1. Motorbikes in Vietnam
2. Why to use a motorbike?
3. Traffic rules + regulations
4. What to take with you?
5. Fault + Motorcycle check
6. Rental + Sales of bikes
7. Travel insurance + Accident
9. Prices for renting or selling
10. Mototaxi (Xe Ôm) + Trips
11. What to prepare for?
Traveling by Motorcycle in Vietnam:
Traveling by motorcycle in Vietnam can be your best decision. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. First, carefully read all the information before hopping on a motorcycle or scooter. If you already have experience in other Asian countries, you’ll know what to expect and what to be cautious about.
Motorcycles and scooters are owned by almost everyone in Vietnam, as you will see for yourself once you are in the country. For Vietnamese people, it’s an affordable and quick means of transportation in cities and even in remote villages and less accessible areas or provinces. Expensive cars are impractical in traffic jams, and not everyone can afford them. The greatest motorcycle chaos and millions of bikes can be seen especially in large cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese Use Motorbikes as a Means of Transporting Goods.
In Vietnam, motorcycles also serve as a very fast means of delivering and transporting various goods and cargo. Chairs, tables, cabinets, refrigerators, food, or bags of fish, and even 4 people on one motorcycle? Yes, you will see all of this during motorcycle transportation; Vietnamese are very skilled and clever in this aspect.
Why to travel in Vietnam on motorbike as a tourist?
➡️ Some interesting places in Vietnam are inaccessible without a motorcycle
➡️ Cheap and convenient way of transport
➡️ You do not have to wait for local buses, save a time
➡️ Freedom of movement, stay where and how long you want
➡️ Great adventure without to many tourists
I recommend to drive a motorbike in Vietnam for…
➡️ more experienced drivers who already have some experience with a motorbike
➡️ people, who do not have a fear of traffic chaos in big cities
➡️ people, who are ready for the unexpected situations on the roads
➡️ people, who are not performing at 150 km/h speed
➡️ people, who are not afraid to take responsibility for themselves
What are the traffic rules and regulations in Vietnam?
Traffic rules and regulations in Vietnam are written by law and the fines are not small. But we can say, most people do not comply with these laws. They drive everywhere, on the wrong direction, very quickly drive, sidewalks, etc … so the transportation is chaotic. Sometimes it seems – the law does not exist. Fines or violations are resolved by drivers in the form of a bribe. But you are a tourist in foreign country, you need to respect these rules, drive slowly, you do not want complicate your vacation in Vietnam. Try to avoid any accident or incident when traveling on a motorbike!
- Since 2015 is a valid international driver’s license in Vietnam, get it!
- Along with an international driver’s license, you should also show your national driver’s license
- Motorbikes and scooters with engine of capacity to 50 cc are rent without a driving license
- Motorbikes 50 – 174 cc – you should have the official vietnamese driving licence A1
- Motorbikes above 174 cc – you should have the official vietnamese driving licence A2
- When buying or renting a motorbike you have to get a blue card of owner (at least a photocopy)
- Blue card shows information about the owner of the motorbike
- If you did not have this blue card, you may have a problem with the police
- Zero alcohol tolerance for car drivers and 0.5 ‰ for motorcyclists
- Motorcyclists must have a helmet when riding
- More than 2 people in transit on a motorcycle are not allowed (but you will see this everywhere)
- Seat belt while riding in a car in the front seat are mandatory
- Driving on the right side of the road in Vietnam
- You must be 18 years old
- Stronger vehicle has always a priority
Fines + penalties + traffic violations + fees on a motorbike:
Fines and sanctions + fees + violations while driving a motorbike in Vietnam you can see in this infographics (2016) or in this article (2014). Translated into English language. Just a few: driving in the prohibited area or on the wrong side > 200 000 – 400 000 dongs, alcohol (by level) > 500 000 – 3 000 000 dongs, driving without a license > 800 000 – 1 200 000 dongs, driving without a helmet > 100 000 -200 000 dongs, phone call while driving > 60 000 – 80 000 dongs, driving without control of both hands > 5 000 000 – 8 000 000 dongs. In the bad cases police can confiscate a motorbike. In the worst cases, eg. an hard accident, you can go to jail…
Policewoman trying to control traffic in Ho Chi Minh City:
What to take when traveling on a motorcycle in Vietnam?
