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Guided & Supported

Ho Chi Minh Trail

12 Day Dirt Bike Tour along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos

As you uncover Laos's hidden treasure, prepare to test your limits on steep, rocky climbs and sandy jungle tracks. Along the trail, history comes alive with surprises around every corner. Spot abandoned Russian tanks tucked in hedgerows, explore the mysterious 3,000-year-old stone jars of the Plain of Jars, and glide through the incredible Konglor Cave by canoe with your bike!

Asia , Laos
Dirt Bike , Trail & Enduro Tours
WATCH THE VIDEO
Pillion Friendly?
No
This tour is not pillion-friendly. We ride enduro-style motorcycles that do not accommodate passengers. Additionally, some sections we ride can get technical and the conditions do not allow for a pillion.
Terrain
65% unpaved
Approximately 35% of this route is paved, and 65% is unpaved. In Laos unpaved roads range from wide gravel roads to technical, rocky single tracks. Laos is full of wide, fast, flowing tracks that can be a lot of fun but it's easy to get caught out by the deep ruts and the sandy corners.
Total Distance KM
2040
This is the total riding distance from start to finish. This is not exact as all riding distances given are estimates. While we take every step to ensure we deliver the itinerary described on the website, it is important to understand that the routes we take are often farm tracks or footpaths connecting villages. These tracks can become overgrown or wash out between seasons. Our teams use a combination of planning, local knowledge and experience to make sure we always get you to where you are supposed to be. From time to time, however, you might need to be flexible, as there is a lot beyond our control that might mean a route needs to be modified.
Support
Fully supported and guided
Our local guide will ride at the front of the group. Our tour leader, who is trained as a wilderness first response medic, rides at the back of the group (carrying a medical kit), our mechanic also rides at the back of the group, and we have a support vehicle travelling behind the group. The support vehicle carries all of your main luggage, spare parts, water, snacks and further med kit & stretcher etc. We also bring a spare rider with us, ready to hop on your bike if you're ill, injured or struggling with the conditions. Back at base, we have a consulting expedition doctor, ready to assist and advise telephonically in the case of a medical emergency. Support is dependent on the size and needs of the tour. This means that each tour could have a different set of support staff.
Airport & Transfers
Arrival: Pakse Airport (PKZ) Departure: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Standard of Accommodation
6 (out of 10)
The standard of accommodation rating primarily reflects the additional amenities and comfortable accommodation options available on tour. It represents our best effort to provide an average rating based on a variety of factors (from the standard idea of what good quality is). On the Ho Chi Minh Trail specifically, accommodation varies considerably - some are very nice, while others are rather basic due to limited options off the beaten track. We always aim to find the best option available to us.
Difficulty Rating (overall)
6 (out of 10)
This is our best effort to give an average rating for the trip, based on the average rider. This is subjective though, and will vastly depend on your own riding experience and ability. It can also vary depending on the weather conditions during your trip, and other factors such as technical off-road riding required to clear certain areas, and your fitness level. There's no shortage of technical riding on this tour, particularly if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Laos has lots of red clay, so when the weather is dry, it can get very dusty which can become mentally tiring. If it's raining the terrain gets very slippery which can test even the most seasoned rider. Even in the winter months, Laos can get incredibly hot; it's not uncommon to see temperatures over 40°C. Moreover, Laos experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons: a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April, with the hottest months being March and April. The seasons affect the terrain as well as the average difficulty rating. If you're in any doubt about your riding ability or if this difficulty rating concerns you, we strongly recommend you arrange a chat with one of our experienced tour leaders.
Average Daily Ride Hours
6 - 7
Generally, we depart early. Some of the days in Laos can be quite long. The schedule can be a little tight and we often need to keep a decent pace. If it's a big group and there is a split in ability, or if things aren't going quite to plan, you should anticipate longer than normal days. While we plan for days with no more than 6 riding hours, we quite often find that adventure does not care for your plans.
KEY INFO

