In today’s fast-paced and pressure-filled world, many of us start to long for moments of stillness — times to “disconnect” from work, deadlines, and the constant buzz of social media. That’s when travel becomes a precious remedy for the soul. But instead of opting for package tours, flights, or crowded buses, there’s a rising form of travel that’s capturing the hearts of adventurers: motorcycle touring.
Motorcycle touring isn’t simply about getting from point A to point B. It’s a journey of exploration, of absolute freedom, and of raw, immersive experiences that no public transport can ever provide. This kind of trip isn’t for those who seek comfort — it’s for those with a curious spirit, who want to challenge themselves and discover the most authentic moments life has to offer, out there on the open road.
What is Motorcycle Touring? How Is It Different from Regular Travel?
Motorcycle touring is a form of travel where you ride your own motorbike or scooter on a multi-day journey, crossing different cities or regions. Unlike regular “vacation-style” travel that focuses on relaxation and comfort, motorcycle touring is about experience, independence, and connection — with nature, people, and yourself.
What matters here isn’t just the destination — it’s everything that happens along the way: a tight turn on a quiet mountain pass, a cup of coffee in a small town that doesn’t even appear on the map, or the moment you stop your bike halfway up a hill just to watch the sun rise through the trees. This is the kind of travel where you don’t just see with your eyes — you feel it with your whole body and soul.
Why Travel by Motorcycle? Priceless Values That Money Can’t Buy
1. Absolute Freedom – No More Limits
The first and most striking thing that motorcycle travel offers is freedom—true freedom. You don’t have to follow a fixed schedule, wait for a bus, worry about missing a train, or deal with canceled flights. You have complete control over everything: when to go, where to rest, what to eat, which road to take. This opens up countless opportunities to experience the unexpected—often the most wonderful moments.
2. Bonding with Nature – Living Slowly and Truly
When you ride your motorcycle through golden rice fields, you can smell the faint fragrance of the crops. When climbing a misty mountain pass, you feel the cold penetrating your skin—not just the air conditioning of a passenger bus. When the wind rushes across your face, you’re truly alive—experiencing nature with all your senses. No other mode of transport delivers this authenticity better than a motorcycle.
3. Self-Discipline – Physically and Mentally
A long trip by motorcycle always comes with challenges: fatigue, unpredictable weather, breakdowns, lack of phone signal… But it is these very challenges that help you build patience, survival skills, problem-solving abilities, and quick adaptability. Every time you overcome a difficult situation, you grow a little more.
What Should Beginners Prepare Before Their First Trip?
If you’ve never traveled by motorcycle before, don’t worry—just prepare thoroughly and you’ll be ready to conquer your first journey. Below are the essentials you must have:
1. The Bike – The Soul of the Journey
Choosing the right motorcycle not only affects your travel experience but also directly impacts your safety and endurance. In motorcycle touring—where you ride for hours on various terrains from smooth highways to rugged mountain roads—your bike is more than just a vehicle; it’s your vital companion.
2. Choose a Bike Based on Your Body and Riding Experience
Everyone has different physical conditions, preferences, and riding skills, so there is no single “best” bike for everyone—only the one that suits you best.
If you’re a woman or not used to long-distance riding:
You should prioritize common manual transmission bikes such as the Honda Wave, Yamaha Sirius, or Future, or other lightweight, easy-to-use models. These bikes typically have:
- A compact and lightweight design, easy to control, suitable for people with average or smaller builds.
- Fuel efficiency: several hundred kilometers on just a few liters of fuel.
- Easy repairs and widely available parts: no trouble finding repair shops or replacements if anything goes wrong.
Drawback: Not as powerful as clutch bikes when climbing hills, but they offer better safety and control for beginners.
If you’re a man, already experienced, and love speed:
Clutch bikes like the Exciter, Winner, Raider, or R15 are appealing choices. Their advantages:
- Strong, responsive engines—great for climbing hills, tackling slopes, and long-distance riding without strain.
- Exciting riding experience, ideal for speed enthusiasts and those who enjoy conquering difficult roads.
- High ground clearance, allowing you to traverse dirt and rocky roads without fear of scraping the bottom.