You have to prepare for changing weather in Vietnam, tropics but in the mountains for the winter (rarely even snow), and less well passable roads or routes, especially in mountainous areas. Most important it is suitable choice of clothes and other motorcycle accessories, but also, of course, choosing a motorbike, international driving license, travel insurance against any accident or hospitalization. If you had insurance to prove the damage incurred while traveling on a motorcycle, you must have a lease about rent or buing a motorbike. I do not want to frighten accidents, but unfortunately it happens.
➡️ Waterproof, lightweight but also warm clothing (jacket), strong shoes (no sandals)
➡️ A waterproof container for backpack against rain and dust
➡️ Helmet (usually you will get a helmet)
➡️ Sunglasses and sunscreen
➡️ If you are buying a motorbike, it is not a problem for a few bucks to buy a helmet
➡️ Mouth cover, dust-free purchase problem
➡️ Bracket backpack on the bike, if not, made of metal produced at each Mini workshops
➡️ Reinforcing straps on a backpack you can buy for a few bucks
➡️ GPS or maps in the mobile phone (eg. Google Maps)
➡️ At least a basic set of tools for possible breakdown
What to do in case of failure or malfunction of motorcycle?
Lots of travelers are not experienced mechanics and repairmen of motorbikes. Breakdowns in a very cheap motorbikes (eg. chinese copy of Honda Win) are common and frequent. When you will be a long time driving with a motorbike some breakdowns will come. Blew tire, destroyed exhaust, broken blinker and others. There are some repair shop or mechanics at the roads in Vietnam, they will help you. You will see eg. tires on the hook? They will be happy to replace the punctured wheel or inflate the wheel. However, if such this place does not exists, ask the local people in the neighborhood or stop someone on the road.
It is necessary to check a motorbike before driving.
Before you rent or buy a motorcycle, it is really necessary to check and try very carefully this machine. Lots of retailers offer an cheap and used motorcycles and scooters of dubious quality. Some official and certified commercial retailers mostly rent and sell an motorbikes of good quality, sometimes with the insurance against damage. But the situation is often different in small local or street retailers.
➡️ Check the lights and indicators
➡️ Check the tire and the frame
➡️ Gasoline may not leak
➡️ Check the sound of engine
➡️ Stability and control of the handlebar
➡️ Check the stand and gripping device
➡️ Check the registration papers (Blue card owner)
What type of motorbike you can buy or rent in Vietnam?
There are many, many, many motorbikes. The local retailers sell various brands of motorcycles in Vietnam, but also a lot of bad chinese copies. The cheap chinese copies of Honda Win are very well known, a lot of travelers buy or rent this reliable motorbike. This motorbike is very cheap (you can buy for about $200), but what is very cheap it is not also good, more money you will give for failures and repairs while traveling with this motorbike. Retailers have often these motorbikes / scooters for rent or buy: Honda (Blade, Wave, Future, Win), Yamaha (Mio Nuovo) and Suzuki (Hayate), Minsk. I drove very well with the motorcycles from Honda (not Win).
HONDA
– favorite brand of motorcycles in Vietnam
– a lot of copies from China (check the registration papers)
– the price is based on age and use
– approximately around $500, the newer are a bit expensive
– you can buy an parts almost everywhere
– Honda Blade, Honda Wave, Honda Future is a good choice for traveling (semi-automatic)
– Honda Win (manual, cheap but not reliable, place to store your backpack)
YAMAHA
– Mio and Nuovo models dominate in Vietnam
– widespread brand of motorcycles in Vietnam
– also stronger types of motorbike for motocross or difficult terrain
SUZUKI
– widespread brand of motorcycles in Vietnam
– Hayate scooter
– you can buy parts almost everywhere and everywhere is also service
– Suzuki GS 125 ccm is a good choice for two people on a motorcycle
– price is about the same as Honda
MINSK
– very old and for somebody „cool“ motorbike
– suitable for very low budget travellers
– more easily correctable fault but not too reliable motorbike
– price is about $100-400
Where to rent or buy a motorbike in Vietnam?
