Why should I book with Danang Easy Riders – Motorcycle Tours?

We had a dream! We spent years touring our country, investigating what was on offer for motorcyclists and we were sadly disappointed, so Danang Easy Riders  Motorcycle Tours Vietnam was born in October – 2014 with the determination to provide a top quality, personal service and with the hope of also making our clients dreams come true – we have achieved this and more! Referral and recommendations from our clients to their friends and families now makes up the majority of our bookings. That says it all. Have a look at Trip Advisor for independent reviews of our service.

Why should I book a guided tour with you?

Motorcyclists have a special bond with each other, and the camaraderie on a guided tour is always something everyone enjoys. Add to that the experience and knowledge of the guides, not only about the country, but the best places to eat, where to get the best photos and ride the best roads – it’s a great adventure!

Unlike other companies, we are not just agents who use other companies to run their tours. We design and run our own tours, with our own local guides and our own motorcycles, so you can be sure you’ll get the bike you booked and that your guide isn’t from overseas who has just visited Vietnam a couple of times! You can communicate directly with the people organizing your tour – us!

We offer a lot more on our guided tours, so they are superb value for money – cooked breakfasts, lunch, evening meals at your choice, clean rooms with a view in hotels including the visit around  Hoi An prior to your tour, fuel, quality motorcycle support vehicle for luggage and non riders and complimentary extra activities. Cultural shows and feast. We also include accommodation the night prior to your tour – so you get to use every moment of your time in Vietnam.

We keep our groups small, for safety and to provide a personal service – never more than 7 bikes. Some companies have as many as 20 – we don’t relish long waits at fuel stations!

What happens if I break down?

We provide 24 hours roadside assistance and we have arrangements with motorcycle workshops throughout the country that will help you to get back on the road as speedily as possible.
What happens if I damage the motorcycle or other people’s property?

If damage occurs, we will obtain a quote for repair and inform you of the cost.

Do I need travel/trip insurance?

Yes! We strongly advise that you purchase personal travel/trip insurance as soon as you book your trip. You should inform your insurers that you will be riding a motorcycle whilst you are in Vietnam. Good travel/trip insurance should cover cancelation, delays, lost property, medical expenses and medical repatriation.

Do you provide motorcycle gear?

We can provide good quality helmets, motorcycle jackets, pants and gloves at very reasonable prices to rent whilst you are here. Many of our clients prefer to bring their own gear. We suggest that your gear is waterproof fabric and has linings that can be removed. This allows you to ride in all weathers and temperatures. You will find that temperatures vary dramatically within a short time when you are riding through mountainous areas. Leather gear isn’t recommended – it can be either to hot or too cold and gets heavy and wet if caught in a shower.

What are the minimum and maximum sizes for a group?

The minimum size for us to be able to organise a tour is 2 people. We generally like to keep the groups to about 6 motorbikes or about 10 people. This is a comfortable number of men and machines for a tour leader to handle and to ensure each person gets the attention they deserve. Safety is our main concern and as you can imagine bikes can start to get strung out over quite a large distance if there are too many, reducing the tour leader’s ability to keep everyone in his or her field of vision.

My partner doesn’t ride – can they come along?

Our support vehicle takes up to four non riders – air conditioned comfort all the way! We can even arrange a hire car if they’d prefer.

Do you cancel tours if they are not full?

No – we never cancel. We require a minimum of 2 motorcycles on a guided tour to supply the support vehicle. We would still provide a lead guide on a motorcycle.

What type of clothing should I bring?

Please note that Vietnam is a developing country and size selection and/or quality products are real issues. Local products are cheap but almost just one size for all or the quality is poor. Here are some suggestions:

• Clothing: helmet, rain gloves, boots (rubber boots for rainy season from April to September), summer gloves, t-shirt, socks & underwear, long sleeved shirt, turtleneck shirt, extra jeans, light jacket,, zip-lock bags, riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses and goggles.
• Personal items: basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen, medicine, earplugs and your camera! We can even fit your GoPro camera on the bikes!
• Emergency items: first aid kit, emergency contact number, list medical conditions, list medications, flashlight, chargers.
• Miscellaneous: small towel, bath towel, trash bags, bungee cords.

