If you're about to head out on a Vietnam motorcycle trip and you're wondering what to pack- don't fret! The basics are easy!

If you want to boil it down, all you really need for the trip is a bike, Dong (Vietnamese currency) for gas and, then some extra Dong for repairs. Got that, then you’ll be set.

On the flippy flop, if you want to make the most out this adventure of a lifetime, here are a few items you’re going to want to pick up to make the trek a bit more comfortable.

1. Good Helmet with Visor

Many rental agencies or motorcycle sales will toss in a free helmet to sweeten whatever deal you’re negotiating.  Unless you really don’t value your noggin, you’re best off buying your own helmet brand new.  With a used helmet, you don’t really know how many times it’s been dropped, used as a chair, or where it was picked up to begin with.

buy it new

Unless you hit a dealer show room in Vietnam, most of the motorcycle helmets you find are going to be glorified bike helmets.  The good news is that you’ll be going at a slower speed, but you should still pick up something new from a reputable store.  You can get a pretty decent helmet between 20-30 US dollars, and if you’re really sweating it, you can likely sell the helmet to whoever when you’re done using it.

the visor is key

You’d be well-to-do to purchase a helmet with a visor. it’s going to rain sometime during your trip and that rain sure does sting.  The rest of the time, the visor will protect you from dust and rocks to the face.

a final note on Vietnamese helmets

The bigger your head, the harder it is going to be for you to find a helmet. I had to go to a few different stores to find a helmet that would fit my ridiculously sized head.  If I was simply flying into Vietnam just for a motorcycle trip (instead of in the middle of 10 months of travel) I would have brought my own helmet from home.

2. Goggles/Sunglasses

There’ll also be days where you’ll find yourself on nice remote roads or dashing through the mountains, and you won’t need your helmet visor down.  Make sure you have a decent set of sunglasses for when you need some wind on your face but the Vietnam sun is still high in the sky. I included goggles in this entry as well.

My helmet didn’t have an option for a visor, so I just bought a knock off pair of Oakley goggles to wear for those days when sunglasses didn’t cut it.  

In retrospect, I should have bought a helmet with a visor...

3. Buff/Face mask

Remember those dusty roads I mentioned earlier?  There is a reason that you’ll see a lot of locals in face masks. With all of the exhaust, dust and rocks from trucks you should pick up a $1 face mask.  You don’t need to wear it all the time, but when you need it, you’ll have it.

4. Gloves

As unbelievable as this may seem, parts of Vietnam are cold. In the winter in Sa Pa it even snows! Add altitude and rain, and you’re going to find yourself with freezing hands.  

There is a little old lady near Hanoi who made the sale of her life when two 6’ tall Americans walked into her shop shivering and looking for gloves.  She knew she had the upper-hand on the negotiation and she took them for every penny.  Good for you little old lady.  

5. Fake Wallet with Bribe Money

Especially if you’re passing through Mui Ne, but prevalent in other touristy cities as well, bribe money is a must.  The reality of travel through Asia, is that bribes are a part of life.  Cops are crooked, but it’s almost charming really. I wish we could bribe police back home and not have to deal with tickets and insurance premiums.

Keep a fake wallet with about $10 USD worth of Dong in it.  When you inevitably get pulled over, you can go through the song and dance with the police that you only have that much money.  Stick to your guns and you’ll be fine.

6. International Driver’s License

We’ve seen conflicting information online on whether having an International Driver’s Permit allows you to ride in Vietnam.  Technically, I don’t think foreigners are supposed to drive at all and Vietnam doesn’t recognize the International Driver’s Permit. In reality, it doesn’t hurt to have and it costs less than $15 at AAA near you.  

International Driver’s Permits may not even be available in your country, be aware.

7. Weather Protection

Sunscreen

 Yes.  Listen to your mother. Sunscreen is always a good idea.

Rain jacket

Yes. It’s Vietnam.  It rains.  You already knew this.

But did you know about VIETNAM PONCHO?! All the locals have them!  They go over the entire scooter and will keep you (mostly) toasty and dry. They even have little clear plastic areas so that your front headlight can shine through. Being on the taller side however, meant that the clear part ended up over my instrument gauge but still awesome nonetheless. These should cost no more than $3USD at any roadside shop. (Don’t worry, the poncho is not going to get sucked into the back tire, it may just flap a bit making you feel like Batman speeding through Gotham City).

Waterproof cover or thick plastic bags are also essential.  You'll likely not want to deal with a soaked bag of clothes/electronics.  Most motorcycle shops/rentals will be able to point you to the right place to get a thick plastic bag if you're in-country or, as always, most things are easier to order online at if you're still at home!

8. Shoes

So the locals may all drive around wearing sandals, but you weren’t born on a motorbike.  Wear full shoes for your full riding days. You’ll inevitably have a time where you need to put a foot down during a quick stop or turn, and you’ll be glad you have real shoes on.

9. Bungie Straps

Way better than having to tie down your luggage every time with a rope.  Bungie straps are cheap.  Buy more than you think you need because that’s actually how many you’ll end up using the first time your stuff falls off the back of your motorcycle.

10. Unlocked Phone

Bring your unlocked smartphone from home and pick up a cheap SIM card with data.  It can be intimidating at first to walking into a shop and have someone help you, but the cell phone stores around backpacker areas all know how to help English speaking tourists set up new SIM cards on their phones.

You’ll be overjoyed to have access to google maps and Agoda when it’s getting dark and you have no idea how far away from the closest town you are.  "Follow the moving blue dot" is essentially how we spent 98% of our day.

Vietnam Motorcycle Trip: What to Pack Shortlist

In summary, you'll want to bring/buy:

1.) Helmet with Visor

2.) Sunglasses/Goggles

3.) Buff/Facemask

4.) Gloves

5.) Bribe Money

6.) International Driver Permit (Visit AAA HERE)

7.) Protection from Weather (Sunscreen/ Raincoat)

8.) Shoes

9.) Bungie Straps

10.) Unlocked Phone

Vietnam Motorcycle Itinerary and Route Planning

Now that you know what to pack for your Vietnam motorbike trip it might help to plan a route.  We just happen to have a video full of suggestions as well!