Vietnam by Motorbike (2025): How to Prepare and the Best Routes?
Motorbike touring in Vietnam is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the winding passes of the North to sunlit coastlines and endless rice fields, it’s the ultimate freedom trip.
As a blogger and tour guide who has clocked thousands of kilometers, I can tell you: this isn’t just travel; it’s transformation. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need before hitting the road: visas, licenses, rentals, epic routes, and the secrets that most tours won’t tell you.
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)
Updated on Sep 12, 2025
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Oliver Phung is a specialist in cultural tourism and trekking in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, with over 7 years of hands-on experience. Born and raised amidst the sounds of the kèn (a traditional instrument) and the songs of the Mông, Thái, Tay, and Dao ethnic communities, Oliver does not just have a passion for their history and culture, he lives it. For him, sharing the beauty of these traditions is not just a job, it's a way of life.
Drawing from his experience on hundreds of trekking trips and guided tours across routes from Ha Giang, Lao Cai to Cao Bang, Oliver offers an authentic and in-depth perspective.
Getting the basics right can make or break your adventure. Skip this, and you might end up like my traveler guest did in 2021; haggling with police over a missing document while his bike idled in the dust.
Must-Have Documents (Visa, IDP, etc.)
Vietnam tourist visa basics
Vietnam has made entry much easier in recent years. Beginning August 15, 2025, citizens from over 20 European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, will enjoy a new, extended 45-day visa exemption; an increase from the previous 15-day policy. This exemption is set to be effective until further notice.
>>> Note:The 45-day visa exemption policy is currently valid until the end of 2028. Policies are subject to change, always check for the latest information before your trip.
For everyone else, the e-visa remains the easiest and most reliable option. You can apply online in minutes, pay just $25 (single-entry) or $50 (multiple-entry), and receive a visa valid for up to 90 days. The e-visa arrives electronically, ready to print or save for a smooth experience at border control.
International Driving Permit (1968 Convention) + home license required
To ride legally in Vietnam, you need your home country's motorbike license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Vietnam does not recognize the older 1949 Genevaversion (common in the US, UK, Canada), so confirm yours is compliant before you go.
You should only drive with confidence when you have an international driving license 1968
While rental shops might not check, riding without the proper documents has serious consequences: your travel insurance will be void in an accident, and police fines start at 800,000 VND (~$32). Always carry your passport as well. If your country doesn't issue the 1968 IDP, it's safer to book an Easy Rider or a guided tour.
Blue Card
The Blue Card is your bike's "passport". The official Vehicle Registration Certificate. It's a blue slip with the plate number and vehicle details. Without it, police may assume the bike is stolen, which can result in fines or even impoundment. Reputable shops provide either the original or a notarized copy, but always verify that it matches the bike.
Vehicle registration
My tip from years of rentals: keep it with your documents but in a separate spot, and always double-check before riding off:
Make sure your rental shop gives you the Blue Card right away.
Check that the details (license plate, bike type) match the vehicle.
Keep it with your other key documents (passport, IDP) but not in the same place.
Staying Safe (and Insured!)
Motorbike crashes happen. I've had a few scrapes myself, including a slippery slide in the road that left me bruised but lucky. But insurance is my lifeline, and it was worth every penny. Standard policies often exclude bikes over 50cc unless you specifically add motorcycle coverage and can show both a valid license from home and a 1968 International Driving Permit.
One of the first big decisions on your Vietnam motorbike adventure is simple: what bike will you ride? It sounds small, but the wrong choice can turn your dream trip into a sweaty, uphill struggle.
Motorbike Types in Vietnam
Scooters (110 to 125cc): The kings of the city. Cheap, comfy, and easy to ride. Perfect if you’re cruising around Hanoi, grabbing bánh mì in Hội An, or zipping through Saigon traffic. But take them into the mountains and you’ll quickly feel the engine crying for mercy.
Semi-automatic motorbikes (110 to 125cc): A solid middle ground. No clutch, but more control than a scooter. Great if you want to explore beyond the cities without the stress of a full manual.
Manual bikes (Honda XR150, Winner X 150, Yamaha WR 155): The heroes of the open road. Strong enough for the steep Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Sapa passes and long north-to-south rides. These are what most seasoned backpackers and tour guides swear by. A bit pricier to rent (around $15 to $25 per day), but worth it for the power and stability.
Big bikes (over 250cc): You’ll spot a few, but honestly? They’re more trouble than they’re worth. Expensive, hard to repair, and surprisingly still banned from Vietnam’s highways.
