Another highlight of my travel through Vietnam! At the back of a motorbike including luggage, a so-called “Easy Rider” driving from Hue to Hoi An! My dad used to have a motorbike so I’m used to sit at the back and enjoying the scenery. This was another experience and I loved it! See below my blog on my Easy Rider adventure from Hue to Hoi An.
Pick Up Easy Rider Tour
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!
Rice Fields and Waterfalls
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.
End of the Easy Rider Tour in Hoi An
The last part is through the rice fields to the town of Hoi An. My driver did a great job, felt safe, very informative, enough stops to take pictures and stretch the legs! The journey was as much about the destinations as it was about the ride itself. Traveling on the back of a motorbike allowed me to experience Vietnam’s landscapes and culture in a way that no other mode of transport could. It’s truly a ride to remember and another highlight of my Vietnam trip! Hope this blog inspires you to pack your bags and set off on your own Easy Rider adventure!
