Short answer
Pack four things: your documents, proper riding gear including rain gear, a few personal items for hot days and cold mountain nights, and the essentials you keep on the bike. This is the same checklist we give our own riders before every DME tour.
Tick items off as you pack. Ticks are not saved.
Good to know
- Insurance: travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check that your policy covers motorcycle riding.
- No gear yet? Riding gear is your own equipment, so we recommend bringing it. We can also help you buy helmets, gloves, riding pants, jackets, boots and rain gear in Vietnam, at a wide range of prices.
- Pack for two climates: lowland days are hot, while mountain passes and highland nights can be cold and wet. Layers beat one heavy jacket.
- Riding near the northern borders? Read about the border area permit before you go.
- On the road: watch your guide’s hand signals.
Travel ethically
Learn the culture
Read up on local culture before you travel, and stay open to doing things differently.
Respect shrines
Don’t point your feet at, turn your back to, or change clothes near temples, altars or ancestral shrines.
Mind your waste
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Riding with DME
Based on DME’s own pre-ride briefing for riders. Requirements for documents and licences are explained, with official sources, in the linked Info Hub topics.
Last updated