SO….! How to choose the right motorbike in Vietnam?
From riding with Easy Riders to going solo on long tours, I’ve learned one simple rule: go manual if you’re heading for the hills, and stick with a scooter or semi-auto if you’re not confident with a clutch. For most backpackers, these two options strike the best balance between comfort and safety. And always stick with Honda or Yamaha. Mechanics across Vietnam know them by heart, and spare parts are everywhere.
A quick check-in photo of me at Phong Nam valley Cao Bang
>>> Navigate Traffic Like a Local: In Vietnam, honking is communication, not frustration. Stay calm when you hear it. Yield to larger vehicles like buses and trucks, as “bigger vehicle wins” is the unwritten rule.
Where to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam?
Renting motorbikes in Vietnam is incredibly popular. If I tried to list every rental shop, this article would become overwhelming and repetitive. So instead, I’ve summarized some reputable motorbike rental options in each region and major tourist destination.
P.S. I don’t receive any payment or sponsorship from the motorbike rental shops mentioned here. All recommendations are based on personal experience and 2025 reviews from platforms like Google, Tripadvisor.
💸 Very budget-friendly, starting from just 80,000 VND per day (about 3 USD), including helmets and raincoats.
🚚 Free delivery within Sapa town. You can get your bike delivered right to your hotel or guesthouse.
📑 Hassle-free paperwork. Leave an ID card or a small cash deposit (1 to 2 million VND). No need to surrender your passport, which is a big plus for backpackers.
🌍 Wide network: Branches in Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and over 15 other cities. Perfect if you want flexible one-way rentals.
🎒 One-way rentals with luggage transfer: Start in Hue, ride through the Hai Van Pass, and drop the bike in Hoi An or Da Nang. Your bags travel separately by bus and meet you there.
🛵 Reliable fleet: Scooters, semi-automatics, and manuals (such as the Honda XR150 and Winner X). All bikes are well maintained and supported by 24/7 roadside assistance.
⭐ Trusted brand: Transparent pricing and excellent reviews on Google and TripAdvisor for nearly a decade.
🌴 Made for rural adventures: Perfect for cruising through riverways, rice paddies, and floating markets in Can Tho, Vinh Long, or Ben Tre.
💸 Transparent pricing: Rates are clearly listed with no hidden charges or surprise fees.
🤝 Friendly support: Staff are known for being helpful and patient, making it a great choice for first-time renters in Vietnam.
👇Motorbike rental map in Vietnam👇
Deposits, Passports & Rental Tips
I’ve seen plenty of complaints and questions from backpackers, especially on forums like TripAdvisor, Reddit, and others. One of the most common concerns when arranging a motorbike rental in Vietnam is what happens with your passport. Many shops will ask to keep it as security, but I strongly advise against handing it over. A safer option is to leave a cash deposit (usually between $100 and $300, depending on the bike) or provide a notarized copy of your passport instead. This way, you can keep your most important document with you at all times.
Just 10 minutes of self-checking can help you stay safe on your journey
Before you hit the road, run through this quick checklist to avoid surprises later:
Brakes: Test both front and rear brakes. Many accidents in Vietnam are caused by poor braking.
Lights: Make sure the headlight, brake light, and indicators are working. You’ll often ride at dusk or in foggy mountain conditions.
Horn: You’ll use it more than you expect in Vietnam’s chaotic traffic.
Tires: Check for cracks or worn tread, especially if you're planning to ride mountain loops.
Blue Card: This is the bike’s registration certificate. Always keep a copy with you.
The road conditions are not the best, please check your vehicle carefully before going
If you’re signing a rental contract for more than a few days, take photos of the bike from all angles, including the odometer reading. It only takes a minute but can save you from disputes if the shop later claims damage you didn’t cause.
Don’t have an IDP? Alright just booking easy riders!
Many travelers prefer to enjoy Vietnam’s motorbike experience without IDP or the stress of driving. This is where Easy Rider Vietnam comes in. You ride on the back of a local guide’s bike, perfect for exploring areas like northern mountains while enjoying the scenery and local stories.
Easy driver is an option not to be missed
For a more structured option, guided motorbike tours bundle bikes, accommodation, meals, and a guide, offering a worry-free, all-in-one adventure; ideal for those looking for a smooth ride with fellow travelers.
Where’s the Best Place to Ride a Motorbike in Vietnam?
