Friday, November 30, 2012

Du Lich Offroad VN

Offroad Vietnam currently offers four itineraries below, however they can be customized to be shorter or longer to fit your travel plan.

  • 9 days (OV04)
  • 11 days (OV41)
  • 13 days (OV42)
  • 16 days (OV45)

    If you don't see the video clip below, click here (Special thanks to Kevin Hamilton from U.S.A).


    Please note that Ho Chi Minh trail/highway rides cost more than our standard rides as we have to pay the guide(s) and bikes back to Hanoi. In addition, food and hotel in South Vietnam cost more than in the Northern part. We also recommend you to bring your riding gear as if you rent all from us, our guide may not be able to carry them back to Hanoi and surcharge may be applied.

    Ho Chi Minh Trail is the name of the trip, it doesn't mean we ride mainly on the old trail. The government already built a new highway on most of the original trail. However, we still have some parts on tracks and short-cuts that offer off-road riders a chance to test out their riding skills. The riding hours are longer than a Northern Vietnam trip, however the scenery is not as beautiful as in North Vietnam. It's more about Vietnam War!


    HO CHI MINH TRAIL/HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE RIDE STANDARD ROUTE IN 9 DAYS
    (9 days, 8 nights)

    Ho Chi Minh Trail/Highway, Ho Chi Minh Trails, HCM Trail ride with Offroad Vietnam, Ride on historic Ho-Chi-Minh Trail on Truong Son mountain range

    Booking code: OV04

    Related links:

    -
    photo gallery
    - customer comments
    - reference
    - late availability
    - vietnam information

    Highlight

    Ride participants are to make their own travel arrangements to Hanoi from their own country. We are happy to assist with hotel and transfer bookings in Hanoi where necessary. Once the tour is finished in Hoi An, ride participants are free to make their way further south or return to Hanoi. Once again, these arrangements are not included in the tour but we are happy to assist with bookings.

    Itinerary at a glance

    Day 1: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
    Day 2: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
    Day 3: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
    Day 4: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
    Day 5: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
    Day 6: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
    Day 7: Khe Sanh - Hue.
    Day 8: Hue - Hoi An.
    Day 9: Hoi An.

    Day 1: Hanoi - Phu Yen (165 km, ~6 hours riding)

    Ride to Phu Yen on country road with a stop in Son Tay. On November 20-21, 1970, a joint force composed of USAF Special Operations and rescue personnel and U.S. Army Special Forces, supported by U.S. Navy Carrier Task Force 77, made a daring raid on the Son Tay prison camp located less than 50 miles from Hanoi. The objective was to rescue as many as 100 U.S. captives thought to be held there. The assault troops, in six ARRS helicopters accompanied by two C-130 aircraft, flew 640km to Son Tay from bases in Thailand. U.S. Navy pilots made a diversionary raid while 116 USAF and Navy aircraft from seven air bases and three aircraft carriers flew refueling, surface-to-air missile suppression, fighter cover, close air support, early warning, communications support and reconnaissance missions. There was no prisoners found in camp.

    After lunch, ride on the winding mountain road to Phu Yen to take in some of the best mountain views in Northwest Vietnam. Overnighting in a hotel.(L, D)

    Day 2: Phu Yen - Mai Chau (145 km, 5 hours riding)

    There are many small roads that lead into the mountains around Mai Chau so we'll take the chance to ride out to isolated H'mong, Dao and Thai villages. We will take on the challenge of an old road built by the French army and spend the afternoon exploring nearby villages. Overnight in a Thai ethnicity stilt house in Mai Chau. (B, L, D)

    Day 3: Mai Chau - Tan Ky (290 km, 9 hours riding)

    Ride on a small, spectacular and paved trail along the Ma river until Cam Thuy town where we stop for lunch. Hit the Ho Chi Minh trail (now a newly built highway) all the way to Tan Ky town where we spend the night in a hotel. (B, L, D)

    Day 4: Tan Ky - Phong Nha (280 km, 8 hours riding)

    Ride on Ho Chi Minh Highway until Pho Chau where we stop to visit the HCM Trail victory monument which is in fact the real starting point of our HCM Trail ride.

