Motorcycling in Vietnam is a way of life for locals and a rite of passage for adventurous travellers. Whether it’s a short day trip, organised experience or full-on adventure touring, the memories you make travelling through Vietnam on a motorbike will live with you forever.
But before you strap on your helmet and swing your leg over your trusty steed, there are a few things you need to know about taking a motorbike trip in Vietnam!
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Motorbiking in Vietnam – What You Need to Know! 🛵
Top Motorbike Trips in Vietnam
Ha Giang Loop Buffalo Tour by Central Backpackers Hostel | 3-4 Days | from HANOI, VIETNAM
From $155.00-
Ha Giang Loop True North by Flipside | 3 or 4 Days | from HANOI, VIETNAM
From $195.00 -
Hai Van Pass Motorbike Easy Rider Tour | Full Day | from HUE or HOI AN, VIETNAM
From $60.00
Why Should You Explore Vietnam on a Motorbike? ⛰️
Vietnam is a dream destination for motorcyclists. Not only is hiring a motorcycle far cheaper than hiring a car, it’s also much easier. But logistics aren’t the only reason.
As a country, Vietnam is motorcycle-mad. With 58 million bikes registered, it’s the fourth biggest motorcycling country in the world – there’s more than one bike for every two people! There are A LOT of bikes available to buy or rent, which means low prices!
You can often rent a bike in Vietnam from your accommodation provider for around $5USD per day. These machines will be enough to get you around town but might not be in the best condition.
If you want to travel a long way on a rented bike in Vietnam, you’re better off visiting a reputable rental shop. A good rental store will have quality, well-maintained bikes capable of going the distance. It’s not uncommon for them to include safety gear such as helmets as part of the rental deal. Expect to pay around $10USD per day for a good bike from a reputable shop.
Fuel is cheap, at least compared to prices in Europe. Expect to pay around $0.80USD per litre. It goes a long way too. Most motorbikes in Vietnam are small capacity (50-150cc) so you can expect to get anywhere from 50-200 miles per gallon depending on the exact bike, terrain and how throttle-happy you are!
And when it comes to repairs and maintenance – which lets face it, you’ll need at some point on a long enough road trip – prices are excellent too. Almost every town and village in Vietnam will have a motorcycle repair shop. Although this might just be one little old man using a covered space in his garden shared with goats and pigs, he’ll be able to work wonders, repairing almost anything for a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay! For a full service and oil change, expect change from $10USD!
But realistically, that’s the boring stuff. The true joy of riding a motorbike in Vietnam is experiencing the thrill of freedom on the open road. You can go where you like, take the route less travelled and explore parts of the country tourists rarely bother to visit – or have no idea how to get to!
Expect amazing coastal roads with long sweeping corners, epic mountain passes made up of dozens of hairpins and switchbacks, muddy tracks through small villages and tiny trails no car would ever squeeze onto – motorbiking in Vietnam is a varied and rewarding experience!
Best Time for a Motorbike Trip in Vietnam 🌦️
There’s no bad time for a motorbike trip in Vietnam. The country stretches over 1500km from north to south and experiences various climatic zones along its length. While the northern mountainous region can be cold in winter, southern areas rarely see the temperature drop below 25ºC.
Climate Change 😳
Vietnam, like much of the world, is experiencing wild shifts in weather patterns due to the changing climate. The following season guide is still applicable but extreme weather events can occur at any time!
January – March 🌤️
Part of the traditional dry season in Vietnam, temperatures in the north can be low, especially at elevations where it’s even possible to experience some snow! If you’re considering taking a motorcycle journey from Hanoi, bring plenty of warm layers! Central Vietnam can experience rain this time of year, so prepare with waterproofs if you’re considering tackling the Hai Van Pass. In the South, the weather will likely be warm and sunny but without the oppressive humidity that categorises later months.
If you’re taking on an epic motorcycle journey through Vietnam in February, be aware of Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Lots of shops, cafés, restaurants and other amenities close for the celebrations, so expect a few days of limited resupply options. You’ll also need to book accommodation in advance over Tet.
