Motorbiking Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh: What You Need to Know

There’s something undeniable about the road tripping and just playing with your hair while they flow through the breeze, capturing those serene landscapes. An ultimate freedom and a chance to escape from boredom.

For those craving an adventurous ride that remains etched in your memories forever, the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City promise just that. A journey worth exploring and learning about the culture, diverse landscapes, and an inner discovery of peace and harmony.

Overview of the trip: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

This picturesque detour covers a significant distance, typically ranging from 1,880 km to 2,770 km, depending on the way you take it. Out of the many shortcuts available, prefer the ones with longer, scenic, and beautiful routes. Planning for at least 10 days to a maximum of 3 weeks is preferable, which further depends on your schedules and budgets. Several riders prefer booking their travels through Vietnam tour companies and starting from Hanoi to heading south to Ho Chi Minh City, a southern route. Bonus Point: This route is strategic as you have more options to sell your bike at the end of your adventure.

To all the dearest bike riders, here’s what you need to remember: Don’t expect or try to break records, as the average speed is 40-80 km/hr. Also, if you follow Google Maps meticulously, double the time of what the app shows while you are road tripping, for a realistic pace. Either way, why speed through the journey when the whole point of a road trip is to soak in every single moment?

Key things before you go road-tripping on the best Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh tours

Motorbikes will help you through your journey

You get two options for getting your wheels: First, you can buy a motorbike and sell it towards the end of your journey in Ho Chi Minh City. You get a range of options, out of which low-cost bikes are affordable, but look out for the wear and tear costs, if any. It is also important that you have a “blue card,” which is a vehicle registration certificate issued for the motorbikes. Without it, you won’t be able to get through.  Second, for a hassle-free experience, rent a bike. You will be expected to pay around USD 10 for a good, well-maintained bike per day for the rental charge. This further depends on the dealer you rent it from.

Licensing and Fuel

As per Vietnamese law, if the bike you ride is 50CC or more, you will need a legal license to operate the motorbike. If your home country is a signatory to the 1968 IDP Convention, your International Drivers Permit (IDP) is legal. If not, then you will have to go through the procedures. Riding without a license in such a case might lead to fines, bike impoundment, and most importantly, invalidate your travel insurance in the event of an accident caused. Do check out these details carefully with your selected tour package for Vietnam.

Apart from this, good news for your wallet because fuel is relatively inexpensive in Vietnam, costing approximately USD1 per liter. Most motorbikes with 50-150cc are incredibly fuel-efficient.

Route and Itinerary

Vietnam has several magical routes to offer. One is the classic route, which trails approximately 3000 km and takes around 2-4 weeks to cover. It largely follows National Highway 1A, showcasing a diverse mix of mountains, cities, and coasts. 

The other route, at around 2050 km, takes 10 days to 3 weeks. This route focuses on beautiful beaches, stunning landmarks, and vast sand stretches. What better way to road trip than when the breeze flows by?

The one route that you might want to explore, spanning roughly 1,880 km (10 days to 2 weeks), this historic route features paved mountain roads, agricultural plateaus, and significant war vestiges, offering a deeper dive into Vietnam’s past, leading to Ho Chi Minh.

Therefore, a motorbike journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about covering miles; rather, it’s about embracing freedom, making unforgettable memories, and immersing yourself in the heart of Vietnam. With careful planning and extensive research into the regional weather, you’re fit for your trip. Gear up, trust your instincts, and get ready to write your own incredible story on Vietnam’s legendary roads.