FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT MOTORBIKING IN VIETNAM

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about motorcycle touring in Vietnam. For information about cycling tours in Vietnam, please click here.

What kind of clothing should I pack for the trip?

Please keep in mind that Vietnam is still a developing country, so finding the right sizes and high-quality gear can sometimes be challenging. Local products are generally inexpensive, but they are often “one-size-fits-all” or may not meet international quality standards. Here are a few recommendations to help you prepare:

– Recommended clothing and riding gear: helmet, rain gloves, Wellington boots (rubber boots recommended during the rainy season from April to September), summer gloves, balaclava, T-shirts, socks and underwear, long-sleeved shirts, turtleneck tops, an extra pair of jeans, a light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, riding boots, a bandanna, sunglasses, and riding goggles.
– Personal items: basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen, and earplugs are highly recommended for a more comfortable journey.
– Emergency essentials: a basic first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, a list of any medical conditions and medications, a flashlight, chargers, and a roll of duct tape can be extremely useful during the trip.
– Miscellaneous items: a small towel, a bath towel, trash bags, bungee cords, a camera, and a cargo net are all handy additions for your adventure.

Back home, I ride large-displacement motorcycles, so I’m concerned that a Honda 125/150cc might feel underpowered for this trip. Would it be possible to ride a bike with a larger engine?

Vietnamese law prohibited motorcycles over 175cc until 2007. Even today, larger bikes for rent remain rare due to high import taxes, making them much more expensive than in many other countries.

The Honda XR 125cc, and XR 150cc are not the fastest bikes, but they are reliable, lightweight, and fully capable of carrying two people across Vietnam on a wide range of terrain.

Since 2017, we have also offered the Honda CRF250/300L as an upgrade. Click here to learn more about our bike options.

Can you help arrange accommodation for us in Hanoi?

We can also arrange accommodation for you at hotels in the heart of Hanoi (the Old Quarter) or near our office on the East side of the Red River, along with an airport pick-up service.

The hotels offer comfortable rooms from US$30-80 per night (2- and 3-star standard), convenient access to the city, and secure luggage storage during your motorbike tour.

For more details, please click here.

Do we carry all our luggage on the bike, or can we leave some of it at your base and collect it when we return?

We do not provide saddlebags or boxes, as they can make riding in narrow, busy streets more difficult. Instead, we recommend securing a medium-sized bag or rucksack to the rear rack.

Any extra luggage can be safely stored at your hotel or at our office in Hanoi until you return.

I hear the traffic is crazy in Vietnam. Is it safe?

Traffic in Hanoi can be chaotic for first-time riders, so we always use the easiest routes out of the city, even if they are longer. We can also arrange a taxi transfer to the city limits for a small extra charge.

Once in the countryside, traffic drops dramatically and some roads may see almost no vehicles all day. However, riding conditions remain demanding and defensive riding is essential. The aim is to ride slowly, enjoy the scenery, and stay safe. Once your tour is confirmed, you can check this link to have more details. Your guide’s constant support will help make the ride as safe as possible.

What do I do and expect when I have an accident?

If you have an accident, contact us immediately before the police arrive if possible. We may be able to help resolve the situation. In many cases, the police will take all parties and vehicles to the station and allow time for a settlement before any legal action is taken.

Accident claims in Vietnam can be handled differently from what you may be used to. Often, the larger vehicle is expected to compensate for the smaller one. Our guide will help communicate with the other party and try to reach an agreement. If no agreement is possible, the police will investigate and issue an official report, which may take time and could require you to remain in Vietnam until the case is resolved.

Stay calm and do not be surprised if compensation is expected, even when you believe you are not at fault. Your guide will assist throughout the process.

If you have travel insurance, we can contact your insurer for instructions upon request. Any related phone costs will be charged to you.

I’m traveling alone. Can I join an existing group?

Where possible, we try to match solo riders with others of similar riding experience. The earlier you contact us, the better the chances. Please check our Late Availability page for current options.

When is the best time to visit Northern Vietnam for a tour?

There is no single best time to ride in Northern Vietnam. The region has four distinct seasons, each with its own advantages. Summer runs from April to October, while winter lasts from November to March.

The hottest months are June and August, while February is usually the coldest. Rain is possible from April to August, whereas winter is generally dry except when affected by occasional winter storms.

How many hours do we ride each day?

This is a difficult question, as riding time varies by route and conditions. In most cases, we ride from morning until late afternoon, covering an average of no more than 200km per day.

We usually start early to make the most of the day and enjoy plenty of stops along the way. On longer tours, a rest day can be arranged. All our bikes have extra seat padding for comfort. As a guide, expect at least five hours of riding per day.

What is the minimum tour length you would recommend?

To get into the mountains, leave the delta behind, and complete a worthwhile loop, we recommend a minimum of four days. If you’re short on time and don’t mind a long day in the saddle, a one-day or a two-day ride can still get you onto some great back roads and provide a good taste of riding in Vietnam.

What is the ideal length for a tour?

The ideal trip length is around 8-9 days, with 12 days being about the maximum before fatigue starts to set in. For those who want a longer adventure, we also offer 16-day tours covering the entire north of Vietnam or the Ho Chi Minh Highway.

