Explore unseen Vietnam your way ...
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Ha Giang Loop
Sapa Loop
Vietnam is one of the most exciting countries in Asia for big bike touring. From sharp mountain curves to coastal highways and quiet jungle trails, there are roads for every type of rider. Riding a big motorcycle here isn’t just about speed or power, it’s about the class of riding, styles of discovery, and connection with Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. In this post, I share about exhilarating and authentic motorbike touring with high cc motorbikes.
Why Vietnam Is suitable for Big Bike Riders?
Few countries offer such variety within one ride. You can start your day riding through misty mountains in Ha Giang, descend through coffee country in the Central Highlands, and finish near golden beaches by sunset. Vietnam’s terrain changes fast, and the open roads still feel authentic not overly touristic. For riders, that mix of raw scenery and warm local hospitality is unbeatable.
- Check our My 10 day motorbike trip in Vietnam
What Makes Big Bike Touring Different from Regular Motorbike Trips
Any trip with a big motorbike go beyond the short-distance city or countryside rides that many travelers try on scooters. A big bike like the Honda CB500X, Triumph or BMW GS lets you cover longer routes with comfort and stability. These machines are made for riders who enjoy open highways, sweeping mountain turns, and multi-day adventures. You’ll ride fewer tourist paths and more real, local roads the kind that make Vietnam unforgettable.
Top Big Bike Routes in Vietnam
If you love the feeling of a good road under your wheels, Vietnam delivers more than you’d expect. Each route has its own rhythm, one day you’re carving through misty mountain passes, the next you’re gliding past rice fields and coastal villages. The north gives you sharp bends and jaw-dropping cliffs in Ha Giang.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail feels like riding through history, quiet and green with barely any traffic. Down in the Central Highlands, it’s just you, red earth, and open stretches that go on forever.
And if you take the coastal route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll ride alongside beaches, fishing towns, and long smooth roads that make you want to keep going. Every region feels different, but they all share that same sense of freedom, the kind that makes you forget about time and just enjoy the ride.
Ha Giang Loop – The Ultimate Adventure Ride
The Ha Giang Loop is legendary. It’s Vietnam’s northernmost province, filled with twisting passes, limestone peaks, and ethnic minority villages. Big bikes make the climb smoother, especially on steep and narrow turns. Most riders start from Ha Giang City and follow the loop through Dong Van, Meo Vac, and back. The views over Ma Pi Leng Pass are breathtaking, easily one of Asia’s most scenic rides.
Ho Chi Minh Trail – A Historic Ride Through Vietnam’s Heart
The Ho Chi Minh Trail runs along the country’s spine, from the north to the south. Once used during wartime, it’s now one of the most peaceful and rewarding long rides in Vietnam. The road passes jungles, rivers, and remote villages with almost no traffic. Riders often say it’s the best route to feel Vietnam’s natural and cultural rhythm. A big bike handles its long stretches and mixed road quality with ease.
- Check out Ho Chi Minh Trail motorbike tours
Central Highlands – Hidden Roads and Stunning Scenery
The Central Highlands is for riders who love going off the usual tourist path. Towns like Buon Ma Thuot and Kon Tum connect through quiet forest routes and wide farmlands, where the air smells like coffee and the roads feel made for big engines.
The weather is cooler up here, and locals often wave or stop to chat when they see a big bike pass by. If you want to mix in some sea views, take the coastal road from Da Nang to Quy Nhon smooth asphalt, ocean on one side, and green hills on the other.
It’s the kind of ride where you can slow down, breathe, and enjoy how different every kilometer of Vietnam feels.
Coastal Ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh – The Full Vietnam Experience
For those who want it all, the full north-to-south coastal route delivers. From Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh City, the road hugs the coastline and passes through Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. The sea views, coastal towns, and curving passes like Hai Van are perfect for big touring bikes. It’s long, but it gives you the full flavor of Vietnam’s landscapes and culture.
- Check out our most popular ride: 15 day from Hanoi to Saigon
What are the Best Big Bikes for Touring Vietnam
When you’re riding across Vietnam, the bike really shapes the whole experience. You’ll see all kinds on the road, from the trusty Honda CB500X for a mini ADV machine to the big BMW GS or Africa Twin.
Each one feels different once you’re a few hours into the ride. Some bikes handle the sharp mountain turns better, others feel smoother on long highways. What matters most is comfort and control because Vietnam’s roads can change fast — one minute you’re on clean asphalt, the next it’s a dirt stretch.
Most riders here go for something in that middle range: strong enough for the hills but light enough for city traffic. Once you find the right bike, the country just opens up in front of you.
Honda CB500X – Perfect Balance of Power and Comfort
The Honda CB500X is one of the most popular choices among Vietnam tour operators. It’s light enough for city rides yet powerful enough for long-distance travel. With upright seating, reliable handling, and low fuel use, it’s ideal for all levels of riders — even those new to big bikes.
