motorboat in vietnamese

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Translation of motorboat – English–Vietnamese dictionary

(Translation of motorboat from the PASSWORD English-Vietnamese Dictionary © 2015 K Dictionaries Ltd)

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Punch and Judy show

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a traditional children's entertainment in which a man, Mr Punch, argues with his wife, Judy. It was especially popular in the past as entertainment in British towns by the sea in summer.

Paying attention and listening intently: talking about concentration

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• Motorbikes »

The 40 Best (and worst) Motorbikes in Vietnam

Please read the update and shorter list of the most popular motorbikes on the expat market in 2021.

This is an opinion piece about the 40 best and worst(!) motorbikes in Vietnam by Tigit Jon. I’ve included the average used prices for handy reference. Most people reading this have no interest in buying a brand new model so comparison price accordingly on other sites.

Note – I do love Suzuki and Honda, but I do not work for them!

These are some of the main scooters and bikes you’ll see when travelling on the streets around Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Be warned!, Some motorbikes are cheap because they are rubbish…. So understanding and researching what you are buying is incredibly important!

To see a list of the motorbikes Tigit sells, head over to our other website Chrunix.com where we advertise our own motorbikes for sale!

$200 to priceless

$300 to priceless, $350 – $600, $400 + honda wave for sale or rent by tigitmotorbikes., $400 (never owned and never driven, but we do talk to people).

• $350-500 Suzuki Hayate for sale by TigitMotorbikes

$600+ (never owned, never driven)

$800 + (never driven and never owned), $900 (tigit never owned).

• $1000+  Honda AirBlade for sale by TigitMotorbikes

$1000 (only experience with the oldest generation)

$1000 + (never owned but have driven one before), $1200+ (kind of driven one before), $1500 + and the yamaha exciter is for sale and for rent by tigit motorbikes., $1300 + and the suzuki raider is for rent by tigit motorbikes..

• $1700 +  Honda XR for sale or for rent by Tigit Motorbikes.

$1300 + Honda Winner for sale or rent at Tigit Motorbikes.

$1800 + (never owned, never driven), suzuki satria manual transmission, $2000 (never owned, but have driven one), $2300 (never owned, but have driven one), $3000+ (never owned, but have driven one), motorbike list, chinese honda win manual transmission.

The Win is for: If you are an adventure seeker!  You are a lad on tour wanting a “laugh”!

Chinese Honda Semi-Automatic, Wave, Dream, Future

Cheapest motorbike in Vietnam to buy and also the cheapest to fix. For the traveler on a tiny shoestring budget and absolutely no spare cash then the Chinese Honda Wave is a reasonable choice! The Chinese semi-automatics are all the same underneath, the “name” Wave, Dream is just the bodywork design. Underneath is the same Chinese engines.

The Chinese semi-automatic is severely lacking in the power and character department. Overall it is nothing more than a chunk of plastic on two wheels. Generally, the Chinese Semi will get the traveler from A to B cost efficiently. Even a catastrophically bad breakdown is quick and cheap to fix providing the traveler gets the right price in a backstreet mechanic.

This bike is for you if: You got no money!

SYM Attila Automatic

The famous 2002/3 Attila was one of the first automatics to arrive in Vietnam, and it was THE first with a 125cc engine. They are rarely seen on the streets today. but can be picked up for $100-$150 (I wouldn’t advise it though). Now, SYM have various modern models but SYM in general are known for budget / very cheap scooters. The depreciation and shelf life of an SYM scooter is quicker than a rotting apple. Modern SYM scooters can be bought between $600-1000 which does make them a cheap purchase for an expat on a temporary stay in Vietnam. The bikes are comfortable and perform nicely, a lot of bang for the buck. However the reliability is questionable and SYM have useless after service. For someone settling in Vietnam it is better to get something more than an SYM.

The Atilla SYM is For:  If you want a very, very cheap automatic!  You have not a care in the world about how you look! You don’t mind kick-starting an automatic!

Yamaha Nouvo 1/2/3/5/6 Automatic

The Yamaha Nouvo is the most commonly seen automatic motorbike in Vietnam driven by foreigners. The Yamaha Nouvo 1 back in 2002 was a Japanese made scooter, and a very good one at that. The Nouvo 1 is still seen on the streets today with some value. A testament to a scooter that is around 20 years old! Yamaha must have arrived on the scene of Vietnam with a massive bang for quality. However since the Nouvo 1 (2002), it is fair to say that Yamaha in Vietnam are unreliable, high maintenance and depreciate like rockets. Yamaha rode The Nouvo 1’s reputation all the way through to around 2012 which was the end of the Nouvo 4 days. Since 2012 the Vietnamese have finally become wise to Yamaha’s poor reliability and the 5/6/7 models are now rarely seen on the streets today. Infact the Nouvo as a model has mostly died off on the Vietnamese market. Held up by the foreigners relying on the branding of “Yamaha” to mean something. To be fair to Yamaha,  they are significantly cheaper than the power house of Honda, and the ride / suspension / styling tends to be far better than the equivalent Honda’s. We get what we pay for with Yamaha, an ok bike at an ok price with an ok after service.

For the expat / backpacker, just know that “Yamaha” does not equal quality in Vietnam. That $150 fifteen year old scooter is A) Very gas hungry, B) Very expensive to fix!

The Nouvo is For: If you think you can detect the good from the bad! You fancy your chances and hope to get a good bargain for the money

Honda Cub Semi-Automatic

The Honda cub is a semi-automatic motorbike from a long time ago. Due to the age of the motorbike, it is now seen today maintained with cheap Chinese parts. Honda will not service the Cub which means over time these gradually have fallen to be no different to the Chinese semi-automatic. A source of confusion and misunderstanding among foreigners who purchase these beauties expecting Honda reliability. Only to find the motorbike has no brakes, regularly falls apart and is an ongoing and stressful maintenance project. The cute styling of the Cub will often create a defensive reaction by the owner if interrogated about the reliability of their beautiful motorbike. A few hard-hitting questions in the right areas and the sob stories will eventually come out! Contradictory to belief, the Cub can still be bought new for around $550 as a useless Chinese replica .

The Honda Cub is for: If you have not done your research, just grab it! The classic look is worth all the misery and stress that the motorbike will eventually bring you!

SYM Excel Automatic

The SYM Excel is another powerhouse from SYM’s early days in Vietnam. It WAS a hidden gem of monumental value among Expats lucky enough to find one (back in 2008), however today they are no longer seen. Even if we looked for this old school classic, the chances of finding one are slim. The chances of finding a working one, are next to none. A cheap 150cc large framed automatic motorbike that is comfortable for a foreigner. If you do find a working Excel for around $300, then you just found that golden nugget!

SYM Excel: If you want a large automatic scooter on a small budget.

Suzuki Epicuro Automatic

An expat will never be found driving one and even on the Vietnamese market, they are rare motorbikes in Vietnam! The Epicuro is a high quality imported scooter from around the year 2001. In the early days of Tigit we bought and sold a few of these successfully. Hard to explain, but the Epicuro is in a class of its own compared to all other normal scooters in Vietnam. A clear quality jump from a local Asian built scooter to a Epicuro European import. The Epicuro we later discovered is basically an unfixable scooter due to the high quality but old systems within. Mechanics do not have the skills or parts to fix them. When broken the Epicuro’s life is done and there is no reviving it. Writing in 2019, these motorbikes are still seen driven by local Gangsta’s!

Epicuro is for: If you have some spare cash sitting around and you fancy trying your luck at picking up an old but very high-quality scooter.

Minsk Manual

As Richard Hammond from Top gear says.. “The ak47 of motorbikes”. Supposedly indestructible machines that are the origins of the now-famous concept of traveling Vietnam by motorbike. Richard Hammond thought the Minsk was indestructible but backpackers put this theory to the test and came out on top. A 2 stroke engine requiring a mixture of oil and gas in the right concentrations is what led to the slow and eventual deaths of the iconic Minsk. Backpackers who know nothing about motorbikes failed to get the mixtures correct and one by one these motorbikes came to a bitter end. The story doesn’t end there though! The Minsk is now used by the tour companies in Sapa , renovated with modern Honda engines and used for charitable rides.

The Minsk: Buy it if you find one that works!

Honda 67 Manual

The 67 is without question one of the most beautiful looking motorbikes in Vietnam. In modern times they are maintained with low-quality Chinese components making them unreliable and useless motorbikes. The price bracket shows the variation in quality and a truly original Honda 67 is worth a fortune. A motorbike that should be used by people who enjoy “projects”. Constant ongoing maintenance should be considered “fun” by the owner. For most people, they are something to be admired from a distance. Owning one of these beauties can be a stressful experience!

The ’67: If you enjoy a good old-fashioned project! You want a “sexy” motorbike for popping down to the local bar or cafe!

Bonus Manual Transmission

A slightly bigger version of the Win. The bonus is the cheapest “big” motorbike that money can buy. Often used in scams as the frame can be customized to create a cool looking motorbike on a shoestring budget. The motorbike may look cool, but has nearly no chance of actually working! Ultimately the Bonus is a motorbike from the past that was low quality, to begin with. Today, they are only seen being sold by dishonest dealers turning a quick buck. It is one of the most common scams on the market when dealing with motorbikes in Vietnam!

Buy or Rent the Bonus: If you enjoy being scammed!

Daelim Manual Transmission

The Daelim motorbike is a huge vehicle for the money. A big cruiser that fits the dream of driving a proper motorbike. The Daelim is essentially Chinese and so therefore designed to be maintained with low-quality parts. This actually makes them easier to fix than some of the other smashed up garbage out there that has gone beyond its maintainable life cycle (looking at you the Suzuki GN). If used as a gentle city monster truck the Daelim can be a great motorbike for the money. However, when pushed hard they overheat and fall apart.

Buy or Rent a Daelim: If you want a comfortable cheap cruiser for the city!

Suzuki GN Manual Transmission

The Suzuki GN is a magnificent motorbike to drive when discovered in good condition. The GN has a huge heart and lots of character. Unfortunately buying Suzuki GN components is near to impossible which means they are maintained with cheap Chinese parts. The Suzuki GN is an incredibly expensive ongoing maintenance project that will eat the bank balance. However, the GN is so much fun to drive, a broken bank is not actually a terrible trade-off for someone that loves motorbikes. For the backpacker, it is a con that will likely ruin a holiday. For an expat or motorbike lover, the Suzuki GN can be a much-loved friend.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki GN: If the bank won’t allow you to buy a proper motorbike but the GN feels like the real deal and the ongoing maintenance is a price worth paying to drive the motorbike of your dreams!

Yamaha Mio Automatic transmission

The Mio is a small framed automatic. Mostly seen by expat girls who find the standard automatics too heavy and bulky for city driving. The Mio is basically a Nouvo 1/2/3 with a small frame. Low quality and broken garbage that has an inflated value on the expat market due to its “cute” frame size. Rental companies attempt to rent these to target the female market – in Tigit’s opinion, this is a bottomless pit of non-profitable rentals as the maintenance is on-going and high. Updated in the year 2020, not sure I have been one of these motorbikes in years!

Buy or Rent the Yamaha Mio: If you want a small framed scooter and the Honda Click is out of your budget!

Yamaha Sirius / Taurus Semi-Automatic

Rarely seen driven by foreigners, but do exist out there on the Vietnamese Market. Yamaha Semi-Automatics are both cheaper and smaller in frame size than the equivalent Honda Semi-Automatic. Semi-Automatics rarely breakdown and so for the money, they are a good and reliable purchase. The Yamaha Semi-Automatic lacks in power and performance compared to the Honda competition and this shows in the price differences between the two. As an entry-level motorbike created by a proper company that is Yamaha, the Sirius is not a bad choice!

Buy or Rent a Yamaha Semi: If you want a small, cheap and reliable motorbike!

Honda Wave Semi-Automatic

Buying the correct Honda Wave is the most financially sound, safe and economical purchase a human can possibly achieve. The “Honda Semi-Automatic” is an indestructible motorbike. Only ruined or broken due to the incompetence of the owner. The Wave, if maintained in a Honda shop with Honda’s world-class service will never break down. Ridiculously cheap to maintain and the long term depreciation is minimal. Unfortunately, Honda semi-automatics can be maintained by people using backstreet mechanic shops that use Chinese components. This creates a large variation of quality. However, even a badly maintained, smashed up Honda will not drop below the value of $350. Generally, on the market, they are found from $500 and upwards. The Honda Wave is one of the most common motorbikes in Vietnam, and there is a good reason for this!

Buy or Rent a Honda Wave: If you want the best value for money motorbike! You never want to break down on the streets of Vietnam!  You count every penny and want the safest possible long-term investment!

Yamaha Jupiter Semi-Automatic

The Yamaha Jupiter is Yamaha’s top range semi-automatic. We believe people buy these due to the soft suspension of Yamaha, small frame size and stylish Yamaha looks. In Tigit’s opinion, at this price range it is better to buy a Honda. For high-end motorbikes in Vietnam, Honda is usually a better choice.

Buy or Rent the Yamaha Jupiter: If one is found in the right place, at the right time and at the right price.

Honda Future Semi-Automatic

The Honda Future is Honda’s top-level semi-automatic. Hard to put a price range on these as the model has been around a long time and significantly changed through the years. The variation of prices and quality is a minefield. If buying the correct one the 125cc engine in the Future is like driving a sports motorbike through the city. They are astonishingly fast and smooth – probably the ultimate motorbike for a combination of city and long distance driving. Rental companies often like to use the Future to promote the concept of a 125cc engine to foreigners. In reality the Future is over budget for a rental company and unless the rental price is in accordance to the luxury image of the vehicle it will be found that the Futures used are old and have lost their power.

Buy or Rent a Honda Future: If you have cash in the bank and want a motorbike that is ideal for city and long distance driving.

Suzuki Hayate Automatic

$350-500 Suzuki Hayate for sale  by TigitMotorbikes

The Hayate is without question the best value for money automatic scooter in Vietnam. It is reliable, has character and for the money, there is nothing in its class. It puts the Yamaha Nouvo 1/2/3 to shame. Not only is it amazingly reliable for the money, but it also has a buzzing noise and handling that is to die for. The downside to the Hayate is the carburetor problems which can cause it to cut out at low rev. The Suzuki mechanics are not hugely honest or skilled at diagnosing this problem. The fix is around 2 mil, which is a fair percentage of the value of the entire scooter! When looking for a motorbike in Vietnam, the Suzuki Hayate is up there as the best value for money scooter in the country!