Where do the tours begin?

All tours start from Hanoi between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Return to Hanoi is usually by road, though sometimes by overnight train. If the motorbikes are transported by train, additional costs apply. We normally arrive back in Hanoi between 2:00 and 6:00 pm.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

We require a deposit of US$100-500 to secure your booking. Once the tour details have been agreed, we will provide our bank account information for the transfer. Deposits can also be paid online by card or via Western Union.

How can I pay? Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept credit card payments via a payment gate. A bank surcharge applies: 4% for Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. At times, additional surcharges may apply due to unfavorable bank exchange rates.

Deposits can be paid online by credit card, bank transfer, or Western Union. We ask that the deposit and remaining balance be paid before the tour starts, preferably by bank transfer or cash. Unfortunately, we do not accept PayPal due to its unfavorable conditions for Vietnamese account holders.

What other expenses should I expect, and how much cash should I bring?

Our tour price covers all major expenses except telephone calls, tips, souvenirs, drinks, and personal travel/medical insurance.

If you plan to buy local handicrafts, gifts, or other items along the way, we recommend bringing an extra US$150-200 in cash for personal spending.

How do I meet you in Hanoi?

We will arrange a pre-departure briefing to go over the route, maps, local ethnic communities you may meet, and any remaining questions. We will also provide all necessary equipment before departure. Please print a copy of our office map before you arrive here.

Is an international licence valid in Vietnam?

This can be a complicated issue. In general, foreign driving licences on their own are not valid in Vietnam.

However, International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under the 1968 Convention have been officially recognized in Vietnam since August 1, 2016. In practice, the police sometimes accept both 1968 and 1949 Convention IDPs, but insurance companies usually require a 1968 Convention IDP for coverage.

If you have an IDP, please also carry your home-country driving licence with a valid motorcycle endorsement.

NOT ACCEPTED

 

ACCEPTED

Vietnamese law requires all riders of motor vehicles from 50cc to hold a valid motorcycle licence. For bikes under 125cc, an A1 licence is required; for bikes of 125cc and above, an A licence is required. Riders of 50cc bikes or smaller may need to hold a road rules test certificate.

Updated

You may wish to check services such as e-ITA (https://www.e-ita.org/vietnam) to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Convention. The application process is online and straightforward. We are not affiliated with this service, so please do your own research before using it.

Based on riders’ experiences, Vietnamese police often accept a 1968 Convention IDP when carried together with your home-country motorcycle licence. However, acceptance by insurance companies may vary. We recommend carrying a printed copy, as digital versions are not always accepted.

If you do not hold a valid IDP or Vietnamese motorcycle licence, you may be fined if stopped by the police. More importantly, riding without proper licensing may affect your insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Many travellers still choose to take this risk, although we strongly recommend ensuring you have the appropriate licence and insurance coverage before riding in Vietnam.

So what’s the importance of having a license?

The main reason to have a motorcycle licence is insurance coverage. Without a valid IDP or Vietnamese licence, you are generally not eligible for local motorcycle insurance. Fortunately, many international travel insurers only require a valid motorcycle licence from your home country.

In practice, licence checks by traffic police have traditionally been uncommon, although this may vary by location and officer. If you are living and working in Vietnam on a long-term contract, obtaining a Vietnamese licence is usually straightforward.

While Vietnam officially recognizes IDPs rather than foreign licences alone, many travellers can still ride without issues. However, you should understand the potential legal and insurance risks before deciding to do so.

How do I get an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) can usually be obtained from the authorized motoring authority in your home country, such as the AA in the UK or the NRMA in Australia. Simply bring your valid national driving licence and a passport photo. For a small fee, they will issue an IDP based on your existing licence, typically valid for one to three years.

I’m concerned about footwear and would prefer to travel light. Do you recommend bringing walking boots?

Strong footwear is essential to protect your feet while riding. Trekking shoes or leather boots are ideal, and riding in open-toed shoes is not permitted.

If you prefer to travel light, it is possible to buy a pair of boots in Hanoi, including larger sizes, for around US$25-50.

I’m filling out the Vietnam visa application and it asks for the name and address of my contact in Vietnam. What should I enter?

It is usually not necessary to enter anything in this field. If you prefer, you may simply use the details of any hotel in Hanoi.

To save time and money, you may also consider using our pre-approved visa letter service, with prices starting from US$65 for a 30-day tourist visa.

Do I need insurance for motorbike riding in Vietnam?

Yes, you need personal medical travel insurance. This also applies if you are a pillion passenger, as it covers any accident-related medical costs.

If you don’t already have insurance, we can help you arrange a policy through providers such as Gras Savoye Willis Vietnam or BaoViet. However, these policies generally require a valid Vietnamese motorcycle licence, which is not normally available on a tourist visa. Obtaining a Vietnamese licence requires additional conditions, such as a business visa, work permit, or sponsor, along with translated documents and processing time.

On our tours, you ride around five hours per day on average, meaning you are covered by normal travel insurance for the remaining time when you are not riding.

I have more questions and can’t find the answers here?

Please feel free to contact us if you have more questions. You can also chat with us on WhatsApp and or Viber at +84913047509 and/or +84985642546 for further details and FAQs.