The Comprehensive Motorbike Trip Packing List for Vietnam
Packing light and smart is key to a hassle-free Vietnam motorbike tour. We’ve seen firsthand the triumphs and pitfalls of packing for a Vietnam motorbike trip. To make sure your journey is smooth and unforgettable, this motorbike trip packing list for Vietnam covers everything you need, from motorbike gears to essentials.
Level Of Safety Gear Needed For Your Vietnam Motorbike Tour
The type of motorbike you choose, whether it’s a smaller or larger model, will significantly impact your motorbike trip packing list. Consider the bike’s storage capacity and weight limits when packing your belongings.
Additionally, the specific motorbike model will influence the level of safety gear and equipment you need for a safe and comfortable journey.
- Small Scooters
These scooters are perfect for inexperienced riders, offering a comfortable and easy-to-ride experience. They’re designed for leisurely journeys, with a typical daily riding distance of less than 150 kilometers on-road. You won’t need extensive safety gear; a simple Vietnamese helmet, a rain poncho, jeans, and a jacket should suffice.
- Medium Bikes: Honda XR 150cc | Honda CRF150cc | Yamaha WR150cc | Honda CRF 250cc | Honda CRF 300cc
These motorbikes are built to handle the rugged terrain of mountainous areas in Northern Vietnam. They can carry more luggage than standard scooters and are capable of higher speeds. While you may see locals riding off road on less-equipped Honda Wave without much safety gear, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Invest in a full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads, and proper rain gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
- Large Bikes: Honda CB 500cc
For those carrying substantial luggage, a larger bike like the Honda CB500X is a good option. It handles heavy loads well without sacrificing performance. However, it’s better suited for long-distance journeys like the Ho Chi Minh Trail, rather than off-road adventures in North Vietnam. Again, always prioritize safety and wear appropriate protective gear while riding these large motorbikes.
Read more >>> Explore our fleet
How Many Kilograms Can A Vietnam Biker Mates’ Motorbike Carry?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Vietnam Motorbike Tour, we recommend limiting your motorbike trip packing to only essentials. Given the size of our bikes, we suggest limiting your luggage to around 15 kilograms per person.
While our bikes are robust and can accommodate two people and luggage, overloading them can compromise stability and handling, especially on winding mountain roads.
To optimize your Vietnam motorbike tour experience, we’ve categorized luggage into two types: large backpacks and small backpacks. Large backpacks for containing less essential items that can be stored securely behind the motorbike.
Small backpacks should hold important items like documents, money, cameras, and personal belongings. It’s best to keep this backpack with you at all times and store it on the front of the motorbike for easy access.
Additionally, we propose dividing your luggage between the bikes. This will improve the overall performance, fuel efficiency, and safety of your journey.
Tips: To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Vietnam motorbike tour, it’s essential to prepare for unpredictable weather. Mountainous regions, in particular, are prone to sudden rain showers. Pack waterproof backpacks or rain gear to stay dry and comfortable, no matter the weather conditions. A wet and cold ride can quickly dampen your spirits and hinder your adventure.
Essential Safety Gears for Vietnam Motorbike Tour
Given the higher risk of motorbike accidents in Vietnam, it’s crucial to prioritize safety gear in your motorbike trip packing list. In the event of an accident, emergency response times may be longer, and the level of medical care might not meet Western standards in countryside.
By taking preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of serious injuries and ensure a worry-free trip. If you already own suitable gear, please bring it with you. If not, we can provide basic gear, but it’s always best to use your own for comfort and fit. Please let us know your size to ensure the best fit.
Helmet
While a helmet is the only legally required safety gear in Vietnam, we strongly recommend wearing a full-face helmet for optimal protection, especially when riding medium to larger motorbikes.
Given the varying quality of helmets available locally, we provide our guests with high-quality, internationally certified full-face helmets (LS2, Givi,etc.). To ensure your safety and comfort, we maintain our helmets in excellent condition, regularly replacing older ones with newer models.
Read More >>> How to Find the Best Motorbike Helmet for Your Vietnam Trip 2023
Boots
After a helmet, sturdy boots are the next essential safety gear in your Vietnam motorbike trip packing list. Motorbikes are heavy, and in case of a fall, they can easily trap your legs, potentially leading to serious injuries like broken bones.
For off-road riding, especially on rocky terrains, sturdy boots or at least ankle-high shoes are crucial. We strongly recommend bringing your own boots to ensure the perfect fit and maximum protection.
Jacket and Pants
Given Vietnam’s tropical climate, lightweight, breathable riding gear is ideal. Opt for jackets and pants with protective padding in key areas such as shoulders, elbows, chest, spine, hips, and knees. This will ensure your comfort and safety during your Vietnam motorbike tour.