Final word on the Hayate: If you want the cheapest automatic that is going to get you from A-B consistently!  You are a boy racer at heart! 

The poor mans Honda SH.

The SYM Shark is very popular among expats due to its big frame and low price. Generally, they are advertised at nearly double the market value with claims of an upgrade to 150cc from the 125cc stock engine. Believe this if you will, but I am happy to remain a skeptic, and what is +125cc on a city scooter anyway? For the price, the SYM Shark is a good purchase but as with any SYM bike the after service is limited and a small problem can escalate into an unfixable problem very quickly. Most SYM Shark owners seem happy with their purchase and overall I believe these to be a solid choice.

This bike is for: If you want a cheap large framed automatic and you don’t mind being seen as the person that simply couldn’t afford an SH!

SYM Elizabeth Automatic

The SYM Elizabeth is a comfortable and stylish girly motorbike. A flat platform for bags and often crash railings makes the Elizabeth an attractive choice. A common theme of SYM motorbikes where quality is not the priority, they are a Vespa copycat company but sometimes they do seem to release golden gems and we believe the Elizabeth is one of them. The ladies out there rushing to buy the “cute” Yamaha Mio, hold your horses and get one of these instead!

Buy or Rent the Elizabeth if: You want a shopping mall of a scooter that is affordable!

Honda Dream Semi-Automatic

The Honda Dream is the Ford Transit-Van of the Vietnamese motorbike world. Mostly seen driven by delivery drivers, motorbike taxis or old men. The flat seat design is comfortable and convenient for transporting goods around. The dream has a cheap exterior but high-quality internal mechanics which creates a misunderstanding among foreigners.  Looks can be deceptive and the Honda Dream is one of the more expensive Honda motorbikes on the streets.  Those smashed up looking delivery vehicles are worth far more than that beautiful spray-painted Chinese scrap the average foreigner is pottering around on. Upon research, this motorbike remains a dream that is over budget and out of reach!

Buy or Rent the Honda Dream if: The classic image of the dream is worth extra coin to you!

Honda Click Automatic

The Click is a very small city scooter. Seen around the streets of Vietnam but for a Honda it can be considered a small release and in relation to other motorbikes the Click is rare. The Click really is an unbelievably small motorbike. We are not sure why Honda stopped producing this model which means most of them are now quite old. If a small size is the most important element of a motorbike then the Click is the one to get!

Buy or Rent the Honda Click if: You want the smallest automatic that money can buy!

Yamaha Nouvo 4 Automatic

The Nouvo 4 is 135cc of automatic power making it one of the fastest automatics on the streets. In a completely different league to the Nouvo 1/2/3 and is the cause of some of the confusion about Nouvo’s being “good” motorbikes. The Nouvo 4 is popular among locals and can quite often be seen as a bling’d out automatic. Yamaha bikes depreciate quickly and in 2017 the Nouvo 4 has considerably dropped in value making it a reasonable purchase. When buying Yamaha, it is important to consider the long term depreciation…. Although good value for 2017, we believe it will continue to quickly drop in price. Update 2018 – Yamaha really are useless at maintaining scooters, the Nouvo continues to plummet in value and soon Yamaha won’t support it.

Buy or Rent the Yamaha Nouvo 4 if: You are going for a bargain that will probably work out, but are willing to accept the consequences of buying a mid priced scooter that doesn’t work!

Suzuki Impulse Automatic

The Suzuki Impulse is a large framed Hayate with fuel injection as standard. The only real negative of the Hayate was the carburetor and with the Impulse, this has been replaced with a modern fuel injection system. This alone is why nearly every expat in Vietnam should be driving this motorbike, yet no one is! At around $800 this starts to creep into the $1000 Airblade territory so I imagine most people skip over it. The $1000+ scooters tend to be characterless blocks on wheels in Vietnam. I believe the Impulse is probably the highest end scooter that still brings life to a party. If it wasn’t for Suzuki questionable after service Tigit would use these over and above Airblades. Considering how new they are, for $800 these bikes are a steal and people who want a good bike and are squinting at the Airblade price then this is the logical bike to get.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki Impulse if: You want a good bike that still has character. The Airblade is just out of your reach or you want something a little bit unique.

Honda Lead Automatic

The luggage space is enormous and these scooters are basically a transport box on two wheels. Very popular among the locals and the Lead can be seen everywhere on the streets.  The lead appears to be hard to get hold of despite its popularity, and we have never managed to find them at the “right price.” Perhaps this is because the owners won’t let the beast go! They wobbly around at speeds over 40km/h and have the handling of a boat. They really are terrible to drive. However the Lead is not about performance, it is about convenience. Flat floot position and a large seat make this the “go to” family vehicle.

Buy or Rent a Honda Lead if: You need a shopping cart on wheels that is a Honda and therefore reliable!

Honda Airblade Automatic

$1000+   Honda AirBlade for sale by TigitMotorbikes

The Airblade is the most common automatic scooter in Vietnam. There will not be a Vietnamese household that does not own a Honda Airblade of some sort. The ultimate family vehicle of supreme reliability, great gas consumption (even though it’s slightly smaller than the  Yamaha Nouvo fuel tank), and minimal depreciation. Economical and practical is the name of the game here. Front opening gas tank refills for convenience, a solid 110cc engine (older models) and a mid-sized frame make it the most down to earth and straightforward scooter that money can buy. The same old story of indestructible Honda’s ruined by people using back street mechanics applies here though, so getting the right one is important. The Airblade is a high-quality vehicle and therefore the components are expensive. Fixing a bad purchase can be a costly mistake!

Buy or Rent a Honda Airblade if: You want an automatic that is simply going to work! You want a good long term investment with minimal depreciation! You want to get from A-B with absolutely no drama!

Honda Vision Automatic

Buy or Rent the Honda Vision if: You want the cheapest automatic that Honda offers! A flat foot platform and shopping is important to you!

SYM Wolf Manual Transmission

The SYM Wolf is an almost mystical motorbike that everyone recommends to buy. Person A: “I want a cheap but good manual motorbike”…. Person B: “Ah, get an SYM Wolf, I heard they were good” ….. Person A:”Where do I find one?”…. Person B: “No idea!”…. Tigit’s opinion is the SYM Wolf is just another Chinese piece of garbage. Somehow and from somewhere it has developed this mystical reputation as being the number 1 motorbike to buy when on a budget. However, no one knows where to buy one. No one has ever seen one. Does anyone even have one? Do they even exist?………..

Buy or Rent the SYM Wolf if: You know a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy that knows a dude that maybe has an SYM Wolf for sale.

Suzuki Axelo Manual Transmission

The cheapest manual motorbike that actually works in Vietnam. The Suzuki Axelo is an amazing machine for the money. Power, reliability, and performance handling all for $900. Suzuki actually managed to build the perfect backpacker motorbike. A cheap and reliable manual that can also be fixed. Unfortunately, Suzuki messed up the styling which has created one ugly monster of a motorbike. Such as shame as we would love to buy and sell these on mass.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki Axelo if: You are all about performance to money ratio! You can’t afford an Exciter, you know imported manuals are useless and all you want is a manual motorbike that is going to work! 

Honda Master Manual Transmission

Like the SYM Wolf, the Honda master is another mystical motorbike commonly spammed around as the “recommended motorbike of choice”. In this case, at least they do exist and can eventually be found! It is true the Honda Master is a wonderful machine for the money and any owner should be proud and lucky to have one. They are small enough for city driving whilst also being comfortable for a long cruising holiday. Imported which means they are not under support by Honda. Maintenance is an unknown and needs to be sourced through back street mechanics.

Buy or Rent the Honda Master if: You want a combination of a city and touring cruiser! You want a comfortable and affordable motorbike and you are not interested in pushing any boundaries in price or performance!

Rebel USA Cruiser Manual Transmission

The Rebel USA is a gangster looking cruiser that is all about style. For the Harley wannabe to sit back and display dominance. The Rebel USA has a rumor of low quality around the “experts” and when people state an interest in these cruisers the reaction from the public is usually a word of warning and caution. The Vietnamese driving test for A2 licenses is on a Rebel USA 250cc cruiser which is where I had the pleasure of driving one. It was a shockingly bad motorbike but I am not sure a drivers test arena where motorbikes are driven by learner drivers all day long is a fair test of performance.

Buy or Rent the Honda Rebel if: You are wanting an aggressive dominant looking cruiser!

Yamaha Exciter Manual Transmission

The most common manual motorbike in Vietnam. Seen everywhere on the streets in use as a normal city commuter or a pimp’d out race motorbike. The Exciter has a huge range of models through the years alongside a modification culture which has created a wide range of prices. In 2015 the new generation of Exciter was released that Tigit uses, a 150cc large framed manual that is great for travelling Vietnam. The oldest models of the Exciter are becoming collector items for local street racer boys as the old technology is great for modifying up to death defying speeds. The Exciter is a quiet and gentle motorbike when relaxed, but a thundering monster when unleashed. The Exciter is a great motorbike for anyone with a keen interest in biking! More description of the Yamaha Exciter over in Linh’s blog Yamaha Exciter: King of the streets !

Buy or Rent Exciter if: You want a common and high performing manual motorbike! You want the cheapest manual motorbike that is optimized for speed!

Suzuki Raider Manual Transmission

The Suzuki Raider is a racing motorbike at heart. Designed for street racers and small circuit track events. For the city it is an absolute blast to smash aggressively through traffic. The brakes on this roaring go-kart outperform any rivals within its class despite being the lightest and smallest motorbike within its category. The Raiders bodywork is not exactly “firmly” attached to the motorbike and vibrates around – it is clear that this machine was built with speed in mind and it lacks in some areas of convenience. The Raider is the motorbike that is designed for someone who can really drive and can put its amazing power to weight ratio to good use. It is for fun and the owner of this motorbike should probably already have experience driving as well as other more convenient motorbikes sitting around as a backup. Worth noting that the Raider is disappointingly “restricted” within Vietnam which means it needs modifying and money spent on it to unleash its true potential.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki Raider if: You love driving! You have more convenient backup motorbikes around! Acceleration and adrenaline sends joyful shivers down your spine and you have the skills to handle this go-kart!

Honda XR 150cc Manual Transmission

$1700 +   Honda XR for sale or for rent by Tigit Motorbikes.

•  Honda XR is also used in our fully guided motorcycle tours .

These motorbikes have become “THE” motorbike for rentals and tour companies. Superb reliability and the most affordable dual-sport motorbike to be “comfortable” for foreigners. The only downside to these motorbikes is that the standard Vietnamese mechanics can’t fix them. If you buy one, then you a relying on a company like Tigit who is importing components. The XR 150 is proving to hold its value as they are difficult to buy new and the demand is higher than the supply. Comfortable for both city and long-distance driving, these really are excellent all-round machines.

Buy or Rent the XR if: You want a comfortable large framed motorbike! You want to go both on the road and off the road! A scooter is just not good enough!

Honda Winner Manual Transmission

The Winner is Honda’s rival to the dominant Yamaha Exciter. Since launch back in 2105, the Winner has been gaining market share among the locals. It is the most powerful and reliable 150cc manual motorbike in the country.

Buy or Rent the Honda Winner if: Performance is more important than “character” and upgrade kits!

Honda PCX Automatic Transmission

The PCX causes some confusion as in Thailand it is 150cc and very popular. The PCX is not that popular in Vietnam and up until recently, only the 125cc version was available. The PCX is famous for being a comfortable sofa, and for a foreigner its size is perfect. It has an image of class about it, whilst not being considered a show off scooter like the SH. For a high-end scooter, the PCX is well priced and we believe these will be better valued long term than the SH. At Tigit when the time is right we are likely to rent out this model as we consider it a good value for money.

Buy or Rent the PCX if: You want a comfortable high-end scooter that is good value for money.

A classic two-stroke motorbike that pollutes the planet and annoys all the surrounding motorists. For the driver, however, an explosion of acceleration and a rare two-stroke noise that can only be enjoyed by a motorbike enthusiast! Many of these old two-stroke motorbikes look old and broken but are sitting on values upwards of $2000. Now illegal to import the two-stroke motorbike to Vietnam meaning these classics will likely increase in value as time goes on.  The standard motorbikes are boring and slow whilst big motorbikes are impossible and impractical to drive here. This leaves the 2-stroke where the performance and acceleration is optimum and an underground knowledge is needed to realize that the smashed up beater is worth a small fortune. Respect and acknowledgment when someone compliments and understands the beauty of a classic motorbike that looks like a $200 broken down toy!

Choose the Suzuki Satria if: You think normal motorbikes are boring!

Yamaha NVX Automatic Transmission

Choose the Yamaha NVX if: You fall for technology buzz words and acronyms.

Honda MSX Manual Transmission

An eyebrow and question mark is raised just looking at the Honda MSX. A small and lowered powered motorbike with an astronomically huge price tag. We can’t see any point in these ridiculous machines and from what we can tell it is the motorbike for showing off to friends. I had the unfortunate pleasure of driving a pimp’d out MSX that was probably a total of $5000 of a motorbike after bodywork and accessory upgrades. Had I been blindfolded and asked what motorbike I was driving – the answer would have been a Honda Win. It wobbled, it lacked power and even the brakes didn’t work. Maybe I got unlucky, but for a $5000 motorbike, it is probably the biggest joke I have ridden to date!

Buy or Rent the Honda MSX if: Have money spare to buy a small manual motorbike for the coffee shops.

Honda SH Automatic Transmission

The SH 150cc is the icon of the Vietnamese scooter world. The creme de la creme of what is possible. The target and dream of any up and coming city boy or girl. We have Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s in our magazines… the Vietnamese have the SH. The irony is that it is so popular now, and city folk are now making “real money” that these scooters have become unbelievably common and normal. Despite this, the SH has managed to maintain its image of  “I have more money than you” and it continues to be the eye candy of dreams.

The scooter now comes in all different sizes and colours, basically, a “for him SH” and a “for her SH”, ranging in physical size to actual power. The mother-load of the SH being around an 11,000usd 300cc Rolls Royce of class.