BMW GS1200 / GS1250 – Luxury Adventure Rides
The BMW GS series is the dream ride for many. It’s smooth, powerful, and built for comfort. If your tour covers long stretches of mixed terrain, the GS handles everything with ease. Some premium Vietnam tour companies now offer GS models for riders seeking top-end performance.
Triumph Tiger & Africa Twin – Off-Road Ready Legends
These models are made for riders who love going beyond paved roads. Both the Triumph Tiger and Honda Africa Twin handle off-road trails like those in Ha Giang or the Central Highlands beautifully. Their suspension and torque make them reliable for unpredictable conditions.
Comparison: Which Big Bike Is Best for Your Ride?
If you want a light-weight mini adventure with better, go for the Honda CB500X. For luxury and power, the BMW GS and Triumph are both an amazing riders. And if you crave adventure off-road, choose the Africa Twin or Triumph Tiger. Do not forget about Tenere 700 or the Transalp 750 as well.
Most motorbike trip organizer let you test or swap bikes before committing, a great option if it’s your first big ride in Vietnam.
What to Expect on a Vietnam Big Bike Tour
On a Vietnam big bike ride, you’ll ride through a mix of landscapes that change almost every hour, from coastal roads lined with fishing boats to winding mountain passes surrounded by clouds.
The terrain keeps things exciting, sometimes smooth and open, other times full of sharp turns and rough patches that test your focus.
Along the way, you’ll pass remote villages, meet locals from different ethnic groups, and get a real sense of how people live outside the big cities.
Tours usually move at a relaxed pace: early morning starts, lunch at small local spots, and peaceful evenings in countryside towns or homestays. You’ll taste regional dishes, experience changing weather, and ride through scenery that shifts from rice paddies to misty valleys, the kind of views that make you slow down just to take it all in.
Terrain and Road Conditions
Vietnam’s roads are improving fast, but conditions vary. Highways near cities are smooth and wide, while mountain and rural routes can be bumpy or narrow. Expect a mix of asphalt, gravel, and dirt sections. Most riders say it’s part of the fun, the changing terrain keeps things exciting. These high CC performed machines handle these transitions much better than smaller scooters.
Big Bike Tour Packages and Prices in Vietnam
Bigger motorbikes naturally cost more, but the price usually covers everything you need for the trip including the motorbike itself, fuel, accommodation in selected hotels or homestays, a local guide who knows the routes well, and refreshing drinks or breaks along the way.
It’s a full package designed to keep the ride smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free so you can just focus on the road and enjoy the journey.
2026 Updated Big Bike Tour Prices
Big bike tours in Vietnam are offered by us at Vietnamese Motorbike Tours. Prices vary depending on the bike model, route, and duration, check out the table bellow for reference and or check Vietnam motorbike tour prices
| Number of Riders Price Per Rider / Per Day |
Honda XR150L | Honda XR190L | Honda CB500X | BMW GS1200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Rider | US$ 190 | US$ 215 | US$ 250 | US$ 440 |
| 2 Riders | US$ 180 | US$ 205 | US$ 240 | US$ 415 |
| 3 Riders | US$ 170 | US$ 195 | US$ 230 | US$ 400 |
| 4 Riders or More | US$ 160 | US$ 180 | US$ 220 | US$ 385 |
FAQs – Vietnam Big Bike Tours
Do I Need a License for Big Bike Tours in Vietnam?
Yes. To legally ride a big bike in Vietnam (above 175cc), you need an international driving permit (IDP) that includes motorbike endorsement and a valid license from your home country. Some tour companies help with temporary local permits for short stays.
Is It Safe to Ride High CC motorcycle in Vietnam?
It’s safe if you ride smart. Big bikes are stable and powerful, making them suitable for long distances. Always wear protective gear, ride during daylight, and stay alert for local traffic, especially in cities where smaller scooters dominate the roads.
Can Beginners Join a Big Bike Tour?
Beginners can join, but a little experience helps. Some companies offer training sessions or shorter tours to get used to the bike first. If you’ve ridden 150cc bikes or scooters before, you’ll adapt quickly.
What Should I Pack for a Big Bike Adventure?
Pack light but smart: a quality helmet, riding gloves, a waterproof jacket, spare clothes, sunscreen, and travel insurance. Vietnam’s weather can change quickly especially in the mountains so waterproof bags are a must.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Way to See Vietnam
Riding a big bike through Vietnam isn’t just a trip, it’s an experience that stays with you. The feeling of the open road, the smell of mountain air, and the friendliness of locals all combine into something special. Every turn feels like a discovery.
How to Book Your Vietnam Big Bike Ride
Most riders book online, choose companies with sample itineraries and motorbikes you’d love to ride, maintained bikes is important, and a few reviews from past riders. Whether it’s your first or fifth ride, Vietnam’s roads are ready to give you a journey worth remembering. Check out our best motorbike tours in Vietnam