Certainly, Ha Giang, with its famous “Happy Road”, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. On one side, there's a deep abyss with a winding river; on the other, towering white Rocky Mountains and stunning terraced fields. It’s the kind of adventure every traveler to Vietnam dreams of. With nearly 62,000 hashtags under #hagiangloop, and major news outlets calling it "the most beautiful road in Southeast Asia", its reputation is well earned.
>>> I also have an article about my 4-day, 3-night motorbike tour experience in Ha Giang loop. You can check out!
Ha Giang Loop is famous for its happy road
Beyond the Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam still has many breathtaking routes that are top choices for motorbike trips. Below, I’ll share my top three personal favorites. These are the routes that have stayed with me, and they continue to win the hearts of international backpackers as well.
Quick Hit: Central Loop (5–7 Days)
Start with the simplest route that almost anyone can ride. The Central Vietnam motorbike loop is the perfect mix of mountains, beaches, and history.
Riding over the Hai Van Pass, ranked 4th among the world’s most beautiful coastal roads(Travel + Leisure, PMG), is a highlight of any Vietnam trip. With over 7 million hashtags on Instagram, this iconic stretch is every rider’s dream. And then there’s Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng, “saved for last”, with caves that will leave you speechless.
Difficulty: Easy to Medium. The route includes mostly smooth highways and well-maintained roads.
Best Season: March to August. Expect sunny skies and minimal rain.
If you’ve ever dreamed of conquering Vietnam from top to bottom, this is the ride. The north-to-south route covers nearly 2,000 km and takes you through a patchwork of limestone cliffs, ancient towns, beachside highways, and cool mountain retreats. It’s the ultimate “classic” ride for anyone who wants to truly say: I biked the length of Vietnam.
Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hue → Hai Van Pass → Da Nang → Hoi An → Quy Nhon → Nha Trang → Da Lat → Mui Ne → Ho Chi Minh City.
You’ll roll past rice paddies, explore caves in Phong Nha, climb the Hải Vân Pass (every rider’s rite of passage), and descend into the Central Highlands before finishing in the buzzing chaos of Saigon.
This is the hardcore motorbike expedition across Vietnam’s remote north. It’s a ride for those who crave endless mountains, dizzying passes, rice terraces that melt into the horizon, and raw encounters with ethnic minority culture. If the Central Loop is your warm-up and the Hanoi–Saigon is your classic, then the Northern Challenge is your boss level.
You’ll tackle legendary mountain passes like Khau Phạ, Ô Quy Hồ, and Mã Pí Lèng, ride through UNESCO-listed landscapes on the Đồng Văn Karst Plateau, Ban Gioc Waterfall, wander colorful markets in Bắc Hà, and cool off by the lakes of Ba Bể. It’s demanding, but nothing beats the thrill of mastering Vietnam’s wildest roads.
Difficulty: Hard. Expect steep climbs, rough surfaces, fog, landslides in the rainy season, and long days in the saddle.
My most recent motorbike trip in Mu Cang Chai during the green rice season
Gear Up Like a Pro
Helmet (DOT/EU approved)
Do not go cheap here. I once wore a flimsy local helmet in Hanoi, and the wind almost tore it off when I reached 50 km/h. A solid helmet is peace of mind every single day.
🧤👕👢 Gloves, jacket, boots/shoes
Cold wind on mountain passes like Ô Quy Hồ or Khau Phạ can feel like knives on your hands. Good gloves, a windproof jacket, and sturdy shoes make the difference between suffering and enjoying the ride.
🌧️🧥 Rain gear and warm layers
Weather in the north can switch in minutes. I got caught in a sudden storm on the Ha Giang Loop and only stayed dry because I had a raincoat stuffed in my bag. Always keep one ready.
🎒 Dry bag, bungee cords, daypack
Your electronics and clothes will thank you. I keep my essentials in a dry bag strapped down with bungees. A small daypack is handy for water and snacks when stopping in villages.
📱🔋🗺️ Phone mount, power bank, offline maps
Signal often disappears in the mountains. Offline maps and a charged power bank once saved me from riding hours in the wrong direction. A phone mount helps you stay focused on the road.
🩹💊 First aid kit and meds
Nothing advanced is needed. A few band-aids, painkillers, and stomach tablets are enough.
🕶️☀️ Sunscreen and sunglasses
The coastal sun around Quy Nhơn or Nha Trang can be brutal.
Things to keep you safe on a motorbike trip in Vietnam
Conclusion
Grasping the key information and preparing the essentials shared in this guide will set you up for an unforgettable Vietnam motorbike journey. Wishing you not only a safe trip, but also a ride filled with freedom, discovery, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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