It goes without saying that the SH is built properly and it does not have corner-cutting, money-saving techniques such as cheap suspension and low-quality brakes. These corner-cutting, price-slashing methods have been erased and the SH drives how a scooter should. Smooth acceleration, good power, and brakes that actually work.

The downside to these scooters is that they weigh a tonne which is not ideal for the cramped style parking in the cities. Some parking lots may have a special SH row for the upper class, but if this is not the case, your $3000 scooter is piled in with the rest of the trash, ready to get scratched to pieces.

Buy or Rent the Honda SH if: Money is no object and you want the best officially supported scooter in Vietnam.

Tags: airblade , bike review , cub , Exciter , fast motorbike , honda , honda xr , motorbike brands , suzuki gn , winner , Yamaha

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66 Replies to “The 40 Best (and worst) Motorbikes in Vietnam”

love the layout and analysis. I have a sym wolf 150 in Hawaii and a 2002 Honda CB 250. I rented a CB150 and cruised through North Vietnam. the CB150 is a great balance between the two bikes. comfortable with great riding position like the cb250, but agility like the sym wolf 150. My sym has good power, the components seem quality, has had zero problems(knock on wood) and is a joy to ride. There is a company out of Taiwan that can source genuine parts if need.

Any Supermoto / Motard options over there? I’m in the US and am thinking a motard with some street tires with some tread (between street and dual purpose? they exist for bigger bikes) would be the ultimate setup for dicing through the streets, and able to handle the rain as well. Incredible braking, handling, steering….would likely be a safe choice as well, able to avoid accidents that much better. Might need to be built-not-bought. Maybe a Honda XR150 conversion or similar? Thank you-Chris in Phoenix, AZ

Yamaha WR 155 is used as SM these days. Also DRZ 400 a little bit. But no rentals companies have done this yet.

I’m currently going through the agonising process of choosing a long-distance-reliable manual motorbike (not a scooter) for VND24 million, and I think this article made the process even more confusing! Haha. Any solid staunch advice on said search—a long-distance-reliable manual motorbike for VND24 million?

Hello, we do have some videos on this matter. Please have a look at these videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPhfYiQpHFI&list=PLAIZgj_71ymB7hUoQ3TqF-DkDoNT1mCL4

Have your opinions on any of these changed? I’m ridding a new airblade rental and considering buying the same one new since it seems pretty great. Hilarious reviews btw, thanks!

Article is a bit old and out dated. The new version is here

But no, opinion is the same 😀 Airblades are great bikes. Though I prefer the Honda Vision. If I had to choose Vision vs Airblade, I would go Vision. (don’t care that it is marketed for girls!)

Good analysis. I had a Aerox here in Thailand for a few months and I sold it and kept my slightly modified but in excellent condition Honda Airblade 110. I believe the Aerox is actually a fairly dangerous vehicle and it’s motor will easily outrun the capability of its suspension. Even though I upgraded my rear shocks and fortified my front shocks I never felt the frame was strong enough and it is a bike that is designed primarily for looks over safety. I also understand there have been frame issues in collisions as well as oiling issues in the motor. I really like the engine but like its nmax brother the engine is rough vibrates like a single cylinder 250 from china. I won’t even get into the plastic parts or inferior paint on the bike. This would have been a great bike with better components for another 10000 baht:)

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What is the translation of "motor" in Vietnamese?

"motor" in vietnamese, motor {noun}, motor oil {noun}, motor-boat {noun}, motor-cycle {noun}, translations, monolingual examples, english how to use "motor" in a sentence.

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English How to use "motor oil" in a sentence

English how to use "motor-boat" in a sentence, english how to use "motor-cycle" in a sentence, synonyms (english) for "motor":.

• centrifugal
• mother of vinegar
• mother-in-law
• motherfucker
• motion picture
• motor-cycle

More translations in the English-Indonesian dictionary .

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Why Are There So Many Motorbikes In Vietnam? A Reflection of the Country’s Spirit and Resilience

Have you ever wondered why Vietnam is such a hotbed for motorbikes? With over 45 million registered motorcycles, it’s clear that these machines have become an integral part of the country’s transportation system. But what factors have contributed to this phenomenon?

As a motorcycle industry analyst, I’ve studied the trends and patterns surrounding motorbike usage in Vietnam. One thing that stands out is the cultural importance placed on individual freedom and mobility. For many Vietnamese people, owning a motorbike represents personal independence and provides the means to explore new places at their own pace.

In this article, we will dive deeper into the reasons behind Vietnam’s love affair with motorbikes and examine how they have shaped the country’s identity as a whole.

Cultural Significance

You may have noticed that Vietnam is teeming with motorbikes. They are everywhere, weaving their way through the chaotic streets of cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. But why is this mode of transportation so prevalent in Vietnam?

For one, it’s a cultural thing. Motorbikes offer a sense of freedom and independence for many Vietnamese people who use them for urban commuting or rural transportation.

Unlike cars, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain, motorbikes provide an affordable option for those looking to get around quickly and efficiently. Plus, they’re easier to park in crowded areas where space is at a premium.

It’s no wonder then that more than 45 million registered motorbikes can be found on the roads of Vietnam today! Moving onto the economic benefits of having such a large number of motorbikes…

Economic Benefits

As we explored earlier, the prevalence of motorbikes in Vietnam is deeply rooted in cultural significance. However, there’s no denying that the economic benefits of owning a motorcycle heavily contribute to their popularity as well.

Motorcycles offer low-cost ownership and serve as an affordable mode of transportation for urban commuting.

In comparison to cars or public transportation, motorcycles are significantly cheaper to purchase, maintain, and repair. This makes them a practical option for individuals who may not have the financial means to own a car but need reliable transportation for work or daily errands.

Additionally, with traffic congestion being a common issue in many Vietnamese cities, motorcycles provide improved mobility by allowing riders to navigate through narrow streets and reach destinations faster than other vehicles.

As such, it’s no surprise that motorcycles continue to be the preferred choice of transportation for millions of people across Vietnam.

Improved Mobility

As the old saying goes, ‘The world is moving at a faster pace than ever before.’ And in Vietnam, this couldn’t be more true. With urban expansion on the rise and traffic congestion becoming a daily frustration for many commuters, it’s no wonder why so many are turning to motorbikes as their preferred mode of transportation.

As an industry analyst, I can tell you that improved mobility is one of the key factors driving this trend. Motorbikes offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility when compared to other forms of transportation. They’re small enough to navigate through congested streets and can easily find parking spaces in areas where cars cannot. Additionally, they provide riders with greater flexibility and freedom over their daily travel schedules – something that’s highly valued in today’s fast-paced world.

Convenience & Accessibility

One of the primary reasons for the prevalence of motorbikes in Vietnam is their convenience and accessibility. Motorbikes are smaller, lighter, and nimbler than cars or other vehicles, allowing them to navigate through congested city streets easily. This ease of maneuverability makes them a popular choice among Vietnamese people who need to get around quickly and efficiently.

Another factor contributing to the popularity of motorbikes in Vietnam is their fuel efficiency. With rising fuel prices and limited resources available, many people turn to bikes as an economical mode of transportation. Additionally, with road congestion being a significant issue in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, having a bike allows riders to bypass stalled traffic on crowded roads.

All these factors combined make owning a motorbike the most practical option for many Vietnamese citizens looking for freedom and mobility on a budget.

As we have seen so far, convenience and accessibility play a crucial role in driving the demand for motorcycles in Vietnam. However, there’s another critical aspect that motivates potential buyers – cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore this further in our next section.

Cost-Effectiveness

Coincidentally, motorbikes are the most cost-effective mode of transportation in Vietnam. The country’s economy and infrastructure make owning a car an unaffordable luxury for many citizens. As such, motorcycles have become a necessity for daily commuting, as well as transporting goods and services.

Fuel efficiency is one of the primary reasons why motorcycle ownership has exploded in Vietnam. Motorcycles consume far less fuel than cars, making them cheaper to operate on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, pollution control measures are easier to implement with motorcycles since they produce fewer emissions compared to cars.

Here are some additional factors that contribute to the popularity of motorcycles in Vietnam:

• Affordability: Motorcycles are significantly more affordable than cars.
• Flexibility: Motorcycles can weave through traffic jams easily and navigate narrow roads better than cars.
• Maintenance: Motorcycle repairs tend to be simpler and less expensive than car repairs.
• Cultural Norms: Motorbikes have been ingrained into Vietnamese culture as a symbol of freedom and independence.

The cost-effectiveness of motorcycle ownership plays a significant role in their ubiquity throughout Vietnam. However, there are also environmental benefits associated with using motorcycles over other modes of transport – which we’ll explore next!

Environmental Benefits

As an industry analyst, I can tell you that one of the main reasons for the prevalence of motorbikes in Vietnam is their impressive fuel efficiency. These vehicles consume less gas than cars and are perfect for navigating through crowded city streets without getting stuck in traffic for hours on end. They’re also incredibly cost-effective to maintain, making them a popular choice among both commuters and small business owners.

Another advantage of using motorbikes instead of cars is that they emit significantly less air pollution. In densely populated areas like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi , where air quality is already poor due to industrialization and urbanization, reducing emissions from transportation is crucial for public health. Motorbikes have much smaller engines compared to cars, which means they generate fewer pollutants into the atmosphere.

As more people switch from four-wheelers to two-wheelers, we could see positive changes in local air quality over time. Speaking of changes, let’s now move on to discussing how this shift towards motorbike usage has impacted infrastructure development in Vietnam.

Impact On Infrastructure

The rise of motorbikes in Vietnam has had a significant impact on the country’s infrastructure, particularly in urban areas. With over 45 million registered motorcycles and scooters in the country, traffic flow has become increasingly congested. This is especially true during rush hour when riders navigate through tight spaces between cars, buses, and other vehicles.

As an industry analyst, it’s clear that this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. There are several reasons why more Vietnamese citizens are choosing to ride motorbikes than ever before. These include affordability, convenience, and flexibility – all values that resonate with those who value individual freedom and mobility. However, as cities continue to grow and urban congestion becomes more prevalent, concerns around safety considerations have also come to light.

• Motorcycle lanes: Some cities have implemented separate motorcycle lanes to improve traffic flow.
• Parking options: The lack of proper parking facilities for motorcycles contributes significantly to urban congestion.
• Public transportation alternatives: Encouraging greater use of public transportation can reduce the number of personal vehicles on the road.
• Traffic management systems: Improved technology solutions such as real-time traffic monitoring can help manage congestion.
• Education campaigns: Raising awareness about safe driving practices can mitigate risks associated with increased motorcycle usage.

While these measures may provide some relief from the challenges posed by the rising numbers of motorcycles on the roads, safety remains a crucial consideration for both riders and pedestrians alike. To ensure continued growth in this sector without compromising public safety standards or worsening existing urban congestion issues further down the line – any proposed interventions or adjustments must be carefully considered while keeping sustainability at their core.

Safety Considerations

As we discussed in the previous section, the impact of motorbikes on infrastructure is undeniable. However, there’s another aspect that adds to their popularity – safety considerations.

Did you know that over 90% of households in Vietnam own a motorcycle? That’s right! It means that almost every family has at least one two-wheeler for commuting and carrying goods.

As an industry analyst, I can say without any hesitation that motorcycles provide flexibility and convenience like no other mode of transportation.

Despite local laws requiring helmets and limiting passenger capacity, riders still enjoy the freedom to weave through traffic or take shortcuts when necessary.

However, with great freedom comes great responsibility. Road hazards are common in Vietnam due to its diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, it becomes essential for riders to be cautious while navigating around potholes, landslides, or sharp bends on mountainous roads.

As a motorcycle industry analyst, I have studied the prevalence of motorbikes in Vietnam and can confidently say that it is due to a combination of factors.

Firstly, motorbikes are affordable and practical for everyday transportation needs in Vietnam’s densely populated cities. Secondly, there are few restrictions on owning or riding a motorcycle in the country. The Honda Wave is currently the most popular brand of a motorbike in Vietnam, with other Japanese brands such as Yamaha and Suzuki also having significant market shares. Despite the lack of strict regulations, helmets are mandatory while riding a motorbike in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese people learn to ride motorbikes from family members at an early age, leading to a culture where motorcycles serve not only as means of transportation but also as symbols of freedom and independence.

The average lifespan of a motorbike in Vietnam is around five years before maintenance costs become too high. Finally, cultural events like the annual Hanoi Motor Show showcase the latest models and trends in the Vietnamese motorcycle market.

As the adage goes, ‘Life is like riding a motorcycle – to keep your balance you must keep moving.’ And so too does Vietnam’s love affair with motorcycles continue to move forward.

Why Are There So Many Motorbikes In Vietnam FAQS

The most popular brand of the motorbike in Vietnam is Honda. As an industry analyst, it’s easy to see why. Not only do they offer a wide variety of models and sizes, but they also prioritize alternative fuels and safety gear. This is important for the growing number of riders who value both environmental sustainability and personal protection on the road.

It’s no surprise that Honda has become synonymous with freedom and mobility in Vietnam – their reliable machines allow riders to explore new places and experience the thrill of the open road without sacrificing safety or efficiency.

Motorcycle enthusiasts in Vietnam are no strangers to the thrill of riding on two wheels. But with the increasing number of motorbikes on the roads, it’s important to consider safety standards and regulations for usage.

The Vietnamese government has implemented laws such as mandatory helmet use and a requirement for valid licenses, but there is still room for improvement in areas such as fuel consumption and emissions control. As industry analysts, we understand that motorcycle riders value their freedom, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and environmental concerns while enjoying the open road.

When it comes to the Vietnamese and their beloved motorbikes, learning how to ride is a rite of passage. From watching family members zip around town to taking formal safety courses, there are various learning methods available for aspiring riders. Of course, like any mode of transportation, safety rules must be followed – but that doesn’t stop the thrill-seekers from hitting the open road.

As an industry analyst, I can tell you that motorcycles represent more than just a way to get from point A to point B in Vietnam. They embody freedom, independence, and adventure – qualities that resonate deeply with many people in this country. So while regulations may exist regarding motorbike usage here, nothing can dampen the spirit of those who live for the rush of wind through their hair as they cruise down the street on two wheels.

