FAQS FOR MOTORCYCLING IN VIETNAM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this page cover some of the most common questions from our customers. They are designed to help you understand what to expect when planning a Vietnam motorbike tour, choosing the right type of trip, and preparing for an adventure on two wheels.

1. What Types Of Trips Does Vietnam Offroad Provide?

Vietnam Offroad offers three main types of motorbike tours in Vietnam: Fully Guided (All-Inclusive), Semi-Guided (Bike and Guide Rental), and Self-Guided (Motorbike Rental). Prices cover a wide range, from approximately US$ 15 to US$ 219 per person per day, depending on the motorcycle you choose, the type of trip, and the number of riders in your group. This gives riders with different budgets and levels of experience plenty of flexibility.

Our self-guided tours are ideal for experienced riders who are confident handling different road conditions and dealing with whatever the journey may bring. You have the greatest freedom to choose your own route, accommodation, food stops, and riding schedule. For competent riders, larger motorcycles can offer more power, better suspension, and greater comfort on challenging mountain roads and rougher terrain.

With a semi-guided motorbike tour, you have a 4-in-1 guide who acts as your guide, group leader, mechanic, and translator. He also takes care of route planning and can help arrange food and accommodation along the way. His motorcycle and salary are charged separately from the bike rental, and this additional cost is normally shared among the riders in the group.

For semi-guided tours, we limit each guide to a maximum of five riders per group. You pay for your own fuel, accommodation, entrance tickets, and food, as well as the guide’s expenses during the trip. One of the biggest advantages is the freedom and flexibility to decide where you want to eat, sleep, and stop along the route.

Our fully guided motorbike tours focus on high-quality service and complete peace of mind. We select reliable accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and other services available along the route, allowing you to concentrate on riding and enjoying Vietnam.

This has been our most popular type of motorbike adventure since we started operating in late 2006. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, and we work hard to make every Vietnam motorcycle tour a memorable experience.

2. What Should I Bring With Me For The Trip?

All our Vietnam motorbike tour departures start from our company office in Hanoi, where you can rent essential riding equipment such as motorcycle helmets, protective riding clothing, gloves, and raincoats. You are welcome to bring your own helmet and gloves if possible, as finding the right size can sometimes be difficult in Vietnam.

We have riding suits and helmets in different sizes, but availability can be limited. Most importantly, bring a strong and comfortable pair of shoes or motorcycle boots suitable for riding and walking.

You also don’t need to bring all of your luggage on the motorcycle. You can leave your excess travel bags at our Hanoi office while you are on the tour, allowing you to travel lighter and ride more comfortably.

Here are some items we recommend for motorcycle touring in Vietnam. You don’t necessarily need everything on the list, so choose according to your personal needs, the season, and the route.

• Clothing: Helmet, rain gloves, wellington boots or rubber boots for the rainy season (particularly from June to October), summer gloves, balaclava, T-shirts, socks and underwear, long-sleeved shirt, turtleneck shirt, extra jeans, light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses, and goggles. Some hotels along the routes offer express overnight laundry service, so there is usually no need to pack too many clothes.
• Personal items: Basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen, and earplugs.
• Emergency items: First-aid kit, emergency contact numbers, a list of relevant medical information, a list of medications you take, flashlight, phone and camera chargers, and duct tape.
• Miscellaneous: Small towel, bath towel, trash bags, duffel bags, bungee cords, camera, and cargo net. We also provide rubber luggage straps, including the traditional local type recycled from truck tires. They are simple, strong, and particularly useful for securing luggage to a motorbike during a Vietnam motorcycle tour.

3. Where Do You Ride In Vietnam?

Our company office is based in Hanoi, and all of our Vietnam motorbike tours start from Hanoi. Depending on your itinerary, you can finish your ride in another destination in Vietnam for an additional charge. At present, we do not offer trips that start from locations other than Hanoi.

Our main riding area is Northern Vietnam, where you can experience spectacular mountain scenery, winding passes, remote villages, rice terraces, and quiet countryside roads. We also operate trips along sections of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and Ho Chi Minh Road, which run through much of the length of Vietnam.

Northern Vietnam is particularly well suited to motorcycle touring and adventure riding, with a wide variety of paved mountain roads, countryside tracks, and smaller routes away from the main highways. Depending on your chosen trip, you can explore areas far beyond the typical tourist routes and experience a more authentic side of Vietnam.

To get a better idea of the Vietnam motorbike tours provided by our company, please watch the video below or visit our YouTube channel.

4. How Is The Traffic In Vietnam?

Traffic in Vietnam, particularly in the major cities, can be busy, unpredictable, and challenging. Hanoi traffic can seem crazy when you first arrive, with motorcycles, cars, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians all sharing the same roads. However, our Vietnam motorbike tours are designed to avoid heavy city traffic whenever possible.

