HCM City – Da Lat – 4 Day Loop

Route Summary:

Duration: 4 days - 800 kms

This is undoubtedly the best option in four days for a night in the city of love. The two very different routes to and from the National Park are interesting. The two days between again taking different routes are awesome. Farmland, National Park serenity, wonderful views, waterfalls and some great mountain roads. Put your girl on the back and for sure you’ll be popular with this one.

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Day 1: HCM City - Cat Tien - 165 kms

HCM City - Cat Tien via River

Distance - 165 Kms

Over a decade based in Saigon there mustn’t be a route out to the North I haven’t tried. This is one of two favourites and between the two makes the Cat Tien National Park a great weekend escape.

The Park covers an area of 750 km² in the provinces of Dong Nai, Bình Phuoc and Lam Dong and preserves one of the largest areas of lowland tropical forests left in Vietnam. Easy to spend some time there if natural beauty in peace and quiet appeals as a nice change of pace.

(A) Is a nice tourist development nicely located for an interesting rest stop with coffee and food available.

(B) A coffee shop more a a way point to keep you off the main arterial. Keep at and enjoy the next stop.

(C, D and E) are view points to the Tri An Lake. (C) the better of the lunch options in the area.

(F) Just a short, unavoidable stretch on the main road crossing the Dong Nai river. The fisherman live in these shanty dwellings and store their catch live in nets ready for their time at the market.

Some great concrete back roads through the farmland. Just the odd local tending to their rice paddies otherwise you have the place to yourself.

(G) is this great photo stop just shy of the night destination. This shot is many years ago. Looks a bit different these days.

(H) One of many accommodation options. I use this one mostly for its proximity to the National Park if having a day off to explore. The cabins on the river bank are basic but comfortable and affordable. The restaurant food, mostly Vietnamese is also good and reasonably priced.

The park is a great day out with your partner or children. Lots to see and do. The accommodation has bicycles to hire as motorcycles are not allowed to be taken across the river ferry into the park.

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Day 2: Cat Tien - Ta Dung - Da Lat - 260 kms

Cat Tien - Ta Dung - Da Lat

Distance: 260 kms

This is a great ride day. Some will see Ta Dung and want to spend a night there. If so, May Farm 0352 649 966 is my latest accommodation favourite up there. Accommodation and views exceptional.

(A) takes you over this bridge and immediately into good riding

(B) is a bridge around behind the Dam Wall. The public are not allowed on the Dam Wall.

After this bridge which is now clean again you will come to a dam wall. Worth stopping for some photos there. Its quite impressive especially if letting some water go.

(C) on the map on your way to the Viewpoint is the best lunch alternative if you’d prefer pork ribs and bits.

(E) at Ta Dung is a great Vietnamese food lunch spot with exceptional views.

Plenty of great views with photo opportunity along the way. Some care after lunch the QL28 can in places have gravel kicked out by trucks on a few corners.

(E) Is a fuel stop marked to keep you on the best route

(F) Elephant Falls is worth dropping into. Go where the Buddha Statue is and if you’re up for the stairs great views of the surrounding farmland from her eyes.

(G) Quite a unique and well located accommodation but a plethora of options in Dalat so worth a bookings search.

(H) An Australian owned bar well located with good Western pub food. The chicken parmigiana as good as I’ve had anywhere in Vietnam.

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Day 3: Da Lat - Cat Tien - 220 kms

Da Lat - Cat Tien

Distance: 220 kms

If staying at Saphir Hotel whilst I like the rooms and location the breakfast is ordinary at best. One More Cafe, has great coffee and a quality menu.

The winding ride off the Plateau is fantastic. Good hotmix and most corners on camber. Watch for the local boy racers and also heavy vehicles on this stretch though.

(A), (C) & (E) on this map are simply way points to get the best riding experience out of your day. Follow Google today and its a train wreck.

(B) Elephant falls aren’t that accessible and the water always dirty off the surrounding farmland but an impressive Buddhist temple. You can climb into the main statue if you’re feeling fit and view the surrounding countryside through her eyes. Great coffee stop.

These Falls are impressive especially in the wet season.

Admission is 200k per person and they’ll hit you up another 30k for the bike. Not for everyone but worth it especially if with a partner. With a reasonably early start you have time to spend the necessary two hours to do it properly with lunch.

Toboggan ride to the first falls are included and loads of cafes, restaurants and activities. A great lunch spot.

A short stretch of dirt after the falls but nothing too tricky. Once back to the hard top it’s an exceptional mountain ride most of the way to your night stop.

(F) & (G) are just way points to take you over a bridge that makes this a better ride and keeps you off the highway.

(H) is one of many accommodation options these days in and around Cat Tien. Nothing special but i use it because the food is okay, cabins over the river and a short walk to the ferry across the river into the National Park.

Cat Tien is a lovely village and for old growth forest, floral and fauna the National Park has no equal in South Vietnam. It covers 720 square kilometers over three provinces so multiple visits are required to even scratch the surface.

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Day 4: Cat Tien - Cat Lai Ferry - 160 kms

Cat Tien - Cat Lai Ferry

Distance: 160 Kms

The first part of the run to the big smoke around the lake area is the best of it. The waterpark is worth a look and a quick dip. From there it’s back to reality the best way possible in the wet season. Works in the dry too but i have options for that.

(A & B) a lake dam wall. Nice and very different views on each side.

(C) a waterpark with falls. I’ve been in for a look but don’t use it. A swim stop or a great option travelling with kids. For the purpose of this a pin to keep you off the highway.

We stick to back roads where possible, all sealed. You may question some of the route but it’s mapped to minimise police presence, trucks and buses. Three short stretches are unavoidable.

Plenty of off roads too if you have time and want to follow this loosely.

(D, E & F) are coffee stops again primarily pinned to keep the ride interesting and safe. (E) and particularly (F) the better ones.

(G) the ferry where the Rat Race awaits. If returning with a hire bike refueling on the way to the shop would be very much appreciated. Don’t worry about cleaning, we have that covered.

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