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How To Easily Plan A Motorbike Trip In Vietnam For Beginners

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If you’re looking to plan a motorbike trip for an adventurous exploration of Vietnam, motorcycling offers an ideal choice. It enables you to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of this beautiful country at your own pace, providing a sense of freedom and adventure. So, prepare to embark on your journey by carefully planning your motorbike tours vietnam.

Why Embarking on a Motorbike Adventure in Vietnam is Compelling

Embarking on a motorbike adventure in Vietnam is compelling due to the country’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and the unique sense of freedom it offers. From winding mountain roads to bustling city streets, exploring Vietnam on two wheels allows travelers to immerse themselves fully in the local culture and scenery, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Exploring the allure of motorbiking in Vietnam before plan a motorbike trip

Vietnam has long been a popular destination for backpackers who want to experience its diverse and rich culture, cuisine, and landscapes. Whether you want to explore the historical sites and natural wonders that bear the scars of the war, or venture into the remote areas where snow and buffalo coexist, Vietnam offers something for everyone.

Vietnam has long been a popular destination for backpackers
Vietnam has long been a popular destination for backpackers

One of the best ways to enjoy your time in Vietnam is plan a motorbike trip, which gives you the freedom and flexibility to discover the country at your own pace. You will also encounter many unexpected and memorable adventures along the way. Motorbiking in Vietnam is an amazing experience that you will never forget.

Make plan a motorbike trip & highlighting the attractions

Vietnam is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts, as the country has a long and narrow shape that allows you to see a lot of diversity along the way. You can plan a motorbike trip along the Ho Chi Minh trail motorcycle tour for a classic Vietnam journey, or you can explore the less-travelled roads and discover the hidden gems of the country.

Make plan a motorbike trip & highlighting the attractions
Make plan a motorbike trip & highlighting the attractions

Finding a good bike in Vietnam is easy, as there are many motorbikes available for sale or rent, both from locals and from backpackers. And if you encounter any mechanical problems, you can always find a repair shop nearby!

Crafting Exciting Itineraries for Motorbike Journeys in Vietnam

Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is more enjoyable when you’re not in a hurry. We would recommend you plan a motorbike trip at least 3 weeks for this adventure. If you only have 3 weeks, you might want to rent a bike instead of buying one to save some time.

Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is more enjoyable when you're not in a hurry
Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is more enjoyable when you’re not in a hurry

If you have 6 weeks or more, you can explore the cities and the backroads that make Vietnam unique and stay in the best places. You can also take your time to buy and sell your bike at the beginning and the end of your trip.

Mapping Out a Thrilling 3-Week Motorbike Expedition: The Halfpipe Route

If you have 3 weeks to explore Vietnam, you can start from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). From there, you can escape the urban hustle and bustle and head to Da Lat. The road is scenic and adventurous, with curves and views that will take your breath away. Da Lat is a charming town with a different vibe from Ho Chi Minh: it has old temples and peaceful misty mornings, instead of the constant noise of traffic and late-night street food adventures.

Next, you can visit the coastal cities of Mui Ne and Nha Trang. These places have a lot of history and culture to offer, as well as beautiful beaches. They are not very quiet or relaxing, though – if you want that, you can go to the Cam Dao islands instead – but they are great for having fun and partying!

If you have 3 weeks to explore Vietnam, you can start from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
If you have 3 weeks to explore Vietnam, you can start from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

To finish your 3 weeks in Vietnam, you choose Hoi An as a stop to admire its beauty. Hoi An has lovely waterways that glow with lanterns at night, as well as delicious street food and amazing tailors who can make anything you want!

If you still have some time left, you can plan a motorbike trip to visit Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue has a lot of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Thien Mu pagoda.

Unveiling the Ultimate 6-Week Motorbiking Adventure: The Full Blown Experience 

You could choose Ho Chi Minh City as your first stop, where you get a taste of the city life and eat all kinds of delicious rice paper rolls. Then headed south along the Mekong River to check out Can Tho and its amazing floating markets. On the way back north, stop at Vung Tau, a city that will surprise the tourists with its colonial architecture, fancy resorts, awesome seafood and a huge statue of Jesus.

Next, when you reach Mui Ne and Nha Trang,you will see two beach towns with very different vibes. Mui Ne is more laid-back and has some cool sand dunes, while Nha Trang is more lively and has some great nightlife. To break up the beach time, we recommend you to go to Da Lat, a mountain town with a cool climate and a lot of nature.

Unveiling the Ultimate 6-Week Motorbiking Adventure: The Full Blown Experience 
Unveiling the Ultimate 6-Week Motorbiking Adventure: The Full Blown Experience

The next part of the trip will be the classic Hoi An – Hue – Vinh – Ninh Ninh route, which is popular for a reason. It has everything you need for a great backpacking experience: cozy hostels, mouth-watering street food, cheap beer and interesting sights. Hoi An is a charming old town with lanterns and tailors, Hue is a historical city with a citadel and tombs, Vinh is a gateway to some caves and national parks, and Ninh Ninh is a scenic area with karst mountains and rivers.

