FAQs FOR MOTORCYCLING VIETNAM

This page answers the most frequently asked questions about Vietnam motorbike tours, motorcycle tours in Vietnam, and motorbike rentals in Vietnam. Whether you are looking for a fully supported adventure or the freedom of a self-guided ride, you’ll find the information you need below.

1. What types of service does Hidden Vietnam Motorcycle Tours provide?

Hidden Vietnam Motorcycle Tours offers three types of Vietnam motorcycle tours to suit different riding styles, experience levels, and budgets: Fully Guided Tours, Semi-Guided Tours, and Self-Guided Motorcycle Rentals. Prices typically range from US$ 15 to US$ 229 per person per day, depending on the motorcycle you choose, the type of tour, the group size, and the services included. We aim to provide excellent value, making our tours affordable for most riders visiting Vietnam.

Our self-guided motorcycle rentals are ideal for experienced riders who enjoy complete independence and are confident handling different road and weather conditions. You decide your own schedule, destinations, and daily distance while we provide a well-maintained motorcycle and practical travel advice. For longer journeys and rougher terrain, larger Honda motorcycles offer superior power, comfort, and suspension, making them a popular choice for adventure riders.

A semi-guided motorcycle tour includes a professional guide who serves three important roles: tour guide, motorcycle mechanic, and translator. Your guide plans the best routes, assists with motorcycle maintenance, helps communicate with local people, and can recommend suitable restaurants and accommodation along the way. The guide’s salary and motorcycle rental are shared among the group, making this option excellent value. To ensure a personal experience and attentive support, we limit each guide to a maximum of five riders. During the trip, participants cover their own fuel, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, as well as those of the guide. One of the biggest advantages of a semi-guided tour is the flexibility to choose where to eat and stay each day.

Our fully guided Vietnam motorcycle tours offer the highest level of comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. We carefully arrange quality accommodation, enjoyable local restaurants, scenic routes, and reliable support throughout the journey, allowing you to focus entirely on the ride. Since late 2006, this has been our most popular service. Customer satisfaction has always been our highest priority, and we are committed to making every Vietnam motorcycle adventure a safe, memorable, and unforgettable experience.

2. What Should I Bring for a Vietnam Motorcycle Tour?

All Vietnam motorcycle tours and motorbike rentals begin at our office in Hanoi, where we provide most of the essential motorcycle riding gear, including protective riding clothing, helmets, gloves, rain gear, and other equipment. If you already own a comfortable motorcycle helmet or a favourite pair of riding gloves, we recommend bringing them with you, especially if you require larger sizes, as these can be difficult to find in Vietnam. Our riding suits and helmets are available in a wide range of sizes, and we strongly suggest wearing a sturdy pair of motorcycle boots or durable shoes for maximum comfort and protection.

There is no need to carry all of your luggage during the ride. You are welcome to leave any unnecessary travel bags safely at our Hanoi office while you enjoy your Vietnam motorbike adventure. This allows you to travel lighter and makes your journey much more comfortable, particularly on mountain roads and off-road trails.

Here are the items we recommend bringing for a motorcycle tour in Vietnam. Choose what best suits your riding style, travel season, and personal needs.

• Clothing: Helmet, rain gloves, Wellington boots (rubber boots are especially useful during the rainy season from June to October), summer gloves, balaclava, T-shirts, socks and underwear, long-sleeved shirts, turtleneck shirts, an extra pair of jeans, a light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, motorcycle riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses, and riding goggles. Many hotels along our routes offer convenient overnight laundry services, so there is no need to pack excessive clothing.
• Personal Items: Basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen, lip balm, personal medications, reusable water bottle, and earplugs for extra comfort on longer rides.
• Emergency Items: A compact first aid kit, emergency contact information, a list of any medical conditions and medications, a flashlight or headlamp, battery chargers, power bank, and a roll of duct tape for quick temporary repairs if needed.
• Miscellaneous: Small towel, bath towel, trash bags, duffel bags, bungee cords, camera, action camera accessories, and a cargo net for securing luggage. We also provide strong rubber luggage straps, locally made from recycled truck tyres, which are extremely durable and ideal for securing your bags throughout the trip.

