EmThe Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An is Vietnam’s most breathtaking coastal road — and as a solo traveller, riding it with an Easy Rider lets you soak up every view, skip the crowds, and stay safe without the stress of driving yourself. After living in central Vietnam for three months and exploring Southeast Asia solo, I can promise: this is an adventure you don’t want to miss. One moment I’ll never forget was passing through a quiet fishing village, waving to a group of children, and having them light up with smiles and waves in return. It’s the kind of genuine connection you can only find when you slow down and see the real Vietnam — and I’m here to help you experience it too. In this Hai Van Pass guide, I’ll show you exactly what to expect, how to avoid the crowds, and how to pick the right Easy Rider company for you.
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Why the Hai Van Pass is Vietnam’s Most Scenic and Unforgettable Road Trip
The Hai Van Pass, between Hue and Da Nang or Hoi An in central Vietnam, takes you through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery. Unlike the more famous Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass is quieter, making it easier to enjoy the stunning views without the crowds It’s also significantly shorter, only taking a day to complete at a relaxed pace, so the time commitment is significantly less.
Despite this relatively low level of fame, the sights are incredible. The highest point of the pass is the mid-point between Da Nang and Hue, a site of historic strategic importance. From the top, you can see both cities in the distance, with the rolling green countryside stretching away in between.
The route also more or less follows the train route between the two cities, so you get some lovely Hogwarts Express-style shots of trains winding their way through Vietnamese rice fields and mountains as you go.
Finally, the earlier part of the route, near Hue, can take you out into some villages where people are still living a more traditional way of life than anything you’ll see in Hoi An, Hue or Da Nang, and that’s the real value of this road trip: seeing the real Vietnam.
If you want to learn more about traditional life in the Vietnamese countryside, try some of these excellent novels written by Vietnamese writers.
Why doing the Hai Van Pass with an Easy Rider is ideal for solo travellers
While you can very easily ride the Hai Van Pass yourself if you’re confident on a motorbike, I don’t drive and did it as an Easy Rider trip. This is one of the few times you’re not paying a single supplement – the cost per person would be the same if you were with a partner or friend. As a solo traveller who rankles at the constant additional cost, this is a real win!
More importantly, you’re getting your own personal Easy Rider – an experienced driver whose job is to make sure you have a good time. My Easy Rider, Thanh, went above and beyond as a trip photographer – another perk you don’t often get as a solo traveller!
What is an Easy Rider Tour?
Wondering what an Easy Rider tour is and why it’s the best option for a solo traveller on the Hai Van Pass? Let me explain: an Easy Rider Tour means that you ride pillion as a passenger on the bike of an experienced driver.
- Your Easy Rider driver ensures you have a safe — and enjoyable — trip.
- Most Easy Riders will speak some English, enabling them to act as a guide – the exception to this might be if you’re in a big group, like in the Ha Giang Pass, where you’ll have a tour leader who speaks English but individual drivers might not. But for my Hai Van trip, my Easy Rider spoke enough English to explain where we were going and give me some information about the places we visited. When I did an Easy Rider tour in Sapa, my guide even took me to her house.
- My Easy Rider also had side containers on the bike that had a range of safety equipment in them – particularly important if you’re going on trips through the countryside, rather than the one I did in Hanoi!
- The bike is often bigger or more comfortable than the usual small Grab scooters – you’re less likely to need to cling on. For example, my Easy Rider bike for the Hai Van Pass had my luggage on the back, meaning I essentially had a backrest. On another Easy Rider tour I did in Hanoi, the bikes came with luggage boxes at the back to provide this extra support.
- The bike I rode on the Hai Van Pass was extremely powerful – we sped past other riders, even up those big hills!
History and background of the Easy Riders
The Easy Riders originated in the 1990s in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat, started by a small group of war veterans and English-speaking locals who wanted to show Vietnam’s beauty to foreign visitors in a more personal way. What began as a grassroots effort soon gained popularity for its authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences—offering travellers the chance to ride pillion on the back of a motorbike, led by local guides with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and landscapes. Today, Easy Rider tours are found all across Vietnam, but they’ve retained their core essence: freedom, storytelling, and connection. Whether you’re winding through misty mountains or coasting along the Hai Van Pass, it’s more than a ride—it’s a cultural exchange.