Caution: If you’re not used to riding a clutch bike, think carefully. Managing the clutch, gear shifting, and throttle takes skill. Without proficiency, it’s easy to lose control, especially on slopes.
If you’re using a scooter:
Scooters like the Air Blade, Vision, Lead, Grande… are very familiar, especially among urban women. These bikes offer wide under-seat storage, smooth rides, and gentle starts.
However, scooters have several disadvantages that make them unsuitable for touring:
- Low ground clearance: rocks and rough terrain are a nightmare.
- Air-cooled engines, which struggle with long, continuous uphill stretches—overheating quickly.
- Belt-driven systems that are harder to repair than chain drives on manual bikes.
If you must use a scooter, choose flat, short routes and avoid mountainous or remote areas where repair services are scarce.
3. Inspect Your Bike Before Departing – Don’t Let It Fail You
No matter what kind of bike you choose, a full technical inspection before the trip is essential. A bike that performs well in the city might break down when riding long distances through tough conditions like mountainous terrain, rain, or muddy roads.
Before setting off, you should:
- Check both front and rear brakes: They should be responsive—not too sensitive or too stiff. Check brake pads and brake fluid (for disc brakes).
- Inspect tires carefully: Are the treads deep enough? Any cracks, wear, or signs of a blowout? Is the tire pressure sufficient? Replace tires if more than 70% worn.
- Test the headlights, turn signals, tail lights, horn: Especially important if riding early in the morning or after dark. Faulty lights or horn pose serious safety risks.
- Change the engine oil if due: Old oil causes overheating, sluggishness, and minor breakdowns.
- Lubricate and check the chain: Is it too loose, dry, or rusty?
- Replace the spark plug if needed: A worn spark plug can cause hard starts, poor acceleration, and higher fuel consumption.
Tip: If possible, bring your bike to a professional repair shop for a full check-up—especially if your trip is over 300km or involves mountainous terrain.
Note for Beginners: For your first trip, avoid routes that are too long or difficult. Travel with experienced friends, learn how to handle real-life situations, and always prepare backup plans—because if something happens in the middle of nowhere, a well-maintained bike can save you from many unexpected troubles.
4. Personal Gear – Prioritize Safety, Sun, Rain, and Cold Protection
When traveling by motorcycle—especially on long or complex routes—having the right personal gear is key to ensuring both safety and comfort throughout the journey.
First, you need a quality helmet—ideally a certified full-face or 3/4 helmet to protect your head and face in case of accidents. Next, wear a thick jacket that is both windproof and sun-resistant; a jacket with reflective strips is best for nighttime or foggy rides.
Also prepare riding gloves, a multi-functional scarf to cover your neck or face in dusty areas, and goggles or a visor to protect your eyes from bugs and debris.
For footwear, do not wear sandals or ballet flats. Instead, go for high-top sneakers or trekking boots to protect your ankles and reduce injury risk in case of a fall or when walking on uneven terrain.
Don’t forget a lightweight raincoat in your backpack and a waterproof bag to protect your electronics, documents, and other valuables.
Lastly, an important but often overlooked point: Don’t wear overly revealing or purely stylish clothing. Motorcycle touring is a real, sometimes harsh experience that requires practicality—not a runway for selfies. Dress neatly, modestly, and prioritize security and convenience—because safety should always come first on any road.
5. Luggage – Light but Complete
A golden rule for packing motorcycle trip luggage is: only bring what you really need. Avoid carrying items “just in case” — they add bulk, make movement difficult, unbalance your bike, increase fuel consumption, and pose safety risks during long rides.
For a 2–4 day trip, you only need 2 to 3 sets of clothes—preferably ones that are easy to wash, quick to dry, and compact.
Besides clothing, prepare a basic personal first aid kit including cold medicine, stomachache pills, digestive meds, mild allergy pills, and especially insect repellent or mosquito cream if you’re camping or heading to the mountains.
Your toiletries kit should be in travel size—toothbrush, toothpaste, small towel, dry soap or small packs of body wash to save space. Don’t forget a high-capacity power bank, and if possible, download offline maps in case of signal loss. Your SIM card should be Viettel, as it usually has the best coverage in remote or mountainous areas.