    Ride all the way to Phong Nha - Ke Bang, the biggest and also the most beautiful cave in Vietnam and Indochina and is now a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The karst formation of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has evolved since the Paleozoic (some 400 million years ago) and so is the oldest major karst area in Asia. Subject to massive tectonic changes, the park's karst landscape is extremely complex with many geographic features of considerable significance. The vast area, extending to the border of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, contains spectacular formations including 65 km of caves and underground rivers. (B, L, D)

    Day 5: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi (60 km, 2 hours riding)

    Boating and exploring World Heritage site of Phong Nha where local civilians and military sheltered from incessant bombing during wartime. Then we drive down to the coastal town of Dong Hoi, which was heavily shelled by US warships during the war. At a hotel over looking the beach, we can take in some sunbathing by the beach. Overnight in Dong Hoi. (B, L, D)

    Ho Chi Minh Trail Map, for Motorcycle touring Ho Chi Minh Trail in 9 daysDay 6: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh (200 km, 6 hours riding)

    We strike south through foothills which were once sprayed heavily by Agent Orange towards the former DMZ. There is still much evidence of bombing on the mountain sides and from time to time we will see remnants of the original Trail. We take in the Vinh Moc tunnel, the famous Hien Luong Bridge (former demarcation line between North and South Vietnam, the Truong Son Cemetery and finally Khe Sanh (former US Marine base). Overnight in Khe Sanh. (B, L, D)

    Day 7: Khe Sanh - Hue (180 km, 7 hours riding)

    In the morning we head south over the Da Krong Bridge (built by the Cubans in 1973) into the infamous A Shau valley, an area of intense wartime activity. Passing Hamburger Hill and mountains still barren due to the extended effects of Agent Orange, we arrive at A Luoi, where there are many Bru Van hill tribe people. Then, cruising through green back country down the steep Me Oi Pass, we continue on to the beautiful city of Hue which lies along the banks of the Perfume River. Overnight in Hue. (B, L, D)

    Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (145 km, 5 hours riding)

    See the Forbidden Citadel in the morning. Join the National Highway 1 and head up the Hai Van Pass (Cloudy Pass) before the World Heritage site of Hoi An, a major trading centre in SE Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries. Overnight in Hoi An. (B, L, D)

    Day 9: Hoi An. Farewell lunch

    Those who wish can ride up to My Khe beach, where US marines first landed, otherwise enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An by foot or by motorbike taxi. With fine wining and dining (including a range of Hoi An specialties), impressive architecture, fantastic tailoring, endless shopping, and a glorious beach, there is no shortage of activities to indulge in. After lunch, we will say goodbye and our guide flies back to Hanoi from Danang. (B, L)

    There are two options: Return to Hanoi on train or by air or go down South on your own.

    B: Breakfast.
    L: Lunch.
    D: Dinner.

    Contact us.

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    HO CHI MINH TRAIL/HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE TOURING IN 11 DAYS
    11 days/ 10 nights


    Booking code: OV41

    Related links:
    -
    photo gallery
    - customer comments
    - reference
    - late availability
    - vietnam information

    Ho Chi Minh Trail map, Ho Chi Minh Trail ride with Offroad Vietnam, Ride on historic Trail, Picture from the warThe legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, on bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometres through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam's mountainous border with Laos. A testimony to the ingenuity, fortitude and commitment of the North Vietnamese, the Trail slipped from use at the end of the war and was taken back by the jungle. Recent road works that follow original sections of the Trail have changed this. This ride takes in the former imperial capital of Hue, the ancient trading town of Hoi An, Khe Sanh battlefield, the infamous A Shaw valley, My Khe beach, Vietnamese war museums and the DMZ. We also take time to stay overnight in a traditional Thai hill tribe village and visit the former Imperial Tombs of Hue. Take this one off chance to be among the first to traverse the Ho Chi Minh Trail! This is a moderate trip, especially designed for bikers.