What to Expect on Your Hai Van Pass Adventure
The tour of the Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An, or Hoi An to Hue, can be done at a relaxed pace in a day. I did the Hai Van Pass from Hue to Da Nang. The company suggested a start time between 8.30am-10.30am – and I chose 9.30am to give time for breakfast. If you’re starting your trip in Da Nang, check out the city’s best cafes to make sure you’re caffeinated before you begin.
I finished in Da Nang at around 4.30pm, having made an extra stop at the Lady Buddha statue instead of the Marble Mountains further on towards Hoi An. You could therefore reasonably expect to finish in Hoi An at about 6pm.
There are multiple stops during the tour for coffee, food and toilets. However, the first official coffee stop is lunch so if you’re a coffee lover like me, be sure to ask your Easy Rider for a quick coffee pitstop – trust me, you’ll need it to fuel up for the adventure ahead! This was also true if you’re someone who needs a mid-morning snack (like a Hobbit, I like a second breakfast).
Full Hai Van Pass Guide: scenic views, bunkers, beaches, and viewpoints
Now that you know what to expect from the day, let’s dive into the incredible stops you’ll experience along the Hai Van Pass.
Stop 1: Lap An, the scenic fishing lagoon
Cost: free
Having got the bike ready, with all my gear strapped on and protected, we rode off through the outskirts of Hue, and caught an airplane flying low overhead near Hue airport.
Our first stop was alongside the beautiful Lap An Lagoon, where locals still fish everyday. We saw fishing boats, and this is where I found out how dedicated my Easy Rider was to getting those perfect shots! My favourite part, however, was that we arrived just as school was letting out in the morning.
Younger Vietnamese children go to school from very early – around 7am – to around 10.30am, before heading back after lunch. One moment I’ll never forget was passing through a quiet fishing village, where I waved to a group of children — their smiles and waves in return were a perfect reminder of how slowing down lets you experience the heart of Vietnam.
Stop 2: Splash about at Elephant Springs
Cost: 30K VND
Our next stop was the fabulous Elephant Springs, a beautiful waterfall with a pool where you can swim. As with many places in Vietnam, enterprising locals have set up a small business there, asking for a small entrance fee in return for providing facilities such as toilets and showers.
The springs are beautiful, and as usual, Thanh made sure I got amazing photos. I chose not to swim, and instead Thanh found a way to get me a coffee, even though that wasn’t on the menu (and stopped the locals from overcharging me at the end). It was a beautiful and peaceful stop, with only about 10 other people there when I arrived.
Stop 3: Relax at Lang Co Bay
Cost: around 100K VND for noodles and a drink
Our next major stop was Lang Co Bay on the coast for lunch. This beautiful beach is a standout feature of the Hai Van ride, with the restaurants set directly over the beach on stilts. Lunch was a delicious noodle vegetable stir fry that I absolutely inhaled – who knew riding as a passenger would make you so hungry. I also had time to have a short walk up and down the beach to take in the views.
Top tip: While I was having lunch, an older Vietnamese gentleman came to chat with me. He had an album where he collected currency from different countries – he initially showed me a Jersey £5 note before finding the English version, so he certainly had a wide variety! This absolutely did not feel like a scam: his passion for his collection was clear, so if you have any foreign currency that you can spare, you’d make him very happy. He didn’t have any Euros, Scottish pound notes or Thai money – something he’d definitely like to add to his collection!
Stop 4: Stop for photos at scenic points on Hai Van Pass
Cost: free
After lunch, we headed into the mountains to the Hai Van Pass itself. Our first photo stop was alongside the train tracks that run from Hue to Da Nang – the train I’d taken just a few days before. I’ve loved my experiences of Vietnam’s sleeper trains so seeing the same spot from the road and the train felt special!
We stopped on an amazing curve in the road to take pictures, with Thanh again making sure I got the best shots. While this was just a photo stop, it was an amazing one!