All luggage should be neatly packed in a waterproof backpack or specialized dry bag, tightly secured to the back seat with bungee cords or straps. Make sure it’s stable, doesn’t sway during the ride, and especially doesn’t block your tail light or license plate—ensuring both safety and legal compliance.
Neat, lightweight, but complete—that’s the spirit of packing when you enter the world of motorcycle travel.
Suggested Itineraries for Beginners – Just the Right Balance of Challenge and Inspiration
Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau (~100km)
One of the easiest, shortest, and most suitable routes for beginners getting used to motorcycle travel is the Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau route, with a total distance of around 100km. This route mainly consists of wide, flat highways with few steep passes and plenty of rest stops like gas stations, eateries, and cafés—making it less stressful for new riders. If you start early in the morning, you can easily complete this as a day trip—saving money while still enjoying the full experience.
On the way to Vung Tau, there are many notable stops. First is the Christ the King statue on Small Mountain, an iconic symbol of this coastal city. You’ll climb nearly 800 steps to reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the blue ocean. Next is the Vung Tau Lighthouse, a perfect spot to catch the sunset, enjoy a coffee, and feel the sea breeze. The three main beaches—Back Beach, Front Beach, and Pineapple Beach—welcome you with calm waves, clear water, and fine sand, ideal for swimming or taking keepsake photos. If you prefer peace and quiet, head another 20–30km southeast to Ho Coc or Ho Tram—untouched, serene beaches far from the crowds.
Vung Tau’s cuisine is another highlight that completes the trip. Don’t miss the famous Goc Vu Sua banh khot, with crispy crusts, fresh shrimp, and a signature dipping sauce. Also try the spicy-hot stingray hotpot served with wild vegetables—a must for chilly seaside evenings. For fresh seafood at affordable prices, visit Xom Luoi Market, where you can handpick the day’s catch and have it cooked to your liking right on the spot.
If you enjoy sipping coffee while watching the ocean, spend time along Ha Long seaside road, where the sea wind blows strong and traffic flows energetically—creating a vibe that’s both lively and relaxing. You can also try riding through Nuoc Ngot Pass, a short but scenic stretch where mountains meet the sea—perfect for stopping, breathing in the fresh air, and snapping some memorable photos.
Hanoi – Tam Dao (~90km)
If you’re based in Hanoi and looking for a nearby trip that’s moderately challenging—great for getting used to long-distance motorcycling—the Hanoi–Tam Dao route is a perfect choice. At only around 90km, it takes about 2–3 hours depending on your pace. It combines smooth highways with a winding mountain pass leading to Tam Dao town. It’s a great way to gently practice uphill riding and build confidence for tougher journeys later on.
Located at an altitude of about 900 meters, Tam Dao offers cool weather year-round, and it can be quite chilly at night. Highlights of this small mountain town include Silver Waterfall, a hidden natural cascade in the forest; the ancient stone church, built during the French colonial period and a popular photo spot; and especially the Tam Dao Cloud Bridge, ideal for cloud hunting and admiring vast mountain views. Don’t miss Quan Gio Café, one of the best viewpoints in town, where you can sit for hours enjoying the fresh air and watching clouds drift by.
In terms of food, Tam Dao is famous for its local specialties such as honey-roasted hill chicken, chicken steamed with lime leaves, grilled stream fish, and stir-fried chayote greens with garlic—all made with fresh, local ingredients, rich in mountain flavors, and especially satisfying after a long ride.
The most unique thing about Tam Dao is experiencing all four seasons in a single day: sunny mornings, warm noons, foggy afternoons, and chilly nights—offering a true “Northwest Vietnam” atmosphere, right next to Hanoi.
Da Nang – Hoi An – My Son (~80km round trip)
This route is perfect for those wanting to blend cultural tourism, beach relaxation, and motorbike exploration—without going too far. From Da Nang’s city center, it takes just 45 minutes to reach the ancient town of Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most charming and famous destinations. The route is flat and easy to ride, with the option of following the scenic coastal road—with ocean waves on one side and the majestic Marble Mountains on the other.
Hoi An offers a nostalgic, tranquil charm with yellow-painted houses, red tile roofs, colorful lanterns, old brick alleys, and a distinctly Eastern ambiance. Visit Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, ceramic museums, or simply sit by the Hoai River, sipping coffee while watching boats pass by and soaking up the town’s slow pace of life.
