Best Coastal Route for Motorbike Tours in Vietnam

Published: 07/05/25
Updated: 07/05/25

Vietnam’s coastline, a 3,200-kilometer ribbon stretching all the way from China to Cambodia, offers coastal roads that are in contention for some of the most thrilling and beautiful in the world. Dramatic landscapes, ancient cultures, and bustling coastal communities all call Vietnam’s coast home, which is further liberally sprinkled with beaches and top-notch views.

Onyabike Adventures has chosen to make Vietnam’s coastline our home for good reason: We simply cannot get over how fun the roads here are, and we want to share what we’ve learned with people who are equally enthusiastic. So, join us here as we’ll be covering five of our favorite coastal routes in the country for motorbike rides — ones we’ll revisit again and again.

Thuan An to Vinh Hien

(The above map is for Thuan An to Vinh Hien, then on to Hai Van Pass to Da Nang)

A motorcycle tour from Thuan An to Vinh Hien offers riders an exhilarating journey through the heart of Central Vietnam’s stunning coastal landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture. The route itself crosses a region steeped in history. What makes this route distinct from all others is it crosses through one of Southeast Asia’s largest lagoon systems — as well as an enormous cemetery area full of fascinating tombs dubbed the City of Ghosts.

The route

Starting in Thuan An, a coastal town just 15 kilometers northeast of Hue, riders encounter the sea and a bustling fishing community. Thuan An is known for its beach and the Thuan An Estuary, where the Huong river flows into the sea. From here, the route follows coastal road Highway 49B and potentially smaller local paths towards Vinh Hien in the southeast.

Riders can expect a flat, gently curving road that allows for easy scene-watching without challenging navigation. Expect fishing villages, rice paddies, and the placid lagoon system — one of the largest in the region. The route usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on stops, making it an ideal day trip or a part of a longer central Vietnam tour.

Highlights

Thuan An Beach and Estuary: Before hitting the road, take a moment to explore Thuan An beach, a favorite among locals for its golden sand, blue water, and fresh seafood. Take in breakfast here with a coconut or coffee to fuel your journey.
Lagoon system: The Tam Giang lagoon system stretches from northwest of Hue all the way towards Vinh Hien, broken up into sections like Thanh Lam lagoon and Ha Trung lagoon. This vast, brackish waterway is a haven for both biodiversity and aquaculture. Expect to see stilt houses and enormously productive fish farms dotting the horizon.
The City of Ghosts: This famous cemetery can be found in An Bang, a quiet village near Thuan An. Stretching for 3 kilometers along the road, its brilliantly decorated tombs mark the final resting place of notables from the past centuries. Here you can expect to find an eclectic mix of religious and cultural influences in the well-maintained tombs.
Relaxed Vinh Hien: Upon reaching Vinh Hien, you’ll find a peaceful retreat from busy tourist hubs. The local beaches, like Vinh Hai, are practically empty, offering a great spot to relax and swim.

Tips

The best time to ride this route, as with the Hai Van Pass, is the dry season from February to September. If you plan to explore the outskirts of smaller towns — like Vinh Hai beach — you’ll likely want to bring snacks and drinks, as there are often few services available near these beaches.

Pairing this journey with other Hue-area opportunities like exploring the DMZ or patching it in with a Ho Chi Minh Trail adventure can make for an unforgettable trip. A Hue motorbike tour itself boasts a number of worthwhile visits.

Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van pass, often dubbed Vietnam’s most spectacular coastal road, is a bucket-list motorcycle journey connecting Da Nang to Hue via the Truong Son Mountains. And really, it’s more than just a road — it’s a rite of passage for motorbike enthusiasts in Vietnam. Its dramatic blend of mountain twists, coastal vistas, and historical echoes make it one of the world’s most celebrated coastal rides.