April – June ☀️
April is the traditional high season in Vietnam and sees temperatures across the country begin to rise. Heavy rains are yet to arrive in full swing, so this is a perfect time to explore Vietnam’s coastline by motorcycle. The mountainous Northern region around Ha Giang is glorious through April and May, and if you plan to visit Halong Bay, expect clear skies and fantastic views! Towards the end of June, the rain will be getting stronger in the northern and southern parts of the country, making for a more challenging riding experience. In Southern Vietnam, the temperatures will begin to rise, so prepare for a humid 40ºC in some places!
July – September 🌦️
Rain is common in both the north and south of Vietnam this time of year but the central region will still be basking in delicious sunshine! You’ll also be able to find some great accommodation options with lower prices than in peak tourist season!
October – December 🌤️
The rains begin to disperse across much of the country and are slowly replaced by warm, sunny days. Central Vietnam can still experience heavy downpours though, so be prepared for some very wet days if you’re riding in this area. By the end of this period, most of the country will be hot and dry, with coastal regions becoming popular again around December – ensure you book ahead, especially over Christmas!
TL;DR:
The best time for a motorcycle trip in Northern Vietnam is March-April and October-November. In central Vietnam, April-May offers the best conditions and in the South, December-February is the best time to avoid the rain and the extreme heat of later months!
👉 Read More: Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Safety When Riding a Motorbike in Vietnam 🦺
While riding a motorbike in Vietnam offers a level of freedom you won’t experience with other forms of transport, it also comes with an element of risk not present when using public transport. Riding a motorcycle anywhere in the world is inherently risky – you’re travelling fast, with very little protection should something go wrong and you’re relying on every other road user to factor your safety into their decision-making. If you’ve ever ridden a motorbike before, you’ll know other road users often fail to do this.
If something goes wrong when you’re riding a bike in Vietnam, medical treatment might not be quite what you’re used to at home. Hospitals can be very basic and far away if you’re off the beaten track. Getting to them can and will be a challenge unless you’re in a big town or city. Plus, to get treatment, you need to be sure your travel insurance covers motorcycle use – many policies don’t unless you’re fully licensed to ride a bike!
But there are plenty of things you can do to mitigate the risk and many travellers explore this wonderful country by motorcycle without incident!
Safety Equipment 🪖
Even if you ride as safely as possible, things can still go wrong. Take it from someone who knows all too well what can happen when you crash a motorbike – wearing the right safety gear is imperative.
A helmet is the bare minimum. Make sure it’s good quality, fits well and secures properly to your noggin. Full-face helmets are recommended because they offer more protection to that beautiful face of yours. They’ll also keep dirt and debris from flying into your eyes as you ride.
Keep your skin covered. Long trousers, preferably jeans or something even tougher, and long sleeves offer more protection. If you’ve never experienced gravel rash, trust me when I say, you don’t want to!
Even if you don’t fall off, keeping your skin covered will protect you from the sun and help you blend in a little more with the locals. In turn, this should prevent the police sniffing around you too much. Riding around in shorts and a vest top is a surefire way to bring everyone’s attention to the tourist pootling about – this means no flip-flops either! For most travellers, hiking boots are best but any closed-toe shoes that fit well are better than sandals.
Road Quality 🚧
Some roads in Vietnam are perfect ribbons of smooth tarmac that offer an amazing riding experience. Others are pot-hole-littered assault courses that challenge even the most confident riders. If you really want to get away from the crowds, you may well find yourself on muddy tracks that can be completely submerged during the rainy season.
Understanding how to ride across different surfaces is important to remain safe while on the road. You don’t have to be a top-level rider but having a good understanding of bike control will set you in good stead.
Spend some time getting used to your machine before heading onto the more challenging routes and if you’re not confident, consider another method of transport. Easy rider tours are a great choice if you want to experience motorcycle routes without being in control of a bike. You’ll ride pillion (on the back of the bike), while an experienced local guide takes the reins – or in this case, handlebars.
