1. What should I bring with me for the trip?

Here are items we suggest for motorcycle touring:

• Clothing: helmet, rain gloves, wellington boots (rubber boots for rainy season from April to September), summer gloves, balaclava, t-shirt, socks & underwear, long sleeved shirt, turtleneck shirt, extra jeans, light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses and goggles.
• Personal items: basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen and earplugs.
• Emergency items: first aid kit, emergency contact number, list medical conditions, list medications, flashlight, chargers and duct tape.
• Miscellaneous: small towel, bath towel, trash bags, bungee cords, camera and cargo net.

2. How is the traffic in Vietnam?

Within city areas it has to be one of the craziest in the world! But all of our trips avoid driving through big cities. We prefer to take small roads, which are absolutely much more fun and beautiful than the main roads. This way you see more wonderful smiles from the local people on the side of the roads all screaming “HELLO!!”

If you don’t feel comfortable with the traffic or during any part of the trip your guide will assist you and make you feel comfortable and confident at what you are doing. He will work as a “chicken mother” and lead you to safety.

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Motorcycling FAQs 4. I’m travelling alone, is it possible to join with another group?
We will try to link you with another group but both your needs and riding skills have to be similar; or if any member of the group has special requirements, for example taking photos, you will have to agree to meet the other group’s needs. And vice versa. Details of groups you could join at Tour Update

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Motorcycling FAQs 5. How long do we ride each day?
This is a difficult question, but it should be no longer than 5 hours riding a day, with a stop every 1 or 2 hours. This also depends on individual driving skill, road conditions, the number of stops we make, etc. We don’t stick to a tight schedule while on the road; sometimes we make a stop for a drink, take a photo, or even go for an interesting short walk in villages we stop by.

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Motorcycling FAQs 6. Do I need a deposit and if so how much?
Yes, we ask for a 30% deposit in order to confirm our tour and also to cover expenses for all the necessities prior to the trip. We will give you our bank account number to transfer the deposit if you do not want to carry cash. For special requirements we will ask for a 50% deposit. Be advised to ask your bank how much they charge and if they have to go through a third bank before Vietcombank. Some of our customers were double charged without notice.

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Motorcycling FAQs 7. How do I pay you? Do you accept credit card payment?

Unfortunately we are presently unable to accept credit card payment on-line, and instead ask for full payment via a bank transfer or Western Union Cash Transfer. We ask that you transfer to our bank account a deposit and then final balance (cash is king in Vietnam) before the commencement of a ride.

We do accept credit card payment in our office (when you are in Vietnam). There is an extra bank charge of 3% (4% for American Express card holders). At certain times, we may apply surcharge as banks always offer low or very low rates comparing to black market rates.

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Motorcycling FAQs 8. When is the best time for riding a motorbike in Vietnam?
There are no best times to ride a motorbike in Vietnam as our country has an extremely long longitude spanning different climatic conditions at once. Vietnam also consists of four seasons, the winter isn’t too cold or the summer too hot. The autumn is sometimes heavy with rain but usually it will only rain for 1 or 2 hours, then wonderful blue sky will appear again. In the spring, mist covers the mountain tops, and even though there is cool weather it is one of the most spectacular times of year with beautiful colours of trees and flower blossom.

For the most beautiful scenery of rice paddies in the mountain, the best time is from September to November.

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Motorcycling FAQs 9. Where is the best riding trip in Vietnam?
There is no answer for this question, as it all depends on what you want to see but going up to the Northwest Mountains, which are full of beautiful colours from the traditional dresses of the local hill tribes is a spectacle. The Central North stirs up strong emotions on the steep limestone mountains, with views compared to the “Holy Land”. But for this you need to be a very experienced biker. The Northeast route is relatively easy riding and the people are very friendly. You will mostly stay with host families and discover their cultures. A good proposal depends on you providing us with clear information about what you would like to do, to see and dream of.

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Motorcycling FAQs 10. How many days is a good trip of riding?
To have a good trip we advise you to ride deep into the countryside in the mountainous areas. That trip will need at least 6 days but we suggest a 9 or 12-day trip to enjoy it in a relaxed fashion. We also organize 3 to 4-day trips to Sapa coming back on the overnight train.

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Motorcycling FAQs 11. I am very interested in motorbiking trips in Vietnam but I don’t have experience experience of riding a motorbike…?
Yes, you could ride as a pillion passenger on the bike of a guide or your travel partner to enjoy the trip. Or we advise you take a riding course organized by us. You can do it anytime before the departure and costs 20 USD/person. This lesson is only available for fully guided tour customers, not available for rental clients.

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Motorcycling FAQs 12. Do I need to have an international driving license to drive a motorbike in Vietnam?
If you have a car licence most of the local insurance companies consider that you can drive a motorcycle. As a result, the authorities also consider this document as acceptable. Driver licence is not a problem in Vietnam. The main concern is your insurance. Police generally ignore checking foreigners in Vietnam simply because they don’t speak English or feel confident to deal with it. However no licence is fully valid in Vietnam, even an international driving licence, as it needs to be officially translated. The question of having or not a motorbiking driving licence mainly concerns your insurance. On the other hand, if you are working in Vietnam under contract for at least 6 months you could easily get a local driving licence.

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Motorcycling FAQs 13. Do we need to have insurance for motorbiking in Vietnam?
Yes, you need to have a medical insurance, even if you are a pillion passenger so that insurance will cover any accident. If you don’t have insurance, we can help you purchase one from Gras Savoye Willis Vietnam (www.grassavoyewillis-vn.com) – a French Insurance Broker.

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Motorcycling FAQs 14. What gift should I bring with me?
Useful objects or typical items from your country would be highly appreciated. For example, a torch, a knife, or sewing kit – simple, but quality. We redistribute medicines and photos.

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Motorcycling FAQs 15. Can I bring my motorcycle with me to Vietnam?
Vietnam no longer allows the import of used/second-hand motorcycles, except foreigners with a valid working permit import for their personal use. Capacity limit for Vietnamese citizens of under 175cc was removed in May 2007 as part of agreements with WTO. Large displacement bikes generally cost more than twice as much as in your country since the government charges 90% import tax, 10% VAT plus big registration fees. For example, a brand-new Honda XR 250cc costs about 14,000 USD, a CBR600RR is about 24,000 USD and a Harley Davidson 883cc goes for nearly 20,000 USD. If you have a work permit and an international driving licence, you can bring your own bike (brand-new or second-hand) to Vietnam and register it under your own name. However, when you leave Vietnam, you have to take your bike out of the country or sell it very cheaply.