The pass is compact yet packs a punch, offering accessibility without sacrificing thrill or beauty. At roughly 21 kilometers long, it’s easily done in a matter of hours and can be fit into any short stay in central Vietnam. Top Gear’s Vietnam episode, released in 2008, catapulted the journey into the collective consciousness, and it’s been a major draw ever since.

The pass has long been a natural divide between Vietnam’s north and south, both geographically and culturally. Historically, it marked the boundary between the Champa and Dai Viet kingdoms and later served as a military checkpoint during the war. The Hai Van Gate, constructed at the top of the pass by emperor Minh Mang (ruled 1820-1840), has recently been reconstructed to look just like it did in the 19th century. Riders can visit it for free, as well as the French bunkers that have been preserved in the area.

The route

Riders can begin the journey in Da Nang — a vibrant and fast-growing coastal city known for its beaches and mountains, which has recently bloomed into a popular tourist destination. Heading north of the city, riders will branch off the 1A highway before it becomes a tunnel, taking the climb up the Hai Van Pass and towards the eponymous destination.

Highlights

A visual feast: The views alone are worth the trip. Rugged cliffs, steep jungle-clad mountains, waterfalls, and sweeping views of Da Nang’s coastline to the south and Lang Co’s lagoon to the north give the eyes a treat and make for excellent photography.
Hai Van Pass summit: The summit is spectacular, marked by a historic French-built bunker and panoramic viewpoints. Take a break here to snap some photos, take in the scenery, and feel the cool mountain air. Vendors offer snacks including coffee to keep you charged up.
Lang Co beach and lagoon: Descending the pass, riders reach Lang Co, a peaceful fishing town with a pristine beach and calm lagoon. Stop for a swim or enjoy fresh seafood on one of the floating restaurants on the lagoon side. Be sure to try the Vem — local mussels — grilled with peanuts and onions, accompanied by an ice-cold beer.
Historical relics: The route is dotted with remnants of the pass’s strategic past, including old guard towers and bunkers from the French colonial and the war eras. These weathered structures add a haunting layer to the trip’s beauty.

Tips

The best time to ride the Hai Van Pass is the dry season, between February and September. Minimal clouds and rain mean spectacular views, and the summer sunsets between May-August can add to the otherworldly charm. Expect occasional downpours in July and August and pack a rain jacket.

The Hai Van Pass easily fits into a longer central Vietnam motorbike tour and is part of many of our adventures:
Hai Van Pass & Monkey Mountain
The Highlights of Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam Adventure Tour
Mountain and DMZ Adventure Loop

Tuy Hoa Airport to Vung Ro Bay

The Tuy Hoa Airport to Vung Ro Bay ride is a compact yet captivating adventure that shows off the raw beauty of Phu Yen’s coastline. Ideal for both novice and experienced riders, this short journey showcases the unspoiled beauty of Vietnam’s south-central coast, with sweeping ocean views, fishing villages, and a historic bay steeped in wartime significance.

At some 40 kilometers long, the route is easily done in an hour or two, depending on stops. Unlike more tourist-heavy routes, this stretch remains relatively undiscovered — meaning authentic glimpses into coastal rural Vietnam.

The route

The route, beginning at Tuy Hoa airport, primarily follows highway QL29 as it hugs the coastal curve towards Vung Ro Bay. The ride is straightforward, with well-paved roads and gentle curves, making it accessible to all riders. Covering the distance will take roughly an hour, allowing plenty of time for stops to take in the scenery to explore local highlights.

The main drama of the journey unfolds along the coastline, where turquoise waters meet rocky cliffs and pristine beaches. Riders will pass through small fishing hamlets, rice fields, and salt flats, with lush mountains including the notable Ca Pass providing a backdrop. As you approach Vung Ro Bay, the landscape becomes wilder — think steep, jungle-clad hills framing the crescent-shaped bay dotted with fish farms.

