VIETNAM MOTORBIKE TOURS
What to Bring on Your Motorbike Tour
A practical guide to packing light, riding safely and enjoying the journey.
Gear Up for the Ride
Good riding gear makes a great tour even better. We recommend bringing the same protective gear you would normally wear when riding at home, including:
• A well-fitting helmet
• Riding jacket and protective clothing
• Gloves
• Sturdy, enclosed riding boots or footwear
• Protective eyewear, goggles or a helmet visor
• Lightweight wet-weather gear
We keep a limited supply of helmets and rain overcoats, but most riders prefer to bring their own - particularly when it comes to comfort and fit.
Vietnam is generally warm, but temperatures can drop in the mountains and at higher altitudes. A warmer jacket or an extra layer is well worth packing. A small daypack or hydration pack is also handy for water, sunscreen, a camera and anything else you may want close by during the day.
And remember: thongs or flip-flops are perfect for relaxing after the ride, but they are not suitable riding footwear.
Pack Light and Keep It Simple
You won't need a huge amount of clothing. Three lightweight changes of casual clothes are
usually enough, along with basic toiletries and a few holiday essentials. Quick-drying hiking
or travel clothing works particularly well because it is comfortable, practical and packs down
small.
We suggest bringing:
• T-shirts, shorts and lightweight trousers
• A light jumper or warm layer
• Swimwear
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Thongs or flip-flops for the evenings
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Phone, camera and chargers
There are plenty of opportunities to swim along the way - from hotel pools to beaches, rivers and waterfalls - so make sure your swimwear finds its way into the bag.
Carrying Your Luggage
Your luggage arrangements will depend on the tour you have selected. Most Special Event Tours and Premium Private Tours include a support vehicle to carry your main bags.
On Standard Private Tours, riders generally carry their own gear. Our motorcycles are fitted with luggage racks, and we provide straps and protective plastic covers. We also have a limited number of saddlebags available free of charge. Your guides will help secure everything safely each morning.
If your tour does not include a support vehicle, a soft travel bag or backpack that can be easily strapped to the bike is the best option. The golden rule is simple: bring what you need, but travel light.
Money While on Tour
Vietnam's local currency is the Vietnamese dong. Cash is useful for drinks, snacks, small purchases and local markets, particularly when travelling through remote areas.
Most day-to-day tour expenses are already covered on our Premium and Special Event Tours, so you will generally only need spending money for evening drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal purchases.
ATMs are widely available in larger towns and cities, and major cards are commonly accepted in hotels and stablished businesses. We recommend letting your bank know that you will be traveling in Vietnam so your card is not unexpectedly blocked.