The average lifespan of a motorbike in Vietnam is heavily influenced by fuel economy and road safety factors. As an industry analyst, it’s clear that Vietnamese consumers prioritize affordability and practicality when purchasing their motorcycles. However, this often leads to compromises in terms of durability and safety features. Despite these challenges, the allure of two-wheeled freedom remains strong for many riders in Vietnam.

While there may be concerns about the long-term sustainability of widespread motorcycle usage, it’s hard to deny the inherent sense of liberation that comes with cruising down open roads on a trusty bike.

Ever wondered if any cultural or traditional events in Vietnam involve motorbikes? As a motorcycle industry analyst, I can tell you that while scooter sharing and motorbike rentals have become more popular in recent years, the use of motorbikes has long been ingrained in Vietnamese culture.

From weddings to funerals, motorbikes play a vital role in daily life as a means of transportation. And let’s not forget about thrill-seeking adventures like Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tours. For those who crave freedom on two wheels, Vietnam offers endless possibilities. So next time you’re planning your trip to this beautiful country, consider renting a motorbike and experiencing the rich culture firsthand.

Oh, you cannot miss out on the exhilarating journey that awaits you in Ha Giang Loop! Trust me, and it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. Book a tour with us to ensure you don’t miss a stunning moment of this unforgettable experience. But hey, if you’re feeling bold and ready to plan your adventure, we’ve got you covered! Head to our website to devour our insider tips and map your dream trip. Don’t wait any longer. Dive into the mesmerizing natural beauty and fascinating cultural experiences that Ha Giang Loop offers – book the tour or start planning your trip today!

Hello! My name is Mỹ Hậu, and I'm thrilled to share my passion for travel with you. I love exploring new cultures and destinations, both in Vietnam and abroad. As someone who enjoys trying new foods, experiencing nature, and learning about history, I'm always on the lookout for unique and authentic travel experiences. Whether you're planning a trip to Vietnam or simply looking for travel inspiration, I'm here to share my knowledge and recommendations. So, welcome! Let's start exploring together.

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The Backbone of Society: Motorbike Culture in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia thanks to its varied landscapes and cultures. This gem has now been featured in every major publication on the planet, and rightfully so. It deserves all the fame it’s gaining.

As more people learn about this stunning nation and its cuisine, culture, and natural wonders, its reputation as a tourist destination is also growing. But, there’s another thing that makes Vietnam so exciting and fascinating; its motorbikes.

Since motorbikes are the most common and widely used mode of transportation in Vietnam, they have become deeply ingrained in the country's culture. The National Traffic Safety Committee estimates that there are approximately 50 million bikes in the country, with 86% of the households owning at least one. That is one motorbike for two people. 

City dwellers and rural folks use motorcycles in very different ways. In the rural areas, the rules for riding and owning motorcycles are more relaxed because of the lack of policing. It is also not uncommon to see children as young as eight year old driving motorbikes on the road. There is a great risk of injury for these children and being involved in a motorcycle accident is one of their daily concerns.

Northern Vietnam's mountainous regions are where you'll find extraordinary women drivers. They whip past you on the steep mountains on their way to the fields, carrying a baby on their chest and a sharp machete slung across their backs.

As with many rules and regulations with driving in the west, we tend to overthink the safety precautions of driving motorbikes in Vietnam. That’s why more often than not, we find ourselves shaking our heads when we see locals driving without helmets. Though you will find more people wearing helmets in the city, most of the time only the driver wears one, whether they are driving their young children or the entire family.

Hustle and Bustle in the Cities

The cities in Vietnam possess an energy that is dizzying yet striking at the same time. They have the energy, the innovation, and the traffic. Among the many wonderful things that cities have to offer, such as exciting street food and sleek skyscrapers, motorbikes remain a daily delight on the streets.

Driving in the cities of Vietnam is not for the faint hearted. There is a lot of commotion, noise, heat, and craziness on the streets. In addition to the intertwining heavy congestion, the maze of tiny lanes you must navigate to enter or exit is a challenge in and of itself.

Because of the heavy traffic, motorbikes have become the most popular and fastest way to get around in cities. The traffic may seem chaotic and disorienting from afar. But despite the uncontrolled streets and lack of law abiding drivers, there is a sense of order and efficiency that creates an organized chaos.

From the locals balancing themselves at the back of the bike with both feet crossed on one side to women driving in 6 inches heels. There is nothing more interesting than catching a glimpse of things local drivers can fit behind their bikes as they make their way through the heavy traffic.

As for some locals, their bikes have become their livelihood; some sell flowers and food, others transport people and goods. It is unimaginable how locals fit the things they put on their bike and are still able to drive. On some occasions, you will find them taking a break sleeping on top of their bikes. Not only can they balance their towering goods but also themselves with eyes closed.

Vietnam has adapted through the times and will continue to do so in the future. Motorbikes have provided convenience as well as a source of income for the Vietnamese people. As with the growing population, motorbike use is also on the rise despite the government's strict regulations meant to reduce traffic and air pollution.

While many may be impacted by the forthcoming regulations and changes, the motorbike culture which has provided its people with countless opportunities, will persevere.

The prevalence of motorbikes in Vietnamese society is not going away anytime soon.       

A lover of nature and adventure whose main interests revolve around oceans and mountains.

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The 8 Best Motorbike Routes in Vietnam

• Motorcycle Routes

Vietnam is a paradise for adventure seekers and motorcycle enthusiasts. With its rugged terrain, winding roads, and breathtaking landscapes, it offers some of the most thrilling motorbike routes in Southeast Asia. From the misty mountains of the north to the stunning coastal roads of the south, Vietnam’s motorbike routes are a must-see for anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through the top 8 motorbike routes in Vietnam. We will explore the scenic beauty, cultural richness, and hidden gems of each route, as well as providing practical tips and advice for your motorbike adventure. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, these routes offer something for everyone, and we guarantee that they will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So, rev up your engines and let’s hit the road!

Table of Contents

1. Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass is undoubtedly one of the most popular and iconic motorbike routes in Vietnam. Located between Hue and Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass offers breathtaking views of the East Sea, lush green mountains, and winding roads. The 20-kilometer pass has been featured in the popular television series “ Top Gear ” and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Hai Van Pass is also home to many historical sites, including the Hai Van Gate and the French-built Fortin de la Montagne.

The road is steep and winding, with hairpin turns and steep inclines, making it a challenging but rewarding ride. The scenery is breathtaking, with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Be sure to stop at the top of the pass to take in the panoramic views and snap some photos.

Easy Riders Vietnam organize daily tours from Hue to Hoi An or vice versa through this spectacular pass.

2. Khe Sanh to Phong Nha Route

The Khe Sanh to Phong Nha Route is a challenging but incredibly rewarding motorbike route in Vietnam. The 200-kilometer route will take you through the rugged terrain of the Truong Son Mountains and the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. You’ll pass through dense forests, winding rivers, stunning waterfalls and historic sites from the Vietnam War.

The road is generally in good condition, but there are some rough patches and steep inclines. The highlight of the trip is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is home to some of the most spectacular caves in the world. Be sure to take a guided tour of the caves to fully appreciate their beauty.

3. Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is a 300 kilometer route through the mountainous Ha Giang province in northern Vietnam. The route takes you through stunning landscapes, including terraced rice paddies, rocky cliffs, and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll see the Dong Van Karst Plateau , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is often described as the most spectacular ride in the country and takes travelers at least 3 to 4 days to complete. However, this route is not for beginners. Expect hundreds of hairpin turns, mountain scenery, and friendly local hill tribes such as the H’Mong people, who inhabit this area. Multiple viewpoints are scattered throughout for stunning panoramas, making it a challenging but exhilarating ride. Check out our Easy Rider Ha Giang Loop to learn more about the route as well as what to explore during the ride.

4. O Quy Ho Pass

The O Qui Ho Pass is a 50 kilometer stretch of road that runs through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in northern Vietnam . The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the famous Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

The road is narrow and winding, with steep inclines and sharp turns, making it a challenging but rewarding ride. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in Vietnam, with breathtaking views at every turn. Be sure to stop at the top of the pass to take in the panoramic views and snap some photos.

5. Dalat to Nha Trang Route

The Dalat to Nha Trang route is a scenic 140-kilometer route that takes you through the rolling hills and beautiful countryside of the Central Highlands. You’ll ride through winding roads, pine forests, small villages, and stunning waterfalls before reaching the coastal city of Nha Trang.

Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Dalat, known for its cooler climate, beautiful scenery, and French colonial architecture.

The road is generally in good condition, with some steep inclines and hairpin turns. This route is a favorite route among locals, connecting two popular travel destinations that seem a world apart: slow-paced, cool  Da Lat  in the mountains, and hot buzzing Nha Trang on the coast. The pass takes around five hours to complete, with twists through mountains and forests on each side. You’ll find awesome pitstops along the way to get some food or coffee.

6. Dalat and The Central Highlands Loop

Dalat and the Central Highlands Loop is a 500-kilometter route through the stunning landscapes of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The route takes you through lush jungles, pine forests, tea plantations, and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll see stunning waterfalls , including the Dray Sap Waterfall, Elephant Waterfall and the Pongour Waterfall.

The road is generally in good condition, but there are some steep inclines and hairpin turns. The highlight of the trip is the city of Dalat, known for its beautiful French colonial architecture and stunning scenery. It’s definitely one of the 8 best motorbike routes in Vietnam you shouldn’t miss!

7. Kon Tum to Hoi An/ Da Nang Route

The Kon Tum to Hoi An Route is a lesser-known motorbike route in Vietnam but is no less stunning than the others. The 300-kilometer route will take you through the Central Highlands of Vietnam , where you’ll see beautiful coffee and rubber plantations, small villages, stunning waterfalls and through lush forests. Along the way, you’ll see historic sites from the Vietnam War, including the Dak To and Charlie Hill battlefields.

The road is generally in good condition, but there are some rough patches and steep inclines. The highlight of the trip is also the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to take a stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautifully preserved architecture.

8. The Coastal Route

The Coastal Route is a 1,500 kilometer route that runs along the eastern coast of Vietnam, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. The route offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional fishing villages, historic cities, and beautiful beaches . The road is generally in good condition, but there are some sections that are narrow and winding.

The highlight of the trip is the beautiful coastal scenery, with endless stretches of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Be sure to drive through these beautiful beaches: Mui Ne, Ninh Chu, Cam Ranh, Nha Trang, Dai Lanh, Qui Nhon and Lang Co.

In conclusion, Vietnam offers some of the most beautiful and challenging motorbike routes in the world. From the steep mountain passes to the stunning coastline, there is something for every type of rider. When planning your trip, be sure to keep safety in mind and be prepared for a long journey. With so many routes to choose from, we’re sure you will have an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam.

• Top 10 spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam
• 12 most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam
• The Central Highlands – The amazing motorbike route in Vietnam

Easy Riders Vietnam

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• Transportation

Vietnam Motorbikes

Vietnam is truly a biker’s paradise, and over the last twenty years, this sliver of coastline on the South China Sea has evolved into one of the world’s top motorbiking destinations. With flowing coastal highways, cliff-edge mountain passes, and enough remote trails to keep any explorer happy for years, you could never tire of riding through this incredible country!

Tram Ton Pass – Sapa

Perhaps the best view in Sapa is located at Tram Ton Pass, 3 km away from O Quy Ho Pass. A view at the summit will reveal stunning, sweeping panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and forests below. With a height of over 1,900 meters, Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam …

Tram Ton Pass – Sapa Read More

Motorbiking in Vietnam

Learn everything you should know before you hit the open road. From how to ride a bike and what you need to bring to whether you should buy or rent, we will help you make the best choice. No matter what city you visit, you’ll be able to secure a motorbike rental, as they as so common.

Buying or Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam

How to Drive a Motorbike Safely in Vietnam

Renting a Motorbike in Hanoi

Renting a Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh

The Essential Vietnam Motorbike Trip Packing List

Scenic drives in vietnam.

As long as you get the right motorbike, you can explore the country on your own. Drive the coastline, explore some of Vietnam’s most famous passes, or simply take in the sights from your mechanical steed.

Ha Giang Loop – North Vietnam

Hai Van Pass – Da Nang to Hue

Ma Pi Leng Pass – Ha Giang

O Quy Ho Pass – Sapa

South to North Vietnam Motorbike Route – HCMC to Hanoi

How to Get To/From in Vietnam

While driving a motorbike to and from can be an amazing experience, you may want to see what other options are available. Don’t let this deter you from jumping on your bike and jetting off to your next destination, we just want to provide you with every possible option.

How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa

How to Get From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

How to Get From Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang

How to Get to Fansipan Cable Car from Sapa Town

Ride-hailing apps in vietnam.

Grab, Be and GoJek all offer motorbike drivers for hire. Just download the app like Uber and hail a ride anywhere in the city for a low fees, much lower than taxis or cars.

Ride-sharing in Vietnam: Be

Ride-sharing in Vietnam: Gojek

Ride-sharing in Vietnam: Grab

Guide to motorbiking in vietnam.

The memory of driving a motorbike throughout Vietnam will stick with you forever, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you stay safe. You’ll have to learn the pulse of the seemingly chaotic city traffic, stay alert to livestock strolling down the highways, or the random motorbike coming opposite direction down the sidewalk.

When riding a motorbike in Vietnam you need to be able to adjust your course as needed on a moments notice. But if you’re someone who prefers to walk on the wilder side, then motorbiking in Vietnam is definitely for you!

You may be used to navigating through your city’s congested roads, but when you come to Vietnam, you have to play by their rules. The streets at rush hour may seem chaotic, but they can be mastered. Just don’t expect to follow any lanes or signs, you’ll have to just go for it and use your instincts.

Make sure you go with the flow, stay alert, and follow how other people drive; it won’t take long before you get your rhythm. If you’re curious about how to drive a motorbike safely in Vietnam , we’ve got you covered.

If you’re planning to leave the city, and wish to explore more of the countryside, be sure to take a long, scenic route. It will be more rewarding than you know and provide you with ample time to take in the country’s natural beauty.

Moreover, embrace every opportunity to spend time with the locals. Traveling by bike gives you the freedom to stop anywhere and the locals are wonderfully welcoming. Making a quick coffee break in a remote village can become a highlight of the trip, so book a homestay on your way to your destination and fully embrace the culture.