You can buy or rent a motorbike mainly in the center of big cities and tourists spots. Outside the shop is a row of motorbikes and the inscription „Motorbike for sale / rent“, it is a clear signal, there is a bike shop. Vietnamese – „Xe máy“ = Motorcycle, „Cho thuê xe máy“ = Motorcycle Rentals. I recommend to take with you 2 original passport.
Sale and rent of motorbikes, offers on the Internet + websites + expats:
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- rental of motorbikes (+motorbike tours) in Hanoi+Ha Giang, Da Nang (good reference) – Rentabikevn.com
- rent or buy motorbike in Ha Giang (good reference) – QT Motorbikes + Tours
- sale and rental of motorbikes in Hanoi (good reference) – Phung Motorbike / Tigitmotorbikes
- the good website where travelers sell motorbikes in Vietnam – Travelswop
- motorbikes for sale or rent in Vietnam (Facebook group) – Vietnam Backpacker Sales
- motorbikes for sale or rent in Vietnam (Facebook group) – Backpacking Vietnam by bike
- motorbikes for sale in Vietnam – Expats
Travel insurance and any accident on a motorcycle.
Before you go to Vietnam arrange a travel insurance and obtain an international driving license. It is important to say, if you were involved in an accident and you do not have any international driving license, travel insurance and a contract for renting or buying a motorbike – you pay the full cost of your hospitalization (without repayment from the insurance company). Beware of „Exclusion of additional liability insurance.“
Liability insurance of motorbike can be arranged also in Vietnam (bud you need to have a vietnamese driver’s license, for tourists on tourist visa is practically impossible). Secure your luggage in case of theft. The baggage have to be placed in the luggage compartment of motorbike and can not be visible from the outside.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
What is the price for rent or purchase a motorbike in Vietnam?
Prices are different and quite low. Of course, everything depends on the condition, age and model of a motorcycle. Most motorbikes of street vendors or advertisers on the internet are already used models. Check carefully your motorbike before you rent or buy and pay for her. Somewhere you could rent a scooter already for $6/1 day and somewhere for $15/1 day. Prices are reduced if you take a motorbike for a longer period of time, eg. for 1 month.
Rent a motorbike or scooter in Vietnam:
Scooter / motorbike for 1 day > $6 – 15 (Honda Wave, Future, Blade, Yamaha…)
Scooter / motorbike for 1 month > about $100 – 200 (the price decreases in long-term borrowing)
Stronger motorcycle for 1 day > $30 – 60 (the price decreases in long-term borrowing)
Buying a motorbike or scooter in Vietnam:
Scooter / motorbike for tourists > apx. $250 – 1 000 (eg. Honda Wave, Future, Blade, Yamaha…)
– low price from advertisers or street vendors (can be copies of motorbikes), higher price for certified vendors
– some companies offer redemption, you buy eg. for $1 000, and when you return you will get back $800
– you can sell your motorcycle when you are going home, through the advertising servers or sellers, usually a lower price
What to do if I’m afraid to drive a motorcycle or scooter?
They are prepared also for this in Vietnam. Mainly in the larger cities operate services of mototaxi (Xe Ôm). Motorbike drivers ask where you want to drive. Sometimes it’s convenient, eg. bus stops 3 km from the city center. So if you’re afraid to drive a motorbike or you do not have a driver’s license, you can use them. Try also ask people when you will see a lot of motorbikes, people are mostly friendly. But before you take a mototaxi, arrange in advance the price for this service and ask for the duration of a trip.
Organized motorbike tours by travel agencies.
The possibility of traveling on a motorbike in Vietnam is also using the services of tourist guides and organized tours on a motorbikes. Plenty of travel agencies in Vietnam, also offers guided trips on a motorcycle. Certainly there is no danger that you wander somewhere to the wrong or with a inoperable motorcycle. Prices for this for example 3-day motorcycle trip is about $150.
Google Maps Introduces Motorbike-Specific Navigation Mode in Vietnam.