Stop 5: Marvel at the top of Hai Van Pass
Cost: Free
This is the big stop – the strategic top of the Hai Van Pass, where you can see the road extending away to both Hue and the skyscrapers of Da Nang in the distance. The tactical importance of this location has been understood for a long time – this was where the French first invaded Vietnam in 1858. Da Nang was then known as Tourane, and the French were able to occupy the town within a day.
There is historical information available at the site, as well as incredible views and a very welcome breeze!
Stop 6: Enjoy a Salt Coffee with an exceptional view
Cost: cup of coffee or tea
I’m predictable – but this was probably my favourite stop. After the top of the Hai Van Pass, we coasted gently downhill, sometimes even with the engine off, before we got to the most amazing coffee shop. Set into the rocks on the side of the mountain, the cafe provides some of the most incredible views and photos I’ve ever seen. Thahn excelled, getting me stunning wide-view shots of the landscape below.
While having a delicious cafe Muoi, or salt coffee, a delicacy invented in Hue, we also saw the train passing between the hills below. This felt like a Hogwarts Express moment, watching the ageing Reunification Express chugging through the valleys.
Stop 7: Pay your respect to the Lady Buddha or climb the Marble Mountains
Cost:
- Marble Mountains – 40K VND + optional 15K for the lift to the top (recommended)
- Lady Buddha – free
The standard final stop on the route is the Marble Mountains, between Da Nang and Hoi An. To get there, you’ll ride along Da Nang’s scenic seafront, with the endless My Khe beach stretching out before you. However, I’d already been to the Marble Mountains on a day trip from Hoi An, and as it was past my apartment in Da Nang, I asked to go to the Lady Buddha instead.
Lady Buddha:
I’d also visited her before, but I loved her majestic beauty, and saw her so frequently from Da Nang city that it seemed right to go again. Built between 2004-10, Da Nang locals credit her with keeping the city safe from typhoons. She’s set on a hillside outside the city, towering over the surrounding temples as the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Indochina. You can visit the temple in her base, as well as a range of other temples on site.
On this visit, I was also ‘lucky’ to see the monkeys that her mountain is named for. I’m not the biggest fan of monkeys anymore – we had monkeys steal our stuff while volunteering in Borneo, and the monkeys in Ubud in Bali are notorious for attacking tourists! These monkeys proved me right – this cute looking fellow stole a drink from someone’s motorbike and had a lovely time drinking it!
Marble Mountains:
If you choose to visit the Marble Mountains instead, you’ll get to visit both the lower ‘hell’ part of the mountains, deep in the caves where statues of devils hide around every corner, as well as the ‘heaven’ of the top. I’ll have a full guide to day trips from Hoi An and Da Nang, including both the Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha, coming soon.
After this, my day was over and my driver dropped me at my chosen destination. I asked him to take me to Bac My An, the local market in Da Nang that was one of my favourite places to visit – but they will usually drop you to your hotel!
If you’re ending your tour in Da Nang, consider grabbing dinner at one of the best vegan or vegetarian restaurants in the city. The tour was an amazing escape from my days working in Da Nang’s excellent co-working spaces, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
What to Wear and Pack for your Hai Van Pass Adventure
You’ll be on the bike for most of the day, so I recommend wearing something comfortable. There isn’t much walking involved on the tour, so no need for hiking shoes or closed-toed shoes unless you’re determined to find yourself a hiking opportunity! You should bring:
- Sun cream – your shoulders will get burnt, and probably your legs too, if you don’t use suncream
- Comfortable clothes for exploring – I wore a mid-length skirt as I could easily pull this over my legs to avoid sunburn (much better for this than shorts), and it was fine for all the activities I did during the day
- A cover up for your knees and shoulders for the Marble Mountains or Lady Buddha
- Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim at the waterfall
- Water bottle – while there are water stops, your own supply is always useful
- Your book or something to keep you entertained at lunch if you’re a solo traveller
- A snack in case you get peckish
- A power bank if you plan to take lots of photos or videos (though I just put my phone on airplane mode while we were riding to conserve battery)
- Something to tie your hair back if you have long hair – we were going much faster than a Grab bike and with my hair down I couldn’t see anything!