Riding the length of Vietnam from south to north , or vice versa, has become a classic road trip, and each year thousands of travelers embark upon this epic voyage. This can take anywhere from two weeks to months, depending on your leisurely pace.

Make sure to plan accordingly and get ready for one of the most memorable experiences of your life. An essential motorbike packing list may be key to having everything you need on your journey.

But don’t think you have to go on a long expedition to rent or buy a motorbike , you can simply whisk through the city and feel part of area’s hustle and bustle. Wherever you go, traveling on two wheels is the perfect way to experience something closer to real Vietnamese life.

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Motorbike Rental in Vietnam - Guide on How to Choose & Hire + Cost

Guide to Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam for First Timers

Unlike other countries in the world, motorbikes are the most popular and convenient transport in Vietnam, which is used by almost Vietnamese people. A familiar image of Vietnam in international friends’ eyes is crowded streets with a lot of motorbikes in rush hours in big cities. Because of that, motorbikes are also an ideal means of transportation for tourists who are passionate about discovering new lands by themselves. 

With a motorbike, tourists are able to discover any corners in Vietnam where they could feel the local’s life by themselves, find simple happiness and pristine beauties. However, is it safe for a foreign person to own or control a motorbike in Vietnam? Which notes should you pay attention to? Read the guide on motorbike rental in Vietnam below to get more useful information for your intention of owning or renting a motorbike in Vietnam on the next trip.

I. Is it Safe to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam?

“Is it safe to rent a motorbike in Vietnam?” is a frequent doubt for foreign tourists, especially people who visit Vietnam for the first time. So, is it safe or not? There is no a correct answer to this question , it depends on some factors. 

First of all, according to Vietnam’s laws, foreign people rent a vehicle like a motorbike legally in Vietnam as long as they have driving licenses . Therefore, legally, it is absolutely safe to rent a motorbike in Vietnam. For procedures to have driving licenses in Vietnam, I will explain more about this problem in the following part. 

Secondly, renting a motorbike will be safe if you rent a motorbike through reputable websites or stores because you can quite feel assured about the quality of the motorbike. Moreover, there are usually accompanied services such as that they will guide you carefully on how to use the motorbike, procedures for applying for a change of foreign driver license, some laws and tips. Maybe, the cost will be higher; however, it is necessary for your safety. 

Normally, the shopkeeper will require you to deposit by money or by your passport or both of them to rent a motorbike at their shops. The deposit may be from four to five million dongs (about USD150 to USD250) depending on the price of each motorbike. Therefore, finding a reputable address for renting motorbikes is the first thing to do to avoid the fraudulent appropriation of money and other assets. There is a fact that all motorbikes in motorbike rental shops do not belong to the shopkeeper, the owners are ones who have motorbikes but don’t have demand for using them. And, they will rent theirs to these shops. For these motorbikes, the shopkeepers will have full vehicle registration that is necessary for controlling vehicles in Vietnam. Especially, if your rented motorbikes are stolen ones, you will never have these documents. One more time, it is very important to find a reliable address to rent a motorbike.

Thirdly, do you know how to ride a motorbike in your country ? For many developed countries, people don’t know how to ride a motorbike since it is more convenient to use cars or public transportation in their countries. There are two types of motorbike using in Vietnam including manual transmission motorcycle and automatic transmission motorcycle (or scooter).

Personally, riding a scooter is easier than the other, especially for novice riders. Therefore, is it safe to rent a scooter in Vietnam? Yes, it is. While manual transmission motorcycle is suitable for high terrain, mountain, the scooter is specially suitable for flat terrain like in Vietnam’s cities. Riding a scooter is also very easy, similar to ride an electric bike. However, the price of a scooter is much higher than a manual transmission motorcycle, the deposit for them is also higher. 

II. How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam?

Renting a motorbike in Vietnam is truly a challenge for foreign people, especially for the first time. There are two many places to rent motorbikes and the prices are also different depending on shops, type of motorbike, hiring time. You can rent by the hour, by the day, or by the month. The longer the hiring time is, the price is cheaper.

Below are some popular price levels just for your reference. 

It costs around 100,000 –  250,000 VND per day ($4,50 – $6), 30.000 – 50.000 VND per hour ($2 – $5), and 1.000.000 – 2.500.000 VND per month ($45 – $110). You are able to negotiate a better price if you want to rent the scooter for longer.

III. Do You Need a License to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam?

According to Vietnam’s transport law, a driving license is obligatory for anyone who controls vehicles including motorbikes except the type with a capacity of less than 50cc . However, almost all motorbikes in Vietnam now have a capacity of 125cc and more than 125cc. It means you need a driving license to rent and ride a motorbike in Vietnam. 

Regarding the driving licenses and permits in Vietnam, the A1 license allows you to drive a bike up to 175cc. Foreigners living in Vietnam can do a procedure to convert their national driving license to Vietnamese driving licenses in a condition that they have a corresponding driving license in your country instead of passing any exam. If your country’s driving license does not include two-wheelers, you will be required to pass a very easy test. Normally, it costs about 300.000 – 500.000 VND (~$15 – $25) and you can do it by yourself or through service companies but the cost is much higher, about 1.600.000 VND (~$70). Normally, it takes from 5 days to 7 days since you submit full documents if you do through service companies and it will take more time if you do by yourself.

However, converting driving licenses or taking part in driving license exams is really suitable for one who intends to stay in Vietnam for a long time . For foreign tourists who commonly only stay in Vietnam for about a week, it is too complex and time-consuming to do these. So, can you drive a scooter in Vietnam without a license? Honestly speaking, you can. Only when you break the transport law, do the police check your driving license. Therefore, reading and understanding clearly about Vietnam’s transport law is also very essential . It is not only for avoiding the checking of the police but also for your and other people’s safety. According to Vietnamese law, you have to go to jail if you cause a traffic accident in which there are injured or dead people even when you are a foreign person.

IV. Why Should You Rent a Motorbike Instead of Buying?

Have you ever wondered which is better between renting a motorbike and buying a new one or foreign people can buy a motorbike in Vietnam? Yes, foreign people are allowed to buy or own a motorbike legally in Vietnam; however, buying a motorbike is not the right choice for all foreign people living in Vietnam.

Firstly, that buying a car is a good or bad choice depends largely on how long you intend to stay in Vietnam and how often you ride a motorbike . Buying a motorbike is only truly suitable for one who has the intention of living in Vietnam for a long time, about more than 3 years, and usually uses motorcycle as the main transport. However, not all foreign people living in Vietnam are able to own a motorbike. There are some conditions that they have to fulfill such as having legal labor contracts, having letters of recommendation of the employment agency, and so on. In common, the procedure is quite complex. 

Secondly, if you don’t know clearly about Vietnam’s transportation law , you are highly likely to be punished by the police. Even when you know, you still face up with the high risk of accidents if traveling by motorbike because transportation in Vietnam is very complicated and not all people obey the law when they are in traffic. Therefore, using public transport is still an ideal choice for foreigners in Vietnam. In addition, public transportation in Vietnam in big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang is convenient enough to move inside the city. For longer distances, you can use intercity buses or rent a motorbike. Therefore, you can use public transportation for movement instead of buying a motorbike. Sometimes, if you want to try new experiences, you can rent a motorbike to see the streets or go to the suburbs.

Thirdly, buying a motorbike meaning you have to find a parking place for your motor and have to pay for it. There is a huge lack of parking in big cities now. It is quite a problem. 

V. How to Choose a Motorbike for Rental in Vietnam: Guide & Tips

Finding a reliable address to rent a motorbike and how to find and choose a motorbike for rental in Vietnam are two of the usual doubts of foreigners. 

The procedure to rent a motorbike is quite simple. After coming to Vietnam, you can find many shops to rent motorbikes in every city in Vietnam. The shopkeeper will require you to provide some necessary information including name, nationality, address of your hotel, phone number (if any) to make a rental contract for you. Besides, you are also required to deposit a little money and your passport (or the photocopy of your passport). After that, the shopkeeper will guide and take you to choose a motorbike. 

Although the procedure is not complicated, there are still risks of being cheated. Therefore, we will give you some tips to reduce some risks.

• You should search for a list of reliable shops and read other people’s reviews of these addresses or ask directly people who have experience in renting motorbikes in Vietnam to choose the best one. There are more and more foreigners choosing Vietnam as a working place, staying there for a long time and with that, motorbike rental service has been developed.
• When actually renting a motorbike, note carefully the address of the shop, the information of the person in contact, take a photo of him/her, and check carefully the terms of your motorbike rental contract. 
• Check your motorbike carefully before going out.
• For the first time, you had better go with a native in case the shopkeeper is not good at English. Besides, going with a native also helps you to feel more assured, maybe get a cheaper price and they also know how to check a motorbike.
• The popular price for renting a motorbike is 100.000 VND – 250.000 VND per hour depending on how long you rent. And the longer you rent, the cheaper the price is. 

VI. Checklist to Determine If Your Motorbike is Reliable

If you don’t know any native or friends having experience in motorbike rental in Vietnam. Below is a checklist to ensure that your bike is not only safe to ride, but also legal.

• Firstly, check your number plate is still firmly fitted and clearly visible. 
• Check the gas tank and go around the motorbike and find any oil or water leaks. Ensure that the gas tank is full of fuel or above the red level at least.
• Check the tires. Tires are the only part of the motorbike to contact with the road surface. It is necessary to check the tire pressure and tire wear. Hot weather and excessive tire pressure can lead to tire explosion while a low tire will reduce the vehicle’s power output and reduce fuel consumption. If tires are worn, it reduces friction with the road surface, which causes slippery that is very dangerous for drivers.
• Check the engine. Start your motorbike and take a quick test drive around the block. If your motorbike is reliable, it will start and drive smoothly.
• Check your turn signals, lights, brakes.

VII. How to Prepare and Maintain a Rented Motorbike for Safe Driving?

• One of the indispensable things when riding a motorbike is a helmet; therefore, don’t forget to bring it with you every time you use a motorbike. It will help you avoid injuries in the head area.
• Obey the transport law to avoid unfortunate accidents such as slow down at a speed of about 20 – 30km/h when traveling in the city or don’t pass a red light. When it rains, remember to slow down your speed.
• Always lock your motorbike when parking even when it is in your house.
• If you go into the flood which is especially popular in Ho Chi Minh city in the rain season, get off and lead your scooter to the area because trying to start to ride through the flood may cause the death machine.

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Motorcycle Tours & Trips in Vietnam

Start your engine and discover Vietnam's best touring roads! Find the best motorcycle adventures through Vietnam. There are 18 guided and self-guided motorbike trips to choose from, that range in length from 4 days up to 15 days.

18 Motorcycle Ride tour packages in Vietnam with 29 reviews

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BEST VIETNAM MOTORCYCLE TOUR DEEP INTO MEKONG DELTA

This Mekong Delta trip was absolutely banging !! From set up on the net to completion of the trip the Vietnamese owner of the tour was in touch and totally accessible. I booked the trip to have a relaxing ride around the mainly flat Mekong Delta. I ride bikes everyday at home and didn't feel the need to get down and dirty as I'm sure I would if I'd have adventured further north. My guide arrived the evening prior to meet and brief me about our tour. Cong my guide, was absolutely brilliant. Bike and Cong arrived bang on time the following morning, that set the scene for a punctual organisation. I rode a 150 trail bike which was more than ample for the terrain. The encompassed the different farms animal, vegetable, and fish. The industries that

Vietnam Motorcycle Tour to Ha Giang, Cao Bang via Sapa, Bac Ha, Yen Bai

Thanks to Mr Dong and his team for an unforgettable experience. The Vietnam Motor Tours to Ha Giang we did, I cannot recommend highly enough. The incredible scenery, boat cruises, mountain trails and home stay were all amazing.

Ha Giang Motorbike Tour 4 days 3 nights

Ha Giang Easy Rider Motorbike 4 days/3 nights

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Ba Be, Ha Giang, Sapa, Lai Chau, Son La

A trip to be remembered for a long time for sure. From excellent communications during the planning, great itinerary, some fantastic and sometimes challenging roads, good accomadation, a really good tour guide, Mr Cao, spoke good English. All up, I can't speak highly enough of the whole trip. Thank you, Mr Dong.

Vietnam Motorcycle Tour to Ba Be, Ban Gioc, Thac Ba, Lang Son

Me and a friend went into this trip without a clue what to expect. The bikes were delivered to the door of our hotel on the first day with the guide (Vinh) and the trip was planned out for us with the locations that we picked, which included food drinks and accommodation. We hadn't done much off roading before but Vinh took us on lots of different trails, some were easy and others more challenging, we did river crossings, mountain passes and visited lots of remote villages. I cannot recommend this enough, I don't want to go into too much detail or I'll spoil it for you, just give it a go!!!Thanks to Mr Dong and Vinh for a very memorable trip.

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Hoi An Motorcycle Tour to Saigon on Ho Chi Minh Trail via Kham Duc, Kon Tum, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Mil, Dong Xoai

Done a 6 day trip from Hoian to Saigon on Ho Chi Minh Trail. Vietnam was amazing and the views were unbelievable, definitely the best way to see Vietnam and its great culture , hotels and home stays were great and unique. Highly recommend!!!

Best Selling Saigon Motorbike Tour to Mekong Delta, Dalat, Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Vung Tau

We had an amazing adventure of a lifetime riding through the Mekong Delta and Dalat Nha Trang ... Kudos to our guide Mr Cong who tailored the trip around our riding experience and DNQ Travel , it meant a member of our tour who had never ridden before also had a safe and amazing time! Thank you!

Scenic Saigon Motorcycle Tour to Nha Trang via Mui Ne and Da Lat, Bao Loc

Me and a friend went into this trip without a clue what to expect. The bikes were delivered to the door of our hotel on the first day with the guide (Vinh) and the trip was planned out for us with the locations that we picked, which included food drinks and accommodation. I cannot recommend this enough, I don't want to go into too much detail or I'll spoil it for you, just give it a go!!! Thanks to Mr Dong and Vinh for a very memorable trip.

Northern Vietnam Motorcycle Tour to Mai Chau, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Lai Chau

We did the Insightful Northern Vietnam Motorcycle Tour with DNQ Travel Tours & it was amazing. Mr Dong who I dealt with was so helpful, always responding quickly to my emails and able to accommodate any of our requests. The tour itself was fabulous and all our family loved it.

