Beginner’s Guide to Motorbike Touring in Vietnam: Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips

Exploring Vietnam by motorbike is one of the most authentic and unforgettable ways to travel, but what if you’ve never been on a motorbike before? Is it still possible to enjoy the open road, the mountain passes, and the hidden villages if you’re a total beginner?

The answer is: absolutely. In this article, we’ll explore the motorbike touring experience in Vietnam from a beginner’s perspective—highlighting different options, safety tips, pros and cons, and what to expect on the road.

Understand the Context Before You Ride

Before you join in a motorbike tour in Vietnam, any beginner should have a solid grasp of:

1. Vietnam’s Geography & Terrain

• The country stretches over 1,650 km north to south, encompassing:
• River deltas (Red River in the north, Mekong in the south) with flat rice paddies and waterways
• Central highlands of rolling hills and plateaus
• Coastline with beaches and scenic seaside mountain passes
• This diversity means there are routes for every skill level—from smooth coastal roads to challenging mountain passes.

2. Road Infrastructure

• National and provincial highways are generally well‑paved on main corridors.
• Mountain passes and rural lanes can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved or slippery when wet.
• Motorbikes dominate traffic (around 70–80 % of vehicles), so expect to share the road mostly with two‑wheelers.

3. The “Easy Rider” Culture

• An “Easy Rider” is a local rider‑guide who takes you pillion (as a passenger) so you can enjoy the ride without worrying about navigation or traffic.
• This option is ideal for true beginners who want the experience without needing to control the bike.

4. What You Want Out of the Experience

• Freedom & spontaneity: Stop wherever you like, take photos, mingle with locals.
• Cultural immersion: Visit hill‑tribe villages, sample regional cuisines, learn local customs.
• Personal challenge: Conquer mountain passes, master new riding skills, push your comfort zone.


Quick Recap

You should be able to answer:

• Where in Vietnam do you want to ride, and what terrain will you encounter?
• What level of road conditions and traffic should you expect?
• Which riding style fits you best: full self‑ride, pillion with an Easy Rider, or a fully guided tour?

Next, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison between self‑riding and guided tours, to help you choose the right format for your first Vietnamese motorbike adventure.

Self‑Ride Tours

What it is: You rent a motorbike (scooter or manual bike) and ride independently, planning your own route and stops.

Pros:
• Total freedom over itinerary and timing
• Potentially lower cost if you’re comfortable booking accommodation and meals yourself
• Deeper sense of personal adventure and achievement

Cons:
• Requires solid riding skills, especially in busy urban areas
• You must navigate unfamiliar roads and deal with any mechanical issues
• You assume all legal responsibility (licenses, accidents, fines)

Guided Tours (Pillion & Lead‑Ride)

What it is: You join a group or private tour led by a professional local rider. You either ride pillion on their bike or ride your own while they lead.

Pros:
• No need to worry about navigation or riding skill (especially pillion)
• Local guide provides cultural insights, restaurant tips, and hidden‑gem stops
• Often includes support vehicle, meals, and accommodation arrangements

Cons:
• Higher cost per day compared to pure self‑ride

Which Should You Choose?

• Pick Self‑Ride if: 

1. • You have prior motorcycle experience and a valid license/IDP.
2. • You crave total autonomy and are comfortable planning logistics.
3. • You’re traveling light and want to minimize costs.

• Pick Guided Tour if: 

1. • You’ve never ridden before or lack confidence in traffic.
2. • You value local knowledge, safety, and hassle‑free logistics.

Practical Safety Tips & Riding Advice

Even with all the planning in place, staying safe on Vietnam’s roads requires a few on‑the‑ground best practices. Here are key tips to keep in mind:

1. Ride Defensively

• Anticipate other vehicles—especially scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Maintain a safe following distance; don’t tailgate.
• Watch for hazards like potholes, loose gravel, and unexpected animals.
  
2. Avoid Night Riding
  
• Visibility can be poor on rural roads, and many routes lack streetlights.
• If you must ride at dusk, slow down and use full‑beam headlights when safe.

3. Pace Yourself

• Plan for no more than 4–5 hours of riding per day.
• Factor in extra time for photo stops and unplanned delays.
  

4. Gear Up Properly

  
• Helmet: Always wear a standard helmet !
• Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, and gloves shield you from sunburn, wind, and road rash.
• Rain Protection: Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho—even “sunny” days can turn to showers.

5. Respect Local Traffic Laws

• Always stay on the right‑hand side of the road.
• Use turn signals well in advance.
• Never carry more passengers than the bike is designed for.
• Comply with any random police checkpoints—politeness and having your documents ready will speed things up.

 Legal Requirements & Licensing

 1. Motorcycle License

 • International Driving Permit (IDP) covering motorcycles plus your home license.
 • Some opt for a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle license via local schools or operators. 

 Not all licenses are accepted in Vietnam. Before you ride, read this guide to ensureyour license isvalid: Vietnam motorbike driving liscense for foreigners

2. Passport & Visa

 • Keep a waterproof copy of your passport.
 • Ensure your visa (or exemption) covers your entire trip.

 3. Vehicle Papers

 • Self‑Ride: Rental company must provide the bike’s registration (“pink card”) and a rental contract.
 • Guided Tour: Rider‑guide’s papers cover the bike if you ride pillion.

 4. Insurance

 • Confirm your travel policy includes motorbike accidents.
 • Consider additional on‑site insurance for theft or major breakdowns.

 5. Avoiding Fines

 • Vietnam has frequent checkpoints—always carry your documents.
 • Helmets are legally mandatory for driver and passenger.

What to Pack

 • Breathable, quick‑dry clothing
 • Light jacket, poncho
 • Helmet (though tours often provide one, bring your own for comfort)
 • Gloves, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes
 • Waterproof phone mount and offline map app

Embarking on your first motorbike tour in Vietnam can transform the way you experience travel. By understanding the terrain, choosing the right riding style, securing the proper legal documents, preparing your gear, and following safety guidelines, you’ll turn every stretch of road into a memorable adventure.

Wishing you a safe, joyful ride—and the kind of experience that leaves you “addicted” to Vietnam from the back of a motorbike!

Still not sure what to choose? Contact us for personalized recommendations or check out our most popular beginner-friendly motorbike tours