Planning a Two-Week Vietnam Motorbike Trip with Your Family

Renting a motorbike for a family in Vietnam is best done by choosing a 'guided-tour' rental model to ensure safety and maintenance support. Stick to the coastal route from Da Nang to Nha Trang, as it offers the most stable road conditions and frequent stops for children.

  1. Select the right bikes. For a family, rent two separate 125cc semi-automatic bikes (like the Honda Blade) rather than one larger bike. This allows for better handling and maneuverability, which is essential for unpredictable local traffic.
  2. Book a support vehicle. Hire a professional 'easy rider' driver or a private van to follow your group with your luggage. Carrying heavy backpacks on a motorbike ruins your center of gravity and will exhaust you within the first 50 kilometers.
  3. Map your daily mileage. Limit your riding to a maximum of 120 kilometers per day. Anything more leaves no room for unexpected mechanical issues or the fatigue that kids experience when sitting on the back of a bike for long stretches.
  4. Verify your insurance coverage. Check that your travel insurance specifically covers motorbike accidents while holding an International Driving Permit (IDP). Many standard policies void coverage if you don't have the correct motorcycle endorsement on your home license.
Is it legal for kids to ride on the back?
Vietnam law requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets. While children are commonly seen on bikes, ensure your child is large enough to reach the footpegs and hold on securely.
Can I ride without a license?
You must have a motorcycle-endorsed license and an International Driving Permit. Riding without these is illegal and will invalidate your travel insurance.