3. Where Do You Ride in Vietnam?

All Vietnam motorcycle tours begin at our company office in Hanoi, the perfect gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular riding routes. While every trip starts in Hanoi, you may choose to finish your motorcycle tour anywhere in Vietnam for an additional fee, making it easier to continue your holiday or catch a domestic flight from another city.

At present, we do not offer departures from locations other than Hanoi. Our specialty is Northern Vietnam motorcycle tours, where riders enjoy breathtaking mountain passes, winding back roads, ethnic minority villages, and stunning natural landscapes. We also organize longer adventures along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Road (Ho Chi Minh Trail), one of the finest motorcycle touring routes in Vietnam, stretching through the country’s diverse mountains, forests, and rural countryside.

4. How Is the Traffic in Vietnam?

Traffic in Vietnam’s major cities can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the busiest places to ride, with thousands of motorcycles sharing the roads every day. Fortunately, our Vietnam motorbike tours are carefully designed to avoid heavy urban traffic whenever possible.

Instead of busy highways and crowded city streets, we prefer quiet mountain roads, scenic back roads, and remote countryside routes. These roads are not only safer and more enjoyable to ride but also offer incredible scenery, authentic local culture, and countless opportunities to meet friendly people. One of the most memorable experiences is riding through small villages where children and local residents happily wave and shout “Hello!” as you pass by.

If you are not completely comfortable riding in Vietnam, don’t worry. Your experienced guide is always there to help, offering practical advice, leading the group safely, and building your confidence throughout the journey. Many riders describe the guide as a caring “mother hen” who watches over everyone and makes sure the group stays together. Once you understand the rhythm of Vietnamese traffic, you’ll discover that it flows much like a river – stay calm, ride predictably, and you’ll naturally become part of the flow.

5. I’m Travelling Alone. Can I Join Another Group?

All Vietnam motorcycle tours we provide are private and customized, with no fixed departure dates or scheduled group tours. This allows us to tailor every trip to your riding experience, interests, preferred routes, and travel dates, ensuring a more personal and flexible adventure.

Many of our guests choose private motorcycle tours for the privacy and freedom they offer. However, some solo riders prefer to share the experience with others, make new friends, and reduce costs by travelling together. When possible, we are happy to introduce riders with similar travel dates and interests, although we cannot guarantee a match. For safety, comfort, and a better riding experience, we normally limit each group to five or six riders.

Please note that riders in an open group may have different levels of riding experience, expectations, and travel styles. If you prefer riding only with people you already know or want complete flexibility, a private Vietnam motorcycle tour is the best option. In our experience, trips shared with friends or family usually provide the most enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere because everyone already understands each other’s riding pace and preferences. You can check our latest ride updates and opportunities to join other riders here.

6. How Long Do We Ride Each Day?

The daily riding distance depends on several factors, including the riders’ experience, road conditions, weather, terrain, sightseeing stops, and the group’s overall pace. As a general guideline, we aim for no more than six hours of riding per day, with relaxing breaks every one to two hours to stretch, enjoy refreshments, or take in the scenery.

Unlike many commercial tours, our Vietnam motorbike adventures are not built around a strict timetable. We enjoy stopping whenever something interesting appears along the route, whether it’s a breathtaking viewpoint, a traditional village, a local market, or simply a great place for photos. These spontaneous moments often become the highlights of the journey.

For the most enjoyable experience, we recommend averaging less than 200 kilometres per day. This comfortable pace gives you plenty of time to appreciate the spectacular landscapes, interact with local people, and fully enjoy the freedom of motorcycle touring in Vietnam, rather than rushing from one destination to the next.

If you would like to learn more about our Vietnam motorcycle tours, please watch the video below or visit our YouTube channel, where you’ll find route highlights, riding tips, and videos from many of our previous adventures.

7. Do I Need to Pay a Deposit? If So, How Much?

Yes. A deposit of US$ 100-500 per person is required to confirm your Vietnam motorcycle tour or motorbike rental booking. The exact amount depends on the type of trip and services you choose. Your deposit allows us to reserve motorcycles, accommodation, guides, and other essential arrangements well before your arrival.

If you prefer not to carry a large amount of cash, we will provide our Vietcombank account details so you can make a secure bank transfer. Before sending the payment, we recommend checking with your bank about international transfer fees and whether the transaction will be routed through an intermediary bank. Many international transfers incur unexpected additional charges, and in our experience, around 80% of customers have been charged by both their own bank and an intermediary bank without prior notice. Any bank fees are the sender’s responsibility.

