Essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam are increasingly of interest to international tourists and young backpackers. When you understand the essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam, traveling alone will become safer, easier and more inspiring. With many years of experience, Rental Motorbike has summarized the 10 most useful tips to review in this article. Let’s follow the article!
Listing 10 essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam
From practical experience through many trips with customers, Rental Motorbike has compiled 10 essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam. Let’s explore now!
Tip 1: Have your documents ready
Documents are a prerequisite for a legal trip and to avoid trouble with the authorities or when renting a motorbike or room. Always bring your passport or ID card, appropriate driving license (A1 for vehicles under 175cc, A2 for vehicles over 175cc), motorbike insurance and a notarized copy of the vehicle registration if renting a vehicle. A little tip is to take a photo of all the documents and save them on your phone or cloud in case of loss.
Tip 2: Choose the right bike for your route
The bike determines 80% of the safety and success of the trip and is also one of the essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam that you can’t ignore. According to Rental Motorbike:
- Flat roads, national highways: Manual transmission vehicles (Wave, Sirius) are economical and easy to repair.
- Mountain passes, steep slopes: Manual transmission vehicles (Winner X, Exciter, XR150) are safer thanks to the gear brakes.
- Should avoid: Scooters when going on long steep passes because the brakes get hot easily, reducing efficiency.
>> SEE MORE: Best place to rent a motorbike in HCM!
Tip 3: Master the art of “asking locals”
In remote areas, Google Maps can lead you astray. Locals are the most reliable “living maps”.
- How to do it: Don’t be afraid to ask the motorbike taxi driver, the water seller, the repairman or the gas station.
- Tip: When asking for directions, ask at least 2-3 different people to confirm the information. Sometimes they give directions out of habit without realizing that the road is under construction or broken.
Tip 4: Be open and approachable
Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. In fact, when you are alone, you are the most approachable person. Take the initiative to create opportunities to connect by choosing to sit at sidewalk cafes, smiling at people around you and asking open-ended questions. You will be surprised at the interesting stories, valuable advice and even sincere invitations you can receive from complete strangers.
Tip 5: Spend on safe accommodation
You can eat and drink simply on the road, but never compromise the safety of your sleep. Among the essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam, choosing a clean, quiet accommodation with a safe parking area is always the number one priority. Only when you feel secure can you sleep deeply and recharge for the next day.
Tip 6: Try local roadside eateries
This is the fastest and most authentic way to experience local culinary culture. These eateries are often affordable and have authentic flavors.
- Golden rule: If you see a restaurant with a lot of local customers, go there. Locals always know where the delicious and clean place is.
- Don’t be afraid to try strange dishes. If you don’t know what to order, just point to the dish next to you and say “I’ll have the same portion”.
Tip 7: Always carry small cash
In big cities, you can swipe your card or transfer money everywhere. But when you set foot in rural areas and remote villages, cash is king. Holding a 500,000 VND note to pay for a 30,000 VND bowl of pho can be awkward for both you and the seller. So, always make sure you have enough small denominations in your wallet for your daily expenses.
Tip 8: Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases
Language is the fastest bridge connecting tourists and locals. No need to be fluent, but remembering a few basic phrases is always considered one of the essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam.
You don’t need to be fluent, just remember the following essential phrases:
- “Hello”/ “Hello”
- “Thank you”
- “How much?”
- “That’s great!”
- “Can I ask for directions…”
Tip 9: Adapt to Vietnam’s traffic style
The first impression of Vietnamese traffic can be chaotic, but to move safely, you need to understand and follow its unwritten rules. The key is adaptation. You need to move at a speed that allows you enough time to observe and handle the situation. Next, understand the purpose of the horn correctly. Finally and most importantly, be proactive in avoiding possible collisions.
Tip 10: Pack a quality rain suit and waterproof covers
Vietnam is a tropical country with fast and unpredictable weather, especially in mountainous areas. A sudden downpour can leave you soaked, cold and easily damaged by electronic devices. Therefore, this is considered an essential tip for solo riders in Vietnam that everyone should remember.
- Protect yourself: Always prioritize a rain suit set including separate pants and shirts to fully cover, keep warm and prevent wind from getting in the way or obstructing your vision while riding.
- Protect your luggage: Apply the “two-layer protection” principle:
- Outer layer – Waterproof backpack cover keeps all your luggage dry in heavy rain.
- Inner layer – Separate waterproof bag: Put electronic devices, spare batteries and personal documents in a zip bag or a specialized waterproof bag before putting them in the backpack.
Solo rider travel – A growing trend in Vietnam
In recent years, solo travel has become an increasingly popular choice for both international tourists and young Vietnamese people. In Vietnam, this trend has exploded strongly thanks to the combination of diverse landscapes, rich culture and the spirit of freedom that is increasingly appreciated by young people.
It isn’t difficult to see “solo riders” on famous routes such as Ha Giang, Moc Chau, Hai Van Pass or along the central coast. For them, the journey isn’t just about moving, but also an opportunity to enjoy absolute freedom, decide their own schedule and explore very unique perspectives. This is also the reason why more and more articles sharing essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam appear.
According to Rental Motorbike Vietnam, one of the factors riding this trend is the need to seek personalized experiences, while also wanting to train your courage and challenge yourself. The development of travel technology (booking apps, digital maps, online travel communities) also makes traveling alone safer and easier than ever. And to fully enjoy it, having essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam is indispensable.
It can be said that traveling alone in Vietnam isn’t only a trend, but is gradually becoming a new lifestyle, where each individual finds freedom, independence and a deeper connection with themselves.
Hopefully these essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam will be your trusted companion. At Rental Motorbike, we not only rent motorbikes but also want you to have the safest and most complete trip. Keep these essential tips for solo riders in Vietnam in mind and hit the road with confidence! Need more advice or want to book a tour for your upcoming trip? Contact us now.
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