Why I Took an Easy Rider from Hue to Hoi An
Another highlight of my trip through Vietnam. Sitting on the back of a motorbike, with my luggage strapped behind me, I traveled by Easy Rider from Hue to Hoi An. My dad used to have a motorbike, so I am used to sitting on the back and enjoying the scenery. But this was different, riding through rice fields, along the coast, over the Hai Van Pass and into Hoi An felt like a real Vietnam adventure. In this blog, I share my honest Easy Rider experience from Hue to Hoi An, including the route, stops, costs, luggage, safety and what to expect along the way.
Booking My Easy Rider Tour in Hue
My driver picked me up at my Senna Hotel in Hue in the morning at 9:00 AM. It was the day after TET New Year, and I was lucky that I could find a tour that I wanted to drive to Hoi An on this date. I booked this tour months in advance via Motorvina. I had to pay 10$ of the in total 50$ in advance, the rest to the driver upon arrival. I was very worried because it was raining in Hue on the day of my departure, but the driver got everything sorted out. He gave me a full rain suit and even packed my shoes in plastic. My luggage was carefully wrapped in plastic too and tightened very well on the bike. Ready to go!!!
You can rent a motorbike and ride the route yourself as well if you have the right driving license of course!
Stops between Hue and the Hai Van Pass
After 15 minutes driving out of Hue the sky cleared and it stopped raining; it was my lucky day!
We stopped at some rice fields near Huong Thuy just outside Hue, with some temples and war monuments. Still dressed in my rain suit we drove to the next stop a small fisher town of Cau Hai. This town is located on a lagoon with many boats, where even people sleep on the boats. I took the top of my raincoat off and we drove to the next stop the Elephant Springs. A waterfall in the middle of the jungle! Unfortunately, it was too cold to jump in, but it was nice to see. Good to stretch your legs a bit and go to the next stop.
I felt very safe at the back of the Easy Rider, he drove carefully and explained a lot and made many stops too!
He asked me if I was already in for lunch, it was around 11:30, a bit early but we drove to the beach of Lang Co. The ocean was wild and the water was grey and brown, not what I expected it to be, but good to chill a bit. We stopped at the beach at a restaurant with a lot of fresh fish and seafood in water tanks. Here you can choose your favorite meal where you pay by weight. The fish and seafood was not cheap, but it was delicious fresh squid! I joined another woman who was also with an Easy Rider. We enjoyed the sun and food and chilled on the deck.
Riding the Hai Van Pass to Da Nang
Ready for the main part of the 175-kilometer route today the Hai Van Pass! This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. Known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” it stretches for about 21 kilometers and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Vietnam. Luckily, there were some clouds, but al of blue skies for me! The pass marks the weather boundary between the north and the south, often covered in mist, giving it a mystical aura. Motorbiking through its winding roads was a thrilling experience, with every turn revealing a new, breathtaking view.
If you don’t like to sit at the back of a motorbike, you can book a train ticket. The train follows more or less the same route as the motorbike!
Halfway our journey over the Hai Van Pass, we stopped at Hai Van Quan. This is an ancient fort nestled on the Hai Van Pass. This fort was built during the Tran Dynasty in the 14th century to protect the kingdom from invaders. The views from here are simply spectacular, offering panoramic view of the green mountains on one side to the city of Da Nang on the other side.
Did you know you can book the Easy Rider also from Hoi An to Hue too!
On our way down from the pass, we stopped at numerous viewpoints. Each one offered a unique perspective of the landscape, from the mountains to stunning coastlines with white beaches. I pinched myself a couple of times and soaking in the beauty and capturing memories of me sitting at the back of the motorbike with a big smile on my face!
Dragon Bridge and Marble Mountains
The variety of landscapes is unique in this trip, after the Hai Van Pass we drove to the city of Da Nang. The long boulevard to the busy center to the remarkable yellow Dragon Bridge! This bridge is really spectacular, I loved it!
Did you know? The Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water every Saturday and Sunday night!
After the Dragon Bridge our journey continued to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills. These mountains are not only a geological wonder but also house numerous caves, tunnels, and Buddhist Pagodas. Each mountain has its own unique charm and spiritual significance. You can climb up but there is also an elevator that can take you up.
We had a drink at a local restaurant and I strolled around in the touristy area full of marble shops. Stunning art and many buddhas in every color of marble. I was getting tired of the already long day and I wanted to go to my hotel in Hoi An. From the Marble Mountains to Hoi An we drove along the coast where a lot of new buildings are build. Big resorts and huge hotel chains, Vietnam is growing and growing.
Arriving in Hoi An by Easy Rider
The last part of the ride took us through rice fields towards the town of Hoi An. After a full day on the back of the motorbike, I was tired, but happy. The route had been full of views, stops and real-life Vietnam moments that you simply miss when you travel by bus or train. My driver did a great job. I felt safe the whole day. He explained a lot along the way and made enough stops to take photos, stretch my legs and enjoy the scenery. Arriving in Hoi An by Easy Rider felt like a special way to end this part of my Vietnam trip.
Is the Easy Rider from Hue to Hoi An Worth It?
Yes, for me this Easy Rider tour from Hue to Hoi An was absolutely worth it. The journey was not only about getting from one city to another. It was about the ride itself, the changing landscapes, the Hai Van Pass, the small local stops and that wonderful feeling of being outside all day. Traveling on the back of a motorbike allowed me to experience Vietnam in a way that no other transport could. It felt adventurous, but still comfortable. I felt safe, saw so much more than expected and arrived in Hoi An with a big smile.
If sitting on the back of a motorbike does not feel right for you, the train from Hue to Da Nang is a lovely alternative. You still get beautiful coastal views, especially around the Hai Van Pass. From Da Nang, you can continue to Hoi An by taxi or shuttle. Less adventurous, but still a very good route.
I hope this blog inspires you to pack your bags and set off on your own Easy Rider adventure from Hue to Hoi An.
