Khanh Le Pass & Beyond
Dalat to Nha Trang by Motorbike
Dalat to Nha Trang by Motorbike: Complete Guide & Scenic Route Guide
No matter what type of adventure you’re having in Vietnam, I’d say Dalat and Nha Trang are some of the top destinations to visit. Dalat has beautiful french colonial architecture nested within Vietnam’s mountains whilst Nha Trang is a popping colourful beach city with so much to do!
What many travellers miss or simply don’t think about is the absolute adventure that is in between these 2 places.
I’m talking about the journey from Dalat to Nha Trang!
I can surely say riding a motorbike from Dalat to Nha Trang was one of my top adventures I had whilst travelling in Vietnam and one I highly recommend you should do.
This motorbike route is lesser known than some of the other well known roads in Vietnam like Ha Giang and Hai Van but I can assure you that the views and scenery is just as epic (especially the Khanh Le Pass)!
Whilst backpacking Vietnam I was recommended this motorbike trip by a fellow traveller and it simply was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I did a round trip around from Dalat to Nha Trang and back but there definitely are one way trip options available as well.
So here I’ll share with you everything you need to know about Dalat to Nha Trang by motorbike. I’ll break down why you should do this, a trip overview with some must visit stops as well as all the other nitty gritty stuff including where to rent your bike, what to pack and if this motorbike trip is beginner friendly.
Now let’s dive in!
Why do this?
Why should you ride a bike instead of taking a bus between Dalat and Nha Trang?
Because… IT’S CRAZY FUN!
Of course if you can’t ride a motorbike or a scooter I wouldn’t really recommend (because at times the roads can be a bit daunting) but if you know your way around a bike by all means do it!
I decided to do a round trip from Dalat to Nha Trang and back and I can honestly say this adventure was one of my top experiences in the whole of Vietnam (and I’ve travelled Vietnam for 3 months).
This motorbike route has it all and I think is ideal for the traveller who’s looking for something unique and willing to venture off the beaten path. Along the way you will also come across the Khanh Le Pass and this was one of the most unexpected and jaw dropping places I have seen in the whole of Vietnam.
Dalat to Nha Trang is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered and trust me, the views will not disappoint!
One Way or Round Trip?
I did a round trip around from Dalat to Nha Trang and just stored my belongings at the hostel I was staying in but if you were wanting to do a one way trip, there are definitely services out there for it.
Trip overview
In this section I’ll do a quick trip overview for you to get a general understanding of the route and how the journey may look riding from Dalat to Nha Trang.
I’ll quickly go over:
- Time and Distance
- The Route
- Khanh Le Pass
- Road Quality and Construction
- How much Fuel do I need?
- Weather
- Recommended time of Year
Further on I will further talk and delve into each one of these topics.
Distance and time
The journey from Dalat to Nha Trang in total is about 140 km and on a motorbike/scooter (less than 150 cc) you’re looking at it taking around 3.5 hours if you choose to drive non stop. If you include the time for stops, lunch and some of the must visit spots, it easily becomes a whole day trip.
I recommend allocating at least 5 hours on the road minimum to be able to enjoy the journey and not rush through with anything.
Ideally it would be best to start early in the morning, say around 7:30 am so you have enough time and not feel like you’re rushing through anything. Some spots you’ll definitely want ample time just to soak in the environment.
Route – Along the QL27C via the Khanh Le Pass
The recommended route and the route I took was on road QL27C from Dalat to Nha Trang. This road takes you along some of the most mesmerising scenic views encased throughout with windy mountain roads.
Every part of the journey is an adventure and everywhere you look will have your jaw dropping and wondering why this isn’t more popular.
Khanh Le Pass
Along QL27C you will come across the Khanh Le Pass. This section of the trip will be one of the scenic parts of the road and the main reason why people ride from Dalat to Nha Trang. I think the views here rival any mountain view in the whole of Vietnam.
