Renting a Motorbike In Vietnam: What You Need To Know

A 2024 Guide on Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam

If you’re new to Vietnam or considering a visit, you might be curious about the world of motorbikes. It’s well-known that motorbikes are the primary means of transportation here in Vietnam. And if you’re like me, the only sensible thing to do is to first look up the possibilities of renting a motorbike in Vietnam!

Of course, I had many questions and had heard many horror stories. So I’m here to break it down for you. In short, it is absolutely possible to rent a motorbike in Vietnam as a tourist or foreigner. With a few easy steps and a little bit of research, renting a motorbike in Vietnam could be the best thing you’ve done for yourself on this trip. It is also a great way to get off the beaten track, get a sense of the local culture and be a part of the daily hustle and bustle.

Renting a motorbike in Vietnam? Start here!

First things first, are you comfortable driving a motorbike? If you plan on renting a motorbike in Vietnam (or in any foreign country for that matter) it’s important to know your limits. Are you a quick thinker, comfortable navigating on the go in unfamiliar territory? Driving in Vietnam is not for the faint of heart, but with a bit of practice, lots of patience, and proper safety gear, anyone can make it happen!

Know where to start. If it’s your first time riding a motorbike in Vietnam I recommend starting in a smaller town, like Sapa or Ninh Binh. Starting in a city like Hanoi or HCMC can be overwhelming and quickly kill your confidence.

In smaller cities, towns and villages roads tend to be quieter and drivers are more forgiving, making it the perfect place to practice. Typically, the cost of renting a motorbike will also be cheaper the farther from the big cities you are. I’ve even found that when I rent from small family-owned establishments, the owners will even take the time to show you the ropes and introduce you to your new bike.

What Will You Find in This Guide To Renting a Motorbike in Vietam?

• An Introduction to Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam
• What type of license will you need?
• The reality of renting a motorbike in Vietnam
• How much does renting a motorbike cost?
• How to find the best prices
• What type of motorbike should you rent?
• Best places to rent a motorbike from
• The final must-do checklist before renting a motorbike

What licenses do you need?

Just like in any country, Vietnam has laws in place to regulate drivers on the road. If you’re thinking about renting a motorbike in Vietnam, you’re looking at needing an International Driving Permit, a Vietnamese Motorbike license as well as a motorcycle license from your home country. But, do not fret, many people may only have one of these permits and some don’t have any! Let’s dive into each one before I tell you a bit about the laws vs reality.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is essentially a piece of paper translated into 50 languages. It allows the country you are in to know that your driving license is valid in your home country. Which in turn, allows you to drive in any country that recognises the International Driving Permit (which is over 150 countries!)

If you’re from the US, getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) will easily be the best 20 bucks you’ll ever spend. Head over to any AAA location, and bring a passport-sized photo along with your driver’s licence. Before you know it you’ll be headed out with your brand-new International Driving Permit.

Vietnamese Motorbike License

If you plan on driving, you technically need a Vietnamese Motorbike license. The easiest way to do this is to convert a motorcycle license from your home country, hence why you need to already have this. We met a couple who had converted their motorcycle license to a Vietnamese one, so it’s definitely possible! Supposedly, it costs less than €10 and lasts a year. If this is the route you’re going to take (and are in Hanoi), check out this website for all the information you need and to apply for your Vietnamese License.

A Backpackers Reality of Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam

During our 5 weeks in Vietnam, we only met one person who got a ticket while riding a motorbike and it was on the Ha Giang Loop… a notorious spot for getting ticketed because of how popular it has become for tourists. I hesitate to write this as everyone’s experience is different. Ultimately, how you choose to proceed is up to you and at your own risk. But note, that if you rent a motorbike without the proper paperwork and get injured, your insurance will likely not cover the cost. Make sure to check beforehand!

Before coming to Vietnam I was anxious about renting a motorbike unfamiliar with the laws. I heard a variety of information about how much a ticket costs if you get caught (turns out, it’s €50). I am usually not one to take the risk. Although, the reality was, that getting a motorcycle license just wasn’t in the cards before coming to Vietnam so I needed to find a way to make it work.

In reality, it seems almost anyone can ride a motorbike in Vietnam. We’ve even seen some kids driving them! In practicality, the rules of the road don’t seem to be followed. We even met a girl from England who didn’t even have a license in her home country, and she had been driving a motorbike in Vietnam for over 2 years! During our 5 weeks in Vietnam, we only met one couple who had their motorcycle license transferred to a Vietnamese license.

