Motorcycle Touring Destination Info

Vietnam

Capital City

Hanoi

Population

~ 100,000,000

Land Area

331,212 m2

Official Language(s)

Vietnamese

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Driving Side

right

Climate

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Vietnam Fact File

Vietnam is an extremely diverse country due to the number of parallels it straddles and has 3 distinct regions: Northern, Central and Southern. As such, for a rider there is a wide range of driving conditions available. Most will prefer the mountains of the central highlands and to visit such places as the amazing Phong Nha Cave complex with Son Doong (the largest cave in the world) and perhaps the beach resorts such as Nha Trang and Mui Ne. Many people also wish to visit the traditional towns of Hoi An and Hue as well as ride the well known Hai Van (Sea Breeze) pass between the two. Much of the best riding is in the Northern region and includes the karst landscapes of Cao Bang Province with the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Ha Giang region where riders can take the ‘Happiness Road’ through the spectacular Ma Pi Leng pass. The Northwest is also a region not to be missed and includes such amazing sites as Ta Xua, famed for the extreme ‘dinosaur’s spine’ and the Mu Cang Chai area with its beautiful rice terracing.

Vietnam FAQ

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Most travellers can get a visa on arrival that is valid for 15 days. If you would like to stay longer you can apply for a 3 month tourist visa, which is something that you can easily do online. This website will help you: https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/apply-online/

Which International Driving Permit do I need for Vietnam?

Vietnam has signed the 1968 Convention on International Driving Permits. Therefore, this is the one that you need.

Covid-19 Rules

You do not need any proof of vaccination against COVID to enter Vietnam.

What is the riding style like?

From the outside, Vietnamese traffic looks hectic and mayhem. It is quite disturbing for many riders who are used to rules and regulations being followed. However, once you are in the traffic and moving with it, there seems to be a logic and things do flow quite well. Things are more relaxed and so you should prepare for the unexpected when riding. Always, assume someone will do the most stupid thing and prep for that. Buses overtaking around corners, other vehicles pulling out of side turnings blindly etc… Then, you should be fine.

What riding gear should I bring?

Try to bring as much as possible. We will advise you on the weather conditions when you book your tour/rental and this will inform you as to what you should bring. Nearly all items are available here but the supply is sporadic and sizes tend to be more for the Asian market. Bring your helmet, jacket, riding pants, boots, gloves and waterproofs as these are essential and size dependant. We can provide a limited range of gear and sizes so it is best to discuss this with us in advance as we cannot guarantee to have what you need. There is NO NEED to bring bungees, waterproof bags, phone holders etc… unless you really wish to.

Is there a malaria risk in Vietnam?

Yes, there is. However, we have not heard of a case affecting any of our riders in the twenty years that we have been operating so we would question the use of anti-malarials. Yes, we go to some far flung places but it hasn’t been an issue so far. A far greater risk is Dengue fever for which there is no preventative medicine to take. Our best advice is to cover up and use a quality mosquito repellent.

How easy is it to find petrol in Vietnam?

There are petrol stations everywhere and also many people selling petrol on the side of the road for a slight premium in case you are in desperate need. Vietnam is a country of some 40 or 50 million motorbikes, most of which have 4 litre fuel tanks that need filling regularly so it is usually not hard to find fuel close by.

Is it customary to tip?

No, tipping is not the norm in Vietnam. It is, of course, appreciated and you should tip if you get good service. How much you tip is not defined and is your own choice.

How much does it cost to rent a motorbike per day?

You can easily rent a motorbike in major cities, at tourist hotspots and also from the hotel you stay in. They will ask for a passport as deposit and the charge is usually between 6 – 12usd per day for a small scooter. Larger CC bikes are sometimes available and can range from 15 – 50 usd per day. A good company to contact is www.rentabikevn.com

I am vegetarian. Will that be a problem?

No, there are many Vietnamese dishes in Vietnam. However, there can be a limited range when are travelling in far flung regions so it might be wise to take a few snacks with you for variety. Vegan dishes are hard to find due the common use of fish sauce in many dishes

How safe is it in Vietnam for travellers?

Generally, Vietnam is a very safe country and most visitors do not have any problems. Violent acts against tourists are rare and it is more likely that tourists will be victims of sneak thievery such as pickpocketing or other opportunistic crimes. You should pay attention to your belongings and also attempt to find out the correct prices for goods and services before purchasing. Prices are rarely labelled and can seem to be conjured out of thin air. The general road traffic is far more dangerous for newcomers and care should be taken when crossing the road and even when walking on the pavement. Vehicles will come from every direction so use your ears as well as your eyes.

What kind of plug sockets do they have?

Vietnam has 3 plug socket types in use. These are: type A, C and F. Type A has two flat parallel pins, Type C has two round pins and Type F has two round pins with two Earth clips on the side. You should bring one multi adapter at least. Adapters are usually easy to find here and quite cheap.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

Due to Vietnam being quite a long country and stretching over 2,000km South to North the weather is quite varied. Therefore, there is always a good time to visit but to a different area each time. For our money, and motorbike touring, the best time of year is October to March in the North of the country. This is both the driest and coolest season, which makes touring much more pleasant.