Vietnam by motorbike: our top tips and tricks

The wind in your face – Vietnam's backroads unfolding before you – there’s nothing quite like hitting the road by motorbike. It’s one of the most adventurous ways to see the country, giving you access to remote mountain passes, quiet fishing villages, and views no tour bus will get you near.

But don’t let the Instagram daydream fool you. Yes, it’s unforgettable. But it’s also intense. Vietnam’s roads are hectic – the driving is unpredictable – and navigating them all takes serious planning. You’ll need confidence, common sense, and some street smarts.

Here’s how to stay safe – and make the most of one of Vietnam’s wildest, most rewarding travel experiences.

Before you go – and the legal stuff

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must for any trip, but especially if you're motorbiking through Vietnam. Driving here isn’t like back home – rules are more like suggestions, and chaos is part of the flow. That makes it even more important to check you're properly covered.

Pay close attention to the fine print. Some insurers exclude “motorbike touring” or only cover you up to a certain engine size. Others may not insure riders from specific countries. Bottom line – don’t assume you’re covered. Read the policy and confirm it includes motorbike use in Vietnam.

Thinking of planning a trip to Vietnam? We can help. Our tailor-made travel service connects you with a local expert who'll build a personalized itinerary just for you.

Licences

If you're riding a bike under 50cc, you're fine without a license. That might work for zipping around a single city or short day trips. But if you're planning to tackle the country from end to end, 125cc or more is what you’ll need – and that comes with licensing complications.

Here’s the key bit – to legally ride anything over 50cc in Vietnam, you need a Vietnamese driving license. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is only valid if your home country signed the 1968 Vienna Convention. That means the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada are out – the IDP from those countries won’t be accepted.

Sure, loads of travelers ride without the right license – and many get away with it. But if you crash and don’t have one, your insurance won’t pay out. Worth the risk? Probably not.

Renting or buying your bike

Buy or rent from a reputable company – it makes all the difference. Tigit Motorbikes is a tried-and-tested favorite with travelers for a reason. Avoid dirt-cheap knock-offs. Spending US$200 on a clunker might sound smart – until it breaks down in the middle of nowhere, again.

Stick to reliable brands like Honda or Yamaha. A well-maintained bike won’t just keep you safer – it’ll also be easier to sell at the end of your trip for close to what you paid.

Watch out for these motorbike rental scams

Most rentals go fine, but a few tricks catch out unprepared travelers. Here's what to avoid:

• The “you broke it” scam – Return your bike, and suddenly you're being charged for damage you didn’t cause. Tip: Take timestamped photos at pickup and drop-off.
• Dodgy repair detours – A “random” breakdown leads to an overpriced fix at a shop in on the scam. Avoid ultra-cheap bikes under US$150.
• Holding your passport – Some rental shops will insist. Don't do it – give a cash deposit or copy instead.
• Fine print traps – Ask for a written rental agreement. No paperwork = no recourse.

Prepare for varied weather

Vietnam looks narrow on the map – but it’s big and long, stretching over 1,000 miles from top to tail. That means the weather changes drastically by region and season.

Expect heat and humidity in the south. The north? It can be cold and rainy, even misty in the mountains. You’ll need layers, and ideally rain gear that actually works. Don’t pack for one climate – pack for three.

What to pack for a Vietnam motorbike trip

What you pack will make or break your ride, especially when you're 50km from the nearest shop.

• Helmet – Don’t trust cheap rental ones. Bring or buy a proper DOT or ECE-certified helmet.
• Riding gloves – Protect your hands from the sun, scrapes, and spills.
• Rain gear – Monsoons hit hard and fast. A cheap poncho won’t cut it.
• Warm layers – Yes, even in Vietnam. Mountain areas like Ha Giang get cold.
• Phone mount + offline maps – Google Maps + Maps.me will save you.
• Tool kit + tire patch kit – Punctures are common. Knowing how to fix them = power.
• Bungee cords or straps – Essential for securing luggage.
• First aid kit – Nothing fancy, but have the basics.

Vietnam driving tips and tricks

Expect heavy traffic – and rough roads

Vietnam’s traffic is chaotic, but not fast. The problem isn’t speed, it’s density. Congestion is everywhere, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where roads often become a noisy, swerving sea of bikes, cars, buses, and the occasional chicken.

While Vietnam does have decent highways, they’re off-limits to motorbikes – and often come with tolls, so trucks and buses are squeezed onto the same cracked roads you’ll be riding. Expect potholes, sudden speed bumps, roadside food stalls, construction debris, and livestock. Stay sharp, especially around bends and in rural areas.

