The BEST Time to Drive Hanoi to HCMC

Updated 25/01/2025

The Hanoi to HCMC road trip is an absolute epic journey and a once in a lifetime experience. Before embarking on this adventure you need to plan a few things so that you can get the most out of the trip. One of the first decisions is when to go and which city to start from and the weather plays a key role in this.

Contents

Weather Considerations

The Best Weather

The Best Weather Overall:

February to April: This is generally considered the shoulder season, with pleasant temperatures and less rain throughout the country. You’ll encounter comfortable riding conditions in both the North and the South.

The Best Weather in the North:

March to May: The North is warm and sunny during these months, ideal for exploring the mountains and countryside. However, the South may be hotter and more humid.

The Best Weather in the South:

December to February: The South experiences its dry season during this time, with less rain and comfortable temperatures. However, the North can be quite cold, especially in the mountains.

Important Factors

  • Rainy season: June to August is the rainy season in both the North and the South. While you can still ride during this time, be prepared for heavy downpours and potential flooding.
  • Typhoon season: September to December is typhoon season in the central and southern regions. While typhoons are not frequent, they can cause significant disruptions to travel plans.
  • Tet holiday: The Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) usually falls in late January or early February. During this time, roads can be very busy, and accommodation may be more expensive.

A Quick Breakdown

  • Spring (February – April): Good weather throughout the country, ideal for riding.
  • Summer (May – August): Hot and humid in the South, rainy season in both North and South.
  • Autumn (September – November): Typhoon season in the central and South, pleasant weather in the North.
  • Winter (December – January): Dry and comfortable in the South, cold in the North.

    Hanoi to HCMC One Way Rental

    Ultimately, the best time to go depends on your personal preferences and tolerance for heat, rain, and crowds.

    If you have more questions about bike rental or the trip in general, either check out these 6 key details or hit us up and we will help you out with planning.

    BMW 1250 GS

    Engine Type

    air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

    Displacement

    1255 cc

    Bore X Stroke

    102.5 mm x 76 mm

    Ignition

    FI

    Fuel System

    fuel injection

    Compression Ratio

    12.5:1

    Starter

    electric

    Gearbox

    6-speed

    Front Suspension

    BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

    Rear Suspension

    single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

    Front Brakes

    dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

    Rear Brakes

    single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

    Front Tyres

    120/70 R19

    Rear Tyres

    170/60 R17

    Wheelbase

    1514 mm

    Seat Height

    850 mm

    Ground Clearance

    790 mm

    Kerb Weight

    249 kg

    Fuel Capacity

    20 litres

    Dimensions

    2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

    Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

    Engine Type

    air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

    Displacement

    149 cc

    Bore X Stroke

    57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

    Ignition

    CDI

    Fuel System

    20 mm piston valve carburettor

    Compression Ratio

    9.5:1

    Starter

    electric with kick starter backup

    Gearbox

    5-speed

    Front Suspension

    telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

    Rear Suspension

    single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

    Front Brakes

    dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

    Rear Brakes

    mechanical drum

    Front Tyres

    90/90 19

    Rear Tyres

    110/90 17

    Wheelbase

    1362 mm

    Seat Height

    825 mm

    Ground Clearance

    243 mm

    Kerb Weight

    129 kg

    Fuel Capacity

    12 litres

    Dimensions

    2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

    Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

    Engine Type

    liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

    Displacement

    470 cc

    Bore X Stroke

    67 mm x 66.8 mm

    Ignition

    PGMI – FI

    Fuel System

    fuel injection

    Compression Ratio

    10.7:1

    Starter

    electric

    Gearbox

    6-speed

    Front Suspension

    41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

    Rear Suspension

    Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

    Front Brakes

    dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

    Rear Brakes

    240 mm disc; ABS

    Front Tyres

    110/80R19M/C (59H)

    Rear Tyres

    160/60R17M/C

    Wheelbase

    1445 mm

    Seat Height

    830 mm

    Ground Clearance

    180 mm

    Kerb Weight

    199 kg

    Fuel Capacity

    17.7 litres

    Dimensions

    2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

    Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

    Engine Type

    single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

    Displacement

    286 cc

    Bore X Stroke

    76 mm x 63 mm

    Ignition

    Full Transistor Digital

    Fuel System

    PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

    Compression Ratio

    10.7:1

    Starter

    electric

    Gearbox

    5-speed

    Front Suspension

    43 mm telescopic upside down

    Rear Suspension

    Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

    Front Brakes

    256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

    Rear Brakes

    220 mm disc, single piston caliper

    Front Tyres

    80/100 21

    Rear Tyres

    120/80 18

    Wheelbase

    1455 mm

    Seat Height

    880 mm

    Ground Clearance

    285 mm

    Kerb Weight

    142 kg

    Fuel Capacity

    7.8 litres

    Dimensions

    2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)