The Hai Van Pass and the Ha Giang Loop have been named among the seven best road trips for travelers to enjoy in Vietnam, according to the Australian version of renowned travel guide Lonely Planet.
Topping the list is the Hai Van Pass which borders vast jungle-clad mountains on one side and cliffs which plunge down to the East Sea on the other. The area offers visitors a dramatic setting which makes this road one of the most widely Instagrammed places in the world. Indeed, the Hai Van Pass features a massive 4,298 pictures per mile on the popular social media platform.
The Ma Pi Leng Pass is widely considered to be the most scenic section of the Ha Giang Loop due to its jagged mountains which surround the emerald Nho Que River. Guests are reminded to factor in half a day to enjoy a quiet boat trip with a spot of swimming on the river.
Another one of the best road trips in Vietnam is the drive between Cao Bang and the cascading Ban Gioc Waterfall which can be found on the border with China. This route takes adventurers through some of the most pristine pastoral terrain found throughout Northern Vietnam. When travelling around here, lush farmlands, stilt villages, and crystal clear lakes all feature on the itinerary.
Fourth position in the list goes to a drive between Da Lat city and Nha Trang city. From the cool climate of the Da Lat highlands down to the sunny beaches of Nha Trang, this short and simple road trip is well known for its changing scenery and its various microclimates.
Fifth place goes to a drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho city in Tien Giang province. The drive typically allows visitors to take their feet off the gas and lose themselves in the tiny riverside laneways and byways. Here, life moves at a very different pace compared to the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Isolated from the mainland for many years, the Con Dao islands are one of the country’s best natural wonders. Con Son, the largest and only inhabited island found in the archipelago, has just one main road which stretches across its length, making a motorbike trip here both the best way to take in the rural splendour of the island and the best way to beach hop between gorgeous deserted spots.
The Ho Chi Minh Highway that connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best road trips nationwide. Driving a motorbike along the 1,880km road in about two weeks represents the most exciting experience for many adventurers.
VOVPhotos: Lonely Planet