    Itinerary at a glance

    Day 01: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
    Day 02: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
    Day 03: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
    Day 04: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
    Day 05: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
    Day 06: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
    Day 07: Khe Sanh - Hue.
    Day 08: Hue - Hoi An.
    Day 09: Hoi An.
    Day 10: Hoi An - Quy Nhon.
    Day 11: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang.

    Day 1 - 8: OV04

    See OV04 above.

    Day 9: Hoi An

    Whole morning exploring the old town of Hoi An. Afternoon at the Cua Dai beach, about 6km from the old town.

    Map for Motorcycle touring Ho Chi Minh Trail in 11 daysThe former harbour town of the Champa people at the estuary of the Thu Bon river was an important Vietnamese trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries, where Chinese from various provinces as well as Japanese, Dutch and Indians settled down. During this period of the China trade, the town was called Hai Pho (Seaside Town) in Vietnamese. During the French colonial period (1883 - 1945), it was called Faifo. Originally Hai Pho was a divided town, because across the "Japanese Bridge", it used to be the Japanese settlement (16th - 17th century). The bridge (Chua Cau) is a unique covered structure built by the Japanese, the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist pagoda attached to one side.

    The town is known to the French and Spanish as Faifo, and by similar names in Portuguese and Dutch. A number of theories have been put forth as to the origin of this name. Some scholars have suggested that it comes from the word "Hai pho" meaning "sea town", while others have said that it seems more likely to simply be a shortening of Hoi An pho, "the town of Hoi An", to "Hoi pho" which became "Faifo".

    In 1999, the old town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, whose buildings display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

    Today, Hoi An is still a small city, but it attracts a fair number of tourists, also being a well established place on the backpacker trail. Many visit for the numerous art and craft shops and tailors, who produce made-to-measure clothes for a fraction of the western price. (B, L, D)

    Day 10: Hoi An - Quy Nhon (280 km, 8 hours riding)

    Join the National Highway 1 and head down the beautiful coastal line of Vietnam until Quy Nhon. Traffic is somewhat easier to handle than the Central Highlands of vietnam. Overnight in a beach front hotel. (B, L, D)

    Day 11: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (200 km, 6 hours riding). Farewell lunch

    Another day filled up with beautiful coast line views. After lunch, we will say goodbye and our guide flies back to Hanoi from Nha Trang. (B, L)

    There are two options: Return to Hanoi on train or by air or go down South on your own.

    B: Breakfast.
    L: Lunch.
    D: Dinner.

    Contact us.

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    HO CHI MINH TRAIL/HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION IN 13 DAYS
    13 days/ 12 nights


    Booking code: OV42

    Related links:
    -
    photo gallery
    - customer comments
    - reference
    - late availability
    - vietnam information

    The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, on bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometres through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam's mountainous border with Laos. A testimony to the ingenuity, fortitude and commitment of the North Vietnamese, the Trail slipped from use at the end of the war and was taken back by the jungle. Recent road works that follow original sections of the Trail have changed this. This ride takes in the former imperial capital of Hue, the ancient trading town of Hoi An, Khe Sanh battlefield, the infamous A Shaw valley, My Khe beach, Vietnamese war museums and the DMZ. We also take time to stay overnight in a traditional Thai hill tribe village and visit the former Imperial Tombs of Hue. Take this one off chance to be among the first to traverse the Ho Chi Minh Trail! This is a moderate level trip, designed for bikers or experienced riders.

    Itinerary at a glance

    Day 01: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
    Day 02: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
    Day 03: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
    Day 04: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
    Day 05: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
    Day 06: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
    Day 07: Khe Sanh - Hue.
    Day 08: Hue - Hoi An.
    Day 09: Hoi An.
    Day 10: Hoi An - Kon Tum.
    Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot.
    Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang.
    Day 13: Nha Trang. Farewell lunch.

