Vietnam Road Trip
Summary
Why travel to Vietnam
Vietnam is not as touristy as other South Asian countries which makes it a great destination to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and if you want to genuinely explore the country on your own.
You will come across beautiful white sandy beaches, twisting coast roads that are great if you’re driving a motorbike, as well as amazing mountains and jungles.
There is so much history to learn about – locals love to share their experiences with no hard feeling about the past, especially when it comes to war. People are incredibly nice and forward thinking, which is a true reflection of the country’s vibe.
Doing a road trip in Vietnam is a great choice because the scenery is nothing like you would experience in other continents. There is so much to explore in Vietnam that you would want to have your own motorbike which is the best mode to get around, just like the locals do.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam
The North of Vietnam is warm and sunny from October to December. When we visited in October, it felt like UK summer to us with temperatures going above 30 degrees. Note that Sapa by the border of China can get really cold. Summer in northern Vietnam is associated to heaving rainfalls (June to September) so to be avoided especially as roads usually are flooded.
How many days do I need in Vietnam
We spent just under 15 days in Vietnam due to visa restrictions. It was a good amount of time to cover the North of Vietnam. If you’re looking to cover North and South, I would allow another two weeks or split into two separate trips.
How to travel around Vietnam
Motorbike is the preferred form of transport for about 90% of Vietnamese. Motorbike rental is the most popular and cost effective way to travel around and enjoy the sights and landscapes. You will really struggle to hire a car due to there being a small market for cars in Vietnam. Check our tips on renting a motorbike for further information.
Things to do before you go
Check in with your doctor and make sure you get the correct vaccinations – typhoid and hepatitis A jabs are recommended as well as boosters such as tetanus and polio
Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese government website if you’re planning to stay over 15 days in Vietnam
Make sure you have a good travel insurance policy to cover you against illness, theft or loss
2 things to know when doing a road trip in Vietnam
Driving
Driving standards are very poor in Vietnam. Lorries often go the wrong way on road, vehicles are not maintained to any standards so be careful when you attempt to drive around, especially on bigger roads and motorways. Sticking to the coast and forest roads will be a safer way for driving without seeing any commercial traffic.
As in most Southeast Asian countries, the roads and driving in general and in big cities can be overwhelming at first. Don’t worry though, the countryside roads are deserted and a real pleasure to cruise around. Before attempting to drive on Vietnamese roads, forget about you driving back home and just concentrate on yourself. Everybody moves like a school of fish and it works really well.
International driving licences are not valid in Vietnam but as long as you have your home driving licence with you and wear a helmet, that’s all the local police will care about. Note that wearing a helmet is now a legal requirement in Vietnam so don’t try to copy the locals and wear it for your own safety.
Renting a motorbike
There are many places to hire motorbikes in major cities and even small towns. However, the standard of the hire bikes can widely vary and you might be better off asking your hotel or Airbnb host to arrange the hire on your behalf. Be sure to get a helmet that fits (we were given two children helmets that were obviously too small for our big heads). Gloves and long sleeves are recommended when riding as the sand will whip up and can be really stingy. It’s also very easy to get sunburned if you travel during summer time as the wind will cool you down without you noticing the heat.
It will cost you an average of £5-7 a day to hire a motorbike and discounts are given the longer you rent it. You might be asked to pay a fee in advance, sign a contract and/or leave a proof of ID as a caution. You might be asked to leave a deposit if you’re hiring a motorbike for over a long period of time (over a week).
Best Vietnam road trip itinerary – 15 days
Hanoi
SaPa
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Hanoi
Da Nang
Hue
Hoi Han
Da Nang
Hanoi