I’m concerned about the footwear situation and am thinking about leaving walking boots at home to lighten the load, what do you recommend?

It’s essential to have strong durable footwear for the tour to protect your feet while driving. Trekking shoes or leather boots are perfect. No driving in open-toed shoes is permitted.

I drive a large displacement motorbike back home and am afraid that the Honda 160cc or Honda trail bike 125cc will not be up to the task. Can’t we drive anything larger?

Vietnamese traffic laws prohibited the use of motorbikes larger than 175cc since May 2007 when Vietnam joined WTO. It took some time to have big bikes imported into Vietnam, but it’s likely that nobody rents out these bikes as import tax is 90% and VAT is 10% (a bike costs twice as much as in your country!). We have many types of cruiser, scooter and racing motor for instance: Honda SH 125icc, Honda XR 250cc, Honda XR 125cc, Honda Rebell 250cc, Honda 400cc.

We also have a number of 250cc four-stroke Honda dirt bikes available for an additional $35 per day. Vietnam has only recently lifted the ban on motorcycles over 150cc, and none of the local manufacturers are making bigger motorbikes at this stage. However, Soviet Russia made the Honda to last, and we have tested them two-up on the best and worst roads that Vietnam has to offer. They are light, fun to ride and easy to fix.

Can you arrange accommodation for us in Vietnam?

We can make reservations for you at any hotel in Hoi An or Hue, and can also organise a car to pick you up from the airport or train station.

We can make reservations for you at any city or town in Vietnam and also organise a car to pick you up from the airport. The central location makes it easy to get around the city and the hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms for USD 15-80 per night price range (1 or 3-star standard depending on your destinations ).

Do you carry everything on the bike, or would I leave some of my luggage at “base” until returning?

We provide secure storage for your luggage or we can arrange an accompanying motorcycle to carry luggage, so you can comfortably enjoy your trip in Vietnam on motorcycle.

For longer tours we provide you with spacious saddle bags that can carry a large amount of belongings. It’s also possible to strap a further bag or rucksack onto the bike rack if required. However, we do recommend you pack sensibly and consider each item carefully – don’t over pack. When you book the tour you will be given a list of suggested items to bring along.

Any other luggage may be left safely in storage at your hotel or in our office until you return. We also offer free transfers of your big luggage if you book a tour from Danang/Hoi An to Hue.

I hear the traffic is crazy in Vietnam. Is it safe?

Traffic in big cities is chaotic to the uninitiated rider. Because of this we always use the easiest roads (even if they are longer) to get out of town. We can also arrange for riders to be dropped off at the city limits by taxi. Once out in the countryside, the level of traffic drops off remarkably and on some roads it is possible not to pass a single vehicle for the whole day. That said, it must be emphasized that the conditions here are demanding and extremely defensive riding is imperative. All riders must be very careful and be fully aware that the purpose of the trip is not to ride performance bikes hard into the bends, but rather to ride at a safe pace and enjoy the sights and sounds of the country.
Constant support from your guide will make your ride as safe as possible. That said, it must be emphasised that the conditions here are demanding and defensive driving is imperative. Your tour leader will also ask you to perform a test ride before starting out. This document and constant support from your guide will make your ride as safe as possible.

What do I do if I have an accident?

There is no easy answer to this question, as every situation will be different. The simplest answer is to ride slowly and safely, and don’t crash. As foreigners, we are usually held to blame because we don’t understand Vietnamese road conditions and because we are wealthier, even if the accident was not our fault. It’s usually just a case of handing over some money to pay for band-aids and repairs, and then moving on. The police will usually not get involved unless there is a serious injury or you are unable to reach an agreement with the other party. The guide will help you, and it is important to remain calm. It could take some time to sort out the details if the police do get involved. If you are injured, the guide will do everything they can to get you to medical attention as quickly as possible. We carry first-aid kits, as local medical centres may not stock many supplies. In case of a serious injury, you may need to be evacuated to another country.

If you purchased an insurance policy, and if you request we will contact the insurance company and ask them for instructions. You will need to pay us all phone calls in this case.

