Hai Van Pass looks unreal from a motorbike. I love the way Hai Van Pass delivers big mountain-and-coast views, and I love how hotel pickup/drop-off makes the day feel easy. It’s a private one-day loop with Mr Thong, where you ride an automatic motorbike either yourself or as a passenger.

One thing to plan for: this experience needs good weather, and you’ll be on a curvy mountain road. If rain shows up or you feel tense in traffic and tight turns, choosing the passenger seat can make the whole trip more relaxing.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Automatic motorbike option so you can drive yourself or ride pillion without needing a manual bike
• Hai Van Pass viewpoints plus stops at Hai Van Gate and old lookout turrets from French and American wartime days
• Coast-to-mountain rhythm with Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, then up and over the pass
• Fishing village and countryside navigation for more than just one scenic postcard stop
• Suoi Mo waterfall swim break where the tour actually gives you time to get in the water
• Lunch included with a choice between seafood, BBQ chicken, or vegetarian

Hai Van Pass by automatic motorbike: the real point of the day

This tour is all about the Hai Van Pass road, one of Vietnam’s most famous stretches for dramatic views. You’ll climb from the coast up into the mountains, with stops that help you pause, look, and catch photos without turning the day into a long bus tour.

The “automatic” part matters more than you might think. It lowers the stress level when you’re focusing on curves, traffic, and road positioning. Whether you drive yourself or ride with a driver, the goal is the same: get you onto the road with enough freedom to enjoy it, not just watch it go by.

Getting started from Hoi An: pickup, private group, and a full 8-hour loop

You’re looking at about 8 hours total, so plan the rest of your day lightly. The big convenience is pickup and drop-off at your Hoi An or Da Nang hotel, which keeps this from becoming a logistics puzzle.

It’s also a private tour, meaning only your group rides with Mr Thong and his partner. That’s a comfort win if you want a quieter pace, ask questions, or just don’t want to share the bike with strangers.

Timing-wise, the operator runs daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Since the tour depends on road conditions and visibility, a morning start is smart: you spend your best light on the pass and coast.

Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach: a scenic warm-up before the climb

The day typically begins with a stop at the Marble Mountains. Since entry is included, you don’t have to stop and figure out tickets on the spot. This first break also helps you get your bearings early, so you’re more ready for the bigger ride once you head toward the pass.

Next comes My Khe Beach. It’s a coastal stop with a wartime connection in the way the tour frames it—American soldiers used the area for rest and recreation during the war. Even if you’re not there for the story, the function of this stop is simple: it’s a chance to breathe, look at the sea, and reset before the mountain switchbacks.

A practical tip: bring something you can handle both sun and quick rain. Since the route can be weather-sensitive, it’s worth having a light rain layer and dry socks if you’re planning to swim later.

Hai Van Pass and Hai Van Gate: Ocean Clouds and lookout turrets

Once you’re ready, you move into the climb and legendary stretch: Hai Van Pass. The tour frames it as the Pass of the Ocean Clouds, and you’ll also hear the key fact that it sits around 500 meters high as part of the Annamite Mountain Range.

What makes this segment work is that it doesn’t feel like one long grind to a single viewpoint. You’ll ride up through the route and then stop for a drink and sightseeing along the way. The stops include the old lockout turrets used in wartime by both French and American forces, which gives the area a different texture than a purely scenic viewpoint.

You’ll also encounter Hai Van Gate during the coastal-to-mountain-to-coastal flow. Think of it as another landmark that breaks up the ride and keeps the day from feeling repetitive. The road is the star, but these stops are what let you safely pause, stretch, and take in the scale of the coastline below.

Fishing village, Lang Co Beach, and countryside navigation

After the pass segment, the itinerary continues with more coast-side variety. You’ll pass through a fishing village and navigate along the coast route. This isn’t sold as a long cultural tour, but it does add real-life texture to the day—boats, shore activity, and that sense of the coast being an everyday place rather than a set.

Then there’s Lang Co Beach, with entry included. This is one of the best moments to slow down and enjoy the sea-air break before the next change in scenery. If you’re riding yourself, it’s also a good time to recharge your focus because the day keeps moving.