Driving Standards 🚙
Driving standards in Vietnam leave a lot to be desired but there is order to the chaos. When riding, keep a decent gap to whatever is in front of you and always be prepared for other vehicles to make erratic movements. Don’t make the gap too big though, or another bike will slip right into it!
When it comes to manoeuvres, make sure you signal and always always always, take a lifesaver glance over your shoulder before turning – this will ensure the coast is clear and nothing has been hiding in your blindspot, ready to wipe you out as soon as you deviate from your current course.
Motorcycle riders in Vietnam very rarely stop moving and traffic flows in an organic way that can be hard to wrap your helmeted head around if you’ve not experienced it before. To remain as safe as possible, go with the flow of traffic. Try to stick at a similar speed to those around you, some of the most dangerous situations can occur when there is a big speed differential between you and other vehicles.
Licenses and Insurance 🪪
Technically, if you’re riding a motorcycle over 50cc in Vietnam without a proper Vietnamese motorbike license, you’re riding illegally. No, your full motorcycle license from your home country combined with an International Driving Permit isn’t enough. This isn’t really an issue of legality as if/when you get pulled over by the police, you’ll probably be required to pay a fine (read:bribe) to the police officer and they’ll let you carry on with your day.
But if you get hurt and require medical attention, it gets more complicated. Many travel insurers will only cover you if you are legal to ride in the country. So, unless you get a Vietnamese motorbike license, you’re probably not covered. Some insurers will cover you anyway, so make sure you understand the coverage you’re getting. Speak directly to your insurer to check whether they offer the correct cover. If they don’t, find travel insurance elsewhere!
Top Tip 💵
Don’t carry a lot of money in your purse or wallet – keep it hidden away in your bag. The ‘fines’ are pretty fluid. If the police see you have a lot of money on you, expect to pay more!
The Best Motorcycle Routes in Vietnam 🏍️
Vietnam is wildly varied. From the humid south to the mountainous north and the amazing coastline that runs along the entire eastern seaboard, no matter what you’re looking for from your Vietnamese motorcycle adventure, you’ll find it!
Some of the most spectacular rides in Vietnam have embedded themselves into backpacker culture, while others are still a little under the radar.
Ha Giang Loop 🛖
Arguably the most popular motorcycle adventure in Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop has become a must-do activity for travellers. Clocking in at around 300-400km, depending on the exact route you take, the Ha Giang Loop takes you through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountains. Expect jagged peaks, never-ending views, indigenous villages and stunning mountain passes as you journey through Northern Vietnam and right up to the Chinese border!
The Ha Giang Loop can be done independently but many travellers take on this journey as part of a tour. By doing so, you don’t need to worry about logistics and can just enjoy the ride! Plus, if you don’t fancy being on a motorcycle, you can opt for a 4×4 tour instead!
“The Ha Giang loop was the most amazing experience of my life. Highly recommend.”
Samantha – South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
Top Ha Giang Loop Tours
-
Ha Giang Loop True North by Flipside | 3 or 4 Days | from HANOI, VIETNAM
From $195.00 -
Ha Giang Loop by 4WD Truck or Motorbike by Flipside (Private) | 3 or 4 Days | from HANOI, VIETNAM
From $259.00 -
Ha Giang Loop Buffalo Tour by Central Backpackers Hostel | 3-4 Days | from HANOI, VIETNAM
From $155.00
Ho Chi Minh Highway 🇻🇳
Stretching a whopping 1800 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Road will take around two weeks to complete – try to go any faster and you’ll really be rushing, missing out on the true beauty of this route.
The journey takes you from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi along the Cambodian and Laotian borders and through amazing scenery in North Vietnam. Expect everything from farmland, impressive limestone mountains, lush jungles, small villages and metropolitan cities. This route delivers a slice of Vietnam often skipped over by tourists and can be traversed in either direction.
Hai Van Pass 🏝️
The Hai Van Pass in Central Vietnam used to be one of the few roads connecting the North and South. Carving its way from Hoi An to Hue and through Danang, this day-long adventure takes you up from the coastal highway and onto quiet mountain roads. Sweeping corners, sharp hairpins and constant elevation change make this one of the most stunning road trips in Vietnam. The pass was even named one of the great scenic drives around the world by The Guardian!
