking a train down to Nha Trang. From here you can motorbike down the Ocean Road back to Saigon. You can arrange your motorbike in advance from Tigit Motorbikes (there’s a link to them in the right sidebar of this page) and return the bike to them in Saigon. Or if you want to zig-zag between the coast road and the mountains around Dalat, take a look at this route.
If you’d like to support my website, may I ask that you book your hotels through this site? It’s exactly the same process (and price) as booking through Agoda, but if you making a book I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which goes straight back into this website. All you have to do is start your hotel search or booking through any of the Agoda search boxes or links on my site, or just click here which takes you to the Vietnam Agoda page. You can read a bit more about this here.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your reply.
Yes it is a lot. It’s difficult to know what to take out.
Do you think considering it will be late December that Sapa will be worthwhile? Or even if it is will it be worth riding the loop?
The routes from nha trang to Saigon look awesome. Thanks for the tips. I assume the ocean road is shorter than the one through Dalat so with timing i am sure we will go with that.
I can definitely try to book all of my hotels through here. I’m more than happy to support! The sites a great help.
Cheers,
Joanne
Hi Joanne,
Yes, Sapa may be quite cold and grey in December, but on the coast in the south it will be nice. I just depends if you mind cold weather or not 🙂
The ride from Nha Trang south on the Ocean Road is good at that time of year – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Tom
Hi Tom,
I intend to ride my CFR250 from Singapore to China and spend more time in Vietnam, from August to September 2017 next year. Appreciate very much if you could provide me some information on motor bike shops available along the way. I’ll be riding solo and just started planning, hope to cover some interesting routes provided by you, before i proceed to Mong Cai. FYI i will start from HCMC to Hanoi.
I might need to change my tires there, because my last experienced three weeks in Thailand it lasted less than 4000km on my sports bike. Your feedback is very important for my planning. Hope to hear from you soon. Many Thanks and I’ve already subscribed..
Mohd Othman
Hi Mohd,
I can’t recommend any specific bike shops, but of course there are a lot of them in HCMC and Vietnam in general.
Try contacting some of the motorbike rental places in Vietnam and asking their advice. You could also post your question on the Expats Ho Chi Minh Facebook page – you might find some answers there.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom
your newsletter was passed on to me by a good mate who lived for years in Nha Trang and recently returned to Adelaide. He motored all over central VN and sent me some interesting stories of his travels. I recently spent a week motorbiking along the Mekong down in the delta. I have plans at some stage to do route 14, Dalat then Nha Trang.
Keep up the good work. yes…i have subscribed..!!
Julius
Hi Julius,
Thanks for subscribing. Great to hear that you’ll be coming back to Vietnam soon for some more riding – there’s so much good riding in Vietnam that you can keep coming back again and again 🙂
Tom
Vary interested in the traveling the HCM Road next time I’m in VietNam.
Hi Gordon,
That’s great. Take a look at my Ho Chi Minh Road guide for more information.
Tom
Love your site! I had the pleasure of traveling to Vietnam last year and stayed for a whole month! This was my first international trip! I am very lucky to have a sister in-law who grew up in Vietnam. Beautiful Country, amazing food and found the Vietnamese people warm, loving and some of the most resourceful talented people I’ve ever witnessed! I had the pleasure of avoiding the tourist traps and was introduced to the real culture of this beautiful country. Travelled from all the way South to the middle of Central…and so looking forward to returning to continue from where I left off and travel all the way North. Thank you for bringing attention to this beautiful Country. I really enjoyed reading your spot on perspective!!
Hi Susan,
Thanks! Great to hear that you had such a positive experience of Vietnam when you were here, and that you managed to get off the beaten path too. I hope it won’t be too long before you get the chance to return for a northern itinerary – there’s lots more to see and experience there 🙂
Tom
Tom oi
I just notice your site this morning, and I have only read the Phan Ranh – Cam Ranh route yet.
