Motorcycling in Vietnam

[steven68]

I want & planning a motorcycling trip to Vietnam, riding from HCM to Hanoi in 25 days. Preferably stopping 2 nights at each major cities to look-see. Any idea when is a good month to motorcycle in Vietnam? Cheers!

 

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[paulgk]

I am also interested in doing this. Plan to do it in December.(which I think is the best time considering the different weather in north and south)

Looking forward to read some experiences, if someone could share.

[steven68]

I am also interested in doing this. Plan to do it in December.(which I think is the best time considering the different weather in north and south)

Looking forward to read some experiences, if someone could share.

Hi paulgk, try this site vietnamcoracle.com It has a lot of information about Vietnam.

 

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[Aschwabe]

how long does it take?

[steven68]

how long does it take?

Actually I dun really know, but I gave myself 3 weeks to complete the trip. I want to take it easy, no rushing to complete.

 

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[bluehulk]

vietnam traffic is full of bikes....

[reize]

So have you done the trip yet? Any news? How did it go?

[steven68]

So have you done the trip yet? Any news? How did it go?

Yes. I have completed the trip. It was really amazing. It would be better if I would spent more time there.

 

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[steven68]

vietnam traffic is full of bikes....

In the cities, it's very crowded with motorcycles, scooters & e-bikes. Somehow I survived.

 

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[chriszzz]

Can you share more info on how you did it?

 

Did you go HCMC to Hanoi or the reverse? Did you rent or buy a bike? If you bought a bike, did you buy from shop or individual, and which mechanic did you go to for health-check and servicing? Did you need a bike licence? Any other details would be great.

[2B-newbie]

Personally I have tried riding in HCM. The rental is relatively cheap. But traffic is very heavy.

[shiba2b]

hello all,

anyone rode in Vietnam recently? or has info/guides/resources to share? 

i'm looking at going north vietnam in April or May next year for 2 weeks or so. Prefer exploring rural/countryside hilly areas. 

[adesmond2]

16 hours ago, shiba2b said:

hello all,

anyone rode in Vietnam recently? or has info/guides/resources to share? 

i'm looking at going north vietnam in April or May next year for 2 weeks or so. Prefer exploring rural/countryside hilly areas. 

never really rode there.. but I've been on a tour previously..

1) never go more then 30 on city and 50 on expressway.

2) wear helmet if possible

3) horn to warn others, do not brake for no reasons..  slowly move to the side and slowly brake.. the other vehicles will give way to you

4) signal light doesn't really work as people can't see your signal light at city.. out of city - just use them..  

5) remember to apply for international license..

*print additional copies of your passport just in case the rental shop need a copy of your passport or might want to detain your original passport.. this depends on your negotiation skills with them.

[shiba2b]

On 11/27/2022 at 11:42 PM, shiba2b said:

hello all,

anyone rode in Vietnam recently? or has info/guides/resources to share? 

i'm looking at going north vietnam in April or May next year for 2 weeks or so. Prefer exploring rural/countryside hilly areas. 

trip report 

trip from late Feb to early March. 3 weeks trip. 
Rented a Honda CB150 that was fitted with racks and dual sport tyres. Suitable for the terrain there. 

flew in to Hanoi, did a 5 day loop to the northwest and west of Hanoi, then back to Hanoi and did a 10 day loop to the northeast and north. 

5 day loop consisted of 

• Hanoi
• Ta Xua (heavy cloud and light rain, so i skipped the Dinosaur spine)
• Mai Chau
• Tam Coc-Ninh Binh (2 nights)
• Hanoi

10 day loop

• Hanoi
• Lang Son
• Cao Bang (2 nights)
• Bao Lac
• Meo Vac (2 nights)
• Dong Van
• Yen Min
• Ha Giang (2 nights)
• Hanoi

Overall it was an amazing trip. The landscapes were beautiful, with a mix of rugged mountains and serene lakes. People were warm and welcoming. Food was awesome. 

No issues with finding fuel throughout the trip. 

Comparing riding in North Viet vs North Thai:

1) it's colder. A lot colder, even vs North Thai winter. apart from the lattitude difference, North thai winters get a lot of sun in the day, which warms up everything. It was mostly overcast during my time in North Viet, so the cloud blocks the sunshine. I sometimes had to wear my raincoat over my riding jacket to keep warm. 

2) mountains roads are narrower and in worse condition. Space only for 1 car or truck. Bike often have to go to the shoulder. These roads often have loose sand/gravel 

3) Viet drivers are terrible, especially bus/truck. 

4) everyone goes wrong lane on tight corner so have to be ready to brake and change direction to avoid oncoming vehicles even around blind corners

5) people mostly ride slowly due to the reasons above. 

6) infrastructure for travellers is not as well developed as Thai. Especially on the road. Big town is ok.

7) slopes in North viet are not as crazy steep as they can be in North Thai. Usually a bit more gentle gradient.