TOP GEAR DRIVE HAI VAN PASS - FROM HUE TO HOI AN

Going from one city to another in Vietnam on a motorbike as a tourist may seem crazy and exhausting, but it was actually one of the best experiences of our trip! We didn't feel insecure or in danger at all.

If you're planning to travel from Hue to Hoi An, I highly recommend taking a motorbike tour. It's an amazing experience that you don't want to miss! Don't worry about the logistics, as the operators have got everything covered.

• Your luggage will be transferred by truck.
• You will be in a group of independent tourists.
• You will be guided by various expert drivers. 
• If you do not know how to drive a motorbike, you can still go in the back seat of one of the drivers. 
• There are many stops on the way, all being interesting attractions.
• There is a delicious seafood lunch in an upscale panoramic restaurant. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE
It covers nearly 200 km. and takes nearly 10 hours. 
The pick-up time is around 7.30 from your place. Departure time is around 8.30 -9.00 and arrival is at sunset. 
The duration varies not according to your driving speed, which is moderate all the time, but according to how much time you will spend in the waterfall and Marble Mountain. 
THE COST OF THE TRIP 
The cost is 900.000 VND per motorbike, around 40 EUR/USD. including everything except for the Marble Mountain Entrance Ticket. 
This trip may cost double for a couple instead of taking a bus of 10 USD or for times more for one person. A better and more enjoyable way to travel than a bus which does not take the panoramic route but uses tunnels to go fast.
If you plan to visit Marble Mountain from Hoi An, you need to rent a motorbike and spend one day which is costly and time-consuming. 
They indulge you with offers during the trip. They offer an abundant lunch with costly seafood dishes. 
They are all reasons to justify the cost of this experience on one of the most scenic drives in Vietnam. ​

THE  DRIVE PIT STOPS AND ATTRACTIONS:

We had frequent stops during the trip that made us all happy to loosen our muscles and to use services. The list of all our stops:

1. A family-run coffee shop. Offered coffee, water and some delicious local sweet snacks. 
2. Fishing Village at the Cau Hai After our quick coffee break, we made our way to the picturesque Cau Hai fishing village - only 10 minutes away! As we arrived, our group paused to snap a fun-filled photograph by the lagoon. Our leader then shared a fascinating tale about the village's evolution throughout the years. In the past, locals would use two boats - one for living and the other for fishing. Now, they live in beautiful modern homes that reflect their changing lifestyle. It's amazing to see how the village has transformed and adapted to the times.
3. The Waterfall. Even if it wasn't as beautiful as we expected, this waterfall was very refreshing and relaxing. Locals were doing picnics around. On the way to the waterfall, we observed many private tombs that were surprisingly colourfully decorated in the middle of nowhere. 
4. Lunch at Lap An Lagoon.  To reach the restaurant, we passed through a road full of old car tires taken out of the lagoon, which we later learned were used in oyster farms. The restaurant is actually a big terrace on the lagoon with an amazing view. Everybody was happy with the food. 
5. Hai Van Pass / May Pass. This famous scenic drive is 500 meters high and 20 km long. Hai Van means Ocean Cloud in Vietnamese, which explains the beauty of this road. It crosses the Bach Ma mountains that separate Da Nang City from Thua Thien-Hue province (The province to which Hue City belong). We had a coffee break on these mountains looking over the beach from the mountains, a stunning view and just in front of the ex-U.S. Marine Helicopter Base during the U.S-Vietnam War. 
6. A photograph stop looking over the bay of Da Nang. 
7. Famous Dragon Bridge and beaches of Da Nang City. While passing through the city of Da Nang, we had the opportunity to see the dragon bridge and the beaches of Da Nang city. The Dragon Bridge has a little kitch yet unique design. It symbolizes the majestic dragon of the Ly Dynasty flying to the East Sea. The dragon's tail is stylized as a blooming lotus flower, the Vietnamese national flower. Every weekend, a show is held at 9 pm. in which the dragon sprays water and fire from her mouth. The Bridge is opened to the public in 2009. 
8.  The Marble Mountain Visit is the most fascinating attraction of this trip. Just 20 km before Hoi An, closer to Da Nang City, the Marble Mountain is a cluster of marble and limestone hills which will take your breath away with its fascinating temple caves, pagodas views and the steps and stairs to reach them. The entrance ticket costs 40.000 VND per person and the Lift costs 15.000 VND per person. Total 55.000 VND - 2,5 EUR/USD. It makes more sense to go up with the elevator and go down with the stairs.
9. Arrival at Hoi An and The Tailor Shop. Hoi An is famous for its tailors. That's why the last stop is a good tailor shop that can't wait to take your order to finish the clothes before your trip ends. If you are not interested, you should pay as soon as possible and kindly try to leave. This shop is also the Hoi An office of Family Riders.

How we ended up on the tour:
While walking outside the Imperial Citadel of Hué, a kind and friendly Vietnamese approached us. We felt that he would try to sell us something, but still, we could not resist his friendly approach. Generally, we do not make concessions to street vendors. He told us he was the owner of the "Family Riders" and that he was procuring customers on the streets after covid, which is very understandable. He convinced us by showing some videos and testimonials on social media that there is a more fun way to reach Hoi An with a motorcycle in a small group.  
The appointment was the day after at 8 o'clock in front of our hotel. Everything seemed too good to be true and even though we hadn't paid anything yet, we got suspicious. Since we dont have a backup plan for the day after, no bus ticket or any other solution, if everything is a joke and tomorrow they do not come to pick us up, we risk 1 day of our journey as we didn't reserve any bus tickets. 
So we wanted to check if he was really who said he was and went to the Family Riders company address found on the internet. When we saw that it was also his family house and office, we were a little ashamed of our insecurity but also calmed down. It is always good to double-check before believing in strangers and risking your holidays! 
​

WHAT TO BRING & WEAR:
They provide you with a helmet and a high visibility gilet.
Do not forget to wear a swimsuit and bring spare clothes for swimming in the waterfall.
Bring a light jacket, as the weather can change throughout the trip. 
Although everybody takes the trip in short-sleeved t-shirts and shorts, it is better to wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers to protect yourself from the sun.
If you rent a motorbike rather than a scooter, you may want to bring a waterproof bag so that your belongings do not get wet from possible rain.