Phong Nha Motorbike Routes: Top 5 Routes And Loops For Motorbike Rider
Phong Nha Motorbike Routes beckon adventure seekers with loops and trails, promising awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling rides in Phong Nha’s enchanting realm. With its breathtaking landscapes and winding roads, Phong Nha offers motorbike riders an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 routes and loops that every motorbike tours of vietnam enthusiast should explore in Phong Nha. From scenic coastal roads to rugged mountain trails, these routes will take you on a journey through some of the most stunning scenery Vietnam has to offer. So rev up your engine and get ready to hit the road – Phong Nha awaits!
Overview of information about Phong Nha
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh province, in the Central region of the country. It is recognized as a world natural heritage site with a fresh, cool climate all year round, averaging only 20 – 24°C.
Phong Nha has millions of years old limestone karst formations with more than 300 caves and underground river systems. Hundreds of rare animal and plant species are living, many of which are named in the red books of Vietnam and the world, which are the inspiration for tourists and traveler from Phong Nha motorbike routes but also scientists to come and explore.
The best time to visit Phong Nha
Phong Nha has the characteristics of tropical climate with 2 seasons: dry season and rainy season. Motorbike Tour Expert would recommend you should start your Phong Nha Motorbike Routes trip in the dry season.
- Dry season: lasts from April to August with an average temperature of about 25 degrees C. The hottest months are June, July and August.
- Rainy season: lasts from September to March. The most rainy time is in September, October and November, which is the flood season with high water levels of rivers and lakes, causing many dangers for people and tourists.
Collection of Phong Nha motorbike routes for motorbike lovers
Each of the routes Motorbike Tour Expert recommends has its own separate map, which has much more detail, including road conditions, places to see, eat, and drink. Any of the five routes in Phong Nha Motorbike Routes tour can be mixed and matched and stitched together as and how you like, in order to create longer or shorter loops
Route 1: Caves & Country Loop
This loop can be finished in one day or two, depending on how much time you want to spend at each sight. The best way to do the loop in Phong Nha Motorbike Routes is clockwise: starting from Phong Nha village and going south on Road DT20. The main loop is only 50 km long, and it’s easy to follow, fun to ride, and full of things to see and do. Some of the highlights are:
- Hiking around Nui Doi semi-wild enclosure
- Exploring the lush and diverse Botanic Gardens
- Kayaking and walking the treetops at Ozo Park
- Marvelling at the huge and majestic Dong Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave
- Zipping and swimming in the stunningly blue water at Nuoc Mooc springs
- Getting muddy at Hang Toi (Dark) Cave
- Enjoying a tasty, local, barbecue dinner at Quan Binh Hoa.
If you want to extend your northwest vietnam motorcycle tours, you can also take an optional side route on DT562 Road, going south, deep into the national park, towards the remote Lao border. This side route is fully paved and goes through incredibly dense jungle and beautiful scenery. There are a few stops along the way, such as the Eight Lady Cave (Hang Tam Co) war memorial, Tra Ang Cave, and the secluded minority village of Arem.
Route 2: Bridges & Back-Roads Loop
If you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque ride on mostly paved roads and lanes with some rough sections, this loop is a great choice. You can also extend your time by enjoying the swimming spots, food and drink places, local interactions, and beautiful views of the Vietnamese countryside.
The Bridges & Back-Roads route has two loops: one east of Phong Nha village along the river; the other west of Phong Nha village along the river. This is the most personal and intimate of all the Phong Nha Motorbike Routes in this guide. With this route, you can slow down and explore the hidden places, meet local people, and discover new land.
A perfect way to end the Phong Nha motorbike routes loop is to watch the sunset at Bomb Crater Bar, where you can have a cocktail and float on the water while admiring the views of the fishing boats and the karst peaks.
Route 3: King Kong Loop
King Kong Loop is a scenic route north of Phong Nha that passes through stunning karst landscapes and diverse natural settings. The loop can be done in one day, but it is better to start early so you can enjoy the smooth and easy Ho Chi Minh Road (QL15) at the end of the day.
The Phong Nha Motorbike Routes loop has two options: on-road or dirt-road. Both are about the same length and time, but the dirt-road option is more adventurous and fun, as long as the weather is dry and you are comfortable with unpaved surfaces.