Ultimately, if you are respectful, drive with caution and are ready to cough up the €50 at a moment’s notice you’ll be just fine. If you’re still worried, go to Vietnam first, chat with other tourists or hostel workers and see what the recent news is, then go from there.

How much does renting a motorbike in Vietnam cost?

If you plan on renting a motorbike in Vietnam it’s an honest question to wonder how much it’s going to cost you or if it will break the bank. I can assure you, from a budget backpackers point of view, it’s totally worth it and fits into the budget!

Keep in mind when arriving in a new place, sometimes the best thing to do is rent a motorbike before you arrive at your accommodations. This will help you skip the unnecessary taxi fees to and from your hostel.

Note: renting from your accommodations can be easy and convenient, while also lacking quality. Some of the worst motorbikes we have rented in Vietnam have been from hostels. They do the job for the day but fail to perform on longer rides.

Typically, renting an automatic motorbike will cost you between 100.000 and 150.000 vnd (about €4-6) per day. Cheap right? Like all things in Vietnam, everything adds up over time.

The longer you rent, the cheaper it gets. For example, we rented a semi-automatic motorbike for 3 weeks and it cost 750.000 vnd (a whopping €1.14 a day). As opposed to when renting a motorbike for a day or two, the fee more than triples.

How to Find the Best Prices When Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam

Do your research & shop around. Before renting a motorbike in Hanoi I had asked around to a few people I met while traveling. This will give you a general sense of how much it should cost at the time of your travel. After knowing what to expect I did some research and found some companies that charge exuberant prices. They are banking off of people who are unfamiliar with Vietnamese prices and are willing to pay the tourist tax.

Hear me out, negotiate! (Unless you’re at a hostel where muddying the water is the last thing you want).

Before I came to Vietnam everyone told me “Don’t be afraid to negotiate”. Believe me, I’m not the type to stray away from a challenge. But I have found it rather difficult to decipher when to and when not to negotiate in Vietnam. Part of this is purely due to how cheap it is and not feeling the need to negotiate. The other part is due to the fact many places have their price list posted – making it feel set in stone.

You’ll never get a better deal if you don’t ask. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, and inform you of the set price. 9 times of out 10 I have found everyone is willing to negotiate. Even if it’s only a little bit of money, you know you tried and got the best deal you could.

Cost of Fuel in Vietnam

One downside of short-term rentals is that you’ll frequently get a motorbike that only has an ounce of fuel in it to get you started. When renting a motorbike in Vietnam, you will very rarely get going with anything more than a quarter tank of fuel. It’s an extra cost for the renter and one they don’t want to pay for.

That being said, fuel in Vietnam is crazy cheap. It has yet to cost us more than €3 to fill our tank. If you’re only planning on renting a motorbike for a day or two, save yourself some money and don’t fill it to the brim. I typically ask the attendants to put in 20,000 to 40,000 vnd at a time. I’d rather fill up my motorbike multiple times than barely use the petrol I paid for.

What type of motorbike should I rent?

There are 3 main types of motorbike you can rent. For some people, this may be common sense, but for me, and anyone new to the world of motorbikes there are a few key differences you’ll want to know. Each type of motorbike has its pros and cons. Some are easier to ride, cheaper, or meant for longer distances. Below I’ll go over the 3 types of motorbikes you’ll find in Vietnam: Automatic, semi-automatic (my favourite) and manual motorbikes.

Automatic

Automatic motorbikes are simply scooters or mopeds, the easiest of them all to learn how to ride. They are also the most common for tourists to drive as they are really the only type of motorbike that your accommodation will rent. Automatic bikes are best used for around-town driving or on paved roads. They are a bit heavier and harder to manoeuvre but are also forgiving to the first-time rider. Even if you have experience riding motorbikes, automatics are a great place to start for anyone new to Vietnam. Driving here is incredibly different from driving in Europe or the US and takes some time to adjust. It’s best to do this on a motorbike you feel comfortable riding and then upgrade from there!

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic motorbikes are like candy to me, the best sweetest and cheapest option you can get. They’re more fun than automatic bikes providing a bit of adventure. They also tend to be much lighter than automatic or manual motorbikes and with that, easier to steer.

So, what are semi-automatic motorbikes? Think of them as manual motorbikes just without the hassle of having a clutch. They have 4 gears you shift with your left foot, forwards to go up, and push backwards to go down a gear. It’s as simple as that!