    Day 1 - 9: OV41

    See OV41 above.

    Map for Motorcycle touring Ho Chi Minh Trail in 13 days Day 10: Hoi An - Kon Tum (~290 km, ~9 h)

    We strike back up to the mountains, rejoining the Trail at Phuoc Son (also known as Kham Duc). From there we head up the towering Lo So Pass, passing through remote areas thinly populated by peoples of the Ba Na ethnicity. Edging close to the border with Laos, where a number of Trail arteries crossed over in Laos, we continue on to Kon Tum.

    Overnight in Kon Tum.

    Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot (~240 km, ~8 h)

    In the morning we head south through the Central Highlands, passing Pleiku and the Ia Drang valley battlefield, before continuing onto Buon Ma Thuot (also known as Buon Me Thuot), the city where northern forces launched their final assault on the then Saigon. Buon Ma Thuot produces most and best coffee products in Vietnam.

    Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

    Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang (~190 km, ~7 h)

    We take an easy drive back down off the Tay Son highlands towards the coast, arriving at Highway 1 some 30 km north of Nha Trang. Taking in this scenic coastal stretch past turquoise waters and scarlet fishing boats, we arrive in the bright lights of Nha Trang and its relaxing holiday options.

    Overnight in Nha Trang.

    Day 13: Nha Trang (relax)

    A free day by the beach before gathering for a seafood feast to recount our adventure and toast the Ho Chi Minh Trail. There are two options: Return to Hanoi on train or by air or go down South on your own.

    B: Breakfast.
    L: Lunch.
    D: Dinner.

    Contact us.

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    HO CHI MINH TRAIL/HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE VOYAGE IN 16 DAYS
    16 days/ 15 nights


    Booking code: OV45

    Itinerary at a glance

    Day 01: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
    Day 02: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
    Day 03: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
    Day 04: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
    Day 05: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
    Day 06: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
    Day 07: Khe Sanh - Hue.
    Day 08: Hue - Hoi An.
    Day 09: Hoi An.
    Day 10: Hoi An - Kon Tum.
    Day 11: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot.
    Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang.
    Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat.
    Day 14: Da Lat.
    Day 15: Da Lat - Cat Tien.
    Day 16: Cat Tien - Saigon.

    Day 1 - 12: OV42

    See OV42 above.

    Map for Motorcycle touring Ho Chi Minh Trail in 16 days ride only option Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat

    This 150km ride shows you some footages of the famous 2008 BBC's Top Gear Vietnam Special show. Mountainous ride on the Central Highland.

    - Distance: 150 km
    - Accommodation: Hotel in Da Lat
    - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 14: Da Lat Touring

    Da Lat is known as "The City of Love" and is a favorite holiday resort for Vietnamese as well as the French. With evergreen forests, waterfalls, beautiful lakes, the country's best flower gardens, and delicious fresh produce, Da Lat has always provided a welcome respite from the heat of the lowlands. We can spend the day visiting the highlights of Da Lat - its gardens, cathedral, waterfalls, market, Valley of Love, convent, university, train station and key pagodas. Overnight in Da Lat for the second night.

    - Distance: 50 km
    - Accommodation: Hotel in Da Lat
    - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 15: Da Lat - Cat Tien National Park

    Down on road 20, we ride to Cat Tien National Park. This forest area used to be the head quarter of Vietnamese army during the war. The park suffered historically during the Vietnam War when it was extensively sprayed with herbicides like the defoliant Agent Orange. To this day these areas have extensive bamboo and grassland cover and trees have not yet grown back.

    - Distance: 190 km
    - Accommodation: Guest-house in Cat Tien Park
    - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 16: Cat Tien - Saigon

    This is not so long but is a big day as traffic is very crazy when we enter Saigon (HCM City). We ride straight to the train station where we end the ride. If you need information about places to stay and/or to eat our guide will be able to recommend some. Tour ends.

    - Distance: 160 km
    - Accommodation: Not included
    - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Contact us.
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