Motorcycle Travel Guides
VIETNAM

Budget

Typical motorcycle travel costs and prices

Money: ATMs can be found throughout Vietnam, but cash is king. 

Currency: Vietnamese Dong.

Food: £10 per day on average.

Accommodation: £15 per day on average. 

When to go

The best time of year to rent or join a tour

The best time to rent a motorcycle or join a tour in Hanoi is between September to November and March and April. 

If you’re heading north to Ha Giang then October is a great month.

In the south it’s December to March. 

Paperwork

Visa, insurance and motorcycle licence

Visa: Visa requirements are dependent on your nationality. Please visit the country’s government website for visa information. 

Driver’s licence: You need a valid motorcycle licence to legally rent a motorcycle or join a tour. If you risk riding without the correct licence, then not only will you be breaking the law, but your insurance will be invalid too. 

International Driver’s Permit: An IDP is a requirement for many countries. The UK Gov website lists every country that requires one and which IDP is required. 

Insurance: Motorcycle insurance needs to be checked with the rental or tour company. Ask what they offer, what’s included and what the legal requirements are. 

You should purchase personal travel insurance separately from your home country before travelling. 

Facts

Capital: Hanoi
Country code: +84

Emergency: 113 – police, 114 –  fire, 115 – ambulance

Language: Vietnamese

Time: GMT+7

Land Mass:331,210 km²

Don't miss

The best motorcycle riding routes and attractions

The incredible Ha Giang Loop is an absolute must for any adventure bike rider and motorcycle traveller. 

For more info, check out our packed Ultimate Guide: How to Motorcycle the Ha Giang Loop

Flying in/out

The best airport to fly into and out of

Hanoi International Airport. 

Vietnam is bursting with adventure. Rent a lightweight dirt bike or scooter, strap a bag to your pillion seat and chase the Ho Chi Minh trail over some of the best motorcycle riding routes in Southeast Asia. From the legendary Ha Giang Loop in the north to the gorgeous beaches in the south, you’re going to love riding here. Vietnam is a motorcycle traveller’s dream. 

Welcome to our ultimate guide on buying and selling a motorcycle in Southeast Asia for adventure bike riders and travellers. You’ll find this article packed with info on paperwork, tips, tricks and links to help you get out there and explore SE Asia on two wheels.