You’ll also pass through countryside. That’s useful even if you mainly care about views, because it gives you a breather from constant coastal line-of-sight and lets the ride feel like a journey, not a straight line between highlights.

Suoi Mo waterfall: the swim stop that turns photos into a memory

The highlight that feels most like a true “vacation moment” is the Suoi Mo waterfall stop. The tour includes entry for Suoi Mo waterfall, and the itinerary notes a swimming hole stop.

This is where the day stops being only about scenic stops and becomes something you can physically do. If you came to Vietnam for food, scenery, and activities—not just looking—this is the segment that delivers.

Weather matters again here. If the tour is operating in good conditions, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the swim portion. Since the experience requires good weather, I’d plan your day expecting some flexibility if clouds or rain roll in early.

What’s included in the $75: gear, admissions, fuel, water, and a real lunch

At $75 per person for an 8-hour private motorbike loop, the value comes from what’s bundled in. You’re not just paying for a ride; you’re paying for the whole package that usually adds up fast when booked separately.

Included items cover:

• An Easyrider motorbike (automatic) and the right to ride it yourself or ride as a passenger
• Helmet and jacket for riding
• Gasoline
• Bottled water
• Entry admissions for Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, Suoi Mo waterfall, Marble Mountains, Hai Van Gate, and several listed stops (countryside and fishing village stops are included as well)
• Lunch, with a choice of seafood, BBQ (chicken), or vegetarian

That lunch choice is especially practical. You can match food to your appetite and avoid the usual scramble to find a place that serves what you actually want.

The only obvious extra is insurance (not included) and tips (not included). If you’re budget-minded, this is still a strong deal because so much of the cost is covered up front.

Safety and comfort with Mr Thong: riding yourself vs passenger seat

This is where the reviews add useful color: Mr Thong and his partner are known for making riders feel safe on the road. One review also mentions rain: Mr Thong reassured the group that rain would stop after the morning, and it did. That kind of calm, on-the-ground judgment matters when weather is the wildcard.

Here’s how I’d think about your decision day-of:

• If you want the most control and you feel comfortable riding, choose to drive the automatic motorbike yourself.
• If you’re less sure on curvy roads or you’d rather enjoy the scenery without extra focus, ride as a passenger.

Either way, you still get the same core route and stops. The difference is your stress level. With a long pass day, lowering stress makes it easier to actually enjoy the views instead of constantly checking the bike and road.

For comfort, wear what you’d ride in for hours: breathable layers, closed-toe shoes, and something that handles wind. The included jacket helps, but don’t count on it being enough for every weather scenario.

Should you book this Hoi An to Hai Van Pass motorbike loop?

If you want a day that feels like a ride—mountain roads, coast stops, and a real swimming break—this tour is a solid pick. The fact that it’s private, automatic, and includes admissions and lunch makes it easier to justify than piecing everything together yourself.

Book it if:

• You care about Hai Van Pass views and want to experience the road, not just read about it
• You’re comfortable riding an automatic motorbike, or you’re happy as a passenger
• You want multiple meaningful stops: Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, Hai Van Gate, Lang Co Beach, and Suoi Mo waterfall

Skip it if:

• You’re uncomfortable with mountain roads and would be anxious for most of the day
• You’re traveling without flexibility and hate the idea of rescheduling if weather affects operations

FAQ

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

The duration is about 8 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $75.00 per person.

Do you get pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup is offered, with hassle-free drop-off at Hoi An or Da Nang hotels.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Can I ride the motorbike myself?

Yes. You can ride your self on an automatic motorbike, or you can ride as a passenger.

What stops are included during the day?

Stops include Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, Hai Van Pass (including Hai Van Gate and countryside/fishing village stops), Lang Co Beach, and Suoi Mo waterfall.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes time to swim at the Suoi Mo waterfall swimming hole.

What’s included for food?

Lunch is included, and you can choose one: seafood, BBQ (chicken), or vegetarian.

What ride gear and tickets are included?

You get helmet and jacket, bottled water, and included admission tickets for the listed sites. The tour also includes gasoline.

What’s the weather and cancellation rule?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your comfort level with riding a scooter/motorbike, and whether you’re starting from Hoi An or Da Nang—I’ll help you decide the best way to do this (drive vs passenger) for the least stress.