Surviving the Freeze: Essential Guide to Riding Northern Vietnam in Winter

Updated 07/01/26

Northern Vietnam’s cold weather months (roughly December to February) can bring surprisingly frigid temperatures, especially in mountainous regions like Sapa or Ha Giang. But don’t let the chill deter you from exploring this stunning landscape on two wheels! With the right preparation, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.

The video below gives you a visual taste of what to expect, but read on for the critical details you need to know before you fly.

Gear Up: What to Bring vs. What to Buy

The Reality Check: Unlike riding in the West, you cannot simply walk into a shop in Hanoi and buy high-quality, protective winter touring gear. It is nearly impossible to find.

Bring Your Base Layers: Since you cannot buy high-end thermal wear here, you must bring your own thermal layers from home. Pack synthetic or wool base layers—they are lightweight and will save you when the temperature drops to 2°C in the mountains.

The “Secret Weapon” (Latex Gloves): If you don’t have waterproof winter gloves, go to a local pharmacy and buy a box of surgical latex gloves. Wear them under your riding gloves. It sounds strange, but it completely blocks the wind and traps your body heat. It is a game-changer for less than $1.

Layer the Rain Gear: Even if it isn’t raining, wear your provided [Internal Link: Rentabike Rain Gear] over your clothes. This acts as a windbreaker and adds a critical layer of insulation.

Honda XR 150 Motorcycle Rental

Ready for adventure? The Honda XR150 is your perfect companion for rugged backroads, mountain passes, and open highways.

✅ Lightweight, reliable, and fuel-efficient
✅ Comfortable for long rides and multi-day tours
✅ Trusted by riders across Vietnam for the legendary Ha Giang Loop

Bike Preparation: Cold Weather Maintenance

Cold weather affects your machine just as much as your body.

Battery Drain: Cold temperatures kill batteries. If you are staying in Sapa for a rest day, go out and start your bike for 5 minutes in the morning to keep the charge up.

Tire Pressure: Air contracts in the cold. A tire that looked fine in Hanoi might be under-inflated in the freezing air of Dong Van. Check your pressure every morning to ensure grip.

Chain Care: Winter often means damp, muddy roads. The grit will eat your chain. Ask your homestay host for a hose to rinse the chain off at the end of the day.

Road Conditions: The "Grease" and The Fog

Riding in winter requires a different mindset.

The “Grease” Factor: Winter in the North often brings crachin (light misty rain). This mixes with oil and dust on the road to create a “greasy” layer that is often slipperier than heavy rain. Corner gently.

Mastering the Fog: On passes like O Quy Ho, visibility can drop to 5 meters.

Use Low Beams: High beams will reflect off the fog and blind you.

Use Your Horn: Toot lightly before every blind corner to warn oncoming trucks.

The “Warm Road” Hazard: Buffalo and cows love the warmth of the tarmac. Be ready for livestock standing or sleeping in the middle of the road around blind corners.

Great Loop | 12-Day Motorcycle Tour

Ready to ride the ultimate northern loop? This 12-day adventure takes you deep into Vietnam’s wildest and most breathtaking landscapes.

✅ Over 1,800 km of tarmac, dirt, and single track
✅ Ride legendary passes, visit remote villages, and cross the Chinese borderlands
✅ Stay with ethnic minority families, experience authentic highland life

Comfort on the Road

There are some things that just make life on the road better, when it is cold. Here are some things to look out for, or to dare ask for :)

The Fire Pit: Look for homestays with a bếp lửa (fire pit). It is the center of social life in winter and the best place to thaw out.

Warming Foods: Skip the smoothies. Try Thắng Cố (traditional horse meat stew) in Ha Giang—it is designed to keep you warm from the inside out. A little Corn Wine helps too (but only after the bike is parked for the night!).

Dry Your Gear: Humidity is high, so wet boots won’t dry overnight on their own. Ask your host for a fan or hair dryer to dry out your liners before bed.

FAQ

Is it actually freezing, or just "Vietnam cold"?

It is genuinely cold. While Hanoi might be 15°C (59°F), the mountains in Ha Giang and Sapa frequently drop to 0°C – 5°C (32°F – 41°F). When you add the wind chill of riding at 40km/h, it feels below freezing.

Can I rent heated grips or heated jackets in Vietnam?

No. Vietnam is not equipped for “luxury” winter touring. You will not find heated gear or grips for rent. You must rely on layering your own clothes and using windproof outer layers.

Does it snow in Northern Vietnam?

Rarely, but it happens. Snow is possible in high-altitude areas like Y Ty and Mau Son during extreme cold snaps (usually January). However, frost and black ice are more common dangers than deep snow.

What is the best motorcycle for winter riding?

We recommend the Honda XR150. Its larger wheels handle slippery/muddy conditions better than a scooter, and it has enough power to carry you and your winter gear up steep passes without straining the engine.

5. How bad is the fog in winter?

It can be dense. In January and February, you might spend hours riding inside a cloud. If visibility is near zero, stop at a roadside cafe, wait it out, and enjoy some hot tea. Never push through if you can’t see the road markings.

Embrace the Chill

Riding Northern Vietnam in the winter isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those willing to brave the elements, it offers a reward few other travelers see. There is a haunting beauty to the limestone karsts shrouded in mist and a unique camaraderie found in sharing a fire with locals on a freezing night.

The cold makes the hot pho taste better, the corn wine taste sweeter, and the memories sharper. Don’t let the thermometer scare you off—just come prepared.

Ready to start your winter adventure? Whether you need a rugged Honda XR150 to tackle the slippery passes or want a Guided Tour where our Road Captains handle the logistics (and know where the warmest fires are), we’ve got you covered.

Contact Rentabike Vietnam today and let’s get you on the road.