You guys can’t skip Hanoi in the 3 weeks trip in Vietnam because it is a blast! You could have some adventures on a motorbike, buy some pig ears at a market, watch a cool Vietnamese jazz band and have the best meal of my life. Hanoi is a vibrant and chaotic city that never gets boring.

When you plan a motorbike trip, you can’t skip Sapa, the most Instagram-worthy place in Vietnam. It’s still worth it to see the breathtaking views of the rice terraces, mountains and villages. You can also extend your trip to the Ha Giang Loop, which is another epic ride through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.

Prioritizing Safety Measures for Motorbike Travel in Vietnam

If you’re looking for a thrilling way to explore Vietnam, motorbiking might be your best option. But it’s not without risks. You’ll need to be prepared for the traffic, the weather, and the road conditions. Here are some useful tips to help you enjoy your motorbike adventure and avoid accidents.

Understanding the Importance of Licensing and Insurance

One thing you should be aware of before you go on a motorbike tour in Vietnam is the insurance situation. Many insurance providers do not include this type of activity in their policies, so you need to read the fine print carefully.

Another thing to consider is the validity of your international driver’s licence in Vietnam. Vietnam has not joined the same international road traffic convention as some other countries, such as Australia, the UK, and the USA. This means that technically, your licence from those countries is not recognized in Vietnam.

You should be stay aware of the insurance situation before go on a motorbike tour
You should be stay aware of the insurance situation before go on a motorbike tour

Some tourists decide to ignore this issue and ride without a licence, because they think that their insurance will not cover them anyway. However, this is a risky choice that you should weigh carefully. You should do your research and make a decision that suits your personal and financial situation in case something goes wrong.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Motorcyclists in Vietnam

Here are some tips for driving you must notice when plan a motorbike trip in Vietnam:

  • Chill out and be alert.
  • Size matters.
  • Honk your horn.
  • Follow the crowd.
  • Watch out for surprises.
  • If the road is wet, use both brakes.
  • Be aware of the legal and practical aspects of driving in Vietnam.
  • Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

Read more: The Ultimate Motorcycle touring guide in Vietnam 

Some safety guidelines for driving in Viet Nam
Some safety guidelines for driving in Viet Nam

Navigating Financial Aspects for a Motorbike Excursion in Vietnam

Exploring Vietnam by motorbike is not only an exhilarating adventure but also surprisingly affordable. With a diverse range of budget-friendly dining and accommodation options, along with an efficient transportation network, you can enjoy an unforgettable journey without breaking the bank.

Outlining the Budget for a Motorbike Expedition in Vietnam

To ensure a smoother and safer journey through Vietnam, it’s crucial to invest in quality equipment and a dependable bike from the start. Additionally, weighing the logistics of bike ownership versus rental can streamline your experience, providing convenience and flexibility without sacrificing quality. Plan a motorbike trip wisely for an unforgettable adventure.

Insider Tips for Managing Extra Expenses on the Road

Here are some tips to help you save money while having an amazing adventure.

  • Buy quality equipment: Investing in good gear will save you money and hassle in the long run.
  • Camp out: You can easily strap a motorcycle tent to your bike and pitch it anywhere in the countryside to avoid paying for hotels and discover hidden gems along the way.
  • Bargain hard: You can negotiate the price of almost anything, except food. Don’t be shy to ask for a discount when you buy souvenirs or book a room.
  • Eat like a local: The best food in Vietnam is found on the streets. You can get a filling and tasty meal for a fraction of the cost.
  • Stay in hostels or Airbnb: Hostels in Vietnam are very cheap and comfortable. You can meet other travellers, share tips, and have fun. If you want more privacy, you can also find affordable Airbnb options.

Selecting the Ideal Motorcycle within Budget Constraints

If you want to plan a motorbike trip in Vietnam, you should know a few things. First of all, you don’t need a licence if your bike is 50 cc or less. But trust me, that’s not enough power for most trips. You’ll want something at least 100 cc or more.

But don’t think that bigger is always better. The roads in Vietnam are not very good, and the speed limit is low. So having a super fast bike might not be very useful.

A lot of backpackers choose a Honda model. I did too, and I loved my Honda Win. It was reliable, easy to handle, and cheap. I bought it for $250 USD and sold it for $200. Not bad, right?

Strategizing Packing Essentials for a Motorbike Expedition across Vietnam

If you plan a motorbike trip in North Vietnam, you’ll need some gear to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Don’t worry, you can find most of the stuff you need in Vietnam, either for rent or for sale.