- Check the weather carefully – if there’s a chance it might be cool, bring a cover up, as it will be colder as you climb the mountain. This wasn’t an issue in April, but keep in mind that weather can vary.
- If you’re going to the Marble Mountains while it’s hot, consider a hand fan. The lower caves get intensely humid.
You don’t need:
- A helmet – it is a legal requirement to wear one in Vietnam and your company should provide one
- Sunglasses for the bike – my helmet had a visor to pull down to shield my face
- A selfie stick – your Easy Rider will happily help you take photos
- Covers for your bags – your Easy Rider will make sure your bag is waterproof and secure before you start
- Check whether your Easy Rider will provide a poncho in case of rain
- Wet wipes – my Easy Rider produced these from a bag of ice attached to the back of the bike during the day to provide a refreshing break! I saw other Easy Riders with similar bags as well.
How to Choose the Best Easy Rider for Your Hai Van Pass Tour
Full cost:
- 900K + 100K Tip for my Easyider
Choosing your Easy Rider company (or a company to lead a tour) is a slightly different experience than choosing a company to rent a bike from, although a lot of the same factors apply.
When choosing an Easy Rider company, I looked for:
- Companies with good reviews. Bike safety is obviously important, but if you’re a solo female traveller being shuttled off into the countryside alone with a (usually) male Easy Rider, you want to know the company is reputable in other ways.
- A clear list of places we would stop
- Guided tours or an Easy Rider who speaks English so you can learn about the countryside you’re riding through.
- Companies offering luggage services, either carrying your backpack or transporting it by bus.
I was lucky to find Motorvina*, who had an office on my road in Da Nang. Following research, I saw them on Get Your Guide with tons of strong reviews. They’re also a nationwide company offering similar services up and down Vietnam. Booking independently was cheaper as it avoided the platform fee and communication was easy via Whatsapp.
They fulfilled all my requirements, and were friendly and easy to deal with at all times – to the point that the lady in the Hue office was concerned about suncream for my shoulders before I left. We ended up taking my luggage on the bike (much better as it gave me a backrest) but they also had an option to deliver it to Da Nang via bus if you have especially big bags or multiple bags.
*Not sponsored content, I just really rated them as a company!
FAQs
Is it Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Yes, I felt very safe doing this Easy Rider tour of the Hai Van Pass as a female traveller. While the roads weren’t crowded, there were always other people around.
My Easy Rider was an excellent driver, and I never felt unsafe on the bike.
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists, and Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An are no exception. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office notes that violent crime against tourists is rare, but that some incidents of typical tourist crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur. As always, especially if you’re traveling alone, stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions.
They also note that there is a possibility of sexual assault and drink spiking, as there is in most cities. If you’re a female traveller, take the usual precautions of using licensed taxis, including Grab. Try not to walk around alone late at night and buy your own drinks.
However, while you should always be aware of your belongings and surroundings, Numbeo reports very low levels of crime in Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang, and I felt very safe while I was there.
Overall, the Hai Van Pass Easyrider tour offers an unforgettable and safe experience for solo female travellers.
Best Time of Year to Ride the Hai Van Pass
The best weather to ride the Hai Van Pass is warm, dry weather, and while you can ride in light rain, it should be avoided in very heavy rain.
Vietnam has a seasonal climate, and differs in the south, north and central regions. For Hue and Da Nang, the best time to visit is spring, between February and April.During this time, expect moderately warm weather (around 20°C–25°C) and minimal rainfall. This is a great time to ride the Hai Van Pass, as it’s not too hot, but keep an eye on the forecast in case of rain.
In summer, from May-August, central Vietnam gets prohibitively hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 38°C. While you can ride the Hai Van Pass during this time, your stops are likely to be uncomfortably hot!
From September to December is the rainy season, which makes riding the pass difficult. However, it will be cooler during this time. Check with your Easy Rider company on whether the weather is suitable for the trip. This is also typhoon season in central Vietnam so extreme weather is possible. January is considered a transition season between the wet season and the better weather in spring.
How long does the Easy Rider tour from Da Nang to Hue take?
