You can travel between the two cities either by bus, train or easy rider. I figured it would take the same amount of time with all the bus stops so I decided to commute with an easy rider on a motorcycle. Easy rider is a term that you’ll hear frequently in Vietnam. An easy rider is a driver who you hire to drive you from Point A to Point B. I had easy rider all throughout Vietnam from the Ha Giang to Cao Bang.
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How to book the tour?
If you find yourself in Hue or Hoi An (because the route can be done in reverse too) the easiest way is to approach the motorcyclist in town. When I was in Hue, I had people approaching me the moment I got off my overnight bus from Hanoi. I was exhausted from the 16-hour commute, so I was more focused on getting to my homestay check in. Essentially the vendors would approach you with notebooks that had previous customers reviews written in them.
I choose to book my easy rider with the Hue Happy Homestay. The cost was $30 USD to go from Hue to Hoi An.
Stop #1 the covered bridge
The Thanh Toan Covered Bridge is a historic bridge located just outside Hue, Vietnam. It was built in the 18th century during the Nguyen Dynasty. A local woman named Tran Thi Dao commissioned it to help villagers cross the canal more easily. The bridge has a Japanese-style architecture blended with Vietnamese design. Nowadays it’s the locals perfect hang out spot.
Swim in the Thac Nhi Ho waterfall
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit! One of the stops along the way is this beautiful waterfall. It was the perfect way to cool down. On the property, there’s a bathroom where you can change into and out of your garments.
Drive past fishing villages
Along the route, you’ll see colorful fishing boats and pass through peaceful fisherman’s villages. You can ask your easy rider to stop so you can watch the fishermen at work, casting nets or mending their boats along the shore.
Enjoy the views and scenery
Riding a motorcycle along the Hai Van Pass is an unforgettable experience. The winding roads, cool mountain air, and sweeping ocean views make it one of Vietnam’s scenic routes. Take your time to stop at lookout points, soak in the panoramic scenery, and enjoy the feeling of freedom as you ride through the clouds.
Visit the Han Van Gate Fort
A few steps up the hill at the top of the pass stands a fort that once served as a strategic military post guarding the border between the former kingdoms of Dai Viet and Champa. The fort offers panoramic views of the coastline and mountains. Admission is FREE.
Finally arriving in Hoi An or Hue
Depending on which direction you take on the Hai Van Pass, you’ll either end your journey in Hue or Hoi An. If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend your time in these two charming towns, check out my blog posts for recommendations.
What to see and do in Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a small town in central Vietnam, and it’s absolutely charming. I originally planned to stay for just a couple of days but ended up spending six as I slowed down my travels and really took my time exploring the area. Read More
Hue, Vietnam: The Underrated Gem You Need to Visit
I took the night bus from Hanoi to Hue. Hue is a destination that gets skipped by many travelers. It truly feels like stepping back in time.
Read More
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Vietnam
Are you also planning on visiting these places in Vietnam?
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels or boutique hotels the Vietnam has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support through these affiliate links helps to keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!