This part of the ride is filled with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and when riding through the winding roads you will definitely be able to tell the elevation. (i.e. it’s high up and the dead drop offs next to you clearly show it!)
I’ll cover the Khan Le Pass in more detail later on but to give you a little glimpse, the Khanh Le Pass is filled with just raw adventure, covered head to toe in Vietnams unfiltered beauty. I’m talking mountains, roads, views, EVERYTHING!!!
Road Quality and Construction
The road quality on route QL27C is actually really good with most sections of the road being paved out and having safety railings. I saw minimal potholes or any other type of damage along the road so I would also assume the roads are regularly maintained and well taken care of.
I did come across some construction along the way however it was always small sections of the road and never a hassle. Usable they would be doing road work or some type of other construction and as long as you are cautious of what’s happening you’ll be just fine.
How much fuel do you need?
One full tank of fuel in your bike/scooter should be fine.
I did the trip on the 125cc Honda Air Blade and one full tank of fuel was enough for me to ride the entirety of the journey from Dalat to Nha Trang. I think just full up to the top and you’ll be fine.
If you do end up being low on fuel in the middle of your journey, don’t worry there’s plenty of petrol stations along the way.
Weather!!!!
Weather is a big factor you need to consider if you are planning to ride from Dalat to Nha Trang.
If you have bad weather it will ruin everything.
The views, seeing the high elevation down from the mountain top and just being able to see far into the landscape is what made this ride so stunning for me. Without this it would be just another commute between cities not an adventure filled scenic ride.
Ideally you would want as bright and sunny of a day as possible.
Fog is the real killer and up in the mountains the fog can get crazy thick. The Khanh Le Pass is the most scenic and best section of the ride and since this area pass is high up in the mountain, fog can be a major killer.
If a thick fog arises, you will basically miss the entirety of the Khanh Le Pass as you simply cannot see anything. A little fog is fine and can make the experience more mystical and perhaps even better but it’s hard to judge how thick the fog is going to be and how much or high up it will be.
Aside from missing out on the views because of the fog, it can also be extremely dangerous when on a bike.
Like I mentioned, the fog in this area can get extremely thick. On my way back I got caught in this type of fog and let me tell you it is not fun. You can barely see anything even 5 m ahead of you and there is no telling what is in front of you. Your bike head lights are nowhere near bright enough to beam through the fog and it’s just not a pleasant situation to be in. It’s cold, miserable, you’ll get drenched and you can’t even see anything!
So yeah if you can avoid the fog!
Recommended Time of Year to Go
I think it’s difficult to recommend a certain time period because the weather between Dalat and Nha Trang varies drastically. Dalat is high up in the mountains so there is a very big contrast in terms of weather conditions between these two cities and from this discrepancy, factors such as fog, rain etc are difficult to judge.
I think the best time of the year to go would be in the cooler months around November to February which avoids the hot humid rainy season.
I did this in February and I still had a whole mix of weather. I experienced at times perfect sunny weather and all of a sudden, a sudden change to cold and foggy. It’s a gamble really.
My recommendation is keep your plans flexible. No matter the time of year, check the forecast then decide.
The Ride: From Dalat to Nha Trang
As soon as you get out of Dalat and enter onto the free flowing mountainous roads, the exciting and adventurous part of the journey starts. Immediately the roads get clear, surrounded by lush pine trees and endless views of the central mountains of Vietnam.
The entirety of the journey is filled with such views and it just gets better and better. Along the way you will encounter a thousand different sceneries from tall grand mountains, to lush green landscapes all the way to seemingly endless rice fields when nearing Nha Trang.
Khanh Le Pass
The Khanh Le Pass is by far the most scenic and awe-inspiring part of the journey. It stretches about 30 km of some of the most magnificent, mountain filled roads I have ever come across.
Every part of the Khanh Le Pass is worth stopping at and just looking over your shoulder is enough to leave you speechless. Words honestly cannot describe how indescribing this is and I definitely think it’s something you should do when visiting Vietnam.