If not, stick to the on-road option, which is still very scenic and enjoyable. A possible detour is to go north along the coast on Highway QL1A to Canh Duong, where you can see a mural village and a nice beach. This is a good option if you want some sea breeze and waves, but not essential for the loop.
Route 4: Bong Lai Valley Loop
If you’re looking for a scenic and easy bike ride near Phong Nha village, you’ll love the Bong Lai Valley loop. This Phong Nha Motorbike Routes takes you through a green and fertile valley along the Bong Lai River, where you can enjoy many activities and attractions along the way. The loop is about 7 km long and can be done in half a day, but you might want to spend more time exploring the local culture, cuisine and nature.
The loop can be done in either direction, but Motorbike Tour Expert recommends going anticlockwise, starting on the west bank of the river on a dirt road, and coming back on the east bank on a paved road. This way, you can avoid the mud if it rains in the afternoon.
The Bong Lai Valley has a different character from the sharp limestone peaks of Phong Nha Motorbike Routes. Here you can see gentle hills, orchards, farms, estates, and long mountain ranges fading into the horizon. The river is clean and inviting for a swim: join the buffaloes soaking in the refreshing water, or rent a tube from the Pub With Cold Beer or Rattan House and drift downstream. Enjoy the ride at a leisurely pace and make frequent stops at places like:
- The Duck Stop, where you can experience the life of a farmer for a few hours as well as savour their bánh xèo (crispy, savoury pancakes)
- The Rattan House, with scenic views and a cool wooden gazebo
- Nature Farm: Challenge yourself (and take your Instagram shots) on the swings, which fling you out over the river valley
- O O Lake Silence: Swim in the chilly water, among many other possible stopping points.
All this should stimulate your appetite, which is wonderfully satisfied at Moi Moi with a fire-grilled whole chicken, lemongrass pork cooked in a bamboo tube, and bánh lọc – small tapioca dumplings with peanuts steamed in banana leaf. There are also plenty of options for coffee, beer, cocktails, and smoothies: check out the views at East Hill Coffee, or drop into Pepper House Homestay or Lake House Resort for a drink at sunset.
Route 5: Ho Chi Minh West is Best Loop
Western Ho Chi Minh Road is one of the most amazing Vietnam routes, which goes south from Phong Nha village near the border with Laos. The Phong Nha Motorbike Routes scenery along this 2,000km road with limestone mountains, dense forests, blue rivers and winding curves.
This loop covers about 130 km of the Western Ho Chi Minh Road, from Phong Nha to Tang Ky junction. If you want to discover more, three east-west roads (DT563, DT10, and DT16) that connect the Western and Eastern branches of the ho chi minh trail tourism would be a fascinating option.
Besides, these roads have been recently improved and paved, and they offer some nice views too. Motorbike Tour Expert recommend you to spend as much time as you can on the Western Ho Chi Minh Road between Phong Nha and Tang Ky.
Because of its long distances, you need to start early if you want to complete it in one (very long) day from Phong Nha and back. But it’s better to take two days for this Phong Nha motorbike routes loop, by staying overnight at the hotel on the Western Ho Chi Minh Road.
Also, remember that petrol is scarce: there’s only one on the Western Ho Chi Minh Road, in Long Son village, so make sure you have a full tank before you start.
Motorbike Tour Expert would suggest starting with Routes 1, 2, and 4, which are gentler rides covering many of the main attractions in Phong Nha, and finishing with Routes 3 and 5, which are longer, wider loops, taking you more off the beaten path.
If you are looking for a unique and exciting travel experience, you should not miss the Phong Nha Motorbike Routes tour of Motorbike Tour Expert. You will explore the most beautiful lands of Vietnam, from legendary roads such as Hai Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass motorbike tours, Deo Pha Din, to famous destinations such as Hoi An, Hue, Sapa, Ha Giang, Da Lat and more. You will enjoy the fresh air, stunning scenery and distinctive culture of the ethnic minorities. You will also be guided by professional, enthusiastic and experienced tour leaders, ready to help you have a safe and fun trip. Don’t hesitate, contact Motorbike Tour Expert now to book your motorbike tour. You will not regret choosing us as your travel partner.
Contact Info Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert:
- Head Office: 264 Nguyen Trai Str, Hanoi
- Bike Shop: 290 Nguyen Trai Str, Hanoi
- Tel/WhatsApp: +84.979884588
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Motorbiketourexpert/