I have no experience in riding a motorbike. Can I still come on your tours?

If you have never ridden a motorbike before, Vietnam is probably not the place where you want to learn to ride. The roads and traffic conditions can be chaotic. When you are on the back of a bike, you can relax and see more of the scenery.
We highly recommend that you ride on the back of the guide’s bike if you have no experience at all. If you really want to drive yourself, we recommend you first obtain your licence in your home country and on arrival in Vietnam hire a scooter for a few days. Start riding in some quiet streets and build up to more dense traffic situations before you are planning to do the tour and see how you go. We would then test your skills before we let you ride yourself. If you have no experience riding motorcycles, you will find it very difficult to ride one of our bikes on local roads while trying to enjoy the scenery.

I’m travelling alone, is it possible to join any existing groups?

Where possible we try to link individuals together as long as they are of similar driving experience. The more advance warning the better.

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age required to operate a motorcycle by Danang Easyriders Tour is 18 but no one is too young or old for the adventure. We have taken pillion passengers as young as four and our oldest rider was 72.

I am under 18 years of age, can I ride myself?

The short answer to this is no. The legal riding age in Vietnam is 18 years of age. This is one road rule, especially for foreigners that is stringently enforced by police. Your insurance policy will not cover you in the event of an accident. Persons under 18 must ride as a pillion.

What’s the weather like?

Weather conditions differ depending on which part of the country you are in. North Vietnam has four distinct seasons with humid weather in the spring, hot weather in the summer, cool weather in the fall and cold weather in the winter.
Central Vietnam has a temperate climate, along with alpine and rain forest climates. The South has two seasons is the sunny season and rainy season . This unique climate makes Vietnam one of the most picturesque and diverse countries in the world – alpine ranges, tropical rainforests and beaches – all in one compact place!

When is the best time to come to the north of Vietnam for a tour?

In the north there’s no “best” time to ride. There are four distinct seasons, each with its own unique advantages. Summer runs from April to October, winter from November to March. Hottest months are June and August, coldest month is February. Expect the possibility of rain from April to August, while winter months are normally dry except when a winter storm settles in.

How long do we ride each day?

A difficult question as in most cases we ride from morning to the late afternoon but on average not more than 200km per day. We try to get on the road early to make the most of the day and we enjoy lengthy stops throughout the day. On longer tours we can accommodate a rest day from the saddle. Our bikes all have extra padding in the seats. Expect at least five hours driving time per day. The rest of the time is used for drink stops, meal breaks and photo-ops.

What’s the minimum time to complete a good ride?

In order to get into the mountains and out of the delta plains, whilst completing a good loop, we need a minimum of four days. At a bare minimum we can get onto some back roads and get a good taste of life on the road here in two days – if you don’t mind a long day in the saddle.

What’s the best duration for a trip?

The perfect time frame to spend on the road would probably be eight or nine days, looking at a maximum of 12 days before the body starts to take the strain. However, for the indefatigable we can offer a 16 day trek of the entire northern region of Vietnam.

Where do the tours start from?

We offer tours everywhere in Vietnam and create the journeys that you can easily select for motorcycle tours one day or more days.

Northern Tours – You can visit the beautiful villages of Sapa, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ba Be National Park, cultural life of hill tribes: H’mong, Dzao, Giay, Tay, Nung, Pu Peo, Lo Lo.

Central Tours – Or you can choose tours where the road takes you to the most beautiful places of the Central Highland of Vietnam: Da Lat, Yok Don National Park, Lak Lake, T’nung Lake, kingdom of coffee, cultural life of hill tribes: M’nong, Giaray, Ede, Bhanar, Laotian.

If you want discover the difference in culture and life between the North and Central Vietnam you can choose Southern tours. On the way you can enjoy your ride, while having the freedom to see the sights and meet the locals. There are plenty of opportunities for you to learn about Vietnam, its landscape, culture and people.

Do you need a deposit?

