Practicalities FAQ

Straightforward guidance on traffic conditions, fuel, navigation, luggage, transport, and breakdown procedures.

1. Riding Conditions

Yes, but you must be cautious. Traffic in Vietnam has its own rhythm and unwritten rules. Go slowly, ride defensively, and observe how local riders behave. There is a learning curve, so allow other road users to make the first move and adjust accordingly.

It is generally safe, but less safe than riding during daylight. We strongly recommend riding in daylight where possible. On our tours, we aim to finish riding between 4pm and 5pm to arrive before nightfall.

Night riding increases risks due to reduced visibility, road hazards, animals, unlit vehicles, and fatigue. You are also here to see the country, which is best done during daylight hours.

This depends on your ability and stamina, but we suggest around 4 to 5 hours of riding per day. Average speeds are typically 30 to 40 km/h once you factor in traffic, photo stops, breaks, and lunch. This usually gives you a daily range of around 150 km, which is sufficient to travel comfortably between major towns.

Riding significantly further than this can become tiring and less enjoyable.

Motorbike speed limits are generally:

  • 40 to 50 km/h in urban or densely populated areas
  • 60 to 70 km/h on open roads

Limits are enforced using cameras and speed guns. Fines typically range from 600,000 to 1,000,000 VND for exceeding limits by 10 to 20 km/h.

Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Vietnam is generally very safe for travellers. As with anywhere, remain aware of your surroundings and exercise normal precautions.

2. Fuel & Navigation

Yes. Vietnam has millions of motorbikes, most with small fuel tanks, so petrol stations are widely available. In addition to official stations, fuel is often available at roadside stalls in more rural areas.

Our bikes are fitted with phone holders so you can navigate while riding. If you purchase a local SIM card, you will usually have strong 4G or 5G coverage across most of the country. Google Maps is generally sufficient for navigation.

3. Gear & Packing

Ideally, bring:

  • A helmet
  • Jacket
  • Trousers
  • Proper footwear
  • Gloves
  • Rain gear

If you are an experienced rider on a longer tour, bringing your own gear is recommended for comfort and hygiene.

If you are not a regular rider or are joining an Easy Rider tour, sturdy shoes, long trousers, long sleeves, and a waterproof jacket are usually sufficient. We provide helmets.

If you are riding without a support vehicle, luggage is typically carried using:

  • Side panniers and a top box on larger bikes
  • A waterproof bag strapped securely to the rear seat

A typical setup might include approximately:

  • 60 litres across side panniers
  • 30 litres in a top box

For solo riders, a single 40-litre waterproof bag is usually sufficient. Carrying excessive weight can affect balance and handling.

We offer panniers for larger bikes and can provide waterproof bags if needed.

As a guideline, limit luggage to:

  • One large bag of approximately 40 litres
  • Maximum weight of around 20 kg

Excess weight can unbalance the motorcycle and negatively affect handling.

There are several dedicated motorbike shops in Hanoi that sell quality helmets.

Full-face helmets are less common than open-face helmets due to heat and cost, but we can assist you in finding and purchasing a suitable option.

4. Transport & Accommodation

Yes, for north to south routes it is possible to send a motorbike by train. The bike may travel on a separate cargo train.

It is no longer possible to transport a bike by train between Hanoi and Lao Cai.

Some bus companies allow motorbike transport. The bike is usually stored in the luggage compartment underneath the bus.

For safety reasons, fuel will typically be drained before transport. Do not arrive with a completely full tank.

Yes, accommodation is widely available across the country. Vietnam offers a large number of budget and mid-range hotels, many of which are listed on Google, Booking, and Agoda.

Solo travellers and small groups can usually find accommodation without difficulty. During peak holiday periods or for larger groups, booking in advance is recommended.

5. Breakdowns & Emergencies

Call the emergency contact number provided on your key ring. We will assist you over the phone and may:

  • Direct you to a nearby mechanic
  • Speak directly with local mechanics on your behalf
  • Send assistance where feasible

We have extensive experience resolving issues quickly so riders can continue safely.

If you have rented from us and experience a breakdown, contact us immediately using the emergency number provided.

For serious medical emergencies, you should contact local emergency services. We will assist where possible if you inform us.

Prices vary depending on location and mechanic.

As a general guide:

  • Inner tube repair: approximately 20,000 to 30,000 VND
  • Inner tube replacement: approximately 100,000 VND
  • New tyre: approximately 400,000 to 4,000,000 VND depending on type

These prices are estimates only and not fixed.

Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC

Displacement

411 cc

Bore X Stroke

78 mm x 86 mm

Ignition

TCI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic forks; stanchion diameter 41 mm

Rear Suspension

linkage-type monoshock

Front Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 2-piston floating caliper

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

90/90 – 21

Rear Tyres

120/90 – 17

Wheelbase

1465 mm

Seat Height

800 mm

Ground Clearance

220 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

15 litres

Dimensions

2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1360 mm (H)

Daily

Total

Rider (CRF 300)

$220

Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

Daily

Total

Rider (XR 150)

Rider (CRF 300)

Rider (CB 500X)

Rider (Himalayan 400)

$220

Rider (GS 1250)

Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

Daily

Total

Jeep (1 PAX)

$210

Jeep (2 PAX)

$120

Jeep (3 PAX)

$90

Jeep (4+ PAX)

$80

Rider (Easy Rider)

$115

Rider (Self-Drive)

$105

Private Room

$15

* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.

BMW 1250 GS

Engine Type

air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

Displacement

1255 cc

Bore X Stroke

102.5 mm x 76 mm

Ignition

FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

Rear Suspension

single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Front Brakes

dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

120/70 R19

Rear Tyres

170/60 R17

Wheelbase

1514 mm

Seat Height

850 mm

Ground Clearance

790 mm

Kerb Weight

249 kg

Fuel Capacity

20 litres

Dimensions

2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

Engine Type

liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

Displacement

470 cc

Bore X Stroke

67 mm x 66.8 mm

Ignition

PGMI – FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

Rear Brakes

240 mm disc; ABS

Front Tyres

110/80R19M/C (59H)

Rear Tyres

160/60R17M/C

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

830 mm

Ground Clearance

180 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

17.7 litres

Dimensions

2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)