Ho Chi Minh Road
Vietnam
The legendary wartime trail reborn as a mountain highway, from Hanoi south through the Annamite highlands, past ethnic minority villages, crumbling imperial citadels, and coastal passes to Ho Chi Minh City.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Hanoi
Thirty-six guild streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, and egg coffee on a balcony above the Old Quarter.
- Ninh Binh
Karst limestone peaks rising from rice paddies and slow rivers. Halong Bay on land, navigable by rowboat.
- Phong Nha Caves
Home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave. Even the secondary caves dwarf entire city blocks in scale.
- Khe Sanh
The former US Marine base where one of the Vietnam War's most contested sieges unfolded in the highland red-clay hills.
- Kon Tum
A highland town of French-built wooden churches and Bahnar stilt villages on the banks of the Dak Bla River.
- Buon Ma Thuot
Capital of the Central Highlands and Vietnam's coffee heartland. Elephant culture and minority villages surround the city.
- Da Lat
A cool French hill station at 1,500m ringed by pine forests, flower farms, and strawberry fields above the tropical south.
- Ho Chi Minh City
The electric south. War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and streets alive with the best food in Southeast Asia.
Where to Eat
- Bún Chả Hương LiênVietnamese
Famous for its flavorful grilled pork and noodle dish, this spot gained international fame after a visit by President Obama.
- Chookie's HideawayInternational
A cozy café offering a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes, with a rooftop view of Ninh Binh's limestone karsts.
- Phong Nha Bamboo CaféVietnamese
A popular eatery serving local specialties and refreshing drinks, perfect after exploring the nearby caves.
- Khe Sanh CoffeeCafé
A quaint café offering locally sourced coffee and light snacks, ideal for a break while exploring the area.
- Gỏi Cá Kon TumVietnamese
Renowned for its fresh fish salad, a local delicacy that showcases the region's culinary heritage.
Things to Do
- Trang An Landscape ComplexUNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore scenic waterways and limestone caves on a traditional sampan boat ride through this stunning area.
- Paradise CaveCave
Marvel at the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in one of the longest dry caves in Asia.
- Khe Sanh Combat Base MuseumMuseum
Visit the site of a pivotal Vietnam War battle, now a museum displaying relics and history of the conflict.
- Kon Tum Wooden ChurchHistoric Site
Admire the unique architecture of this 100-year-old church built entirely from wood, reflecting local culture.
- Elephant FallsWaterfall
Experience the power and beauty of this majestic waterfall, a short drive from Da Lat's city center.
Travel advisory
Some sections through the Central Highlands are remote with limited fuel and accommodation, so plan stops carefully. Mountain passes such as Hai Van can be shrouded in low cloud reducing visibility significantly. The road is generally paved but narrow in places and shared with agricultural vehicles.