Best Selling Vietnam Motorcycle Tour to Central Highlands and Southern Coast with Da Lat, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau

Amazing, intimate & day Saigon to Vung Tau Dad, son and daughter, Just completed an 8 day tour on and off road from Saigon to Vun Tau. From our very first E-mail until my final one today thanking Mr Dong. Every concern, want, need and desire was not only met but exceeded by Mr Dong, his team and our amazing guide Mr Thanh (Thanh).

Vietnam Offroad Motorcycle Tour to Ha Giang via Dong Van, Meo Vac and Ba Be Lake

I went with a large group for 5 days of motorcycling over varied terrain in the North of Vietnam. Whilst this trip isn’t for the faint-hearted I can truthfully say it was the best holiday I have ever had. You end up going to places that are only accessible by foot or motorcycle., visiting small isolated villages high up on the mountains. The Vietnamese people are lovely, with the children all coming out smiling and waving. And I did not meet anyone who was not happy to meet you.

Wandering Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Ta Xua , Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, Sapa

Make sure you go with a like skilled companion, insist on stopping if you’d like to take in some scenery and go with whatever your guide recommends in terms of food. My only critique is wanting to stop more for a swim, scenery or places to eat that were off the beaten path. Often we’d stop right on a main road where it was loud. Would go again! Seemless planning with Mr. Dong and first class service from our guide. Thank you so much Dnq Travel !

Best Selling Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Sapa, Ha Giang, Mai Chau - 10 Days

Best way to see Northern Vietnam was this 10 day trip

Top Gear Vietnam Motorbike Tour from Hanoi to Saigon on Chi Minh Trail

Best way to see Vietnam I did a 12 day tour from Hanoi to Saigon with Cong as the tour guide. I would thoroughly recommend to anyone who is considering seeing Vietnam. Cong was fantastic tour guide, and made sure the group was always looked after. We had a very authentic experience, and would often take the road less traveled to meet locals.

Reviews of Motorcycle Ride Tours in Vietnam

This Mekong Delta trip was absolutely banging !! From set up on the net to completion of the trip the Vietnamese owner of the tour was in touch and totally accessible. I booked the trip to have a relaxing ride around the mainly flat Mekong Delta. I ride bikes everyday at home and didn't feel the need to get down and dirty as I'm sure I would if I'd have adventured further north. My guide arrived the evening prior to meet and brief me about our tour. Cong my guide, was absolutely brilliant. Bike and Cong arrived bang on time the following morning, that set the scene for a punctual organisation. I rode a 150 trail bike which was more than ample for the terrain. The encompassed the different farms animal, vegetable, and fish. The industries that

A trip to be remembered for a long time for sure. From excellent communications during the planning, great itinerary, some fantastic and sometimes challenging roads, good accomadation, a really good tour guide, Mr Cao, spoke good English. All up, I can't speak highly enough of the whole trip. Thank you, Mr Dong.

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12 Tips for Driving Motorbikes in Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people. It is also a popular destination for tourists and expats who want to explore the country on two wheels. However, driving a motorbike in Vietnam can be challenging and overwhelming for those who are not familiar with the traffic, road conditions, and local customs.

In this article, we will share 12 tips about driving a motorbike in Vietnam , which will help you to stay safe and enjoy your journey.

Get a license

The first and most important step to driving a motorbike in Vietnam is to get a license. In Vietnam, you need a valid driver’s license, either a Vietnamese license or an International Driving Permit (IDP), to legally ride a motorbike. Riding without a license can result in fines, confiscation of your bike, or even imprisonment. Therefore, make sure to obtain a license before hitting the road.

To get a Vietnamese license, you need to take a written and practical exam at the Department of Transportation. The written exam is available in multiple languages, and you can prepare for it by studying traffic laws and regulations. The practical exam requires you to demonstrate your driving skills on a motorbike, and it is essential to practice beforehand to increase your chances of passing.

If you already have a valid license from your home country, you can apply for an IDP at your local motor vehicle department or automobile club. An IDP is valid for one year and allows you to ride a motorbike with your foreign license in Vietnam.

Choose the right motorbike

Choosing the right motorbike is crucial for a safe and comfortable ride in Vietnam. There are several types of motorbikes available, such as scooters, manual transmission bikes, and semi-automatic bikes, each with its pros and cons. Scooters are the most popular type of motorbike in Vietnam and are ideal for city driving, as they are easy to maneuver and have automatic transmissions. Manual transmission bikes require more skill and experience but offer better control and stability on rough roads. Semi-automatic bikes are a hybrid between manual and automatic and can be a good option for beginners.

When choosing a motorbike, consider the size and weight of the bike, the engine power, and the fuel efficiency. A small and light bike is easier to handle and park but may not be suitable for long-distance trips or carrying passengers or cargo. A more powerful bike can handle rough terrain and steep hills but may consume more fuel and require more maintenance.

Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is not only mandatory by law but also crucial for your safety when driving a motorbike in Vietnam. A helmet can protect your head from injuries in case of an accident or a fall and can also shield you from the sun, wind, and dust. However, not all helmets are created equal, and it is essential to choose a quality helmet that fits your head properly and meets the safety standards.

In Vietnam, you can easily buy or rent a helmet from local shops or vendors, but make sure to inspect it for cracks, dents, or other damages before using it. Also, avoid wearing a helmet that is too loose or too tight, as it can impair your vision and hearing or cause discomfort and distraction.

Familiarize yourself with the traffic

The traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic and unpredictable, especially in big cities like Hanoi or Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) . The roads are often congested with motorbikes, cars, buses, and trucks, and the rules of the road are sometimes ignored or interpreted loosely. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the traffic before driving a motorbike in Vietnam.

Observe the traffic patterns, the flow of vehicles, and the behavior of other road users. Learn the hand signals, such as waving your hand to signal a turn or a stop, and use them to communicate with other drivers. Stay in the right lane, and avoid overtaking on the left or squeezing in between other vehicles. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and anticipate their movements to avoid collisions or accidents.

Drive defensively

Defensive driving is the key to staying safe on the roads in Vietnam. Be alert and vigilant at all times and anticipate potential hazards or risks. Watch out for pedestrians, animals, and obstacles on the road, and slow down when approaching intersections, curves, or blind spots.

Avoid sudden maneuvers or abrupt stops, and use your brakes and accelerator smoothly and gradually. Keep your speed under control and adjust it to the road conditions, such as traffic, weather, or road surface. Remember that other drivers may not follow the traffic rules or respect your right of way, and be prepared to yield or avoid them if necessary.

Use your headlights

Using your headlights is not only a legal requirement but also a safety measure when driving a motorbike in Vietnam. Turn on your headlights at all times, even during the day, to make yourself visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Use your high beam when driving in rural or dark areas, but switch to low beam when approaching other vehicles or intersections.

Follow the speed limit

The speed limit in Vietnam varies depending on the type of road and the location, but it is generally lower than in other countries. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually around 40-60 km/h, while on highways, it can reach up to 80-100 km/h. However, these limits are often ignored or exceeded by many drivers, which can increase the risk of accidents.

To stay safe and avoid fines, follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to the road conditions. Avoid racing or speeding, and remember that the journey is as important as the destination. Also, watch out for speed bumps, which are common in residential areas and schools, and slow down accordingly.

Be prepared for weather

The weather in Vietnam can be unpredictable and can affect your driving experience. During the rainy season, which usually lasts from May to October, the roads can become slippery, flooded, or muddy, and visibility can be reduced. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for weather changes and adjust your driving accordingly. Check out when is the best time of year to travel to Vietnam

Wear appropriate clothing, such as rain gear or warm clothes, depending on the weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before starting your journey and avoid driving during heavy rain or thunderstorms. Be extra cautious when driving on wet or slippery roads, reduce your speed, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Plan your route

Planning your route in advance can save you time, money, and energy, and also help you to avoid traffic congestion and road hazards. Use a map or a GPS system to plan your journey and choose the best route based on your destination, time, and preferences.

Avoid rush hour traffic, which is usually between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm, and consider alternative routes or modes of transport, such as ferries or trains. Plan your rest stops and fuel stops, and make sure to carry enough water, snacks, and cash for emergencies.

Know your rights

As a motorbike driver in Vietnam, you have certain rights and responsibilities that you should be aware of. You have the right to use the road and follow the traffic rules, and the right to report any violations or accidents to the authorities. You also have the right to protect yourself and your passengers from harm, and to seek compensation or legal advice in case of an accident or injury.

However, you also have certain responsibilities, such as obeying traffic laws and regulations, respecting other road users, and maintaining your vehicle in good condition. Failure to follow these responsibilities can lead to fines, penalties, or legal consequences.

Avoid distractions

Distractions are a major cause of accidents on the roads in Vietnam and can range from using a mobile phone to eating, drinking, or chatting with other passengers. To avoid distractions, focus on the road and keep your attention on the traffic and the environment around you. Do not use your mobile phone or any electronic device while driving, and avoid wearing headphones or earbuds, which can impair your hearing and reaction time.

If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe place and turn off the engine. Avoid eating or drinking while driving, as it can affect your coordination and vision. If you have passengers, make sure they wear helmets and follow the safety rules, and avoid engaging in conversations or arguments that can distract you.

Be respectful

Last but not least, being respectful is essential when driving a motorbike in Vietnam. Respect other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, and avoid honking unnecessarily or showing aggressive behavior. Follow the social and cultural norms, and be polite and patient with other drivers, even if they make mistakes or violate the traffic rules.

Respect the local customs and traditions, and avoid behaving in a manner that can offend or disrespect the local people. For example, do not litter, spit, or urinate in public, and dress modestly and appropriately in religious or cultural sites. By being respectful and mindful, you can enhance your driving experience and contribute to a harmonious and safe environment on the roads.

Driving a motorbike in Vietnam can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires caution, skill, and responsibility. By following these 12 tips for driving motorbikes in Vietnam, you can stay safe and enjoy your journey, while also respecting the local customs and traditions. Remember to wear a helmet, obey the traffic rules, drive defensively, and be respectful to other road users. With these guidelines in mind, you can explore the beauty and diversity of Vietnam on two wheels and create unforgettable memories. Happy driving!

You might be interested in other articles:

• What to pack for a motorbike trip in Vietnam
• How to plan a motorcycle holiday in Vietnam

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The 10 Best Motorbike Routes in Vietnam

Looking to tackle the most beautiful mountain roads in Vietnam? Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime as you drive your motorbike across the country’s 10 best routes.

If you’re an experienced motorbike driver and have a trip planned for Vietnam, then there is no excuse not to experience these incredible routes. Take a slow journey, enjoy your surroundings and give yourself ample time to stop and take it all in.

Hải Vân Pass

The Hải Vân Pass is one of the most popular and scenic mountain passes in Vietnam. The name translates to “ocean cloud pass” in English, revealing exactly what it is: Those who travel up its winding roads leave behind an ocean backdrop, ascending through twists and turns into mountains of lush jungles topped by clouds. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear called the road “a deserted ribbon of perfection — one of the best coastal roads in the world.”

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Hà Giang Loop

The Hà Giang Loop is a 300-kilometer (186-mile) winding road in the northern province of Hà Giang , bordering the Yunnan Province of China. It is often described as the most spectacular ride in the country and takes travelers about four days to complete. However, this route is not for beginners. Expect hundreds of hairpin turns, mountain scenery and friendly local hill tribes such as the H’Mong people, who inhabit this area. Multiple viewpoints are scattered throughout for stunning panoramas. Check out the Hà Giang Loop between June to November. Avoid it during the rainy season.

Pro tip: Plan your trip to coincide with the Sunday Market in Đồng Văn for a fascinating pitstop.

QL34 – Cao Bằng Province

The QL34 is another route along the Chinese border, with heavenly views on either side. It connects the city of Cao Bằng all the way to Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, a waterfall that rests just along national lines. Plenty of detours can be made, such as at the Ngườm Ngao and Cốc Bó Caves, where Ho Chi Minh gathered revolutionary forces in 1941.

Ô Quy Hồ is the longest mountain pass in Vietnam, stretching for about 50 kilometres (31 miles) on National Highway 4D. It connects Lào Cai to Lai Châu, running along the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range. Its peak reaches an altitude of 1,999 meters (6,560 feet) in a place called Heaven’s Gate. Visually stunning and equally dangerous, this pass is known for its hairpin turns lying perched over an abyss, gurgling streams and beautiful waterfalls — with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

DT725 – Nam Cát Tiên to Đà Lạt

The road to Đà Lạt from Nam Cát Tiên is a sight to behold. Head up the imaginatively-named DT725, which does no justice to the glorious landscape continuously changing as you experience its spectacular twists and turns. Thanks to the great condition it is in, cruising along this road is a lot faster-paced than others, allowing you to up the ante for a thrilling ride. Try not to lose your concentration when it comes to those winding bends — the beautiful scenery can be distracting.

DT652 – Đà Lạt to Nha Trang

The DT652 is a favourite route among locals, connecting two popular travel destinations that seem a world apart: slow-paced, cool Đà Lạt in the mountains, and hot, buzzing Nha Trang on the coast. The pass takes around five hours to complete, with twists through mountains and forests on each side. You’ll find awesome pitstops along the way to get some food or coffee.

Khe Sanh – Phong Nha

Take enormous ascents and descents and combine them with twists and turns, bursts of open straits and breathtaking views, and you have the road from Khe Sanh to Phong Nha. It’s hard not to stop every five minutes and pull out your camera on this scenic journey. As drivers near Phong Nha, they follow rivers and cross through farmlands. Then, the turquoise lakes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park come into view, raw and untouched, with plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track.

The Nam Ma River Route

Ninh Bình is a popular backpacker spot, known for its spectacular natural beauty that has earned it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on Land”. It is a region full of mountains, rivers, rice paddies and caves (and, unfortunately, quite a lot of tourists). The Nam Ma River Route offers a similar landscape to Ninh Bình, yet undisturbed by crowds. Get on the Ho Chi Minh Highway south of Hanoi until the QL217, following this until the town of Vĩnh Minh. From there, follow the road called Đê tả sông Mã that runs parallel to the river until it meets back with the QL1A. Sầm Sơn Beach is a great final destination to reward yourself after the long hours on the road.

