Your Ultimate Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Packing List
Riding a motorbike through Vietnam isn’t just another holiday — it’s a life-changing adventure. From misty mountain passes and muddy jungle trails to coffee stops in tiny ethnic villages, every day brings something new. But before you hit the road with VietnamBikers Tours, it’s important to know what to pack.
The right gear can make the difference between a tough day and a great one. Whether you’re joining our Ha Giang Loop, Dakar Vietnam, or the 14-Day Ride the Edge Adventure, here’s your complete packing list for the perfect off-road motorbike trip through Vietnam.
🔧 Essential Riding Gear
To take part in any of our tours or events, you’ll need to bring your own riding gear. It’s always better to ride with the equipment you already know and trust. We recommend you wear the best quality protective gear you can afford — because Vietnam’s off-road trails are as beautiful as they are unpredictable.
🪖 Helmet
A helmet is your most important piece of gear. Choose a Motocross (MX) or Adventure-style helmet with a full face shield for maximum protection. If possible, go for one with good ventilation and an anti-fog visor. Vietnam’s trails often switch from cool mountain air to humid jungle heat, so airflow matters.
🥽 Goggles
Good goggles keep dust, mud, and insects out of your eyes — essential when you’re following a trail of riders through red dirt tracks. Clear lenses are great for cloudy days, and tinted ones work best under strong sunlight.
🧤 Gloves
Your hands will do a lot of work on the handlebars, so choose gloves that are durable yet comfortable. MX gloves are ideal for warm weather; adventure or touring gloves work better if you expect a few cooler days between January and March.
👢 Motorcycle Boots
MX-style boots are the gold standard for off-road riding. They protect your ankles and shins and give solid grip when maneuvering on slippery or rocky terrain. Waterproof boots are a plus, especially during the rainy season or river crossings.
🦵 Knee Guards or Knee Braces
Optional but highly recommended! Northern Vietnam’s trails can be steep and technical, with plenty of loose gravel and muddy corners. Knee protection will give you peace of mind and save you from serious injury in case of a fall.
🦾 Elbow Guards or Body Armour
For riders who like to push limits, extra protection is a smart choice. A lightweight body armour jacket or chest protector offers great safety while keeping airflow high — perfect for rough off-road routes like the Dinosaur Spine or Ma Pi Leng Pass.
👖 MX or Adventure-Style Pants & Jersey
Comfort and flexibility are key. Choose breathable materials that dry quickly after rain. MX pants and jerseys are ideal because they’re light, airy, and tough enough for the trails.
💧 Hydration System
Bring a hydration pack or bottle system that holds at least 1.5 litres of water. Long riding days under the Vietnamese sun can dehydrate you fast — staying hydrated helps you stay sharp and safe.
🧥 Riding Jacket
If you’re touring between January and March, pack a light but warm riding jacket. The mountain air in Ha Giang, Sapa, or Cao Bang can drop below 15°C, especially at night.
🎒 Packing for Multi-Day Tours
For multi-day adventures, you don’t need much — we’ll carry your main luggage in the support vehicle or strap a small duffel or dry bag on the back of your bike. Travel light and bring what you need for comfort at night.
Recommended Items:
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Shorts & T-shirt: For relaxing after the ride.
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Long pants: Track pants or jeans for evenings or walking around villages.
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Warm jumper or jacket: Essential for cool nights in the mountains.
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Sneakers or thongs: Something easy to slip on for exploring or showering.
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Any personal medication: Always carry what you may need — pharmacies in small towns might not stock your brand.
💡 Pro Tip: Use waterproof bags or packing cubes to keep clothes dry and organized.
🧢 Optional Day Pack or Bumbag Items
You may also want to carry a small backpack or bum bag during the ride for quick-access essentials. Keep it light, comfortable, and secure — the less you carry, the easier it is to move on the bike.
Here’s what to include:
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Wallet & phone (in a waterproof case).
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Camera or GoPro for epic trail footage.
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Sunscreen & lip balm for tropical sun.
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Trail snacks such as nuts or energy bars.
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Hat or buff for rest stops.
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Wet wipes / hand sanitizer for a quick refresh during breaks.
🧳 What Not to Bring
Overpacking is a common rookie mistake. Vietnam’s weather, terrain, and homestays make lightweight packing your best strategy. Here’s what you can leave at home:
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Bulky jackets or leather gear — too hot for tropical riding.
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Jeans or cotton shirts — they take ages to dry.
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Too many clothes — laundry service is available at most homestays.
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Big suitcases — we can safely store them at The Ryder Lodge Hanoi while you’re out on tour.
✅ Pro Packing Tips from the VietnamBikers Team
After guiding thousands of riders from all over the world, here are our insider tips to make your packing simple and effective:
1. Travel Light, Ride Happy
Every extra kilo on your back means less fun on the trails. Stick to the basics and remember — the simpler, the better.
2. Quick-Dry Everything
Humidity in Vietnam is no joke. Choose fast-drying, breathable fabrics instead of cotton.
3. Keep Electronics Safe
Bring a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and camera. Power banks are handy for long days on the road.
4. Layer Up Smart
Weather can change in minutes. Layer a light base, jersey, and windbreaker so you can adjust easily.
5. Protect from the Elements
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hydration are as important as your gear. You’ll be under the sun for hours every day.
6. Respect Local Culture
When visiting minority villages, dress modestly and always ask before taking photos. A simple long sleeve shirt can be useful for cultural stops.
🏡 Before & After the Ride
We’ll start and end most tours at The Ryder Lodge Hanoi — your biker hub in the capital. You can store your extra luggage safely here before hitting the trails, and when you return, enjoy a hot shower, a cold beer, and one of our signature cocktails at Full Throttle Pub next door.
🌄 Final Thoughts
Packing for a Vietnam motorbike trip isn’t about bringing everything you own — it’s about choosing the right gear to keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure. Bring what matters most: reliable protection, a sense of adventure, and a good attitude.
Vietnam’s roads will test you, thrill you, and reward you in ways no other place can. When the dust settles and the engines cool, it’s the stories, laughter, and trails that you’ll remember — not the things you left behind.
So gear up, travel light, and let the mountains do the rest.
See you on the trails, mate!
👉 Book your ride at VietnamMotorcycleTours.com or message us on WhatsApp +84 985 333 066 to start your next off-road adventure.