We ask for a deposit of 50% of the tour costs in order to confirm your booking(s). We will provide you with the necessary bank account details to transfer this deposit once a ride has been agreed upon. Deposit is made via a bank transfer or Western Union Cash Transfer. We ask that you transfer to our bank account a deposit and then final balance (cash is king in Vietnam) before the commencement of a ride. Unfortunately, PayPal applies very bad conditions to Vietnamese account holders and we don’t like their conditions.

Our booking conditions can be found here.

What other expenses should we expect? How much cash do we need to take with us?

In terms of costs we cover everything except telephone calls, tips, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and personal medical insurance. As there are often some impressive minority crafts and trinkets to be found in the markets or some more bizarre products of Chinese origin – bank on US$150-200 extra. It is always advisable to carry at least a couple hundred thousand VND on your person as you will need it!

How will I meet you in Viet Nam?

We will arrange a pre-departure briefing session to introduce to you the route (with maps) and the minority peoples with whom we’ll come into contact, provide you with all the equipment, and cover any other outstanding issues.

Is an international licence valid in Vietnam?

Despite some press reports to the contrary Vietnam does recognise the validity of international licences. Whilst some authorities in remote regions may not be able to comprehend a document written in a foreign language they go a long way in smoothing over any potential difficulties should an issue arise. They also take care of any licence requirements that you might have in your insurance polices.

Formally, no licence is fully valid in Vietnam, even an international driving licence, as it needs to be officially translated (at Vietnamese Embassies or in Vietnam). The question of having or not a motorcycle driving licence mainly concerns your insurance. On the other hand, if you are working in Vietnam under contract for at least 6 months you could easily get a local driving licence.

Traffic police generally don’t stop Westerners in Vietnam to check licences simply because they don’t speak good English or feel confident to deal with them. In addition, in the same time they can deal with many other Vietnamese people. Mui Ne in Southern Vietnam has only been the exception where they started checking licences.

Informally, many recent international driving licenses which include Vietnam in the country list are accepted by the traffic police on the road.

How do I get an international licence?

International licences can be provided on the spot at the motoring authority in your country (eg The AA in the UK or the RACV in Australia). Take your existing national licence and passport photo to their office and for a small fee they will provide a licence along the same lines as your existing licence – valid for one year. Our company can also help you organise an international licence.

I’m filling out the Vietnam visa application and they ask for the name, address of my contact in Vietnam. What should I enter?

It’s not actually necessary to enter anything in this field. If you wish you may write the details of any hotel in Hanoi or Saigon. To save money and time, try our pre-approved visa letter service (you pay around $USD 45 in total).

Do I need to have insurance for motorbiking/motorcycling in Vietnam?

Yes, you need to have a personal medical insurance, even if you are a pillion passenger so that insurance will cover any accident.

We do not offer third-party insurance or personal insurance. You are responsible for finding your own travel and medical insurance. If you damage one of our bikes, you will be liable for all repairs. Honda and scooter repairs won’t break the bank but 250cc Honda dirt bike repairs can be quite expensive due to the lack of available parts. Vietnam does not have an insurance culture, and if two bikes are involved in a crash then the riders will usually settle in cash on the spot. The police will take a cut if they get involved. Every tourist who rides a motorbike in Vietnam is responsible for their own actions. Whether you ride the bike yourself or ride as a pillion with one of our guides, you will need to make sure that your travel and medical insurance covers you in the case of an accident. As a pillion, you should be covered by your insurance provider as all of our drivers have local licences. However, you may need to check that your policy covers motorcycle transport, whether you drive or not.

If you don’t have insurance, we can help you purchase a policy from Gras Savoye Willis Vietnam (www.grassavoyewillis-vn.com) – a French insurance broker or BaoViet – the largest national insurance company. However, they don’t cover you if you have no Vietnamese motorcycle driving license which is impossible with a tourist visa.

On our trips, you ride about five hours per day on average. It means you still get insured about 19 hours per day while not riding the bike with just a normal travel insurance policy.

I have more questions and can’t find the answers here…

Please contact us directly via email hhoianeasyriderstour@gmail.com for information on travel in Vietnam, or we can chat with you online via Facebook or Skype (our screen name is namrider). We also have a comprehensive list of booking conditions on our website.