Kon Tum – Quảng Ngãi – Hội An

Riders have several routes to choose from when they travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Two of the more popular routes are either along the coast — with stops in places like Qui Nhơn and Nha Trang — or inland, along the border with Laos. Both are fine choices, but there’s another option that will show you a different side of Vietnam that many foreigners don’t see. If you’re heading north and not taking the coastal route, you’ll likely pass through Pleiku on your way to Kon Tum. Instead of following the AH17 by way of the QL14E, veer onto the QL24 instead. And when you get to Quảng Ngãi, try their signature dish: Mì Quảng .

The beaches route

If you love sea, sand and sun, then hit the Vietnam southern coastal road. You could start in Da Nang and head south, but we recommend you make your way out of Ho Chi Minh City instead. For starters, it’s much easier to find gear in the big city — a motorbike to buy/rent, camping gear, clothing, etc. — but it’s also more pleasant to finish your drive in Hoi An or Da Nang. Many riders stick to the main highways to make their schedule, but that’s not what we have in mind. Start south to Ho Tram Beach and make your way north, with stops in La Gi, Mũi Né, Phan Rang, Cam Ranh, Nha Trang, Tuy Hòa, Quy Nhơn, Quảng Ngãi and, finally, Hoi An — or any place along the way that you like. This way, you will enjoy the best of what the coast has to offer.

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Top 10 favourite motocycle brands in Vietnam.

Vietnam tops the world in the number of people using motorbikes for daily transportation. It said by the end of 2030, there is still 70 percent of Vietnamese use motorbikes for commuting, while the global average is just 10 percent globally.

Motorcycles have appeared in Vietnam for hundred of years. Since early 1990s, motorbikes have gradually become the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam.

Let Dung Motorbike rental 10 the most favourite motorbike brands in Vietnam.

Table of Contents

Honda is a motorbike brand which comes from Japan that was established in 1948 by Mr. Soichiro Honda. The Honda brand has entered the Vietnamese market for 20 years. After 20 years, the company has gradually affirmed position in the hearts of Vietnamese people. This is considered one of the leading brands in the field of motorcycle manufacturing.

Honda remains the most popular motorbike brand in Vietnam, accounting for 78.5 percent of the market share in the first quarter of 2022.  Honda is still the best-selling brand in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) recently announced Sales of the first quarter of 2022, according to the total of 753,571 motorcycles were sold in the first 3 months of 2022, and increased by 7.43%. compared to the same period in 2021.

Also, Honda has just published the results of motorcycle sales in March 2022, as stated by ,in the first quarter of 2022, the Japanese brands brought to the market 592,188 motorcycles, accounting for 78.5% of the market share continues to hold the no. 1 position in the motorcycle market in Vietnam. Vision – automatic scooter continues to be Honda’s best-selling vehicle in the first quarter of 2022 with a total of 145,993 motorbikes was sold, followed by Wave Alpha semi-automatic motorbike with sales of 96,053.

2022 is considered a recovery year for the Vietnamese motorcycle market when the demand for this vehicle is still high and the epidemic has been gradually controlled, and users’ demand for post-pandemic spending is also increasing. In 2021, there were nearly 2.5 million motorbikes sold in Vietnam and Honda accounted for 79.9% of the market share. The advantages of Honda’s models are fuel economy, durable performance, trendy and have enough segments from cheap to luxury. Currently, the company has many models of motorbikes you can choose such as: Cub, Wave Alpha, Airblade, Vision, SH …

Yamaha is a tough competitor of Honda. The brand was founded in 1897 by Mr. Torakusu, also from Japan. Now this brand has become the second largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Yamaha’s motorbikes firstly were seen in Vietnam in 1996 and then Yamaha Motor Vietnam was established  in January 24, 1998. Their motorbikes are known for design, strong and solid. Although fuel economy is not as good as Honda, in terms of durability, Yamaha is not inferior.

Currently, Yamaha’s most famous bike is Exciter – manual motorbike with the sporty design. Yamaha motorcycle market is a bit quite for some months, Yamaha scooter prices are offer lower than company’s proposal.

Piaggio founded in 1884 by Mr. Rinaldo Piaggio is from Italy. Initially, the company specialized in the production of ships, trains, and airplanes, but then change to produce motorbikes in 1946. The first motorcycle was named Vespa. Piaggio is known for trendy, elegant, luxurious and European design.

Currently, the company has 4 high-end product lines: Vespa, Liberty, Fly and ZIP. In addition to the scooter line, the company also produces large displacement series such as Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera and Moto Guzzi.

With the above points, Piaggio deserves to be the brand of passion for car connoisseurs and love of innovation.

With cooperation with famous fashion brands and limited distribution in Vietnam, Vespa 946 Christian Dior has a collectible value and is overpriced. From the price of 700 million VND, the Italian scooter model was pushed by traders from 900 million to 1.8 billion VND respectively.

Currently, Piaggio is ranked 3rd in Vietnam’s motorcycle market share, trusted and used by a large number of consumers, this Italian motorbikes company is also actively competing to gain market share in the mid-range motorcycle segment. By renewing and applying many advanced technologies, so the price for each version of Piaggio motorcycle every month also changes significantly.

SYM is the first and only car and motorcycle manufacturing company in Taiwan. This is a brand of Chinfon Group. The group was founded in 1947 by Mr. Huang Ji-Jun. SYM entered in the Vietnamese market in 1998 with the scooter series. SYM is known for its good aesthetics, high quality and low price. SYM motorcycles that dominate the Vietnamese market can be mentioned as Attila Elizabeth, Attila Passing, Attila Victoria and Attila Venus. In the Vietnamese market, SYM only holds a small market share in the motorcycle segment. SYM motorbike=s are often very diverse in design, but the quality and durability are not perfect, but the most outstanding feature of this car company from Taiwan is that the price of SYM cars is always cheaper than other modell in the same type of competitors to help them conquer the middle-class and rural customer segments.

Currently, the models that SYM are distributing in Vietnam are: Star SR 170, Fancy 125, Venus 125, Attila – V, Husky 125, Shark Mini, Elizabeth 110, Abela 110, Star X 125, Galaxy 115, Elegant 100, Galaxy 50, Angela 50, Elegant 50.

Another brand from Japan. Suzuki was founded in 1909 and specializes in the production of looms. To expand the brand, Suzuki entered the motorcycle industry with a serie of motorcycle bikes in 1952 called “Power Free”. In 1996, Suzuki officially entered the Vietnamese market with the Suzuki Viva product serie. Suzuki products are known for their refined styling and powerful engines. Suzuki is a motorcycle company that has been famous for a while in the Vietnamese market with products that have become “legendary” such as Su Xipo, FX with powerful two-stroke engines. Currently, Suzuki Vietnam is renewing with new changes reducing product prices to gradually regain market share that is falling into the hands of rivals Honda and Yamaha in the motorcycle segment to be able to survive in the market. The Vietnamese motorcycle market is entering a period of saturation and fierce competition. The price of Suzuki motorcycles today in June 2022 at agencies remains stable in the first days of the year at Suzuki agencies nationwide. The Suzuki motorcycle market has been moving quite slowly for many months, Suzuki hand-clutch models are selling below the company’s proposal. Specifically, Raider R150 and Satria F150 are having an actual selling price in the market lower than the proposed price from 1 to 2 million VND depending on the model. The GSX-S150 motorcycle model is no exception, selling for 1 to 3 million dong lower than the company’s suggested price, depending on the version.

Suzuki Motor Vietnam launched two new generation Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250 motorcycles in 2022 with sporty design and 250cc engine block, accompanied by many modern technologies such as frame, legs, exhaust pipe and engine block. However, exterior design details such as 2-stage LED headlights and taillights have attracted a lot of attention from Vietnamese users. Suzuki Gixxer 250 has a suggested selling price of 120.9 million VND and Suzuki Gixxer SF250 has a suggested price of 125.9 million VND. The new 2022 Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250 have been officially sold at Yamaha agencies nationwide.\

Triumph was officially established before 1900. Accordingly, a German businessman, Siegfried Bettmann, emigrated to England to fulfill his business dream. Initially, he opened a company specializing in importing other foreign motorbikes.The business quickly took off, but not content with that, he began manufacturing his own car. In 1902, Triumph’s first bike was made. In 1983 when the car factory had to close, John Bloor bought it and renamed the company Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Triumph is considered the king in the Cruiser serie with a nostalgic, romantic design of British gentlemen.

Currently, this brand is present in Vietnam with 2 showrooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Now, customers in our country can completely own British-style Triumph motorcycles quickly and easily.

Most recently, Triumph has released a series of 2022 updates for this neoclassical model, including the legendary Bonneville T120 And T120 Black, Street Twin and Street Twin Gold Line, Bonneville Bobber and Speedmaster.

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson is a long-standing American motorcycle company founded in 1903 by William S. “Bill” Harley (1880-1943) and Arthur Davidson (1881-1950). The forerunner of Harley’s electric bicycle company when he wanted to install an engine on his old bicycle in 1901. With previous experience, in 1903, the two men decided to establish the Harley Davidson Motor Company as famous as it is today. Harley Davidson is a company specializing in bold, dusty motorbikes with powerful engines. This motorcycle is suitable for those who like to roam the roads. This is a rare name in the world that has maintained its prosperity, greatness and longevity. From generation to generation Harley – Davidson has always been the great dream of Cruiser motorcycle lovers around the world.

Harley – Davidson officially came to Vietnam in 2012, now the brand has 4 showrooms in 3 regions of the North – Central – South of our country. The car is gradually impressing and increasingly winning the hearts of a large number of Vietnamese customers.

Ducati is a car company founded in 1926 by 3 Ducati brothers. The predecessor of the company was trading in electrical equipment. By World War II, the Italian government confiscated the company and ordered it to manufacture motorcycles. The first motorcycle produced by Ducati was a motorcycle with a capacity of 50cc in 1946. In 1952, the first 175cc cruiser was born. The milestone that is considered important in the history of Ducati’s development is 1993. At this time, Ducati had the idea of the modern bike M900 Monster 1993. Up to the present time, when it comes to the large displacement segment of motorcycles, it’s impossible not to mention Ducati. Ducati’s motorbikes all have aggressive, sporty features, powerful but equally modern engines suitable for both men and women.

Ducati is one of the first famous motorcycle brands officially distributed in Vietnam. Since appearing in Vietnam in 2008, Ducati has brought to Vietnamese customers a series of popular models. At the present time, the car brand from Italy distributes a lot of motorcycle models with different designs from naked bike, sport bike, nostalgic bike to the trending sport tourer. . Ducati has outstanding models such as Monster, Hypermotard, SuperSport, Panigale, Multistrada, Diavel, Scrambler, …

KTM was founded by Hans Trunlenpolz in 1934. Initially, the company was called Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz and specialized in the production of metal materials. Later, when this item was no longer profitable, the company turned to motorcycle production. In 1953, businessman Ernst Kronreif (Austrian) bought back shares of the company and renamed the company as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, standed for KTM. Over decades of development, KTM is known for its catchy design eye-catching, sporty, angular, steamy and a bit dusty. In the opinion of Car Story, if anyone likes flying, jumping, off-road, then KTM is the perfect choice.

KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian manufacturer of motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. In 1954, KTM started manufacturing motorcycles and became famous all over the world. This brand was first officially distributed in Vietnam in 2013. Since its appearance is short, it is understandable that this motorcycle serie has not been known too much in our country. However, KTM motorcycles with unique advantages are gradually asserting their position, weaving to many places throughout the S-shaped strip of land.

The Kawasaki brand from Japan was established in 1896 by Mr. Shozo Kawasaki. The predecessor of the company was manufacturing sea steam turbines, locomotives, steel tanks… In 1918, the company established a division which developed airplanes and the first metal plane in Japan was made shortly after. In 1949, the company turned to manufacturing motorcycles. The company’s first motorcycle product was the Meihatsu (1954). More than 120 years of establishment and development, the company has been well received by many car lovers. Kawasaki’s motorcycles are often boldly designed with a bold, aggressive look with characteristic angular lines. However, to this day, the name Kawasaki has become a famous brand in the world motorcycle village with many aggressice, beautiful and classy motorcycle models.

The first Moto Kawasaki motorcycles appeared in Vietnam in the 60s of the last century, but recently, this brand has conquered a large number of Vietnamese customers. Kawasaki is highly appreciated in the Vietnamese market thanks to its large displacement models with a “aggressive” appearance and powerful engine block. The 2022 Kawasaki motorcycle models have officially been available in Vietnam. Notable among these are the new Ninja ZX-25R SE, Ninja ZX-10R, Z1000R, Z650 versions, or the first Sport City model in Vietnam. Currently, Kawasaki has an official showroom in the Vietnamese market, so the motorbikr is sold at a cheaper price than before.

In the current large displacement motorcycle market, the price of Kawasaki motorcycles has almost no monthly price change and remains stable. Currently, Kawasaki is distributing many motorcycle models in Vietnam through a system of genuine dealers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh. The Kawasaki motorcycles currently being distributed at the factory include series such as Ninja, Z, W, Vulcan and Versys.

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Home » Travel Guide » Driving Motorbikes Legally In Vietnam?

Driving Motorbikes Legally In Vietnam?

To  ride motorbikes legally in Vietnam , you must have a valid Vietnamese driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) that allows you to ride motorcycles. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ride motorbikes legally in Vietnam:

Table of Contents

1.  Obtain an International Driving Permit  (IDP) or  Vietnamese Driving License :

Before traveling to Vietnam, ensure you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country’s authorities. The IDP must explicitly state that you are authorized to ride motorcycles (category A).

Alternatively, if you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, you can obtain a Vietnamese driving license. The process for obtaining a Vietnamese license for foreigners is outlined in my previous response 

2. Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Rules and Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with Vietnam’s traffic rules and regulations, as they might differ from those in your home country. Pay attention to local driving customs, road signs, and traffic signals. Traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic, so exercise caution and stay alert while riding.

3. Wear Helmets and Safety Gear – Driving motorbikes legally in Vietnam:

In Vietnam, wearing helmets while riding a motorbike is mandatory for both drivers and passengers. Make sure you and any passengers wear helmets that meet the safety standards. It’s also advisable to wear appropriate safety gear, such as long pants, closed-toe shoes, and protective clothing.