- Amazing coastal and mountain scenery
- Options for self-driving, easy rider and 4x4
- Can be completed in one day
Ta Xua Loop ⛰️
A mid-length motorcycle route in Vietnam, the Ta Xua Loop can usually be completed in 3-6 days from Hanoi. Taking a circuitous route up high into the mountains, this motorcycle adventure will literally get you above the clouds on winding dirt roads. The highlight of this area is the epic Dinosaur Spine. This thin ridge, with steep drops on either side, takes nerves of steel – as well as great confidence – to tackle on a bike. Most visitors will forgo the motorcycle and opt to walk along it instead!
You’ll need at least a semi-automatic bike and some riding experience to truly get the most out of this adventure! Tours are available from Hanoi but most people choose to do this route independently.
Other popular motorcycle routes in Vietnam include:
The Golden Loop – Central Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi – The Coastal Route
Dragon’s Graveyard Coast Road – A short coastal route in South Vietnam
The Deep South Dragon’s Tail – South Vietnam
Buying vs Renting vs Tours 💰
When deciding on your motorcycle adventure in Vietnam, a key consideration is whether you want to do it yourself or choose a tour.
Tours mean you don’t have to worry about the logistics. Everything from the bikes to food, fuel and overnight stops is taken care of. All you need to do is turn up and ride! If you’re not experienced or confident on a motorcycle, easy rider tours are available on the most popular routes. These involve you riding pillion (sitting on the back of the bike) while an experienced local guide takes control, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the view!
DIY motorcycle trips are popular with those seeking a little more adventure. Everything is in your hands, from choosing a bike to deciding where to eat and where to stop each night!
If you opt for a DIY trip, you need to decide whether to rent a bike or buy one. Renting is easier, as it rarely requires any paperwork but you’ll probably need to leave your passport, or a large chunk of money as a deposit for the bike. Good rental companies will usually give you safety gear and will sometimes include breakdown cover of some description – although don’t expect the AA to come and rescue you at the drop of a hat!
For short trips, renting a bike from your accommodation is often the cheapest option. But these bikes aren’t usually as well cared for as those from a rental shop, so for longer trips a reliable bike should be rented from a proper shop.
Some rental companies allow you to pick up a bike in one location and drop it off somewhere else – wherever they have an open branch of their store. Many travellers rent a bike in Hanoi and drop it off again in Ho Chi Minh or vice versa.
Some well-rated motorcycle rental companies in Vietnam are:
If you want more freedom, then buying a bike is your best choice. You’ll find plenty for sale in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for just a few hundred dollars. These tend to come from other travellers who have ridden from one end of the country to the other and are looking to sell the bike before leaving the country. Be careful when buying a bike. Make sure it’s in good working order and doesn’t look too scrappy. If you get lucky, you’ll be able to buy a bike that’s been well looked after during its adventures but if luck doesn’t fall your way, you may experience your first breakdown within minutes of getting on!
Buying a bike from a proper shop, whether it’s second-hand or brand new, will cost more but should come with some form of warranty, covering you for breakdowns within the first few months or a few thousand miles ridden.
Overall, buying a bike is a good idea if you don’t want to be tied into a timeframe but it does come with downsides. You’re truly on your own if anything goes wrong. Of course, this adds to the adventure and can force you to interact with locals as you try to get repairs in tiny villages in the middle of nowhere! Renting is a good choice for shorter journeys or if you just don’t want the hassle of buying a bike. Over a long trip, renting a bike will cost you more than buying one but there may be support if you break down and need help.
Have you taken any epic motorcycle trips in Vietnam? Let us know about them in the comments!
Contributors:
South East Asia Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
🙏 Rory – South East Asia Backpacker Group Member and Vietnam Motorcycle Expert
🙏 Samantha – South East Asia Backpacker Group Member
Tim Ashdown | Gear Specialist
After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book, From Paralysis to Santiago, chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.
