Best Route Options for Motorbike Riders
Route 1 – Coastal Vietnam (QL1A + DT702)
Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau – Mui Ne – Nha Trang – Quy Nhon – Da Nang – Hue – Hanoi
This is the scenic route! You’ll cycle through sunny beaches, bustling towns, and a range of mouthwatering street food. High points include the DT702 seaside road and the serene fishing villages, along with the stunning Hai Van Pass. Great for ocean-view-loving travelers who want to take their time stopping off.
Route 2 – Mountain Adventure (QL14 + Ho Chi Minh Trail)
Ho Chi Minh City – Buon Ma Thuot – Kon Tum – Phong Nha – Mai Chau – Hanoi
This is the quiet, wild ride. You’ll travel through green Central Highlands, ride the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, tour Phong Nha Cave, and make your way through mountain roads with fewer tourists. Best for Experienced riders who want wild nature and culture.
Route 3 – Combo Route (Mountain + Coast)
Get the coast and cut into the mountains! Take the Cam Ranh, Deo Ca road, and over the famous Hai Van Pass, and head north. You won’t have to choose between beach and jungle, sunshine and mist.
Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike (Source: vietnammotorcycletours)
How Many Days Do You Need to Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike?
So, you’re fantasizing about tackling the infamous Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike? Fantastic! But the first question is always: How long? That all depends on how long you take, your enthusiasm for your visit, and your pit stops!
Average Time for Casual Travelers: 10-14 Days
If you simply wish to drink in the salty air of Mui Ne, loop through the emerald folds of Central Highlands, butterfly between mist-clad panoramas atop the Hai Van Pass and get stuck into cultural gems like Ninh Binh and the magical Phong Nha Cave, then you have a golden 10 to 14 days to do it.
This pace gives you enough time to:
- Explore the eerie Vinh Moc Tunnels and Khe Sanh war history
- Cruise the Ho Chi Minh Trail and its electric heart palpitations
- Stop in ancient Kon Tum, the location of wooden churches and Vietnam War memories
- Enjoy the coastal elegance of Nha Trang & laidback fishing villages
- Roam along north-forging mountain roads that wriggle like dragon tails
Minimum Time with High Endurance: 5-7 Days
Feeling daring? Diehard riders need only 5-7 days to ride from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike. That’s 300-400 km per day. But make no mistake, this is no joyride for rookies.
You’ll need:
- A motorbike that had been maintained (at least 150cc)
- Iron Man (especially on those twisty mountain roads)
- A military stretch on either Ho Chi Minh Road or QL1A
- To leave early in the morning every day!
Record Rides: Under 48 Hours (Not Advised)
Some speed demons had raced the 1,700+ km between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in under 48 hours. Legendary? Perhaps. Safe? Not.
We strongly advise against this unless you’re a professional rider supported by a full safety team. Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike is not a race, it’s a rite of passage!
Mui Ne (Source: nucuoimekong)
Gear & Motorbike Prep for Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike
Recommended Motorbike with Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike
You want a trusty beast to vanquish the Ho Chi Minh Trail, coast into Mui Ne, and tackle the Hai Van Pass without mechanical trouble.
Top picks for the journey:
- Honda Winner X - fast, fuel-efficient, and battle-tested.
- Yamaha Exciter – sporty, light, easy for the beginner.
- Honda XR150 – ideal for dirt bike riders who want to explore mountain roads and national parks around Phong Nha Cave or Kon Tum
Must-Pack Gear
Driving from Ho Chi Minh City through the Central Highlands to Ninh Binh, you encounter every type of weather and terrain imaginable. Don’t leave without:
- Full-face helmet – should be DOT approved or greater, in some cases.
- Rain gear – Vietnam has some fickle weather!
- Gloves - to grip and protect
- Hydration pack – in particular, if you start early in the morning
- Phone holder + power bank - your map is your lifeline
Don’t forget to pack travel insurance, first aid, and copies of all documents as well. This is Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike – you have to leave expectations at the door!
Motorbike Check Before You Go
Before you roar out of Ho Chi Minh City, hit this checklist:
- Brakes – firm and responsive
- Tires – good tread, no cracks (really important for the Ho Chi Minh Road)
- Chain - lubed, adjusted, and clean
- Lights and signals – particularly necessary when navigating through the mountain passes early in the morning and fog was thick.
- Engine oil & air filter – new is best
Honda XR150 (Source: tuoitrethudo)
Safety, Legal & Local Tips for Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike
Get the Right License with Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike
To journey legally from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you will require:
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a category for a motorbike
- A translated copy of the passport into Vietnamese or a temporary local license if staying longer than just as a tourist.
Police do sometimes do checks in the larger cities, and also on the Ho Chi Minh Road, so ride free and legally! Purchase Travel Insurance That Includes Motorbike Accidents
Buy Travel Insurance That Covers Motorbike Accidents
However, accidents can happen anywhere, and not only on mountain roads, near national parks, or during the rainy season, when crossing the Hai Van Pass. Select a travel insurance policy that explicitly covers riding a motorbike. It should cover:
- Personal injuries
- Third-party damage
- Medical evacuation (because you know you want to explore more remote areas like Phong Nha Cave)
Ride Smart: Local Tips to Keep You Safe with Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike
- Avoid night riding: Low visibility, danger spots on the road, and tired truckers aren’t worth the risk. Instead, leave early in the morning to avoid the rush.
- Use offline maps: Get Maps. I whipped out my phone and downloaded an offline map of that stretch via Google Maps ahead of my rural journey. In fishing villages, Ninh Binh, even deep in the Central Highlands, GPS could hiccup.
- Stay with locals: Homestays make your trip a whole-hearted experience. You’ll get more important, you’ll eat cultural insights and warm meals and memories like the ones you’d have in Kon Tum or along the Ho Chi Minh Trail of old.
- Be weather-aware: Rain can quickly flood roads. Always consult the forecast before riding, especially in coastal areas such as Nha Trang or Mui Ne.
Use offline maps (Source: tigitmotorbikes)
Conclusion
Riding Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike. It’s a trip, but it’s more than that: it’s an adventure that will stretch your spirit and earn you some stripes, while delivering you deeply into the heart of raw beauty, rich culture, and one of Asia’s most exciting cities. If you think you’re ready to tackle the winding mountain roads in Vietnam, it’s the road to historic routes as well, such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, or some coastal gems like Mui Ne or Nha Trang, then do it! And when you get to Hanoi, do take the time to relax and see the sights (see how many days in Hanoi to spend to get the most out of your trip). No matter where you ride, memories are the best souvenirs you take back with you when the riding is over.