The Views from the Khanh Le Pass
The views from the Khanh Le Pass are simply amazing. The main sections of the pass traverses down the side of a mountain, almost resembling a large canyon. It’s as if you are on top in between 2 wedged mountains, and the roads are leading down this canyon for you to get to where you are going.
I’ve got pictures below but honestly, it’s giving me a hard time just trying to describe how insanely amazing the Khanh Le Pass is (and even the pictures don’t do justice!)
From the top the drop offs from the side of the roads are steep and can be staggering to look at from the edge but not to worry, there are railings everywhere so you won’t need to worry about any accidents. If you are feeling adventurous, have a look down!
Waterfalls of the Khanh Le Pass
The passage through Khanh Le Pass is also filled with small but long cascading waterfalls that flow down the mountains. As you are driving pass you will encounter countless waterfalls that inhabit large sections of the Khanh Le Pass.
No notable marked waterfalls as well. They just exist by the road and something to gaze at in between all the mountains and views
Notable Scenic Spots you Must Visit
Everywhere along the road is a great spot to just relax and take in the vibe. On your journey you’ll encounter an ever changing scenery from mountains to rivers all the way to green hills and lush rice fields. Take things slow and discover for yourself what lies ahead!
Tea Point 2
Tea Point 2 is a cafe located at the start of the Khan Le Pass and a great pit stop for you to visit along the way. The cafe is quite large and spacious with also a balcony that offers some spectacular views.
Grab a coffee, maybe even a souvenir and take in the views from this lovely spot.
Khanh Le Pass Waterfall
This marked location is an iconic stop right at the top of the Khanh Le Pass. It overlooks the mountains and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
The waterfall here is also a nice sight to see. Just be cautious as there is no fencing around and the drop off is a bit steep.
Quan Am Temple
Around the corner on the windy mountainous roads that carve around the plains, there is a small temple that offers some jaw dropping views of the highlands of Vietnam. From the views here you can really see the vast terrains and change in scenery as you continue your journey.
At the stop here try to contrast between the sceneries you have seen so far and you will really be able to appreciate how amazing the journey from Dalat to Nha Trang is. You can slowly start seeing a shift in landscape as you edge closer to the coastal regions of Nha Trang.
Hon Giao Stone Stream
Past the Khanh Le Pass and towards Nha Trang you will encounter Hon Giao Stone Stream.
Hon Giao Stone Stream is a popular stop with a large flowing stream and many restaurants and small stores in the area. It is a nice spot to stop for lunch and recharge a little before continuing your trip.
The area is nice and peaceful, perfect to soak in the surrounding nature. Hon Giao Stone Stream makes the perfect pit stop along the journey from Dalat to Nha Trang.
Rice Fields
As you get closer towards Nha Trang, you will come across Vietnam’s famous ricefields. The rice fields here are long and far and the ride through the fields is simply blissful.
I’d say take a stop here and enjoy the view. You can never get sick of seeing the lush green or golden brown rice fields.
Windy Mountain Roads
The road from Dalat to Nha Trang and especially through the Khanh Le Pass also attracts many drivers seeking the thrill of the mountainous windy roads that seamlessly carve through the landscape.
Like myself if you enjoy the drive and the freedom of being on a motorbike, these roads are for you.
On the journey, you will encounter some of the most picturesque driving you will ever see filled with mountains, waterfalls and endless landscapes. The roads are also extremely well paved all through the journey with only minor construction here and there.
I won’t spoil much as I believe an experience like this is best for you to discover by yourself but I can assure you that you definitely won’t be disappointed!
How beginner friendly is it?
I would say riding from Dalat to Nha Trang is relatively easy and beginner friendly given you know how to ride a bike.
The majority of the trip including the Khanh Le Pass is relatively easy to ride and doesn’t really have any steep inclines or crazy hairpin corners. Along the route also, there isn’t a lot of traffic either. You’ll encounter some other travellers along the road with you and the occasional bus or truck passing by. Other than that the ride itself is relatively easy and I would say quite beginner friendly.