Essential Gear and Equipment for a Vietnam Motorbike Journey

Prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure with a comprehensive array of essential gear and equipment tailored specifically for your Vietnam motorbike journey. With these essentials in hand, you’ll be ready to conquer the road and immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of Vietnam’s landscapes.

  • Helmet: You have to wear a helmet when you’re on a bike.
  • Riding jacket: Look for a jacket that has a waterproof layer, a breathable fabric, and some padding on the shoulders and elbows.
  • Riding pants: Pick pants that are comfy, weather-proof, and have some padding on the knees and hips.
  • Riding gloves: Get gloves that give you a good grip and shield your hands from injuries.
  • Riding boots: You need boots that are strong, cover your ankles, and help you control the pedals.
  • Sunglasses: They will help you see better and keep the dust out of your eyes.
  • Reflective vest: This one will make you more visible to other drivers, especially at night.
Prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure
Prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure

Streamlining Packing Practices for Maximum Efficiency

You don’t want to bring too much stuff because it will weigh you down and make your ride less enjoyable. Here are some simple tricks to plan a motorbike trip, pack light and smart:

  • Don’t overpack: You can always buy things along the way if you run out of something.
  • Roll, don’t fold: Rolling your clothes will save you space and keep them from getting wrinkled.
  • Use packing cubes: Packing cubes are great for keeping your stuff organized and easy to access.
  • Waterproof everything: Vietnam can get very rainy, especially during the monsoon season, make sure you pack them in waterproof bags or use dry bags.
  • Leave some room: You might want to buy some souvenirs or local products during your trip, so don’t fill up your backpack completely.

You will have a great time riding across Vietnam and get to see different sides of the country, from the war-torn areas to the modern cities. You will also have a chance to learn a lot about yourself when you’re on your own with the bike, you have to be responsible and take care of yourself. You need to know where you’re going, how to fix your bike, how to stay healthy, and how to keep your spirits up.

So, there you have it. A simple guide on how to plan a motorbike trip in Vietnam for beginners. I hope you found it useful and inspiring. Vietnam is a beautiful country with so much to offer, and exploring it on two wheels is an amazing experience. Just remember to do your research, prepare well, stay safe and enjoy the ride. You won’t regret it!

Contact Info Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert:

Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert - One of the best motorcycle tour organizer in town to join!
Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert – One of the best motorcycle tour organizer in town to join!

LET'S RIDE WITH US

From $560 USD

4 Day Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tour From Hanoi

icon Duration:  4 Days/ 3 Nites
icon Destinations:  Hanoi - Vu Linh - Phu Yen - Moc Chau - Mai Chau - Hanoi.
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Visit beautiful Thac Ba lake

Interact with lovely local people

Riding some scenic offroad tracks

Enjoy a variety of local foods

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Vu Linh
  3. Phu Yen
  4. Moc Chau
  5. Mai Chau
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From $1680 USD

Experience Authentic Vietnam By Motorbikes – 12 Days

icon Duration:  12 Days/ 11 Nights
icon Destinations:  Hanoi - Sapa - Ha Giang
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience authentic Vietnam

Explore beautiful Ha Giang and Sapa

Enjoy scenic off-road trails

Interact with lovely local people

Ride off the beaten path

Visit some beautiful lakes

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Mai Chau
  3. Mu Cang Chai
  4. Sapa
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From $420 USD

3 Day Motorbike Tour in North Vietnam

icon Duration:  3 Days / 2 Nites
icon Destinations:  Hanoi - Phu Yen
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Interact with lovely local people

Ride scenic offroad trails

See the real countryside Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Enjoy a variety of local foods

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Mai Chau
  3. Phu Yen
  4. Hanoi
From $840 USD

Enjoyable Motorbike Tour to Sapa – Vietnam – 6 Days

icon Duration:  6 Days / 6 Nites
icon Destinations:  Hanoi - Sapa
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Explore the hidden charms of Sapa

Interact with lovely local people

Ride off the beaten track

Enjoy a variety of local foods

Ride scenic offroad trails

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Mai Chau
  3. Phu Yen
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  5. Sapa
  6. Hanoi
From $560 USD

Special Ha Giang Loop Tour by Motorbike – 4 Days

icon Duration:  4 Days/3 Nights
icon Destinations:  Ha Giang - Du Gia
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Ride off the beaten track

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Interact with lovely local people

Ride scenic offroad tracks

Explore a variety of local's tradition

Discover the hidden gems of Ha Giang

DESTINATIONS:
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  2. Nam Dam handicraft
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From $840 USD

Amazing Motorbike Tour To Ha Giang – 6 Days

icon Duration:  6 Days/ 5 Nites
icon Destinations:  Hanoi - Dong Van
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
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Experience the authentic Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Discover the hidden gem of Ha Giang

