Clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel is one of the most important factors to ensure safety and comfort for your journey. Instead of choosing casual clothes, have you ever wondered what the locals will wear to cope with all weather conditions and terrain? Let’s follow Rental Motorbike to have the best preparation for the upcoming trip!
Essential clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel
| Item | Recommendation |
| Helmet | Always choose a standard-quality helmet, preferably a 3/4 or full-face model. These provide better protection against accidents and are more reliable for long-distance riding in Vietnam. |
| Jackets | Lightweight jackets that protect against both sun and wind are a must. A windbreaker or UV-protection jacket helps you stay cool under the tropical sun while also shielding you from sudden gusts on mountain roads. |
| Pants | Comfortable long pants such as jeans or durable trekking pants are highly recommended. Avoid wearing shorts on long rides as they expose your skin to the sun, dust, and potential road burns in case of falls. |
| Gloves | A good pair of motorbike gloves not only protects your hands from sunburn and scratches but also improves your grip on the handlebars during long rides, especially in humid or rainy conditions. |
| Shoes | Sport shoes or sturdy boots are ideal for motorbike trips. They provide ankle support and protection, unlike flip-flops or sandals which are unsafe and not recommended for riding in Vietnam. |
| Rain gear | Sudden rain showers are common in Vietnam, so always carry a full raincoat set (jacket and pants) instead of a poncho. A waterproof cover for your backpack is also essential to keep your belongings dry. |
Seasonal clothing tips from locals
Vietnam’s climate is divided into three distinct regions, and each requires different preparations. Choosing the right clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel depending on the season and region will help you save time, protect your health and be more comfortable on the road.
- Northern region (Hanoi, Sa Pa): From November to March, the North enters the cold winter. If you plan to travel Hanoi – Sa Pa or mountain roads, prepare thick warm clothes, scarves, gloves and thermal shoes. In autumn or spring, locals often wear light, multi-layered jackets to easily change when the weather warms up during the day.
- Central region: The Central region, especially Da Nang, Hue or Hoi An, often has strong sunlight. Locals suggest a light, thin jacket that is resistant to UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses is also an indispensable item when choosing clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel in the Central region.
- Southern: The climate in the South is hot and humid all year round, with the rainy season from May to November. Locals often choose light, airy clothes and always carry a raincoat in their backpack. This is a simple but extremely useful secret to deal with sudden rains on the journey.
Locals’ hidden tips for comfortable travel
Besides the basic items, Vietnamese people also possess many small but extremely effective secrets to make motorbike trips more comfortable. These tips do not appear in travel books, but are passed on by word of mouth in the backpacking community and are really useful for those who are experiencing it for the first time.
For example, instead of wearing a thick, heavy shirt, locals often choose many thin layers. This way allows riders to easily adjust to the changing temperatures during the warm days in the early morning and evening, and cool when the sun comes up. It is this flexibility that makes layering an important part of the clothing checklist for Vietnam motorbike travel.
Another tip that international travelers often overlook is to bring a multi-purpose scarf (bandana). With a small strip of fabric, you can use it to shade from the sun when traveling long distances, protect against fine dust when passing through crowded areas, or keep your neck warm on cold evenings. Locals also use bandanas as a sweat-absorbent headband when driving in the hot sun.
This convenience and versatility makes bandanas a small but indispensable accessory for those who want to prepare smart clothes for their trip. In the list of clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel, the bandana is often mentioned as a “silent hero” that makes the trip much less tiring.
In addition, the experience of local backpackers also lies in carefully preparing for unexpected situations. On long journeys, getting wet shoes from the rain or having to wade through puddles is inevitable. Locals always recommend bringing a spare pair of dry shoes to avoid discomfort or health problems. At the same time, they also have the habit of bringing small packets of soap to wash clothes in the evening and dry them right at the resting place.
With a hot and humid tropical climate, clothes often dry after just one night, helping you always have clean clothes to continue moving. These are seemingly simple habits, but they contribute to making the motorbike trip much lighter and more comfortable.
Where to buy affordable clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel
Not everyone brings enough clothes from home. The good news is that in Vietnam, buying clothes for the trip is very easy and the cost is extremely reasonable. Here are the places locals often shop, and you can also refer to:
- Local markets: Large markets such as Ben Thanh market (HCMC) or Dong Xuan market (Hanoi) are always full of jackets, gloves, and long pants at affordable prices. This is where you can find basic clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel for just a few dollars.
- Outdoor/trekking stores: If you need high-quality protective gear, specialized stores in Hanoi and Saigon are reliable options. They have waterproof jackets, trekking shoes, and international-standard protective gloves.
- Popular brands: Vietnamese people often trust domestic or mid-range international brands such as The North Face (local version), Yame, or online shops selling outdoor gear. This is a choice that balances price and quality.
Hopefully, the suggestions about clothing for Vietnam motorbike travel from the locals have helped you visualize more clearly the luggage you need to prepare. Each item is not only clothing but also a companion, protecting you throughout the journey. Surely, you will be immersed in the life of the people here. Let Rental Motorbike become your reliable companion. Contact us!
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