On July 8, 2018, Google Maps launched a ‚motorbike mode‘ in its navigation feature in some Asia-Pacific countries including Vietnam. The mode will first come to the Google Maps app on phones that have Android system version 4.4 (KitKat) and up. It’s unclear when the mode will come to iOS. The new option will now allow the Maps app to take into account a motorbike’s speed and provide more accurate estimated time of arrival. Driving instructions for shortcuts and narrow roads that a car can’t access will be available, as well as guidance for avoiding toll roads.
What to prepare for when traveling on a motorbike in Vietnam?
➡️ Traveling on a motorbike is physically demanding, even though you’re sitting
➡️ You will be tired, really
➡️ To much dust on vietnamese roads
➡️ A lot of water on the roads in monsum season
➡️ Bad roads in mountainous areas (gravel, falling stones, holes…)
➡️ Distances between cities are sometimes more than 100 kilometers
➡️ You will be driving a maximum speed of about 50 km/h
➡️ You can meet fake cops (read this article)
➡️ Fantastic scenery, adventure and experience 🙂
Plan and prepare your travel itinerary for Vietnam > Itineraries for the north
Watch this instructional video > How to drive a motorbike in Vietnam
Vietnam by motorbike is a great adventure and experience. I wish you a wonderful travel experience while traveling on a motorbike in Vietnam! Enjoy it!
❓ FAQ + Tips – Driving Motorbike in Vietnam:
1. Can tourists drive motorbikes in Vietnam?
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- Yes, tourists can drive motorbikes in Vietnam. However, it is important to have the necessary documents, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid Vietnamese driver’s license, depending on the duration of your stay.
2. Do I need a license to drive a motorbike in Vietnam?
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- Yes, you need a valid driver’s license to drive a motorbike in Vietnam. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is widely recognized and allows you to drive legally. Alternatively, you can obtain a temporary Vietnamese driver’s license from the local authorities.
3. Is it safe to drive a motorbike in Vietnam as a tourist?
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- Driving a motorbike in Vietnam can be challenging, especially in busy cities. It requires caution, good driving skills, and an understanding of local traffic rules. It is advisable to be familiar with the local driving culture and take necessary safety precautions such as wearing helmets and protective gear.
4. What are the traffic rules and regulations in Vietnam?
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- In Vietnam, traffic follows the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, and traffic signs and signals should be obeyed. It is important to be cautious of other vehicles, pedestrians, and local driving habits, such as motorbikes weaving through traffic.
5. Can I rent a motorbike as a tourist in Vietnam?
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- Yes, motorbike rentals are available for tourists in Vietnam. Rental shops can be found in popular tourist areas. Ensure that you have a valid license, thoroughly inspect the condition of the motorbike, and consider purchasing insurance coverage for potential damages.
6. What are the road conditions like in Vietnam?
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- Road conditions in Vietnam can vary. While major highways are generally well-maintained, rural roads and mountainous regions may have potholes or uneven surfaces. It is important to exercise caution and adjust your speed accordingly.
7. Do I need insurance for driving a motorbike in Vietnam?
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- It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers driving a motorbike in Vietnam. This insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, damages, and third-party liabilities. Check your insurance policy to ensure it includes motorbike riding and any specific requirements.
8. Are there any specific safety tips for driving a motorbike in Vietnam?
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- Yes, here are some safety tips: always wear a helmet, drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, use turn signals, avoid driving at night, follow traffic rules, and watch out for pedestrians and other vehicles.
9. What are the penalties for traffic violations in Vietnam?
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- Traffic violations in Vietnam can result in fines, confiscation of your motorbike, or even imprisonment in serious cases. It is important to adhere to traffic rules to avoid legal consequences and prioritize safety.
10. Can I take my motorbike on a long-distance trip in Vietnam?
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- Yes, you can take your motorbike on long-distance trips in Vietnam. However, ensure that you have a well-maintained motorbike, plan your route carefully, and consider the duration and physical demands of the journey. Additionally, be prepared for varying road conditions and weather changes along the way.
