Traverse A Country On A Moped

The adventure

There's no better way to feel a country than on two wheels, and Vietnam was made for it. Buy or rent a little Honda in Hanoi, strap a backpack to the rack and point it south, and the next few weeks become a blur of rice paddies, limestone karsts, coffee stops and roadside bowls of pho.

The road takes you to the jungle-covered caves of Phong Nha, over the Hai Van Pass with the sea curving below, and into the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, before winding through the Central Highlands to the beaches and organised chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. Detour north first for the Ha Giang Loop, where hairpins climb high above the Ma Pi Leng gorge. Along the way, every stop is a conversation, and every breakdown is a lesson in how quickly a roadside mechanic can fix almost anything for a few dollars.

Why it’s epic

Around 2,000 kilometres from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, at your own pace.
The Hai Van Pass between Huế and Da Nang, one of Asia's great coastal roads.
The Ha Giang Loop in the far north, with mountain switchbacks over the Ma Pi Leng Pass.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the largest caves in the world.

What it is

Crossing a country by moped or motorbike gives freedom to stop wherever you like.

How to do it

Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is a classic route. You'll need a valid licence and insurance.

Top tip

Check your travel insurance covers motorbikes.

Need to know

You need a licence that covers motorbikes plus a valid International Driving Permit, or your insurance is likely to be void.
Make sure your travel insurance covers the size of bike you'll ride, and always wear a proper helmet.
Plan around the weather, as the north is chilly in winter and central Vietnam gets heavy rain and typhoons from roughly September to December.
Many travellers buy a bike in Hanoi and sell it in Ho Chi Minh City, or use a rental firm that offers one-way drop-offs.

Plan this trip

Rough cost: £750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK
Time needed: 2 to 4 weeks
Best time to go: Varies
Fly into: HAN airport

Bikes, fuel, food and guesthouses are cheap, so flights to Vietnam and time off work are the main costs.

Make it happen

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Why it’s on my list

Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.