Tour Snapshot

Pillion Friendly?
No
This tour is not pillion-friendly. We ride enduro-style motorcycles that do not accommodate passengers. Additionally, some sections we ride can get technical and the conditions do not allow for a pillion.
Support
Fully supported and guided
Our local guide will ride at the front of the group. Our tour leader, who is trained as a wilderness first response medic, rides at the back of the group (carrying a medical kit), our mechanic also rides at the back of the group, and we have a support vehicle travelling behind the group. The support vehicle carries all of your main luggage, spare parts, water, snacks and further med kit & stretcher etc. We also bring a spare rider with us, ready to hop on your bike if you're ill, injured or struggling with the conditions. Back at base, we have a consulting expedition doctor, ready to assist and advise telephonically in the case of a medical emergency. Support is dependent on the size and needs of the tour. This means that each tour could have a different set of support staff.
Terrain
65% unpaved
Approximately 35% of this route is paved, and 65% is unpaved. In Laos unpaved roads range from wide gravel roads to technical, rocky single tracks. Laos is full of wide, fast, flowing tracks that can be a lot of fun but it's easy to get caught out by the deep ruts and the sandy corners.
Standard of Accommodation
6 (out of 10)
The standard of accommodation rating primarily reflects the additional amenities and comfortable accommodation options available on tour. It represents our best effort to provide an average rating based on a variety of factors (from the standard idea of what good quality is). On the Ho Chi Minh Trail specifically, accommodation varies considerably - some are very nice, while others are rather basic due to limited options off the beaten track. We always aim to find the best option available to us.
Difficulty Rating (overall)
6 (out of 10)
This is our best effort to give an average rating for the trip, based on the average rider. This is subjective though, and will vastly depend on your own riding experience and ability. It can also vary depending on the weather conditions during your trip, and other factors such as technical off-road riding required to clear certain areas, and your fitness level. There's no shortage of technical riding on this tour, particularly if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Laos has lots of red clay, so when the weather is dry, it can get very dusty which can become mentally tiring. If it's raining the terrain gets very slippery which can test even the most seasoned rider. Even in the winter months, Laos can get incredibly hot; it's not uncommon to see temperatures over 40°C. Moreover, Laos experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons: a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April, with the hottest months being March and April. The seasons affect the terrain as well as the average difficulty rating. If you're in any doubt about your riding ability or if this difficulty rating concerns you, we strongly recommend you arrange a chat with one of our experienced tour leaders.
Average Daily Ride Hours
6 - 7
Generally, we depart early. Some of the days in Laos can be quite long. The schedule can be a little tight and we often need to keep a decent pace. If it's a big group and there is a split in ability, or if things aren't going quite to plan, you should anticipate longer than normal days. While we plan for days with no more than 6 riding hours, we quite often find that adventure does not care for your plans.
Total Distance KM
2040
This is the total riding distance from start to finish. This is not exact as all riding distances given are estimates. While we take every step to ensure we deliver the itinerary described on the website, it is important to understand that the routes we take are often farm tracks or footpaths connecting villages. These tracks can become overgrown or wash out between seasons. Our teams use a combination of planning, local knowledge and experience to make sure we always get you to where you are supposed to be. From time to time, however, you might need to be flexible, as there is a lot beyond our control that might mean a route needs to be modified.
Airport & Transfers
Arrival: Pakse Airport (PKZ) Departure: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
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The Trail That Changed a War

Tour Overview

Discover the Legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail

Dive into the rich history, dramatic landscapes, and renowned hospitality of the Truong Son Strategic Supply Route, famously known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This monumental adventure traces nearly 2,000 km of the Viet Cong’s footsteps, from the serene town of Champasak to the picturesque French colonial charm of Luang Prabang.

As you uncover Laos’s hidden treasure, prepare to test your limits on steep, rocky climbs and sandy jungle tracks. Along the trail, history comes alive with surprises around every corner. Spot abandoned Russian tanks tucked in hedgerows, explore the mysterious 3,000-year-old stone jars of the Plain of Jars, and glide through the incredible Konglor Cave by canoe with your bike!