Highlights

Bai Mon Beach and Dai Lanh Lighthouse: A short detour en route leads to Bain Mon Beach, a tiny yet pristine stretch of sand near Dai Lanh Lighthouse. This marks Vietnam’s easternmost point. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the sunrise if you start early, or simply stunning views of the sea.
Vung Ro Bay: The jewel of the route, Vung Ro Bay is a peaceful harbor surrounded by forested hills and home to many floating fish farms.
History: The bay played a key role in the war — North Vietnamese supply ships were intercepted by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces in the Vung Ro incident. The “Boats with No Number” were offshore fishing vessels used by North Vietnam as the coastal supply route of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. A small monument and museum commemorate the history.
Floating restaurants: A number of floating restaurants can be found on Vung Ro Bay, offering fresh seafood and spectacular views. The brave can try grilled sea urchin — surprisingly delicious if you’ve never had it before.

Tips

The dry season from January to August offers the best time to ride, though geography and warmer weather than central Vietnam mean extended ideal riding times.

Extend your trip towards Quy Nhon to the north or Nha Trang to the south. Consider pairing it with our next section, for example, or make it a piece of a full-country tour like our North to South Classic.

Cam Ranh Bay to Phan Rang

The ride from Cam Ranh Bay to Phan Rang offers a blend of coastal beauty, Cham heritage, and unique desert-like landscapes that sets it apart from many other routes in Vietnam.

Covering approximately 60 kilometers through Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces, the route combines smooth coastal highways, charming fishing villages, and historic Cham landmarks. This region is rich in history. Cam Ranh Bay has long been a strategic naval base, famously used during the war by American forces and today by Vietnam’s military. Ninh Thuan, meanwhile, is the ancestral homeland of the Cham, whose ancient kingdom left behind stunning temples.

The route

Riders can start at Cam Ranh Bay, a deep-water harbor known for its turquoise waters and strategic importance. The route follows Highway 1A south before transitioning to the DT702 coastal road for stretches that hug the shoreline before arriving in Phan Rang, the hub of Ninh Thuan province. The journey is mostly on well-paved roads with gentle curves.

The distance can be covered in around 2 hours, with plenty of time to stop to explore beaches, salt fields, cultural sites, and vista points.

Highlights

Bai Dai beach: The stunning Bai Dai beach to the northeast of Cam Ranh is home to a number of swanky resorts that can be a treat for breakfast before heading on the route. The northern stretch of the beach, conversely, still hosts a number of local seafood shacks with a relaxed vibe.
Salt farms: As you approach Phan Rang, the salt field of Tri Hai and Dam Nai are a striking sight. These traditional harvesting sites, where workers rake salt under the blazing sun, offer a glimpse into Ninh Thuna’s ancient trade. Early mornings provide the best photo opportunities.
Binh Hung Island: Nestled off Cam Ranh Bay, Binh Hung island is a hidden paradise boasting crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can expect giant rocks, lobster farms, and a coral reef for snorkeling.
Floating restaurants: Between the mainland and Binh Hung island can be found numerous floating restaurants with the freshest seafood imaginable. A quick boat ride from the Binh Hung ferry can take you there.
Nui Chua national park: Spanning coastal forests and coral-rich waters, Nui Chua national park is home of the black-shanked duoc langur and an enormous number of plant species. Highlights include trekking to wild rock formations, exploring hidden caves, and exploring the coast.
Turtle conservancy: Nui Chua national park is a key turtle conservancy site in Vietnam, with three species of turtles (green, loggerhead, and hawksbill) formerly breeding there. In recent years, only green turtles have been seen—which is why conservancy is vital. The park hosts nightly patrols to protect turtles and their nests, and releases hundreds of turtles into the sea each year. Volunteers and rangers both help to protect turtles and further conserve the area.
Po Klong Garai temple:The Po Klong Garai temple is a 13th-century Cham temple complex built on a hill, offering insights into the region’s Hindu past as well as panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s one of many Cham sites in the region — though one of the best preserved.