Knee and Elbow Pads
Knee and elbow pads are a crucial safety item in your motorbike trip packing list. They protect your joints and skin from injury, particularly in the event of a fall. When selecting knee and elbow pads, prioritize a snug fit and avoid those with overly small protective cups, as these can be uncomfortable during long rides. Remember, comfort is key for a successful adventure.
Gloves
Your hands are often the first point of contact in a motorbike accident. While it may seem unnecessary, gloves can significantly reduce injuries, even in minor falls. Look for lightweight gloves that offer adequate protection.
Goggles
To fully enjoy your Vietnam motorbike tour, it’s essential to prioritize clear vision. Wearing regular glasses while riding can be uncomfortable and risky, as they may be susceptible to dust, wind, or damage. Investing in motorbike sunglasses or goggles (prescription if needed) can significantly enhance your riding experience by providing optimal vision and protection.
Raining gear
While a Vietnamese rain poncho can be a temporary solution, we recommend bringing your own breathable rain gear. This will help you stay dry and comfortable, especially during longer rides and in unpredictable weather conditions. Vietnam’s hot and humid climate, combined with frequent rain showers, can make non-breathable rain gear uncomfortable.
Essential Tech for Vietnam Motorbike Tour
- Smartphone: A smartphone is a must-have for navigating digital maps, mobile banking, staying connected with loved ones, and accessing your travel documents.
- Action Camera: For capturing stunning footage of your adventure, consider a compact and durable action camera, promising stabilized footage with vibrant detail across various lighting conditions like a GoPro or Insta360.
- Power Bank and Charger: A portable power bank and universal charger are essential for keeping your devices powered throughout the day. Sort them out and simplify into one. If you break something on the journey, then Vietnam has plenty of electrical stores to find a replacement.
- Laptop: While a laptop can be useful for work or extensive travel planning, it’s generally not recommended for a motorbike tour due to its weight and potential damage.
Health and Hygiene for Vietnam Motorbike Tour
- First aid kit
- Personal prescription
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
Cash and Cards for Vietnam Motorbike Tour
Cash is still king in Vietnam, especially in rural areas and smaller shops. While ATMs are widely available in cities, they become less common in remote regions. For your North Vietnam motorbike adventure, particularly in areas like Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai, it’s wise to withdraw extra cash to cover expenses like souvenirs and local purchases.
Hence, remember to include “cash” in your motorbike trip packing list.
Read More >>> Guide To Money In Vietnam
Documentation for Vietnam Motorbike Tour
- Motorbike Travel Insurance information
- Visa/passport
- Passport photographs
- Motorbike driving license
- Local sim card
- Offline maps – incredibly helful in areas with no phone signal
- Emergency contact list
Packing for Weather Conditions for Vietnam Motorbike Tour
Vietnam’s diverse climate means you’ll need to pack accordingly for your motorbike adventure. During the hot and humid summer months, especially in the North and South, lightweight, breathable clothing like motocross gear is ideal. Long sleeves and pants offer sun protection. If you plan to swim, pack a swimsuit.
For cooler months in North Vietnam (November to February), layer up with a waterproof/breathable jacket and warm socks. Remember, versatility is key when packing for a motorbike trip in Vietnam.
Check our blog Best time to ride motorbike in Vietnam: Tips and Advice to understand the specific weather conditions in each region and season.
Motorbike Trip Packing Tips
Hydration:
- For off-road riding, a hydration pack is a convenient way to stay hydrated without compromising your bike’s handling. Avoid using water bottles strapped to your seat, as they can easily fall off.
- If you’re run out of water on the way, you can purchase water along the way. However, in mountainous regions, the water quality may not be as reliable.
Luggage:
- Pack light to improve your bike’s performance and handling.
- Use packing cubes or roll your clothes to maximize space.
- Prioritize essential items and utilize laundry services along your route.
Safety Gear:
- If you’re planning an off-road adventure or covering long distances, invest in quality safety gear like a helmet, protective clothing, and sturdy boots.
Clothing:
- Pack versatile clothing that can adapt to various weather conditions.
- Consider the climate in different regions, especially when traveling between the north and south.
- Waterproof bags are essential to protect your belongings from rain and unexpected weather changes.
By following our comprehensive motorbike trip packing list for Vietnam, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your Vietnam motorbike adventure. Remember, packing light and smart is key to a hassle-free journey. With the right gear and mindset, you’ll be ready to explore the stunning landscapes of Vietnam and create unforgettable memories.
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