Ho Chi Minh Road
Vietnam
In short: Ho Chi Minh Road is a about 1,950 km historical road trip in Vietnam, typically driven over 12–14 days, best in Feb–Apr. Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha.
A deliberately paced north-to-south journey from Hanoi through Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, the western historical corridor and Central Highlands to Ho Chi Minh City. Two intermediate western overnights replace the unsafe Khe Sanh–Kon Tum leap, and the final city receives a protected full day.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Hanoi
Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake · Bún Chả Hương Liên
Day 2Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Trang An boat route · Chookie's Hideaway
Day 3Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
Daylight transfer to Phong Nha · Prearranged road lunch
Day 4Phong Nha
Paradise Cave · Chao Restaurant
Day 5Phong Nha to Khe Sanh
Khe Sanh Combat Base Museum · Confirmed Khe Sanh hotel dinner
Day 6Khe Sanh to A Luoi
Western corridor history stops · Prearranged A Luoi lodging meal
Day 7A Luoi to Kham Duc
Daylight western-road stage · Prearranged Kham Duc lodging meal
Day 8Kham Duc to Kon Tum
Kon Klor communal house and bridge · Confirmed Kon Tum restaurant
Day 9Kon Tum to Pleiku
Bien Ho Lake · Confirmed Pleiku hotel dinner
Day 10Pleiku to Buon Ma Thuot
Dak Lak Museum · A Ko Dhong dining
Day 11Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat
Xuan Huong Lake walk · Le Chalet Dalat
Day 12Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City
Daylight descent and city arrival · Phở Quỳnh
Day 13Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum and central landmarks · Cục Gạch Quán
Stops along the route
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ho Chi Minh Road drive?
The Ho Chi Minh Road covers about 1,950 km from start to finish.
How long does the Ho Chi Minh Road take to drive?
Most travellers spend 12–14 days on the Ho Chi Minh Road, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Ho Chi Minh Road?
The recommended season for the Ho Chi Minh Road is Feb–Apr.
Where does the Ho Chi Minh Road start and end?
The Ho Chi Minh Road runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
What are the main stops on the Ho Chi Minh Road?
The Ho Chi Minh Road passes through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha.
How difficult is the Ho Chi Minh Road to drive?
The Ho Chi Minh Road is rated hard and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Ho Chi Minh Road in a regular car?
Yes — the Ho Chi Minh Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Ho Chi Minh Road?
Yes — the Ho Chi Minh Road requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Vietnam is Level 1 as of 24 June 2026. Use the established Ho Chi Minh Road corridor and drive only in daylight. Central Vietnam still contains mines and unexploded ordnance: never leave established roads, signed paths, or cleared attractions. Confirm current permission before entering any frontier or restricted highland area. Drivers need a 1968 IDP plus the matching home licence and rental insurance. Fuel early on remote stages and check weather, landslides, and road closures daily. Official advice: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/vietnam.html
How many fuel stops are needed on the Ho Chi Minh Road?
Plan around 3 refuels (or about 6 EV charges) along the Ho Chi Minh Road, based on its about 1,950 km length.
Is the Ho Chi Minh Road safe to drive?
Vietnam is Level 1 as of 24 June 2026. Use the established Ho Chi Minh Road corridor and drive only in daylight. Central Vietnam still contains mines and unexploded ordnance: never leave established roads, signed paths, or cleared attractions. Confirm current permission before entering any frontier or restricted highland area. Drivers need a 1968 IDP plus the matching home licence and rental insurance. Fuel early on remote stages and check weather, landslides, and road closures daily. Official advice: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/vietnam.html
What scenic tier is the Ho Chi Minh Road?
The Ho Chi Minh Road is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.