Easyrider from Hoi An to Hai Van Pass One day loop with Mr Thong

The best part of this private motorbike tour is that the road itself becomes the main attraction. You leave Hoi An for the coast, pass beaches and fishing villages, climb the Ocean Cloud Pass, and stop at old lookout posts where the mountains fall toward the sea. Mr Thong leads the ride, with another Easy Rider joining when needed.

I like the choice between riding your own automatic motorbike and sitting behind a driver. I also like the mix of famous sights and ordinary places, especially the fishing village, waterfall stop, and roadside views. The main drawback is simple: this is an eight-hour day on a motorbike, and the experience depends on good weather and your comfort with mountain roads.

Key points to know before you book

• Mr Thong leads a private ride: Your group travels with Mr Thong and his fellow Easy Rider rather than joining a large coach tour.
• You choose your riding position: Ride an automatic motorbike yourself or travel as a passenger.
• The route covers major coastal sights: Expect Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, fishing villages, Lang Co Beach, and Hai Van Pass.
• You get more than a viewpoint: The day includes old French and American lookout turrets, a countryside ride, and a swim at Suoi Mo waterfall.
• Lunch and riding gear are included: You receive a helmet, riding jacket, gasoline, bottled water, and a choice of seafood, chicken barbecue, or vegetarian food.
• Plan around the weather: Poor weather can cancel the tour, with a different date or full refund offered.

Why this Hoi An motorbike tour is worth considering

At $75 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Hai Van Pass. It is a full-day private outing, though, and the price includes the motorbike, fuel, helmet, jacket, admissions, lunch, water, pickup, and drop-off. That makes the cost easier to judge than a simple transport ride to the pass.

I see the value in the range of the route. You are not paying only for a scenic mountain road. You also get Marble Mountains, a beach stop, village roads, a historic pass, a waterfall, and a meal. The private format matters too. Your group can ride with Mr Thong at its own pace instead of following a bus schedule.

The tour is offered from Hoi An or Da Nang hotels, so it can work from either base. The advertised duration is about eight hours, with operating hours listed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. That makes this a full day, not a quick afternoon outing. I would keep the evening free rather than booking a tight dinner reservation.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 131 reviews, with 99 percent recommending it. Those numbers suggest a strong record, but they do not remove the practical question: do you want to spend most of a day riding? If the answer is yes, this route gives you far more contact with the coast than a sealed vehicle.

Leaving Hoi An for Marble Mountains

The ride begins with pickup at your hotel and heads toward the coast. The first major stop is Marble Mountains, one of the best-known sights between Hoi An and Da Nang. Admission is included, so you do not need to budget for an extra entry fee during the day.

The value of this stop is that it breaks up the ride early and gives the day a cultural and scenic starting point. Instead of rushing straight toward the pass, you see one of the area’s major attractions before continuing north. The supplied route describes Marble Mountains as the first stop, though it does not give a precise amount of time there.

That missing timing is worth noting. If you want a long visit at every stop, ask Mr Thong how the day will be paced before departure. An eight-hour route with several attractions requires some flexibility. You may find that certain stops are short, while the mountain road and swimming break receive more time.

My Khe Beach and the coastal ride

From Marble Mountains, the route continues to My Khe Beach. The beach is linked in the tour description with American soldiers’ wartime rest and recreation, giving the stop a historical detail beyond sand and sea.

I like this part because it connects the modern coast with the region’s recent past. You are not simply stopping at a beach for a photograph. You are also being reminded that this shoreline has played a role in Vietnam’s wartime story and in the lives of people stationed here.

The ride then follows the coast and passes through a fishing village. This is one of the more appealing parts for anyone who prefers everyday scenes to a list of famous landmarks. You get a look at a working coastal community before the road turns toward the mountains.

There is also a practical benefit to the sequence. The beach and village stops ease you into the day before the main climb. If you are riding your own motorbike, you have time to settle into the automatic bike, helmet, jacket, and traffic conditions before reaching the more dramatic section.

