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Riding a motorcycle through Vietnam is a lifelong dream at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. Over 2,000 kilometers of unique coastal landscapes, limestone formations, desert-like stretches and natural spectacles that outdo each other every day.
Road Trip Vietnam – Crossing the Country on a Motorcycle
This road trip adventure is truly unique, no doubt about it! But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. Here’s all the information you need to know about this trip and our top 3 route suggestions.
How to get to Vietnam
Most travelers arrive in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and start their Vietnam motorcycle tour from there. The best way to reach these two cities is by plane from outside Vietnam. There are direct flights from Frankfurt, as well as flights with stopovers in Hong Kong, Dubai, Qatar or Istanbul. For a better overview of all flights, times and prices, check out Skyscanner.
But even within Vietnam, the bus and train connections are a great way to travel if you are not yet traveling by motorcycle. The railway network in Vietnam is well developed and you can always find a connection. All information including prices and tickets can be found at 12go.asia.
Do you need a motorcycle license?
Yes and no. No, because the vast majority of police officers in Vietnam don’t speak English and will usually not stop you. Whether you have a driver’s license or not is of no interest in the country itself (as long as nothing happens).
But there are exceptions: The police in Mui Né have discovered that the tourist business is quite lucrative and will occasionally ask for a small bribe during a “check”.
Theoretically, however, the driver’s license situation is quite different. Of course you also need a valid motorcycle license in Vietnam. The German motorcycle license is valid in Vietnam together with the international driver’s license.
The biggest problem is that it’s not legal to drive without a license. And unfortunately this has consequences as soon as something happens. Depending on the country that you live in, your health insurance will probably not cover you anymore and you have to pay for all damages yourself. In other words: it can get very expensive…
Do you have insurance during the road trip?
Health insurance, maybe. But basically: No! Insurance is a completely unknown concept to most people in Vietnam. There’s no liability insurance and many people don’t have health insurance. If an accident happens, the guilty party pays.
Vietnam traffic rules
Traffic rules in Vietnam, do they exist? Officially, yes. But traffic in Vietnam is crazy and often dangerous. There’s only one motto on the roads: Survival of the fittest. And if you’re on a motorcycle, basically everyone is stronger than you.
But the good news is: There are now very good roads off the main highways. Most of them have very little traffic and go through all the small, wonderfully authentic villages. Good route planning and a good navigation app are definitely essential.
Important for you to know: The speed limit is 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h outside built-up areas.
Is it easy to buy a motorcycle in Vietnam?
Vietnam is THE country with millions of motorcycles, so you can buy one in any small village. Many motorcycle dealers in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi also offer to buy back the bikes at the end of the trip.
However, as a non-Vietnamese, you are not officially allowed to own a motorcycle, so the bike will remain registered to the previous owner. Make sure you get a blue registration card when you buy it. Then there should be no problems with (possible) police checks.
Three possible route options for a road trip through Vietnam
All those words of warning didn’t scare you off yet? Great, that makes us happy. Then just between us: A motorcycle tour is, despite the risks (which you have to weigh for yourself), just awesome!
It’s exciting, exotic, fantastic, pure thrill and the cooling wind is the epitome of freedom. With a motorbike you can go to places where very few people get lost, even in tourist Vietnam.
We believe that there’s no more authentic and adventurous way to discover the real Vietnam. For us, it was one of the best trips of our lives!
Here are three possible route suggestions:
The Classic (approx. 2,500 km; 3-4 weeks)
This route is the perfect mix of highlands and coast. It takes you into the mountainous interior of central Vietnam as well as along the country’s most beautiful coastlines. The best sightseeing spots are also integrated into the route.
The route goes from Ho Chi Minh City via Mui Né to Dalat. From there, the route returns to the coast via Nha Trang, Hoi An and Hué. From Hué, the route heads back inland and continues along the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Hanoi.
Along the coast (approx. 2,000 km; 2-3 weeks)
Beaches, cliffs, the sound of the sea, small fishing villages and coastal towns are your thing? Then this route option is perfect for you! Follow the small roads that run along the coast, parallel to the terrible highway. Just go with the flow and leave enough time for a detour to the left or right. And don’t forget to fully charge your camera.
Inland on the Ho Chi Minh Trail (approx. 1,800 km; 2 weeks)
Breathtaking mountain scenery, limestone cliffs, deserted lanes and a road name that couldn’t be more historic. Welcome to the Road of Uncle Ho, the legendary revolutionary leader of North Vietnam! This route doesn’t include the country’s most famous sights, but is considered by insiders to be one of the most scenic in Southeast Asia.
Each of these three routes has its own special charm with unique scenic highlights. And one thing is for sure: Whichever option you choose, your road trip adventure will be unforgettable and simply awesome!
About the authors
Hello, we’re Anne and Sebastian, two curious globetrotters. We are not “just” traveling around the world, but have the big goal to install at least 100 solar systems for people without electricity. On our blog (German only) reisefroh we report about our project In 100 solar systems around the world, which is very important to us and our adventures far away from the classic tourist paths.
On reisefroh you will find real insider tips to the most beautiful places in the world as well as lots of inspiration and ideas for sustainable travel and solar energy on the road. Are you already following us on Facebook and Instagram?
Have you ever been on a motorcycle tour in Vietnam? What were your highlights? We’re looking forward to your comments!
