Riding Motorbike in Vietnam: Complete Guide

Popularity: Scooters are really popular among Vietnamese people, you can see this means of transportation anywhere around the country. As a result, it is a piece of cake to rent a motorbike in Vietnam at any destination. All you need is to have a driving license or to know how to ride it. 

A motorbike is the most common means of transportation in big cities in Vietnam. Source: © Anne and David / Flickr

Convenience: Except for the 1600-km long distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City you should take a flight, you should opt for renting a motorbike in Vietnam. As there is not always an airport in the area, it is the best way to get around by a rental motorbike in Vietnam. 

Experience: The most important reason why many travellers choose motorbike renting in Vietnam is because of their authentic experiences. Somehow you can travel like a local on the wheels and stop by whenever you want. For those in search of adventure, there is nothing better than travelling by rental scooter in Vietnam.

Sapa: If you like to hunt the clouds, go right to Highway 4D connecting Lai Chau to Sapa in Lao Cai. The road running along the mountainside opens up to a surprisingly beautiful landscape. Because the peaks here are often cloudy, the roof gives an unforgettable impression to visitors.

Ho Chi Minh Road: Ho Chi Minh Road stretching from the North to the South. Although Ho Chi Minh Road is quite secluded, the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests will make you feel interesting.

Than Uyen - Lai Chau: Compared with many other travel destinations, Than Uyen - Nghia Lo is not chosen much because the road here is really bumpy and difficult. However, if you have returned to Than Uyen, you will definitely feel satisfied. Even Than Uyen is a colourful picture of the terraced fields. 

Best place to ride a motorbike in Vietnam

As mentioned earlier, in Vietnam, car rental is less preferred than motorbike rental because most roads in the city and in the countryside are ideal for motorbikes. Motorbike rental shops often advise tourists on 100-block semi-automatic motorcycles for better control. In addition, Japanese motorcycles of famous brands of Honda and Yamaha are often available for rent.

Motorbike rental price

The approximate rental price for a motorbike in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities of Vietnam is from 5 USD to 10 USD per day. Most Vietnamese motorbike rental companies charge 50% of the rent when provided and 50% of the return.

motorbike rent Vietnam

Tips to rent a motorbike successfully

When renting a scooter in Vietnam, you should first check the operation of the electronics, the quality and quantity of fuel loaded in the tank, the status of the engine and the brake. Despite the fact that leasing companies have to verify all of this themselves, most of them don’t do that. So, it is better to play it safe and spend more time checking than trusting them. 

Also, when renting, check carefully the selected motorbike for mechanical damage and scratches. Make sure the owner is aware of them if any. And remember to check the motorcycle fuel tank: it must be full. Sometimes, tenants intentionally leave half of the gas tank empty for the tenant to refuel. Be sure to ask the lessor to give you a helmet. A poncho or windbreaker would also be a good idea.

Motorcycle rental companies

Vietnam is a country with a huge number of motorbike riders. In fact, whatever the purpose, they always like this type of transportation. With so many rental locations across the country, it is hard to choose a trusted one. That is why we make the list the most reliable. They are all ready to provide you with an area map, motorbike troubleshooting tips, and free advice.

Source: Offroad Vietnam

Essential motorcycle insurance

You need the following insurance documents to gain access to motorbike driving in Vietnam. 

• Health insurance: As mentioned above, getting a driver's license in Vietnam is not an easy task. Therefore, you will not be able to buy Vietnam’s health insurance. Fortunately, this can be done on sites like Lonely Planet and World Nomads. All you need is a motorbike license. 
• Third-party insurance: You can buy this insurance in Vietnam for 100,000 DK. It is only necessary if driving a motorbike with an engine capacity of over one hundred cubic centimeters. Therefore, if you do not want to worry about insurance, we recommend renting a motorbike with an engine capacity below this number.

What is included and excluded in motorbike rental

When renting a motorbike in Vietnam, the rental company is obligated to provide transportation with full fuel tanks, helmets, and drivers (if you need one). But, renters are not allowed to include insurance, driver's license, and registration fee in the lease. It is accepted that tourists must take care of insurance themselves. 

And, as mentioned above, many tourists find a way to avoid the difficulties of renting a scooter for themselves and prefer to travel by plane, bus, or train. However, some of them like the idea of adventure by driving a motorbike. Therefore, to simplify and better understand the process of renting a motorbike in Vietnam, this article has been written. 

Hopefully, this article will be helpful to you. Let’s plan a trip right away on a motorbike ride in Vietnam!

Mai

Image Sources: Internet