8. How Can I Pay? Do You Accept Credit Cards?

Yes. Since March 2017, we have accepted online credit card payments for the convenience of our customers. We also accept payment by international bank transfer and Western Union. To secure your reservation, we require a deposit in advance, with the remaining balance normally paid before your Vietnam motorcycle tour begins. As cash is still widely preferred in Vietnam, many customers choose to settle the balance in cash upon arrival.

If you are already in Vietnam, you may also pay by credit card at our office. A 4% bank service charge applies to Visa, Mastercard, and American Express transactions. Please note that exchange rates offered by banks are sometimes less favourable than the local market rate, so a surcharge may occasionally apply to reflect banking costs.

At this time, we do not accept PayPal. Due to the high fees and unfavourable conditions imposed on Vietnamese business accounts, we have chosen not to offer PayPal as a payment option.

9. When Is the Best Time to Ride a Motorbike in North Vietnam?

There is no single “best” time for a North Vietnam motorcycle tour, as every season offers its own unique scenery and riding experience. In general, the most popular months are September to February, when temperatures are cooler, skies are often clearer, and the mountain landscapes are at their most spectacular. This is an excellent time for both road touring and off-road motorcycle adventures.

From May to August, riders should expect warmer temperatures, especially in the lowlands, along with occasional heavy rain showers. March and April are typically mild and pleasant but can also be cool, misty, and wet in the mountains. Like many mountainous regions, Northern Vietnam’s weather can change quickly and is sometimes difficult to predict. Before your departure, we always provide the latest weather updates and riding advice so you can prepare with the most suitable clothing and equipment.

10. What Is the Best Motorcycle Route in Vietnam?

There is no single answer to this question because the best motorcycle route in Vietnam depends entirely on your riding experience, interests, and the type of adventure you are looking for. Every region has its own character, scenery, and cultural highlights.

The Northwest Vietnam motorcycle route is famous for its dramatic mountain passes, terraced rice fields, and colourful ethnic minority communities wearing traditional clothing. It is one of the country’s most rewarding regions for riders seeking spectacular landscapes and unforgettable mountain roads.

The Central North offers breathtaking limestone mountain scenery that many travellers compare to a “holy land” because of its rugged beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The roads are more challenging, making this region best suited to experienced motorcyclists who are confident riding steep mountain passes and remote routes.

The Northeast Vietnam motorcycle route is generally easier to ride and is well known for its welcoming local communities, peaceful countryside, and authentic cultural experiences. Many overnight stays are with local host families, allowing riders to enjoy traditional hospitality and learn about the customs of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups.

The perfect Vietnam motorcycle tour is different for every rider. Tell us about your riding experience, the places you dream of visiting, the roads you enjoy, and the amount of time you have available. We’ll recommend the itinerary that best matches your expectations and creates the adventure you’ve been looking for.

11. How Many Days Are Recommended for a Vietnam Motorcycle Tour?

The ideal length of a Vietnam motorcycle tour depends on how much of the country you would like to explore. To truly experience the breathtaking mountain scenery, winding roads, and authentic local culture, we recommend riding deep into the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam.

A minimum of 6 days allows you to reach some of the country’s most spectacular destinations. However, for a more relaxed journey with plenty of time for sightseeing, photography, and cultural experiences, we highly recommend a 9-day or 12-day motorcycle tour. These longer itineraries let you enjoy the ride at a comfortable pace instead of rushing from one destination to the next.

If your schedule is limited, we also organize 3 to 4-day motorcycle tours to Sapa, returning to Hanoi on the comfortable overnight train. Even if you only have a single free day, a motorbike tour around Hanoi is an excellent way to escape the busy city, discover peaceful countryside roads, and experience rural Vietnam.

12. I am very interested in motorbiking trips in Vietnam, but I Have No Motorcycle Experience. Can I Still Join a Tour?

Yes. If you have little or no riding experience, there are still several ways to enjoy a Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

The easiest option is to ride as a pillion passenger behind one of our experienced guides or with your travel partner. This allows you to experience the spectacular scenery and local culture without the responsibility of riding the motorcycle yourself.

If you would like to learn before your trip, we also offer a motorcycle riding lesson for US$ 30 per person. The training can be arranged before your tour begins and usually takes one to two hours. Lessons are held in a quiet area with little or no traffic, allowing beginners to build confidence in a safe environment.