Tips

Ninh Thuan is one of Vietnam’s driest regions, effectively in a rain shadow cast by central Vietnam jutting into the sea to intercept the northeastern wind. The summer can be quite hot and dry, but in general travel is rarely disrupted here due to rain.

Combine this journey with a longer trip north towards Nha Trang or continue south towards Phan Thiet to combine with the last coastal route on our list.

Phan Thiet to La Gi

The route from Phan Thiet to La Gi blends sand dunes, serene beaches, and fishing villages that isn’t overly touristed. It’s a good opportunity to slow down and savor the freedom of the open road. Drier than most of Vietnam and frequently sunny, this picturesque stretch of Vietnam’s coast makes for an all-year route for any kind of rider.

The route passes through a part of the country influenced by the ancient Champa civilization, much like Binh Thuan to the north. In addition to historic sites, riders will pass through areas tied to Vietnam’s key fish sauce industry — and will likely smell it along the way, too.

The route

Starting in Phan Thiet, a coastal city famous for its fish sauce and proximity to nearby resort hub Mui Ne, riders can follow the DT706 coastal road. This scenic stretch winds along the shoreline, offering sweeping views of the sea. The road to La Gi is well-paved and has easy curves, meaning riders can pay attention to the surrounding scenery.

The drive will only take 1-2 hours, providing plenty of opportunity for stops at beaches, sand dunes, coffee shops, and villages. The dry environment provides a different color palette than many other roads in Vietnam — expect much more red and white. Because of the region’s dry environment, this is where much of the country’s dragon fruit is produced.

Highlights

Sand dunes: A short detour to the White Sand Dunes or Red Sand Dunes is a must for those visiting the area. These surreal landscapes, accessible by the same DT706, are perfect for a photo stop or even sandboarding.
Dragon fruit and cashew plantations: Dragon fruit and cashews are key elements of the local economy. The region is a major supplier of both to the entire country as well as abroad — stop to check out how these fascinating and delicious treats are grown.
Ke Ga lighthouse: Along the way, stop at the historic Ke Ga lighthouse, Vietnam’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, dating to the 19th century. Located on a small islet near Tan Thanh, it’s accessible by a short boat ride or is visible from the shore, surrounded by rocky shores.
La Gi’s beaches: Upon reaching La Gi, unwind at Tan Hai beach or Cam Binh beach, known for their soft sands and calm waters. These less-crowded shores are perfect for a swim or a seafood feast at local eateries.

Tips

As this is thoroughly a southern Vietnam area, the weather patterns are quite different from further north. The dry season runs from November to April, with sunny skies and mild temperatures. The rainy season between May to October means rain can strike at any moment, with powerful yet short-lived storms.

Extend your route to the north towards Nha Trang or continue south towards Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City, followed by the countless canals and rice fields of the Mekong Delta.

Conclusion

These coastal routes all the way from Hai Van Pass to La Gi are each a testament to the unique draw of Vietnam’s landscape and culture. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood lagoonside at Lang Co, revving into a hairpin turn on Hai Van Pass, hopping on the ferry to Binh Hung island, or cruising into one of La Gi’s relaxed beaches, you’ll be certain you can savor every moment. Doing it all on two wheels makes the trip all that much more fun.

For riders seeking to connect these trips to part of a broader Vietnam motorcycle adventure — or looking for more info — check out our tours spanning the whole country. The coasts are just one of Vietnam’s highlights.

Onyabike Adventures takes all the guesswork out of a Vietnam motorbike tour. We’ve got the best routes mapped out, with comfy, classy accommodation and delicious food. Our guides are knowledgeable and helpful, acting more as deep information sources and cultural ambassadors rather than just pathfinders. We’re fully legally vetted and ensured. Oh, and our bikes? They’re Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, perfectly suited for Vietnam’s conditions in addition to being super fun to ride.

Want to know more? Feel like speaking to us directly? Give us a shout and we’re happy to have a conversation about your upcoming Vietnam motorbike adventure.