Instead of staying on busy main roads, we prefer to use smaller countryside roads and mountain routes. These roads are not only more enjoyable for riding but also offer much better scenery and opportunities to experience local life. As you ride through villages, you will often see local people smiling, waving, and calling out “HELLO!” as you pass.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the traffic, don’t worry. Your experienced motorbike guide will assist you whenever necessary and help you become more comfortable and confident on the road. He will act like a “chicken mother,” keeping an eye on the group and helping guide you safely through difficult sections.

Vietnamese traffic can feel chaotic from the outside, but once you understand how it moves, it becomes easier to navigate. Think of the traffic as a river: rather than fighting against it, you learn to flow with it while remaining alert and maintaining a safe riding position.

5. I’m Travelling Alone. Is It Possible To Join Another Group?

Our Vietnam motorbike tours are private and customized, with no fixed or pre-set departures. Many customers choose a strictly private tour for themselves or their own group, while others prefer to have additional riders join them. Sharing a tour with other riders can be a great way to meet fellow motorcyclists, enjoy the adventure together, and reduce the cost per person.

If you are travelling alone and would like to ride with other people, please contact us, and we can check whether there is a group with available spaces that may be suitable for you. Our groups are normally kept small, with a maximum of around five or six riders, allowing everyone to enjoy a more personal experience without becoming a large convoy.

Please keep in mind that an open-group motorbike tour may include riders with different levels of riding experience, confidence, and preferred riding styles. If you are concerned about riding with strangers or want complete control over the pace and itinerary, we recommend booking a strictly private tour.

In our experience, travelling with a group of friends is often the ideal option because everyone already understands each other’s riding abilities, preferences, and expectations. However, solo riders and small groups can also have a fantastic time when everyone is comfortable with the group arrangement.

If you are looking for a tour with available spaces, please check our available Vietnam motorbike tours or contact us for current options.

6. How Long Do We Ride Each Day?

There is no single answer because the daily riding time depends on the route, road conditions, weather, riding experience, and number of stops. As a general guideline, we try to keep riding to no more than six hours per day, with regular breaks approximately every one or two hours.

We don’t follow a rigid schedule while riding. A Vietnam motorbike adventure is about enjoying the journey rather than simply reaching the destination as quickly as possible. We may stop for a drink, take photographs, enjoy a viewpoint, visit a local village, or take a short walk when something interesting catches our attention.

Your actual riding distance will also vary from day to day. Ideally, we recommend an average of less than 200 km per day, particularly when riding through the mountains. Mountain roads are often winding and slower than they appear on a map, so a shorter distance can still make for a full and rewarding riding day.

The goal is to maintain a comfortable pace, enjoy the scenery and local culture, and arrive at the next destination with enough energy to relax and enjoy the evening rather than spending the entire day trying to cover maximum mileage.

7. Do I Need A Deposit And, If So, How Much?

Yes. We require a US$ 100 -US$ 500 deposit per person to confirm your Vietnam motorbike tour booking and cover the advance expenses incurred in preparing your trip. The exact deposit amount depends on the type of tour, motorcycle, itinerary, and services you book.

Once your reservation is confirmed, we will provide our bank account details if you prefer to pay the deposit by bank transfer rather than carrying cash. Before making an international transfer, we strongly recommend asking your bank about the transfer fee, currency conversion charges, and intermediary bank fees.

You should also check whether your payment needs to pass through a third bank before reaching Vietcombank. From our experience, many international transfers involve an intermediary bank, which can result in unexpected additional charges. Some customers have unfortunately been charged twice without receiving clear advance notice.

For more information about our deposit requirements and payment options, please check our booking and payment instructions before sending your money.

8. How Do I Pay You? Do You Accept Credit Card Payments?

Yes. We started accepting online credit card payments in March 2017. You can also pay your deposit and balance by bank transfer or Western Union cash transfer, depending on which option is most convenient for you.

Normally, we require the initial deposit to confirm your booking, followed by the remaining balance before or at the beginning of your trip. If you are already in Vietnam, cash remains a convenient payment method because it is widely accepted and avoids some international payment and transfer fees.

We also accept credit card payments at our Hanoi office when you are in Vietnam. A 3% bank service charge applies to Visa and MasterCard payments, while American Express payments are subject to a 4% service charge.

At certain times, an additional surcharge may apply because banks and card companies can use exchange rates that are lower than the prevailing market or free-market rates. We recommend checking the final amount with us before making a large payment.

Unfortunately, we do not accept PayPal payments. PayPal’s conditions and fees for Vietnamese accounts are unfavorable for our business, so this payment option is currently unavailable.

For full details about Vietnam motorbike tour deposits and payment methods, please contact us before your departure so we can recommend the most convenient option for your booking.