Riding the legendary Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is the center of the day. The road reaches about 500 meters above sea level, and the name means Pass of the Ocean Clouds. It forms part of the Annamite Mountain Range and is known for views toward both mountains and coast.

This is the stretch where you should keep your attention on the road. The tour allows you to ride an automatic motorbike yourself, but the route is not a passive sightseeing transfer if you take the handlebars. You need to balance enjoying the scenery with riding safely, especially on a mountain road.

If you prefer to look around without managing the bike, sit behind Mr Thong or the other driver. That option is one of the tour’s strongest features. You still get the open-air experience and the sound of the road, but you can focus on the views and stops.

The pass became widely known after appearing on the television show Top Gear. That publicity helped turn it into a major road attraction, but the appeal is not only television fame. The pass gives you a clear change from coastal villages to high mountain views, with the road itself providing the connection.

The tour includes admission to Hai Van Pass and Hai Van Gate. At the old lookout area, you can stop for a drink and explore turrets used by both French and American forces during wartime. These structures give the pass a human scale. You can see where people once watched and defended the route, rather than treating the road as only a scenic drive.

The wording of the route refers to old lookout turrets and a Hai Van Gate stop. It does not promise a detailed museum visit or a long guided history talk. I would expect a short outdoor visit, practical explanations, and time for photographs rather than a formal historical tour.

Lang Co Beach and the mountain-to-sea views

Lang Co Beach is included in the admissions covered by the tour. The stop adds another coastal setting after the climb and gives you a chance to see how quickly the scenery changes around Hai Van Pass.

This is where the route earns its reputation as a coast-and-mountain day. You start among Hoi An’s roads, reach Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach, climb the pass, and then return to the coast near Lang Co. I like that pattern because it gives you several different views of central Vietnam in one outing.

The tour information does not state exactly how long you stay at Lang Co Beach. That is another reason to treat the schedule as flexible. The day includes many stops, and weather, road conditions, and the pace of your private group can affect the timing.

Suoi Mo waterfall and the swimming break

The waterfall stop is a welcome change from the saddle. Suoi Mo waterfall is included, along with admission, and the route specifically allows time to swim. Bring suitable clothing if you want to use the swimming hole, since the activity description does not say that changing facilities or towels are provided.

I like this stop because it gives the day a physical break. Hai Van Pass offers views and riding, while the waterfall lets you cool off and spend time in the water. That variety helps keep an eight-hour motorbike outing from feeling like one long road stretch.

You should still keep expectations sensible. The details provided confirm a waterfall swimming hole, but not its size, water temperature, changing arrangements, or exact walking distance from the road. Ask Mr Thong about the conditions that day if swimming is important to you.

Lunch choices and what the price covers

Lunch is included, with a choice of one of three options:

• Seafood
• Chicken barbecue
• Vegetarian food

That is a useful range for a day spent on the road. You do not have to find a restaurant on your own, and the vegetarian option is clearly listed rather than left to chance.

The package also includes gasoline, bottled water, helmets, and riding jackets. These details matter more than they may seem. Fuel costs can add up on a long route, and a jacket is useful protection from wind and changing conditions on the pass.

All stated entry fees and taxes are included as well. The covered admissions include Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass, Hai Van Gate, Lang Co Beach, Suoi Mo waterfall, countryside areas, and the fishing village. The inclusion of fuel and admission fees makes the $75 price easier to compare with a self-planned ride.

Insurance is not included. Damage to the motorbike is also not included, and tips are separate. If you ride yourself, understand those exclusions before setting off. The tour provides an automatic motorbike, but the supplied information does not state the deposit, damage terms, license requirements, or insurance arrangements. Ask those questions before booking if you are concerned about liability.

Riding your own bike or sitting behind a driver

The choice of riding position changes the nature of the day.

Riding your own automatic motorbike gives you direct control and makes the pass feel like a real road trip. It suits someone who already knows how to handle a motorbike and wants the freedom of managing the ride. You receive the bike, fuel, helmet, and jacket as part of the experience.

