Vung Tau – Ta Dung – 3 Day Loop

Route Summary:

Duration: 3 days - 655 kms

For those wanting to keep the ride day distances down this is the best option to see the beautiful Ta Dung lakes area and the best waterfall in the South with just 3 days to do it. A great country ride from start to finish.

Click for Route details:

Day 1: Vung Tau - Cat Tien - 185 kms

Vung Tau - Cat Tien

Distance: 185 Kms

This backroads route initially hugs the coast before we divert inland through farmland mainly, with a few water stops to the Cat Tien township. The last of the Southern Vietnam plains before the mountains that cover the rest of the country.

The Cat Tien National 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) and (B) keep us on the coast where possible. (B) is a popular photo stop before we head for the rubber plantations.

(C) The Long Tan Cross established in memory of the 18 Australian and 245 Vietnamese soldiers killed In the August 1966 Battle of Long Tan.

(D) and (F) are both short diversions to lake stops along the way. A good option if you’re ready for a break or for a photo but can also be deleted if you want to keep at it.

(E) This tourist area is a great swim opportunity on a hot day. At its best in wet season.

(G) and (H) take you across a dam wall before for me the best stretch of road for the day into your night stop.

(I) One of many great accommodation options we recommend in the area and time to feel the serenity.

Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers.
(Excluded from the above itinerary)

Premium Rentals

Day 2: Cat Tien - Ta Dung Loop - 280 kms

Cat Tien - Ta Dung Loop

Distance: 280 kms

I just love this road and lake system it follows dividing the Lam Dong and Dak Nong Provinces. It’s a bit rough in patches and at times some gravel on corners but nothing serious. The views to the lakes system some of the best water views in the country. Particularly Ta Dung overlooking what some refer to as the inland Halong Bay.

(A) The bridge to this way point gets you immediately out of town and into farmland. Historically Google didn’t recognise it but seems it does now so that helps me to keep customers off the main roads.

(B) A good photo stop overlooking Da Teh Lake. The start of a big day of drone photography if you carry one.

(C) The way around the wall damming the Dong Nai River. As you see this lake system through the day it becomes most impressive the volume of water this wall retains.

(D) Your lunch stop overlooks some of the best views of Ta Dung National Park . The park covers 220 km² though so plenty to explore. At its heart a hydro dam that created a massive lakes system with 40 islands and peninsulas in the Dong Nai River system.

(E) This bridge is a good photo stop but marked primarily to keep you on this great stretch of winding road around the lake system.

(F) Dambri Falls is quite an established attraction and at times quite crowded. The 200k entry is probably worth it only if you have the time to spend on the activities there.

(G) Back to your Cat Tien accommodation for the night. I have added my preferred Ta Dung accommodation options in the notes as some may want to break this loop into two days. If time allows a night in this area is very tempting.

Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers.
(Excluded from the above itinerary)

Premium Rentals

Day 3: Cat Tien - Vung Tau - 190 kms

Cat Tien - Vung Tau

Distance: 190 kms

This is one of the great locations to enjoy the dawn. If the rouge rooster up the river isn’t enough to wake you set an alarm and enjoy the serenity. If you are very lucky the peaceful sound of the bush is broken by the Gibbons singing in the sanctuary across the river.

If coming from further North that’s the mountains done. This ride mostly through farmland is interesting with a few water stops but from here the country flattens out.

The first stretch is out of the village and onto some really nice hotmix to the first way points.

(A & B) takes you over a dam wall. It’s more solid now than this photo indicates and a great viewpoint over the lake.

(C & E) are another two lake areas. Theres some great off map tracks around these if you’re feeling adventurous.

(D) This tourist area is a great swim opportunity on a hot day. At its best in wet season.

(F) The Long Tan Cross established in memory of the 18 Australian and 245 Vietnamese soldiers killed In the August 1966 Battle of Long Tan.

(G) A great coastal photo stop before hitting the peninsula to Vung Tau.

(H) will take you along the esplanade with views to the newly redeveloped back beach parkland.

(I) The Twisted Throttle Tavern for some well deserved refreshments.

Vung Tau, the city I choose to base myself, has over 500,000 residents but doesn’t feel that big. A clean city with a good year around climate and a lot to offer visitors. To date not particularly well marketed but I feel that will change with the development of the beach areas in progress and planned for the near future.

Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers.
(Excluded from the above itinerary)

Premium Rentals

Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers and excluded from the above itinerary.