Our riding course covers the basic skills needed to handle a manual Honda motorcycle, including clutch control, gear shifting, braking, and slow-speed manoeuvres. We are proud that every participant who has completed our lesson has successfully learned to ride, and none has had a fall during the training. If you already know how to drive a manual transmission car, you’ll usually become comfortable with a manual motorcycle much more quickly.

13. Do I Need a Local or International Driving Licence to Ride a Motorcycle in Vietnam?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle touring in Vietnam, and understandably so. The rules can be confusing because different countries issue different types of international driving permits.

Under Vietnamese law, anyone riding a motorcycle or motorbike over 50cc must hold a valid licence that is recognized in Vietnam. For Vietnamese licences, Category A1 covers motorcycles under 175cc, while Category A (formerly A2) covers motorcycles of 175cc and above. Motorbikes of 50cc or less do not require a motorcycle licence but are subject to separate regulations.

Your home country driving licence on its own is not valid for riding a motorcycle in Vietnam. Although conflicting information can be found online, the legal position is clear: a foreign domestic licence alone does not entitle you to ride legally in Vietnam.

The good news is that an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic has been recognized in Vietnam since 1 August 2016, following Decree 46/2016/ND-CP. However, this recognition applies only to IDPs issued by countries that are parties to the 1968 Convention.

This is where many travellers become confused. Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada generally issue 1949 Geneva Convention IDPs, which are not recognized for riding in Vietnam. As a result, travellers from these countries usually cannot legally ride in Vietnam using only their IDP. If your country issues a 1968 Convention IDP, you should carry both the IDP and your home country motorcycle licence with the appropriate motorcycle endorsement whenever you ride.

If you do not have either a Vietnamese motorcycle licence or a valid 1968 IDP, police checks for licences are relatively uncommon unless you are involved in a traffic violation or an accident. However, the more important consideration is insurance. Riding without a licence that is legally recognized in Vietnam may invalidate your travel insurance or medical insurance, potentially leaving you responsible for high medical and legal costs in the event of an accident. For this reason, we strongly recommend checking both your licence eligibility and your insurance coverage before travelling.

14. Do I Need Insurance for Motorcycling in Vietnam?

Insurance is one of the most important things to consider when planning a Vietnam motorcycle tour. Before you travel, make sure you understand exactly what your policy covers, especially if you plan to ride a motorcycle or travel as a passenger.

Yes, we strongly recommend that every participant has comprehensive personal travel insurance and medical insurance, even if you will only be riding as a pillion passenger. Your insurance should provide adequate cover for motorcycle-related accidents, emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation if necessary.

We do not require a driving licence to book a Vietnam motorbike tour or rent one of our motorcycles. However, your driving licence can have a significant impact on your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies will not pay claims arising from a motorcycle accident if the rider does not hold a licence that is legally recognized in the country where the accident occurs.

Obtaining a Vietnamese motorcycle licence is generally not practical for short-term visitors. In most cases, tourists are not eligible because the process typically requires long-term legal residency, such as a valid work permit or other qualifying immigration status, together with supporting documentation. For this reason, most international visitors rely on travel insurance that specifically covers riding in Vietnam under their own circumstances.

Some international insurers have offered policies that provide motorcycle cover under certain conditions, including companies such as CHI Insurance, World Nomads, and Allianz. However, insurance policies change regularly, so you should always confirm directly with your insurer that your policy covers:

• Motorcycling in Vietnam
• The engine capacity of the motorcycle you intend to ride
• Your licence type and whether it is accepted under the policy
• Medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and personal liability where applicable

Although Vietnam does not recognize every type of foreign driving licence, you can still join our tours or rent our motorcycles. The key issue is ensuring that your insurance remains valid under the terms of your policy. We strongly encourage every rider to verify this before arriving in Vietnam. More details are at this link.

During our Vietnam motorcycle tours, riders typically spend around five hours per day on the motorcycle. The remainder of the day is devoted to sightseeing, meals, relaxing, and overnight stays. Even so, your insurance should provide suitable protection for the periods when you are riding, as this is when the greatest risk exists.

If you cannot find the information you need on this FAQs page, please contact us at [email protected]. We are always happy to answer your questions and appreciate your suggestions for improving our information.