4. Follow Local Driving Practices:

Observe how the locals ride their motorbikes and follow their lead. For instance, it’s common to use the horn to signal your presence in traffic, especially at intersections. Pay attention to the flow of traffic and avoid sudden maneuvers.

5. Adhere to Speed Limits – Driving motorbikes legally in Vietnam:

Observe speed limits and avoid excessive speeding, particularly in urban areas. Be cautious when riding on highways and rural roads, as traffic conditions can vary.

Stay on the Right Side of the Road:

In Vietnam, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Always stay on the correct side of the road and avoid riding against the flow of traffic.

6. Insurance:

Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers motorcycle riding. In the event of an accident or injury, having insurance will provide peace of mind and financial protection.

7. Park Responsibly – Driving motorbikes legally in Vietnam:

When parking your motorbike, make sure it’s in designated areas or at a location where it doesn’t obstruct traffic or pedestrian pathways.

By following these guidelines, you can ride motorbikes legally and responsibly in Vietnam.   Riding a motorbike in Vietnam  can be an exciting and convenient way to explore the country’s scenic beauty and cultural delights, but always prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations.

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Motorbike Culture In Vietnam

When I left Vietnam for America thirty years ago, motorbikes, or xe Hondas, were rarities driven only by the privileged few. Frequently breaking down and always needing tune ups, the motorbike’s rumbling sounded out of place in a sea of bicycles.

Thirty years later, the motorbike is still an unforgettable image in my mind. My family owned one and my father frequently took us on long trips into the countryside with it. I recall holding onto him as he navigated the switchbacks and hard curves of Da Lat, cool mountain air whipping at us at every turn.

When I was eight, he let me grip the massive handlebars of our Honda while it slowly cruised an empty stretch of a city street. The city must have been silent then. The engine’s noise, my shrieks of excitement, and my father’s laughter were perhaps the only sounds on an otherwise empty avenue.

Nowadays, the motorbike’s rumblings are quintessentially Vietnamese. My childhood memories of the silence of Saigon’s streets seem distant and far away. No one ever leaves Saigon without later giving an amusing anecdote about dodging the thousands of motorbikes while crossing the road.

For all its negatives, the motorbike has also become an emblem of Vietnamese hustle . Memes and photos of a dad, mom, and two babies being transported haphazardly on the bike show the reliance of the motorbike by the average Vietnamese. People carry fragile glass windows, ten-high stacks of boxes, or sharp metal beams, scooting on to their destination with no concern.

Motorbikes are also fashion accessories. Women use them to get to work, wearing dress shirts and skirts that match their bike colors. Their upright postures are often reminiscent of equestrian champions.

At night, the motorbike evolves. Everyone is dressed to the nines, heading out to the latest trendy bar, to be seen and talked about. The motorbike at night has become a shaper of identity, status, clout, and desirability. The scene provides contrast with the average Vietnamese worker patiently waiting the red lights on their way home. Occasionally a speedster cuts through the traffic onto the sidewalk with a boom of his bike’s exhaust pipe.

I’m surprised that the Fast and The Furious franchise hasn’t taken advantage of the motorbikes’ presence in Saigon and set at least one of its films here. Consider the possibilities for their filmed races. There are human pedestrians to avoid, street vendors that bikes or cars can crash into, obstacles like coconuts, flowers, and small plastic chairs.

But for most in this crazy city of Ho Chi Minh City, the motorbike is the only way to get around. For many, it’s all about watching the countdown drop from six, five, four, three… and with a furious roar, we are off! Who can obey the rules of traffic and wait for the final count to zero?

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Motorcycle market in Vietnam - statistics & facts

Motorcycles: the most common vehicle on vietnamese streets, the future of motorcycles in vietnam, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Volume of motorcycles in Vietnam 2015-2028

Motorcycle sales volume growth Vietnam 2017-2023

Number of new businesses for wholesale and retail Vietnam 2016-2022

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Current statistics on this topic.

Motorcycles & Bicycles

Motorcycle manufacturers market share in Vietnam 2022, by revenue

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Asia » Vietnam » How to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam

How to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam

What's In This Guide?

Looking to buy a motorbike in vietnam.

Buying a motorbike in Vietnam may seem difficult at first. However, with a bit of guidance, it is actually quite easy.

I have done it four times and learned some valuable lessons along the way.

Here you will learn about the types of motorbikes available in Vietnam and where to buy a motorbike in each of the major cities.

I will also answer common questions like; should you buy an auto or a manual, a Chinese copy, a legit Honda or possibly a Belarusian Minsk?

Most importantly, you will also learn how to check your motorbike properly before handing over your cash.

It’s easy to get screwed over, this unbiased buyer’s guide makes sure you don’t.

At the end of this article, I will also show you some epic Vietnam motorbiking routes which you seriously don’t want to miss. So make sure you read to the end!

First. Should I Rent or Buy a Motorbike?

Most travelers don’t give this enough thought.

I generally suggest that if you are planning to travel around Vietnam by for 3 months or longer then you want to buy your own motorbike. In the long run it will work out cheaper. You will also have enough time to spare a few days at either end of the journey to find a decent motorbike and try to sell it again.

Remember, selling your motorbike for a decent prince can be quite tough. I’ve experienced it first hand.

If you are traveling for less than 2 months, I’d rent a motorbike. You can actually rent a much better quality motorbike (like an FTR230) for the same price. You also avoid messing around looking for a decent motorbike to buy, and then trying to sell it for a fair price.

We’ve partnered with renowned motorbike rentals in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City stocking really decent motorbikes at affordable rates. One way drop-offs are also available . Send me an inquiry for an exclusive discounted deal!

Which Motorbike Should I Buy?

I personally find the best motorbike in Vietnam is a Chinese copy Honda Win . It is cheap, has a manual clutch, uses normal petrol, and is cheap to fix.

However, the Honda Win might not be for everyone. So, here are the most common motorbike options you will find in Vietnam:

• Honda Dream: semi-automatic // 100cc scooter // Price Range USD 200-300
• Honda Wave: semi-automatic // 100cc motorbike // Price Range: USD 200-300
• Honda Win: manual clutch // 110-125cc motorbike // Price Range USD 300-400
• Russian Minsk: manual clutch // 125cc motorbike // Price Range USD 300-400

Note: where I refer to Honda in this section, I mean a Chinese copy.

Legitimate Japanese Hondas are way more expensive and far outside of backpacker budgets. Expect to pay USD 1,000+.

Honda Wave & Honda Dream (Semi-Auto)

The Honda Wave and Honda Dream are best for those with little to no motorbiking experience.

Pros: These motorbikes are both semi-automatics which do not require you to use a clutch. This means changing gears is as easy as pushing the foot lever up and down. It might take about an hour of getting used to, but you’ll quickly be on your way. Essentially, if you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a Honda Wave or Honda Dream.

Other benefits of these motorbikes are the comfortable seat and the small under-seat storage for those things you really want to keep dry.

Cons: you might cop a bit of shit from other riders with manual motorbikes like the Honda Win. And without a clutch, you might struggle up some of the steeper mountains and off road trails.

Honda Win (Manual)

The Honda Win is definitely the best for those with some motorbiking experience. This is also the most common backpacker’s motorbike on the road.

Pros: This motorbike provides the best value for money and riding quality. Importantly, the Honda Win offers the extra clutch control needed to ride through the high mountain passes in northern Vietnam. Without a clutch, getting to more remote and off-road places can be tough.

The Honda Win will break down as all motorbikes in Vietnam do. However, it is truly indestructible as there are cheap spare parts for this motorbike everywhere. Replacing a chain will cost just $5 and even blowing up the engine will only cost $50 each time.

A bonus benefit of the Honda Win is that you will be accepted by fellow riders as having a ‘real motorbike’ and not an incompetent scooter.

Cons: None, other than the standard breakdowns.

Russian Minsk (Vintage)

The Russian Minsk is both badass and bad. It looks awesome, sounds awesome, and breaks down everywhere. The Minsk is only recommended for those who really know how to fix a motorbike.

Pros: The Minsk is a two-stroke motorbike. One of the fondest memories is the smell of burnt oil riding up the mountains. The suspension on the Minsk Sport version is great for off-roading and the seats are way more comfortable.

Cons: They break down all the time. Even a well serviced Mink will break down almost every day.

Spare parts are uncommon and cost way more as they are not interchangeable with the Japanese/Chinese motorbikes. Many locals even refuse to repair a Minsk. Carry lots of spare parts or be prepared to search for a long time.

If you’re buying a Minsk in Vietnam, consider a repair budget to be the same as the cost of the motorbike itself.

Where to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam?

Ho chi minh city (hcmc).

Remember these words “find the guy next to the big neon bull.”

Backpackers are most likely to stay at or near Pham Ngu Lao Street. At one end of the street, there’s a huge neon bull’s head called the Crazy Buffalo.

Go to that neon sign, then head into the small alley on the left. There you will meet a short Vietnamese guy fixing used motorbikes. He has a huge stash of motorbikes underground at an average price of USD 300.

Not all of his motorbikes are in great condition, so I suggest inspecting them with my detailed checklist at the end of this article. You can also give these motorbikes a test ride first.

Some motorbikes have been crashed badly and repaired while others have been looked after well.

If you’re looking to buy a motorbike in Hanoi then you should start off at the backpacker district in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Ngo Huyen is a crowded narrow laneway where you will find lots of hotels, guesthouses, travel agents, and the shop called Phung Motorbike. This guy has loads of new and used motorbikes for rent and for sale, which will have been serviced well.

You can usually buy a motorbike cheaper in Hanoi directly from another backpacker, however, it will not have been serviced and most likely has been crashed.

>> Be sure to check out my Hanoi travel guide while you’re in town!

Backpackers regularly ride from Hanoi to Sapa, then plan to cross from Sapa to Laos with the overnight bus. These backpackers often have a tourist visa running out of time and need to offload the motorbike quickly.

This means you can get a motorbike in Sapa super cheap , quite often at a 60-70% discount.

We sold two decent condition motorbikes in Sapa for a total of USD 200. But the catch was that you had to take both or none.

Buying a Motorbike Online

Travelswop – this website has been around forever. Listings are not updated very often, and there is quite a limited choice available. You are better off going directly to the small shops.

Facebook – the Facebook group called ForSaleVietnam lists all sorts of things by locals and expats. Scroll through the page and you will find motorbikes posted quite often.

ChoTot – this is the Vietnamese version of Craigslist or Gumtree with just about everything for sale. The website is only available in Vietnamese, but this link will take you directly to motorbike listings.

What to Check Before You Buy

If you have never ridden a motorbike in Vietnam, welcome. Let me start by telling you that all budget second-hand motorbikes will have been crashed at some point. If you’re being told otherwise, it’s a lie.

Since these motorbikes have been crashed, they’ve been damaged, and not all have been repaired properly. Here are a few basic checks to make before you buy a motorbike in Vietnam:

• Check the rear swingarm is straight – the rear swingarm is those two vertical forks holding the rear wheel in place. If either of the rear swingarm forks are bent then, your ride will veer to the side every time you pass over a rumble strip or pothole.
• Check the headlight works and is powerful – riding at dusk or night in Vietnam is downright dangerous, but it happens quite often. You are not always going to reach your destination in daylight hours, so be prepared.
• Check the battery properly charges and holds a charge – the battery provides steady power to the headlight. If the battery is no good the headlight will be dim and flicker as your riding speed changes.
• Check the horn works – it doesn’t take long to realize the Vietnamese rely on horns to communicate.
• Test the front brake – Rule #1 when riding a motorbike is to use your front brake when stopping fast. If it doesn’t work properly you will crash soon.
• Check for the Blue Card – the Blue Card is the Vietnamese vehicle registration paper. Police may stop you and ask for this, so be sure your motorbike has one.

Typical Motorbike Repair Costs

There is no point denying that your motorbike will break down. With a Chinese copy motorbike it is inevitable, and buying a genuine Japanese usually just isn’t worth it.

However, one of the things that makes Vietnam such an attractive place to motorbike across is the abundance of motorbike mechanics. And they’re cheap!

Here are some of the most common breakdowns with a rough price guide for repairs:

• Repair a tire tube – VND 30,000 (USD 1)
• Change tire tube – VND 50,000 (USD 3)
• Change an entire tire – VND 200,000 (USD 9)
• Tighten chain – VND 30,000 (USD 1)
• Change engine oil and filter – VND 150,000 (USD 6.5)
• Repair cracked motorbike frame – VND 200,000 (USD 9)
• Replace rear swing arm bolt – VND 200,000 (USD 9)

It is best you learn to do the following easy repairs by yourself; change the spark plug, clean the spark plug, adjust the brake and clutch cables, pump up your tyres.

Useful Tips for Motorbiking in Vietnam

After buying a motorbike there are a few useful accessories for your journey. These things will make your trip much easier and more enjoyable:

• Bungy cords make tying down your luggage way easier. These will save you at least 10 minutes every morning compared to using ropes. Make sure you buy a few spares as they tend to snap easily.
• Wet weather gear. Although it looks expensive now, it is worth every last Vietnamese Dong in your pocket. You’ll thank me when you get blasted by a thunderstorm up in the mountains.
• Some essential spares parts include; headlight bulb, fuel filter, fuel line hoses, tire tubes. They will all come in handy.
• Tools; spanner, hammer, hand tire pump – all the basics.
• A decent road map of Vietnam , this is essential for exploring the back roads!

By the way… I’ve seen people mess up badly with their Vietnam travel visas. It’s definitely no fun getting stuck in the airport without your paperwork, sometimes getting told to return to your previous country.

The thing is, it is actually so easy to get your visa by applying on Vietnam Visa . I personally use this service every time and love it. There’s even an urgent (one-day turnaround) option if you leave things right to the last minute like me.

Where to Ride in Vietnam?

Heading north from Ho Chi Minh City your first stop may be Dalat, Nha Trang, and Cat Thien National Park. To learn more about these, and a further 23 destinations across the country, you cannot miss my epic Vietnam Motorbike Route .

This details how I rode across the country for over three months.

If you are rushed on time then you might consider this 2 Week Vietnam itinerary taking you from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north. If starting in the south of Vietnam you might like to spend a few days exploring   Ho Chi Minh city with this guide to the local attractions.

These are the basics of buying a motorbike in Vietnam and getting yourself properly set up for the journey ahead. Don’t rush, take it easy and enjoy the ride!

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