There are mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike that make the trip from dreamy to tiring and dangerous. Rental Motorbike summarizes the most common mistakes from the experiences of real customers. Let’s explore now so as not to miss valuable lessons before departure!
Mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike you should know
Traveling by motorbike in Vietnam is a spectacular experience. However, not everyone is ready to face the real challenges on this journey. There are many mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike that international tourists often make.
Not having a valid driving license
This is one of the most common mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike. Many tourists think that a national driving license is enough or simply “no one checks”. However, in reality in Vietnam, you need a recognized international driving license (IDP) and in some cases, a notarized translation into Vietnamese is required. Driving without proper papers can get you fined by the police and can ruin your entire trip.
Not checking the bike thoroughly before accepting it
Just because a motorbike looks good on the outside doesn’t mean it’s safe enough for a few hundred kilometers. Check the brakes, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors, tires and vehicle registration. Don’t be afraid to ask the shop to fix minor problems. Also, take a video of the entire bike before leaving the shop. This will help you avoid unnecessary arguments when returning the bike.
Not understanding Vietnamese traffic laws
Many tourists make mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike, such as driving in the wrong lane, running red lights, forgetting to turn on their turn signals or even going the wrong way because “they see others doing the same thing.” In fact, in Vietnam, you must stay in the right lane, obey traffic signals and turn on your turn signals when changing direction, even on small roads. Going the wrong way, even for a short distance, is considered a violation of the law.
Therefore, before starting to travel in our country, you should:
Learn about Vietnamese traffic laws carefully before driving. You can look them up on official websites such as the Traffic Police Department’s Electronic Information Portal or the Government Information Portal
- Reliable articles from Tuoi Tre, Thanh Nien, VnExpress, etc.
- Observe the actual traffic, but follow the law, not the crowd.
- Always stay alert when driving. Absolutely don’t drive when sleepy, tired or have just had a drink.
Use a substandard helmet
Using a substandard helmet is also one of the mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike that tourists often don’t pay attention to until an incident occurs. The advice is to invest in a good helmet from the beginning or choose a reputable rental place that is equipped with standard helmets.
Carrying bulky luggage, improper distribution
Carrying a backpack that is too heavy, tying the luggage loosely to the back of the bike or distributing the weight unevenly on both sides can cause the bike to lose balance, which is especially dangerous when you climb hills, go downhill or make sharp turns. To ensure safety, pack your luggage neatly, don’t stack it too high and use sturdy straps to secure it. At the same time, you should arrange your luggage so that it is easy to get on and off the bike without causing obstruction or shifting the center of gravity when traveling long distances.
Underestimating the difficulty of the journey
Finally, the most common mistake when traveling Vietnam by motorbike is to misjudge the difficulty of the route. Vietnam has complex terrain, continuous steep passes, narrow roads and unpredictable weather.
Don’t force yourself to complete a long route in a short time. Get enough rest, eat on time and listen to your body. A good backpacking trip is a safe and memorable one, not a race against time.
Rental Motorbike – A reliable companion on the road of Vietnam
No matter how long your journey is, the starting point is always a reliable place to start. With Rental Motorbike, it’s not just a good bike – it’s the peace of mind that you’re not alone on every new road. That’s when you’re carefully guided about paperwork, routes and seemingly small things that help you avoid mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike that many people have had to pay for.
For many international tourists, traveling by motorbike is the best way to explore Vietnam. But with that freedom comes many risks. Many mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike happen because of seemingly simple things like unsafe bikes, poor quality helmets, not knowing traffic laws or renting a bike without a clear contract.
Rental Motorbike is built to help you avoid those troubles. We don’t just provide bikes, we provide a comprehensive solution for your journey. Regularly maintained vehicles, standard helmets, clear contracts, technical support and itinerary advice are all available, especially the team can communicate in English and understand the needs of foreign tourists.
It can be said that one of the mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike comes from choosing a random roadside shop or renting based on feelings. With Rental Motorbike, you can rest assured that everything is properly prepared so that you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of dealing with problems along the way.
If you aren’t sure if you are experienced enough to conquer steep mountain passes or roads far from the city, Rental Motorbike’s safe motorbike tours may be a reasonable solution. You will be accompanied by a tour guide who is knowledgeable about local culture, go through little-known destinations and have a technical team to support when needed. Both safe and have a real experience, without the pressure of a traditional tour!
>> SEE MORE: 7 days in Northern Vietnam motorbike loop itinerary guide
List of Do’s and Don’ts for motorbike travel in Vietnam
Ideal routes for motorbike travel:
- Ha Giang – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng
- Northwest – Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Sa Pa – Y Ty
- Da Lat and surrounding areas
- Hai Van Pass – Lang Co – Hue
- Central Coastal Region (Da Nang – Hue – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang)
Areas to consider or avoid:
- Border areas: Some areas bordering Laos, China, Cambodia require special permits to access. If you mistakenly enter a restricted area, you may be checked or detained for work.
- Military areas, airports, factories
- Overly dangerous or sparsely populated mountain passes (Northwest in the rainy season, O Quy Ho Pass, Pha Din Pass,…)
Avoiding mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike is the best way to fully enjoy the beauty of the S-shaped country. Rental Motorbike is always ready to help you plan, choose a bike and support throughout the journey. Please contact us if you don’t want to make mistakes when traveling Vietnam by motorbike!
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