As the days fade, the glow of the setting sun reveals unforgettable places to rest. Savour cocktails by the pool at a luxurious five-star retreat, unwind by the campfire at a modern jungle pod, or gaze at the stars after a long day on the trails. Evenings in Laos offer something unique and memorable, wherever you stay.

This is an adventure steeped in history and worthy of every dirt biker’s bucket list.

Important Travel Advisory

The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. This affects days 8, 9 and 10 of the planned itinerary. The advisory is believed to be outdated and may be removed soon, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

If the advisory remains in place at the time of your tour, the route will be adjusted. The revised route is still a great ride with beautiful terrain and cultural highlights, but it does not include Long Chen, which is normally a favourite for many riders.

Your safety is our priority, and we will keep all guests informed in advance of any changes.

Ho Chi Minh Trail - map

Tour Highlights

Here's a taste of what makes this ride unforgettable.

Ride Expeditions - Motorcycle Tours - Ho Chi Minh Trail - Ride across Laos_ longest bamboo bridge

Ride across Laos' longest bamboo bridge.

Ride Expeditions - Motorcycle Tours - Ho Chi Minh Trail - Spot old tanks and other war scrap left beside the trail

Spot old tanks and other war scrap left beside the trail.

Ride Expeditions - Motorcycle Tours - Ho Chi Minh Trail - Experience fun river crossings - either by boat or getting your feet wet!

Experience fun river crossings - either by boat or getting your feet wet!

Ride Expeditions - Motorcycle Tours - Ho Chi Minh Trail - Take a boat trip through a cave nearly seven kilometres long (with your bike!)

Take a boat trip through a cave nearly seven kilometres long (with your bike!).

Ride Expeditions - Motorcycle Tours - Ho Chi Minh Trail - Stay at Long Chen, an old CIA airbase once known as the Most Secret Place on Earth. We will have a BBQ right there on the runway

Stay at Long Chen, an old CIA airbase once known as the Most Secret Place on Earth. We will have a BBQ right there on the runway!

Ride Expeditions - Motorcycle Tours - Ho Chi Minh Trail - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Plain of Jars Site

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Plain of Jars Site 2

Tour Itinerary

WHAT'S INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT?

Plan your Adventure

Here’s exactly what’s covered (and what’s not), so you can hit the road fully loaded and stress-free. From meals to mileage, it’s all laid out right here.

Inclusions, Exclusions & Extras

YOUR ADVENTURE STEED

The Motorcycles

A trusty adventure steed comes as standard, perfect for this trip and raring to go. If you fancy something with a bit more bite… have a peek.

Bike Disclaimer: Bike models may vary due to ongoing fleet upgrades.

CHOOSE YOUR DATE HERE

Dates & Pricing

Pick a departure that works for you, then explore what’s included, upgrade bike options and optional extras, all in one neat booking card.

There are no available dates for this tour, contact info@rideexpeditions.com to book private group bookings.

TOUR PICS

Ho Chi Minh Trail

A glimpse into life on the road. Real moments from real riders, the scenery, the stories, and everything in between. This is what adventure looks like.

Why Ride With Us?

No guesswork. No cut corners. A proper ride.

Anyone can stitch together a route and call it an adventure.
But what happens when the day gets long, the road gets rough, and things stop going to plan?

We build our trips properly, test them thoroughly, and back them with the crew and support that let you focus on the ride, not the logistics.

The ride you came for. The support you need.

Choose Date
Ride Expeditions Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorcycle Tour-112
Toby and some locals having a photo taken in Laos.
Ride Expeditions Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorcycle Tour-113
Ho Chi Minh Trail
from £ · Guided & Supported
Book 12 months ahead, save 5% i Book at least 12 months before departure and save 5% off the base price. Excludes flights and extras. Subject to availability.