9. When Is The Best Time For Riding A Motorbike In North Vietnam?

There is no single best or worst time to ride a motorbike in Northern Vietnam. Each season offers a different experience, and the best time for your trip depends on the weather conditions you prefer, the scenery you want to see, and how comfortable you are riding in different conditions.

Generally, September to February is considered one of the better periods for motorbike touring in North Vietnam. Temperatures are usually more comfortable for long days on the motorcycle, particularly in the mountains. From May to August, the weather can be hot and humid, and summer is also part of the rainy season, so riders should be prepared for sudden rain and wet roads.

March and April are generally cooler but can also be wetter, particularly in the northern mountains. Weather conditions can change quickly at higher elevations, so it is always worth bringing suitable riding gear regardless of the season.

In reality, riding in Northern Vietnam is possible throughout the year. Every season has its own atmosphere, landscapes, and challenges. The important thing is to choose the right route and prepare properly for the conditions you may encounter.

10. Where Is The Best Motorbike Riding Trip In Vietnam?

There is no single answer to the question of which is the best Vietnam motorbike tour because it depends entirely on what you want to see, how you want to ride, and how much adventure you are looking for.

The Northwest Mountains are an excellent choice if you want dramatic mountain scenery and opportunities to experience the traditional cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities. The colourful traditional clothing worn by local hill tribes can make travelling through these remote mountain areas a particularly memorable experience.

The Central North offers another completely different experience, with spectacular steep limestone mountains, deep valleys, and dramatic landscapes that can feel almost otherworldly. Some views have even been compared to a “Holy Land.” However, some routes in this region are more demanding, so you should have extensive motorcycle riding experience before choosing a challenging itinerary.

The Northeast of Vietnam is generally more accessible and offers relatively easy riding combined with spectacular scenery and friendly local communities. On some routes, you can stay with local host families, experience their way of life, and learn more about the cultures and traditions of the region.

Ultimately, the best Vietnam motorbike route depends on you. Tell us what you would like to see, experience, explore, and dream of, and we can suggest an itinerary that matches your interests and riding ability.

We recommend checking our tour page and photo gallery for inspiration. Seeing the different landscapes and routes can make it much easier to decide which Northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure is right for you.

11. How Many Days Is A Good Motorbike Trip?

To get the most from a Vietnam motorbike adventure, we recommend riding deep into the countryside and spending time in the mountainous regions rather than trying to cover too much in a short period. A meaningful mountain trip should ideally be at least six days, giving you enough time to leave the busy areas behind and explore remote roads, villages, valleys, and mountain passes.

For a more relaxed experience, we recommend a 9-day or 12-day Vietnam motorbike tour. With additional time, you don’t need to rush from one destination to another and can make more stops for photographs, local food, sightseeing, and short walks. You also have more flexibility if weather or road conditions slow you down.

If you have less time, we also organize 3- to 4-day motorbike trips to Sapa, returning to Hanoi by overnight train. This is a good option if you want to experience mountain riding but have limited time available.

Even if you only have one day in Hanoi, you can still enjoy a short motorbike adventure around the countryside. A day ride outside the city can take you through quieter roads, local villages, and beautiful rural landscapes without requiring a longer tour.

12. I’m Interested In Motorbiking In Vietnam, But I Don’t Have Motorcycle Riding Experience. Is That A Problem?

If you have no motorcycle riding experience, we do not recommend immediately riding a motorcycle by yourself in Vietnam. Traffic, road conditions, and local driving habits can be challenging, particularly for someone who has never ridden a motorbike before.

However, you can still enjoy a Vietnam motorbike tour as a pillion passenger. You can ride on the back of a guide’s motorcycle or with a travelling partner who is an experienced rider. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and adventure without having to operate the motorcycle yourself.

Alternatively, we can arrange a motorcycle riding lesson in Hanoi before your departure. The lesson costs US$ 30 per person and normally takes around one to two hours, depending on how quickly you become comfortable with the motorcycle.

The lesson takes place in a quiet area with little or no traffic, allowing you to learn the basic controls and practice riding in a safer environment before dealing with Vietnamese roads.

The good news is that everyone who has taken our riding lesson has successfully learned to ride during the session, and none has fallen while riding with us. If you already know how to drive a manual car, you may find it easier to understand the clutch and gear system and get comfortable with a manual motorcycle more quickly.

Even after completing a lesson, however, you should only ride independently if you feel confident and comfortable controlling the motorcycle. Riding ability is only one part of staying safe on the roads in Vietnam.

13. Do I Need A Driving Licence From My Country Or An International Driving Permit To Ride A Motorbike In Vietnam?

A foreign driving licence alone is not valid for riding a motorbike in Vietnam. There are many conflicting reports about this, so it is important to understand the applicable requirements before starting your Vietnam motorbike tour.