The most difficult part of the trip and especially to beginners is the city traffic that you’ll need to navigate through when exiting Dalat and entering Nha Trang. Vietnamese traffic can seem chaotic and gnarly but just take things slow and get some experience and in no time you will see that it’s not as bad as it seems. After you get used to how people drive here, it’s all organised chaos (so not as bad as it seems)!
Bike rental
Where to rent your bike in Dalat
There are many reputable bike rental shops in Dalat you can choose from.
I went to Hai’s Motorbike Rental and I can say that their service is great and my Honda AirBlade that I rented from them was in pristine condition.
Some other reputable rental shops are:
My Honda AirBlade 125cc cost me 150 000 VND per day which is about average of what you can find.
Round Trip Options
Since this route is relatively unpopular not many bike rental shops offer one way trips. I’m sure there are services around but unfortunately I won’t be able to supply you with any as I don’t have any experience with them :/
What motorbike/scooter should I choose
Since the trip from Dalat to Nha Trang isn’t too difficult and the road conditions are quite good, almost any type of scooter/bike would do.
I would at least recommend a 125 cc scooter since the journey is quite long and something a bit bigger is going to be a bit more comfortable and formidable for any encounter.
Do I need a semi automatic?
Short answer no
Since the roads and winds are never too steep, a semi automatic is not necessary. I found my automatic Honda AirBlade 125cc to be more than enough to handle any conditions I met along the road.
What to pack
The main thing to pack for here is the difference in weather between Dalat and Nha Trang. Especially during the cooler seasons between November to February, the weather can be drastically different.
During this time, typically the weather in Dalat is cool during the day and even cold during the night whilst Nha Trang will stay relatively warm all day around. Just keep this in mind when packing for your trip.
Just keep in mind to pack for:
- Cold Weather
- Hot Weather
- Rainy Weather
Rain Coat
No matter the season or time of year, a rain coat is a must. Even in the dry months you can still experience a sudden downpour. Along the Khanh Le Pass it’s not uncommon for thick dense fog to arise. If you are unfortunate (like me) to have to drive through such conditions, a rain coat is a literal life saver!
When to go
I did this road trip in February around the cooler months of the year and judging by what others have said as well, I think this time period is a great time to go. Around that November to February mark, Vietnam is generally much cooler all around and the ideal conditions for a long road trip.
Just be aware the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to check the weather in advance and prepare for sudden changes in the weather.
If you are travelling to Vietnam outside of November to February and want to ride from Dalat to Nha Trang, I’d say still go. No matter the weather the experience is what you make of it and as long as you are open to any challenges and ready for an adventure I’d say that would be the best time to do it!
FAQ
How long does it take?
The road from Dalat to Nha Trang is around 140 km and takes a minimum of at least 3.5 hours if you ride non stop.
I’d recommend giving yourself at least 5 hours to do the trip to accommodate for rests, lunch and stops. The longer the better.
Is it safe?
The road conditions are extremely good with the roads being well paved and with guard railings. You may encounter some construction but other than that as long as you are on your way around a bike, I’d say it is safe.
I’ve never ridden a motorbike/scooter. Is it beginner friendly?
You should never plan to do a long road trip on a motorbike/scooter if you aren’t comfortable or familiar with one. That being said, the roads are relatively easy to navigate around and are not that challenging to ride.
If you are a beginner, make sure you are comfortable with driving a motorbike and be confident in your abilities. Judge your abilities yourself and then make the decision.
Final Thoughts
Riding a motorbike from Dalat to Nha Trang was one of the best and most adventurous things I did when travelling Vietnam. The nature and scenery you will encounter, especially along the Khanh Le Pass is absolutely breathtaking and something I highly recommend everyone to do. So, if you are planning a trip in Vietnam and want to do something a bit off the beaten path and willing to explore the less known regions of Vietnam, go on this adventure!