How to Explore Vietnam by Motorbike

by Christine Augustus · July 3, 2018

There’s nothing quite like touring Vietnam by motorbike. You’re in an exciting new place, touring it in one of the most exciting ways possible. You’ll have a full view of all the sights and surroundings, both urban and rural, and an adrenaline rush to set the mood.

In Vietnam, motorbikes aren’t just commonplace, they’re one of the most popular ways to get around for locals and travelers alike. Out of a population of 92 million people, there are 45 million registered motorbikes.

Motorbiking through Vietnam is the favorite way to see the country, so it’s no surprise that there are so many motorbike tours. The national phenomenon was made an international travel dream when it was featured on Top Gear. Now you can experience it for yourself. But first, do your homework on the place and the sport itself to make the most of your trip to Vietnam.

What you need to know about Vietnam before you go

Vietnam is a vastly diverse country. There are as many as 54 recognized ethnic minorities. You’ll notice the diversity in the language, or rather, languages. Vietnamese is, of course, the official language, but you’ll also see many people who speak Chinese, English, French, or Khmer. Similarly, you’ll find a broad range of religions here — Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Indigenous Vietnamese beliefs.

Urban and rural landscapes, too, offer a wide variety of experiences. There are bustling metropolitan areas as well as beautiful green, rolling hills in the countryside. There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. Even the weather is diverse…and there are certain seasons you’ll definitely want to avoid for your Vietnam trip! For instance, the typhoon and flood season from June through December. Floods in Vietnam are no joke, and with some of the roads already precarious, it’s best to visit during the first half of the year.

Crime is something to keep in mind, too. There’s a higher risk for crimes like theft and assault in metropolitan areas, so be on your guard. There are also much more severe punishments for drug-related crimes in Vietnam, sometimes including the death penalty. Gambling is also illegal except in government-licensed casinos.

Vietnam is a Communist country and the authorities prefer visitors to avoid military bases. If you find yourself passing by one, keep in mind this is not an Instagram worthy moment. Don’t take selfies with or pictures of military bases. Some of the border areas also have strict travel restrictions so read up on where it’s best to travel or not travel before you go. That way you’ll be able to ride around without running into any unexpected problems on your journey.

Traffic in Vietnam

You can take guided motorbike tours if you prefer, or you can rent a motorbike when you get to Vietnam and go exploring solo. Keep in mind that helmets are legally mandatory in Vietnam, although the authorities won’t always enforce these laws. However, given that traffic in Vietnam can be a bit hectic, it’s probably a good idea to wear your helmet anyway.

On the whole, motorbikers in Vietnam are a bit lax about road rules. Traffic lights are viewed as guidelines rather than mandatory commands. If you want to keep up, and not get slammed into by other motorbikes, you’ll want to use your own logic despite the road rules.

Slow down at intersections and then proceed with common sense and caution. Know that you will probably get cut off at some point, or you might find yourself swerving to avoid a pothole or even an animal in the middle of the road.

How to make the most of your motorbiking experience

You’ll have to bring your own helmet, gloves, boots, riding jacket, eyewear, and backpack with you. And, of course, a smartphone is a must, both to take pictures along the way and for the GPS in the event that you get lost.

Keep in mind that parking isn’t cheap in Vietnam, and if you park in an undesignated area, they won’t hesitate to tow you. A chain and padlock are also a good investment for your rental motorbike.

If you’re a little insecure about jumping right into motorbiking in Vietnam, take a guided tour first to help you get the hang of it. This will help you become familiar with the motorbiking culture in Vietnam and the best and worst places to motorbike, with the support of an expert guide. Once you have a clearer idea of how it all works, you can go off on your own.

You can find maps or smartphone apps with helpful information about the best motorbike drives. If you have enough time, it’s possible to explore the whole country. But most people don’t have a whole month to travel, so choose your routes ahead of time to get the most out of your trip.

If you’re new to visiting Vietnam, there’s plenty to learn before you take your trip, but it will be worth it. For lovers of adventure and exploration, motorbiking in Vietnam is something you definitely don’t want to miss.

Want to fuel your adventure with some delicious local food? Don’t miss our comprehensive guide to the best Vietnam street food.

This post was sponsored by TripFuser. Got a great travel story you want to tell? Contact us at workwithus@anewtraveller.com.