BOOK A TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
| The Adventure of Motorbike Travel in Vietnam | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Motorbike as a Cultural Symbol: |
In Vietnam, the motorbike is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a cultural icon deeply embedded in the fabric of daily life. Traveling on a motorbike allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, experiencing firsthand the significance of this two-wheeled companion in the Vietnamese narrative. From bustling city streets to scenic rural roads, the motorbike is the heartbeat of Vietnam’s dynamic and diverse landscapes. |
| 2. Freedom and Flexibility: |
Embarking on a motorbike journey in Vietnam provides an unparalleled sense of freedom and flexibility. Unlike more conventional modes of transportation, a motorbike allows you to chart your course, discovering hidden gems and changing plans on a whim. The open road becomes your canvas, and the motorbike, your brush, as you navigate the twists and turns of Vietnam’s enchanting terrain at your own pace. |
| 3. Scenic Routes and Breathtaking Landscapes: |
The beauty of Vietnam reveals itself in full splendor when explored on a motorbike. Picture-perfect landscapes, from majestic mountain ranges to serene coastal roads, unfold before your eyes. Traveling on two wheels allows you to savor the breathtaking vistas, stop at panoramic viewpoints, and capture the essence of Vietnam’s diverse geography. Each twist of the throttle becomes an invitation to witness the country’s natural wonders. |
| 4. Cultural Interaction and Local Connections: |
Motorbike travel fosters meaningful cultural interactions and connections with local communities. The approachability of a motorbike allows you to engage with locals along the way, from roadside vendors to villagers in remote areas. The shared experience of the open road becomes a bridge, transcending language barriers and cultural differences. Whether sipping traditional tea in a village or joining a local festival, the motorbike serves as your cultural passport. |
| 5. Culinary Exploration: |
One of the joys of motorbike travel in Vietnam is the culinary adventure it offers. From bustling street markets to hidden roadside stalls, you can explore the diverse and delectable world of Vietnamese cuisine. Navigating the streets on a motorbike allows you to stop at local eateries, sample regional specialties, and savor the flavors of authentic Vietnamese dishes. It’s a gastronomic journey that adds an extra layer of richness to your travel experience. |
| 6. Thriving Street Life: |
The vibrancy of Vietnam’s street life comes to life when you’re on a motorbike. Navigate through bustling markets, witness the organized chaos of urban streets, and feel the pulse of daily life as you weave through traffic. The motorbike provides a front-row seat to the energetic rhythm of Vietnamese cities and towns, allowing you to become an active participant in the dynamic street scenes that define the country’s unique charm. |
| 7. Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration: |
Venture off the beaten path and explore hidden corners of Vietnam that are often inaccessible by traditional means of transport. A motorbike opens up opportunities to discover remote villages, serene landscapes, and untouched natural wonders. Whether traversing mountain trails, meandering along coastal routes, or winding through rice paddies, the motorbike becomes your key to unlocking the secrets of Vietnam’s less-explored destinations. |
| 8. Adapting to Local Norms: |
Motorbike travel allows you to immerse yourself in the local way of life, adapting to the norms and rhythms of Vietnamese culture. From navigating roundabouts to understanding local traffic customs, you become an integral part of the everyday flow. Embracing the laid-back pace of rural areas or the energetic buzz of urban centers, your motorbike becomes a conduit for cultural integration, providing a genuine and authentic travel experience. |
| 9. Sense of Adventure: |
Embarking on a motorbike journey through Vietnam is an embodiment of the spirit of adventure. The unpredictability of the road, the thrill of exploration, and the sense of discovery create an exhilarating travel experience. Whether conquering mountain passes, traversing coastal roads, or navigating city streets, each moment on the motorbike is infused with a sense of adventure that lingers in your memories long after the journey concludes. |
| 10. Stories to Share: |
Traveling on a motorbike in Vietnam creates a tapestry of stories that become a treasure trove of memories. From encounters with locals to overcoming challenges on the road, each twist of the throttle adds a chapter to your travel narrative. Whether sharing tales of scenic rides, cultural exchanges, or unexpected adventures, the motorbike journey through Vietnam becomes a story worth recounting—a story that transcends the boundaries of time and becomes a part of your personal travel legacy. |
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