Sitting behind a driver is the safer-feeling choice for anyone who is not fully confident on mountain roads. You can watch the coast, take in the pass, and stop without also managing the bike. The tour is still active and open-air, but the driver handles the road.

Most participants can take part, according to the tour information. That does not mean the ride is suitable for every level of motorbike experience. The activity requires comfort with several hours of road travel, and the weather can affect the day. I would choose the passenger option if you are uncertain about riding your own bike.

A guest review describes Mr Thong reassuring the group about morning rain and correctly expecting conditions to improve later. That detail points to a useful quality in the guide: communication about changing weather. Still, rain in the morning can make roads and equipment less comfortable, so pack accordingly and confirm the weather plan.

Private groups and the role of Mr Thong

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That is a major difference from a standard bus excursion. You are not waiting for a large group at every stop, and the day can feel more personal.

Mr Thong is the named guide, and the ride may include his friend or fellow Easy Rider. One published account describes a day with Mr Thong and his friend, including a strong sense of safety during the drive. The other driver’s name is not provided, so you should not expect a named second guide in advance.

The private setup is especially useful for couples, families, or friends who want the same riding arrangement. It also helps if one person wants to ride and another prefers to sit behind a driver, though you should confirm the exact motorbike arrangement for your group before departure.

Pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels in Hoi An or Da Nang. That removes the need to arrange separate transport to the start point, though the information does not specify a precise pickup window or the full list of eligible hotels.

Weather, comfort, and useful preparation

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window, the amount paid is not refunded and changes are not accepted.

For comfort, I would prepare for several conditions in one day. The coast can feel open and breezy, while the pass may be cooler or wet. You receive a jacket and bottled water, but the tour does not list towels, spare clothes, or personal rain gear.

A few practical items make sense:

• Swimsuit or spare clothes for Suoi Mo waterfall
• Sun protection for beach and coastal stops
• Comfortable clothes under the riding jacket
• A phone or camera that is easy to secure while riding
• Any personal medicine you need for an eight-hour day

The route includes a swimming stop, but the activity does not state how much time is available for swimming. I would avoid carrying valuables you do not need.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a full day outside Hoi An and enjoy seeing several places through one connected route. It suits people who value scenery, road travel, village views, and a private guide more than a slow, highly detailed visit at one site.

It is also a good choice if you want Hai Van Pass without planning the motorbike, fuel, route, and admissions yourself. The driver option makes it accessible to people who want the experience but do not want to ride their own bike.

You may want a different plan if your priority is a long, unhurried visit to Marble Mountains, a dedicated beach day, or a formal war-history tour. The route covers many places in eight hours, so the day is active and broad rather than slow and specialized.

I would also think carefully if you dislike motorbike travel, uncertain weather, or swimming stops. The pass is the reason to book, but the ride to and from it is a major part of the experience.

Should you book the Easy Rider loop with Mr Thong?

Book it if you want to connect Hoi An, the coast, Hai Van Pass, and a waterfall in one private day. The strongest reasons are the choice of driver or self-riding, the broad route, and the useful inclusions such as fuel, gear, lunch, water, and entry fees.

The $75 price is fair for a private eight-hour outing with pickup and drop-off, especially if you would otherwise arrange several separate transfers. Before confirming, ask about the exact pickup time, motorbike damage terms, insurance, and the expected time at each stop.

My practical choice would be to ride behind Mr Thong unless you already have solid motorbike experience. That lets you enjoy the pass, coastline, villages, and lookout posts without turning the day into a test of your riding skills.

FAQ

How long is the Easy Rider tour from Hoi An to Hai Van Pass?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. Operating hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels in Hoi An or Da Nang.

Do I have to ride my own motorbike?

No. You can ride an automatic motorbike yourself or sit behind a driver.

Who leads the tour?

The tour is led by Mr Thong. Another Easy Rider may join him, but that person’s name is not provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a choice of seafood, chicken barbecue, or vegetarian food.

Are the motorbike, fuel, and safety gear included?

Yes. The tour includes an Easy Rider motorbike, gasoline, a helmet, a riding jacket, and bottled water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.