You can continue your journey to My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of ancient Cham towers nestled deep in the jungle. The route from Hoi An to My Son is about 40km, with good roads and light traffic—very easy to ride. There, you’ll explore centuries-old religious and architectural heritage.
The food here is also a highlight. Try famous local dishes like cao lau, mi Quang, rice crackers with sautéed baby clams, and the renowned Phuong banh mi, praised by many international chefs. Don’t forget to cool off with Mot herbal tea, a refreshing traditional drink that’s perfect after a full day of exploring.
The Da Nang – Hoi An – My Son route isn’t just a motorcycle ride—it’s a cultural, culinary, and historical journey that every traveler should try at least once in their life.
Da Lat – Tuyen Lam Lake – Tuyen Tinh Coc (~30–40km round trip)
This route may be short, but it offers a deeply emotional riding experience—perfect for beginners wanting to immerse themselves in romantic and tranquil natural scenery. Da Lat’s cool climate year-round and winding roads through lush pine forests make it feel like riding through a miniature Europe.
Start from Da Lat city and head toward Tuyen Tinh Coc—an emerald lake nestled within an abandoned quarry. The road is a bit bumpy at the end, but with caution, it’s still doable on manual or clutch bikes. It’s a favorite check-in spot for those seeking peace and unique landscapes.
Then, ride to Tuyen Lam Lake—Da Lat’s largest lake, surrounded by dense pine forests. Here, you can picnic, kayak, or simply sit by the lake with a cup of tea, listening to soft music and enjoying a deeply relaxing atmosphere. Nearby is Truc Lam Zen Monastery, where you can meditate, take in the view, and enjoy rare serenity.
Da Lat cuisine is also unforgettable. At night, visit the night market for crispy rice paper pizza, mini pancakes, hot soy milk, or enjoy chicken hotpot with é leaves and Ba Toa beef hotpot—hearty dishes perfect for the chilly weather.
Riding around Da Lat is a special kind of joy: slow, dreamy, with gentle slopes and elegant curves. The short distance allows you to take your time and enjoy the ride without fatigue. It’s also a great opportunity to hone your skills before tackling longer and more demanding trips.
Important Reminders – Especially for First-Timers!
Although motorcycle travel brings countless exciting experiences, if you’re new to it, always remember that safety comes first. Your first trip isn’t about “pushing your limits”—it’s about getting familiar, building your skills, and enjoying the journey peacefully.
1. Don’t Overexert – Slow and Steady Wins
For your first ride, avoid trying to cover more than 200km/day. It can exhaust you, cause stress, and reduce your focus—leading to accidents. Break your journey into manageable sections, plan rest stops every 1–2 hours. Take breaks, hydrate, stretch to recover. Remember, you don’t need to “rack up kilometers.” Motorbike travel isn’t a race—it’s a chance to experience and slow down.
2. Always Check the Weather – Avoid Riding Passes in the Rain
Always monitor weather forecasts before and during your trip. Absolutely avoid mountain passes in heavy rain, thick fog, or bad weather warnings. Wet roads and poor visibility are especially dangerous for inexperienced riders. Ideally, leave 1–2 flexible days in your itinerary in case you need to stop or reroute.
3. Update Your Location Regularly – Don’t “Disappear” Without a Trace
Don’t leave loved ones worried, unsure of your whereabouts. Always share your location with at least one friend or family member before and during your journey. If traveling in a group, stay in contact via walkie-talkie or phone. If riding solo, stop at roadside shops to chat and stay connected—so someone can help in emergencies.
Conclusion: The Journey Doesn’t Have to Be Far—You Just Have to Start
Some people spend a lifetime preparing for a trip, while others take just a moment to decide and begin. Motorcycle travel doesn’t require a fancy bike, years of experience, or a big budget. The most important thing is that you dare to step outside your comfort zone.
Your first trip may be just 100km to a small coastal town. But from there, you’ll find yourself going farther: 300km, 500km… and maybe one day, across all of Vietnam. Because self-belief grows with every turn of the wheel. And you’ll realize: the world is vast, nature is magnificent, and even someone small like you can go farther than you ever imagined.
So, why not start today?
Source: Compiled