I fully agree that this is an extremely nice route, which I have taken 3 times during since October 15. The reason that is not well known, is that the road from Khanh Son, Khanh Hoa to Tan Son, Ninh Hoa is not on any Google Maps, and I remember in October when asking the locals in the Khanh Son area, if I could drive that way, they said no! Irrespective of the no, I went through down to AH1 without any problems. Last time I went that way was in February during/after heavy rain, and the road that disappeared into the river many places, however, they worked hard to repair it. My next tour there will likely be in 3 weeks.
I like what you are writing, however, there is one thing I was puzzled about, namely you call it the Cai River. According to my information then the Cai River starts in Dak Lak and ends in Nha Trang at the Tran Phu Bridge. The river ending in Cam Ranh is Dinh River. Furthermore the route you describe is Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan, the border somewhere between Khanh Son and Tan Son, easily to note, as the quality of the road all of a sudden improve in Ninh Thuan – I am always driving anti-clock wise, as I come from Nha Trang.
I am like your efforts to describe the various routes – I have a few without description, as I like to drive around taking photos of mainly the people and special landscapes.
erik
Hi Erik,
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed reading the guide and it’s good to hear that you have ridden the River Road from Cam Ranh to Phan Rang before.
The road from Tan Son to Khanh Son is now shown on Google Maps but it only appears as a small road, not a main road. This usually happens when an existing road is upgraded to a larger, better surfaced road, such as this one: it takes Google Maps a little while to catch up! 🙂
I’m surprised you had heavy rain in February – that area is famous for being dry in the winter months.
Yes, there are a number of different rivers in Vietnam called ‘Cai’. But the Cai River in my guide starts in the hills behind Cam Ranh and then flows into the sea at Phan Rang. The road follows the Cai River most of the way – especially between Tan Son and Khanh Son.
Tom
Hi Tom,
Found your site whilst researching Saigon for a weekend ‘visa run’ from Bangkok, where we are both teachers. It’s great, and really useful and informative. Looking forward to getting down to Chicken Corner and trying it out.
Keep up the great work
Yours
David and Lucy
Hi David and Lucy,
That’s great! Glad to hear you enjoy my site. I hope you’ll like ‘Chicken Corner’. There’s a great bún mắm near the chicken too, if you’re not too full 🙂 Plus, you shouldn’t miss cơm tấm while in Saigon. I know Thailand has its own excellent desserts, but if you want to try it here then take a look at chè.
I hope you enjoy Saigon and its food scene,
Tom
Hi, fantastic blog, really good information..
Just a question, was looking at flying into Hanoi and catching a train to Lao Cai. I am really impressed about the Sapa route, so I intend on doing that. How is the transport from Lao Cai to Sapa?
Keep up the great work 🙂
Hi Jerrard,
Yes, transport from Lao Cai to Sapa is good and very regular. There are minivans from Lao Cai train station to Sapa that meet the train. It takes around 40 minutes to get there. Or you can easily take a taxi, or organize transport through your Sapa hotel, if you’ve booked a room in advance.
I hope this helps,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Just spent some time on your site – recommended by a friend, it is an awesome source of info. and great pictures!!
We are taking a motorbike trip to Hanoi area in November and will most likely do the Northern Loop as you have laid out. I really can’t wait to eat at the Noodle House and meet Duyen! We have done trips prior to this in Thailand and Cambodia and have always wanted to visit Vietnam, something tells me it won’t be my last trip here.
Thanks so much for this great source! I have subscribed to your newsletter.
Tom G.
Agawam, Massachusetts USA
Hi Tom,
Great to hear you’ve found my site useful. I’m confident you’ll enjoy your road trip in Vietnam – might be a bit chilly in the far north in November, so pack some warm clothes! 🙂
Duyen and the noodle house are still there in Ha Giang city, but a reader wrote me to say that the place has been refurbished – the food is still the same though.
Email me anytime if you require any more route advice.
Tom