If you're looking for Vietnam travel tips that go beyond the guidebook basics, this is it. Prepare for chaos, ride defensively, and expect the unexpected.

The horn is used all the time

Vietnam’s roads are loud – and that’s not by accident. The horn is used constantly, and not out of aggression. It’s how people signal “I’m here”, “I’m overtaking”, or “Don’t pull out”.

You’ll hear honks from every direction – and you should use yours too. It’s essential on mountain passes or blind corners, where visibility is low and locals honk before they see.

It might drive you mad at first, but it’s part of the system. Treat it like sonar.

Go with the flow

Rule number one: never be the first to make a move. Let others lead – they know what they’re doing. If you wait, watch, and follow the rhythm, you’ll blend in better and stay safer.

Motorbikes aren’t just popular here – they’re the main mode of transport for over 90% of Vietnamese. Locals have instincts honed by years of riding in this chaos. Your job? Be a small, predictable part of the swarm. Don’t hesitate mid-turn. Don’t try to beat traffic. Follow the group and move like water.

Best time to ride in Vietnam by motorbike

Vietnam has three climate zones, so the best time to ride depends on where you’re going.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa)

• Best: March-May or September-November
• Clear skies, cooler temps, less rain.
• Avoid: December-February (cold and foggy) and peak summer (too hot for mountain climbs)

Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)

• Best: February-August
• Lots of dry days and beach time.
• Avoid: October-November – typhoon season.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta)

• Best: December-April (dry season)
• Avoid: May-November if you hate humidity and flash floods.

If your motorbike breaks down

Breakdowns happen – but they’re not a crisis if you’re prepared.

• Mechanics (xe máy) are everywhere – even in rural areas. Look for a small shack with a bike outside and a sign that says “sửa xe”.
• Keep basic spares like spark plugs and a patch kit if you're going remote.

Know a few phrases:

• “My motorbike is broken” = “Xe máy của tôi bị hỏng”
• “Can you help me?” = “Bạn có thể giúp tôi không?”

See parts of Vietnam others don't

Traveling Vietnam by motorbike gives you something trains and buses can’t – freedom. If you can point to it on a map, chances are you can ride there. You’ll meet more locals, stop when and where you want, and experience parts of the country that package tours skip.

Wondering where to go? Make time for the north – it’s cooler, less congested, and packed with winding mountain roads that are pure joy to ride. It’s also home to some of the best places to visit in Vietnam, from misty mountain passes near Ha Giang to quiet farming valleys around Sapa. This is where the ride feels less like transport and more like adventure.

That feeling of freedom? Yeah – this is where it kicks in.

Which is the best Vietnam motorbike route?

You’ve got the bike, you know the road rules, and you’re ready to ride – but where should you go?

The classic route – Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (or reverse)

This is the big one. Most travelers ride south to north or vice versa, taking anywhere from one to three weeks. The route sticks to the east coast, giving you access to highlights like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang.

The Ho Chi Minh Road – westbound wilderness

Less traffic, more trees. This alternative route hugs Vietnam’s western edge and offers a quieter, greener ride. Ideal for nature lovers and those craving peace and open roads.

The Ha Giang Loop – Vietnam’s wild north

Think the Ho Chi Minh Road is scenic? Wait till you hit the Ha Giang Loop. Tucked into the far north near the Chinese border, this circuit takes three to six days to ride. It’s steep, remote, and jaw-droppingly beautiful – but the roads can be rough, so come prepared.

Vietnam motorbike itineraries by time

Not sure how long to ride for? Here’s how to plan your Vietnam itinerary by motorbike based on the time you’ve got – from quick hits to full country loops.

1-week itinerary – the central stretch

• Start in Hue
• Ride south to Da Nang, then explore Hoi An
• Finish in Quy Nhon or Nha Trang if you’re pushing it

This route gives you beaches, culture, and mountain passes – without overloading your days.

2-week itinerary – northbound beauty

• Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hue → Hoi An
• Optional detour: Add the Hai Van Pass or Phong Nha caves

You’ll cover scenic national parks and cultural cities, with enough time to stop and enjoy the ride.

3-week itinerary – full throttle

• Ho Chi Minh → Da Lat → Nha Trang → Hoi An → Hue → Phong Nha → Ninh Binh → Hanoi
• Add the Ha Giang Loop at the end if you’re up for a challenge

This one’s for those chasing the full Vietnam experience – coastlines, mountains, chaos, and calm.