Fortunately, Vietnam recognizes an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic. This has been applicable in Vietnam since August 1st, 2016, under Decree 46/2016/ND-CP. However, this recognition applies only to IDPs issued by countries that are parties to the 1968 Convention.

Some countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, are not parties to the 1968 Convention and instead follow the 1949 Geneva Convention for international driving permits. Therefore, an IDP issued under the 1949 Convention may not be accepted as a valid licence for riding in Vietnam.

If you have a 1968 Convention IDP, you should also carry your original home-country driving licence with the appropriate motorcycle endorsement. Having the correct documentation is particularly important when arranging travel or motorcycle insurance, as insurance companies may require proof that you are legally licensed to ride the motorcycle you are using.

If you do not have an IDP or a Vietnamese motorcycle licence, you should not assume that you are legally permitted to ride simply because you are unlikely to be stopped by the police. The more important issue is often whether your insurance policy will cover you in the event of an accident.

14. Do I Need Insurance For Motorbiking In Vietnam?

Yes. Every rider should have personal medical and travel insurance that specifically covers motorcycle riding in Vietnam. This is important even if you are travelling as a pillion passenger, as your insurance should provide appropriate cover in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

We do not require you to show a driving licence simply to book one of our Vietnam motorbike tours, but insurance is a much more important consideration. Many insurance companies have specific conditions for motorcycle riding, and some may refuse to cover an accident if you do not hold the driving licence required by Vietnamese law or if the motorcycle exceeds the engine capacity covered by your policy.

Obtaining a Vietnamese motorcycle licence can also be complicated for short-term visitors. Depending on your circumstances, the process may require documents such as an appropriate visa, passport, work permit or sponsorship documentation, together with Vietnamese translations and other administrative requirements. For most tourists, this can be time-consuming and impractical.

Some insurance providers, including companies previously recommended by riders such as CHI Insurance, World Nomads, and Allianz, have offered policies with different requirements regarding local driving licences and motorcycle engine sizes. However, insurance policies and conditions can change, so you must confirm the current requirements directly with your insurer before travelling.

On our tours, you normally ride for approximately five hours per day on average. However, this does not mean you are covered for motorcycle riding simply because you are insured for the rest of the day. Your insurance policy must specifically cover motorcycle use during the hours you are riding.

Therefore, before joining a Vietnam motorcycle tour, carefully check that your policy covers motorcycle accidents, the engine capacity of your rental bike, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Do not rely solely on the fact that you have a general travel insurance policy.

For further information about driving licences for motorbike riding in Vietnam, please read our detailed guide here.

15. What Gift Should I Bring With Me?

If you would like to bring a small gift for people you meet during your Vietnam motorbike tour, useful items or typical products from your home country are often the best choice. You don’t need to bring anything expensive. Simple, practical, and good-quality items can be much more appreciated than expensive presents.

For example, you could bring a small torch, a quality pocket knife, a sewing kit, or other useful everyday items. These are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be useful to people living in remote areas.

Some of our riders also bring photographs, basic medicines, or other useful personal items to distribute during their travels. If you decide to bring medication or medical supplies, please make sure they are legal to carry into Vietnam and properly packaged.

The most important thing is not the value of the gift but the thought behind it. A small item from your home country can be a nice way to connect with local people while travelling through the countryside.

16. Can I bring my motorcycle with me to Vietnam?

Vietnam has strict regulations regarding the import of motorcycles, particularly used or second-hand bikes. As a general rule, Vietnam does not allow the import of used motorcycles for ordinary private use. There may be exceptions for foreigners who hold a valid work permit and are importing a motorcycle for their personal use, but the applicable customs and registration requirements should be confirmed before making any arrangements.

The previous engine-capacity restriction for Vietnamese citizens, which limited motorcycles to under 175cc, was removed in May 2007 in connection with Vietnam’s WTO commitments. However, importing and registering a large-displacement motorcycle in Vietnam can still be extremely expensive because of import duties, VAT, registration fees, and other applicable taxes.

As an illustration, large imported motorcycles have historically been much more expensive in Vietnam than in many other countries. Prices and tax regulations can change considerably, so you should check the current costs before deciding whether to bring your own motorcycle.

If you have the appropriate work permit and international driving documentation, you may be able to import and register your own motorcycle in Vietnam, subject to approval by the relevant Vietnamese authorities. When you eventually leave Vietnam, however, you will generally need to export the motorcycle again or complete the necessary legal procedures to transfer ownership.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should contact the relevant Vietnamese Customs authorities regarding motorcycle importation, the local Transport Police/vehicle registration authority regarding registration, and the Department of Labour regarding work-permit requirements.

Unfortunately, Offroad Vietnam cannot assist with importing or registering your motorcycle in Vietnam, so all import, customs, taxation, registration, and export procedures must be handled directly with the relevant authorities.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations regarding our FAQs about motorcycling in Vietnam, please feel free to contact us.