Ride scenic single tracks

Interact with lovely local people

Explore a variety of the local traditions

DESTINATIONS:
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From $1120 USD

Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Sapa and Ha Giang – 8 Days

icon Duration:  8 Days/ 7 Nites
icon Destinations:  Hanoi - Ba Be lake
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Explore the Real Vietnam

Interact with lovely local people

Ride off the beaten track

See amazing nature in North Vietnam

Scenic offroad tracks

Discover a variety of local culture

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Phu Yen
  3. Than Uyen
  4. Ha Giang
  5. Meo Vac
  6. Bao Lac
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  8. Ba Be Lake
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From $980 USD

Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour – 7 Days

icon Duration:  7 Days/ 6 Nites
icon Destinations:  Mau Son - Babe Lake
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HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Visit the largest waterfall in Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Visit beautiful Cao Bang

Interact with lovely local people

Enjoy a variety of local foods

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  6. Babe Lake

4 Day Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tour From Hanoi

From $560 USD
icon Duration:  4 Days/ 3 Nites
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours - Moderate Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Visit beautiful Thac Ba lake

Interact with lovely local people

Riding some scenic offroad tracks

Enjoy a variety of local foods

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Vu Linh
  3. Phu Yen
  4. Moc Chau
  5. Mai Chau
  6. Hanoi

Experience Authentic Vietnam By Motorbikes – 12 Days

From $1680 USD
icon Duration:  12 Days/ 11 Nights
icon Tour Level:  Challenging Level Tours - Moderate Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience authentic Vietnam

Explore beautiful Ha Giang and Sapa

Enjoy scenic off-road trails

Interact with lovely local people

Ride off the beaten path

Visit some beautiful lakes

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Mai Chau
  3. Mu Cang Chai
  4. Sapa
  5. Ha Giang
  6. Meo Vac
  7. Cao Bang
  8. Ban Gioc Waterall
  9. Ba Be lake
  10. Thac Ba lake
  11. Hanoi

3 Day Motorbike Tour in North Vietnam

From $420 USD
icon Duration:  3 Days / 2 Nites
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Interact with lovely local people

Ride scenic offroad trails

See the real countryside Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Enjoy a variety of local foods

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Mai Chau
  3. Phu Yen
  4. Hanoi

Enjoyable Motorbike Tour to Sapa – Vietnam – 6 Days

From $840 USD
icon Duration:  6 Days / 6 Nites
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Explore the hidden charms of Sapa

Interact with lovely local people

Ride off the beaten track

Enjoy a variety of local foods

Ride scenic offroad trails

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Mai Chau
  3. Phu Yen
  4. Than Uyen
  5. Sapa
  6. Hanoi

Special Ha Giang Loop Tour by Motorbike – 4 Days

From $560 USD
icon Duration:  4 Days/3 Nights
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours - Moderate Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Ride off the beaten track

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Interact with lovely local people

Ride scenic offroad tracks

Explore a variety of local's tradition

Discover the hidden gems of Ha Giang

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Ha Giang
  2. Nam Dam handicraft
  3. Yen Minh
  4. Dong Van
  5. Ma Pi Leng Pass
  6. Meo Mac
  7. Du Gia village (Homestay)
  8. Bac Me
  9. Ha Giang

Amazing Motorbike Tour To Ha Giang – 6 Days

From $840 USD
icon Duration:  6 Days/ 5 Nites
icon Tour Level:  Challenging Level Tours - Moderate Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Discover the hidden gem of Ha Giang

Ride scenic single tracks

Interact with lovely local people

Explore a variety of the local traditions

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Vu Linh
  3. Ha Giang
  4. Dong Van
  5. Meo Vac
  6. Bao Lac
  7. Ba be
  8. Hanoi

Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Sapa and Ha Giang – 8 Days

From $1120 USD
icon Duration:  8 Days/ 7 Nites
icon Tour Level:  Challenging Level Tours - Moderate Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Explore the Real Vietnam

Interact with lovely local people

Ride off the beaten track

See amazing nature in North Vietnam

Scenic offroad tracks

Discover a variety of local culture

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Hanoi
  2. Phu Yen
  3. Than Uyen
  4. Ha Giang
  5. Meo Vac
  6. Bao Lac
  7. Cao Bang
  8. Ba Be Lake
  9. Hanoi

Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour – 7 Days

From $980 USD
icon Duration:  7 Days/ 6 Nites
icon Tour Level:  Chill Level Tours - Moderate Level Tours
HIGHLIGHT

Experience the authentic Vietnam

Visit the largest waterfall in Vietnam

Ride off the beaten track

Visit beautiful Cao Bang

Interact with lovely local people

Enjoy a variety of local foods

DESTINATIONS:
  1. Mau Son
  2. Lang Son
  3. Cao Bang
  4. Ban Gioc
  5. PacPo
  6. Babe Lake