Most rides, whether from Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An, or going north from Hoi An to Hue, take 6–8 hours, including scenic stops and lunch breaks. My ride started at about 9.30 and finished in Da Nang at about 4.30pm, with around an extra hour needed to get to Hoi An.
What is the best direction to ride the Hai Van Pass — Hue to Hoi An or Hoi An to Hue?
While you can ride the Hai Van Pass in either direction, most travelers prefer Hue to Hoi An because the ocean views are in front of you as you descend toward Da Nang and Hoi An. It also means finishing your trip in the beautiful lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, perfect for celebrating the end of your adventure!
However, I love the north of Vietnam, and if planning a Vietnam itinerary would suggest going south to north as the country gets ever more beautiful the further north you go. So it really depends on your travel itinerary for Vietnam.
Can I bring my backpack or luggage on the bike on the Hai Van Pass?
Yes. Most Easy Rider bikes are equipped to carry a medium to large backpack. This is an excellent option, as it gives you a backrest and makes for a much more comfortable ride.
However, if you have extra luggage or exceptionally large backpacks, some companies offer a luggage drop-off service, bringing them to your destination city by bus. This is also a good option if you’re riding by yourself, as it stops you from having to balance a heavy weight on the back of the bike if you’re an inexperienced driver.
Is it possible to drive the Hai Van Pass myself instead of booking a tour?
Yes—but only if you have a valid motorbike license and are confident on Vietnamese roads. If you are a group, consider hiring a motorbike guide to help you navigate Vietnamese traffic and road rules and act as a guide to your stops along the way.
An Easy Rider tour allows you to enjoy the views without the stress, including taking photos from the back of the bike. They also act as a guide, helping you to understand the places you pass through.
How much should I expect to pay for the tour?
Expect to pay around $42 per person (April 2025 rates), with additional costs for entrance fees, coffee, and lunch. You’ll pay significantly more if you book through an app like Get Your Guide or Viator. The cost included my Easy Rider, petrol and baggage transfer (if required).
It’s likely that you can find cheaper tours in Hue, Da Nang or Hoi An, but you might not be able to find substantial reviews on their safety record and the state of their bikes.
How do I tip my Easy Rider driver?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A typical tip is around 100,000 VND ($4–5 USD) for a one-day tour. If your driver goes above and beyond (helping with photos, special stops), a larger tip is a great way to show appreciation.
I tipped 100K VND and my driver was visibly happy with this!
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Helmets are mandatory by law in Vietnam. Your rider should provide one — ideally with a visor, as you’ll be traveling at higher speeds. Don’t ride without a helmet.
This is also true for Grab rides across Southeast Asia. Grab riders are obliged to provide you with a helmet through the Grab Terms of Service. I turned down rides in Thailand because the drivers didn’t provide a helmet on arrival, and Grab didn’t charge me their usual cancellation fee.
Do I need travel insurance to do an Easy Rider tour in Vietnam?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers motorbike riding (even as a passenger). While Easy Rider tours are very safe, accidents can happen. Check your policy details carefully to ensure you are covered.
What if it rains on the day of the tour?
Most tours continue unless conditions are extreme—rain ponchos and flexibility on dates will help.
If you’re worried about rain, either bring your own raincoat or ask your driver in advance if they are carrying emergency ponchos. Your bags will be wrapped up in plastic before being attached to the bike, so will be safe from getting wet.
Can I do a round-trip Easy Rider tour?
Yes, though most travellers prefer a one-way ride between Hue and Da Nang or Hoi An. A round trip will be less relaxed and more rushed. You will need to start earlier and possibly finish later.
Riding the Hai Van Pass with an Easy Rider was one of the most memorable days of my solo travels — and I genuinely believe it’s the best way to experience this iconic route. You’ll have the freedom to focus on the stunning landscapes, the security of riding with a trusted local, and the joy of unexpected moments of connection along the way. If you’re dreaming of an adventure that feels both exhilarating and effortless, the Hai Van Pass is waiting for you — and it’s even better than you imagine. Let me know in the comments below: is this your favourite Easy Rider trip in Vietnam, or do you have another to recommend?