The best part about semi-automatics is that anyone can drive them (even Haley is becoming a pro). Most people can get the hang of it within a day and have no problems from there on out. Semi-automatics allow for more control since you need to manually shift, which is especially helpful in the hills of Vietnam. Semi-automatics are a great intermediate motorbike for anyone looking for a new challenge or someone looking to tackle Vietnam’s iconically challenging roads.

If you are simply looking for budget backpacker options and are up for a little learning curve, these are also a great choice for you! Semi-automatic motorbikes are the cheapest kind and you can rent them from almost anywhere.

Manual

If I see you driving a manual you are either a total expert who has a motorbike license in your home country, a local, or someone looking to drive the whole of Vietnam. Manuals will give you the most control and power you need for big hills or long drives. If you have never driven a manual before I suggest you start with a semi-automatic to learn how to shift. Manuals are not for the faint of heart and take more than a simple test drive to master. That being said, if you are looking to drive the whole of Vietnam you’re probably better off buying a bike and selling it than you are renting it.

If you are serious about renting a manual motorbike, it’s a possibility but a bit harder to come by. The best thing to do is go to the source and rent a motorbike from a reputable company. Manuals are a bit more expensive as they are nicer quality and heavier than semis. They also have more parts which becomes more upkeep.

Where to rent a Motorbike

The handy dandy Google Maps has yet to fail me. Doing a variety of research through the internet and the good ol’ fashion asking around will typically lead you to a reputable motorbike rental shop in Vietnam. Most accommodations will also offer motorbike rentals as well, but if you’re looking for a longer-term rental I’ve listed a few places I’ve used below.

Renting a motorbike in Vietnam from your hostel or homestay is a great starting point. Your accommodations are conveniently located for you and the staff are there to help. But, you get what you pay for and here you’re paying for convenience. If you’re a budget backpacker like me, you’ll skip the hostel rental and go straight to town.

Renting a Motorbike in Hanoi

• Viet Motorbikes located in Tay Ho – This place is a little tricky to get to but is an expat’s favourite. We rented from them for 2 weeks, the bike never failed to impress us and we had no issues. They provided us with 2 helmets, 2 straps and quick mechanical pre-check adjustments we asked for with no issues. Also, any issues you have within Hanoi will be fixed for free.
• Minh Motorbikes – Less tried and true by us. We have heard many raving reviews about them from local expats. It’s best to find and message them on Facebook. They seem to offer similar prices as Viet Motorbikes for a quality bike.

Renting a Motorbike in Sapa

• Mr Mung’s Motorbike Rental – Tried and true the absolutely best place to rent a motorbike if you find yourself in Sapa. As always, send them a message on WhatsApp before your arrival, ask what they have available, your intended time frame and cost. Mr. Mung’s was the first ever place we rented from in Vietnam and he did not disappoint.

The check-list, Giving your bike a once-over

Now that you have officially decided on renting a motorbike in Vietnam, you’ve sorted out the paperwork, and the cost and you’ve decided on the type of motorbike you want. The final step is making sure your motorbike is safe to ride. With a quick quality control inspection you’ll be on the road in no time, with peace of mind that you have set yourself up for a successful ride.

• Make sure your bike runs! Turn it on, and see if any problems occur. There’s a lot you can tell from this first interaction
• Check the tires for air and tread (especially in the rainy season, you don’t want bald tires)
• Check all the lights including the front headlight, rear light, turning signals and brights
• Horn – make sure it works as you’ll definitely need it
• Mirrors, does your bike even have mirrors? If not, ask for them! Also, check that they stay in place and aren’t wobbly
• Check for scratches & dents – take pictures so you can’t be held liable
• Take your bike for a test drive. This is so important, don’t be afraid to ask to go around the block
• Brakes – while on a test drive, make sure your breaks work well
• Speedometer! You’d be surprised by this one. But it’s very common in Vietnam to get motorbikes where the speedometer doesn’t work. This is a way for rental companies to keep the miles on the bike low as it won’t track without the speedometer
• Fuel gauge – Understandably, it’s hard to know if your fuel gauge works on just a first look. Just keep in mind that your fuel gauge might not work! If you’ve driven all day and the fuel indicator hasn’t changed, make sure to tabs on how far you’ve gone, topping up on fuel more frequently.

Extras to Look or Ask For:

• Phone holder – if you’re a solo traveler this is a life saver
• Helmet – I shouldn’t even have to say this, but make sure you get a helmet!
• Back rack & straps – If you plan on going long distances with your bags ask for a rack & straps to secure your bag to.
• Poncho – Never hurts to ask, but an absolute must when renting a motorbike in Vietnam