Lonely Planet lists seven best Vietnamese road trips

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.

  • Top three safe travel destinations during Tet holiday
  • Vietravel Airlines ready for commercial flights
  • Vietnamese citizens advised to travel home only when really necessary: spokesperson

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

VOV

Other News

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Standing on the historic land of Quang Tri, alongside the Ben Hai River, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and the national martyrs’ cemeteries, people are reminded of the true value of peace and the sacrifices made for national independence, freedom and reunification.

Smart tourism takes hold nationwide

Smart tourism takes hold nationwide

Under the country’s 2026–2030 digital economy and digital society development programme, the sector has been identified as one of the priority ones for accelerating digital transformation to improve governance efficiency, service quality, and visitor experiences.

UAE grants visa-on-arrival for eligible Vietnamese citizens

UAE grants visa-on-arrival for eligible Vietnamese citizens

PSNews - The UAE Embassy in Vietnam also confirmed that Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports, and their eligible accompanying family members, are able to get a visa on arrival from June 25, 2026 as long as they meet the above requirements.

Hanoi festival celebrates cultural heritage of lotus

Hanoi festival celebrates cultural heritage of lotus

The festival is part of Hanoi's strategy to boost its cultural industries by transforming cultural heritage into a driver of socio-economic development while preserving and promoting the city's traditional cultural values.

Vietnam's Hidden Spa-Water Hope wins top jury prize at Architizer A+Awards 2026

Vietnam's Hidden Spa-Water Hope wins top jury prize at Architizer A+Awards 2026

Nestled among coastal sand dunes in Cam Ranh, the project was conceived with a strong commitment to respecting the natural landscape and harnessing water as its central element. Rather than creating a visually dominant structure, the design blends into the terrain, making use of sand layers, native vegetation and open spaces to strengthen the connection between people and nature.

Heritage resources fuel Hue's new growth ambitions

Heritage resources fuel Hue's new growth ambitions

Hue is simultaneously stepping up efforts to attract investment into tourism, services and cultural industries. In the first five months of 2026, the city secured more than 19 trillion VND in newly registered investment capital, with projects planned in coastal tourism, lagoon-based ecotourism, cultural spaces along the Perfume River, convention and exhibition centres, night-time economy projects and cultural innovation hubs.

Phu Tho moves to unlock tourism potential after administrative mergence

Phu Tho moves to unlock tourism potential after administrative mergence

With coordinated efforts in planning, infrastructure development, product diversification, human resources training, digital transformation and destination branding, Phu Tho is well-positioned to transform tourism into a spearhead economic sector and a new engine of sustainable growth in the years ahead.