Q&A

Automatic motorbikes: These motorbikes are fully automatic and require no gear changes, making them ideal for beginners or city commuters. Some popular types: Honda Air Balde; Honda Lead; Yamaha NVX155; Yamaha Nouvo.

Semi-automatic motorbikes: These motorbikes allow manual shifting without a clutch, allowing for better speed and power control. They are suitable for both city travel and light off-roading. Popular such as: Honda Wave; Yamaha Sirius; Yamaha PG-1

Manual motorbikes: These motorcycles require both clutch and gear shifting, providing maximum control and power, making them ideal for difficult terrain and experienced riders. Popular as: Honda XR150L; CRF300; CB500x; NX500; Yamaha WR155.

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For long trips, especially in mountainous areas, it is recommended to use engines with a displacement ranging from 150cc to 500cc. This range provides enough power to climb hills and carry an additional person along with luggage while maintaining good fuel efficiency.
Engines smaller than 100cc to 125cc are only suitable for one person and may face some difficulty on steep terrain.

Typically, the recommended maintenance cycle for motorcycles is every 1,000 to 2,000 km or after each trip, depending on how the motorcycle is used and the driving conditions. If you use your motorcycle frequently or travel often on mountain roads, dirt roads, or rough terrain, more frequent maintenance is needed.

Regular maintenance should include:
• Checking and changing the engine oil.
• Checking the brakes, tires, lights, and battery.
• Ensuring the chain is well-lubricated and properly adjusted.
• Checking the air filter, especially in dusty areas.

Choosing the right type of motorcycle for your skill level is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip:

• Beginners: Automatic motorcycles, such as scooters, are the easiest to ride and are ideal for city streets and simple roads.
• Intermediate riders: Semi-automatic motorcycles offer better control and are suitable for mixed terrain.
• Experienced riders: Manual motorcycles provide complete control over the bike.

• All of our motorcycles are professionally maintained by our team after each trip. Maintenance includes checking the chain, tires, brake pads, air filter, and fuel system, ensuring the motorcycle is reliable and rarely breaks down.
• Throughout your trip, our support team and mechanics are always available to assist in case of an emergency. For beginners, we have experienced guides to help with bike repairs, share knowledge about local culture, and guide you to the best routes.
• However, minor breakdowns are inevitable, such as: flat tires, dead batteries, broken chains, or snapped belts. In such cases, please inform us and take the bike to the nearest garage for repairs.

Highways are roads designated exclusively for motor vehicles, with a median strip separating lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions, and they do not intersect with other roads at the same level. Pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, motorcycles, and tractors with a design speed of less than 70 km/h are not allowed to enter highways, except for individuals, vehicles, or equipment involved in road management and maintenance tasks.

Most motorbikes in Vietnam consume around 2 to 3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, depending on the engine size, bike type and terrain. Scooters and smaller bikes are more fuel-efficient, while larger manual bikes might use slightly more fuel, especially on steep or rugged terrain.

Before renting or buying a motorbike, inspect the following:

• Brakes: Ensure both front and rear brakes are working properly.
• Tires: Check for wear and proper air pressure.
• Lights and horn: Verify that headlights, taillights, turn signals, and horn are functional.
• Engine and oil: Listen for unusual noises and check the oil level.
• Registration papers: Confirm the bike has proper documentation, including the “blue card” in Vietnam.
• Test ride: Take the bike for a short ride to ensure it feels comfortable and operates smoothly.

If you leave your passport as a deposit, it must be a passport with a valid Vietnamese visa. The passport will then be sent to the store where you will complete your journey or return the bike.

The deposit can be paid either in cash or by card, but a 3% fee will apply for card payments. We accept most major currencies in cash. However, the deposit is always refunded in cash, and we can only guarantee VND, Euro, and USD. If you start and finish at the same store, we can hold the deposit in any currency and return it in the same currency when you return the bike.

Each rental bike includes a luggage rack, rubber bands, a bike lock, a phone holder, a USB charger, a basic helmet, a map, and a copy of the green card.

You can return your rental bike at any of our stores in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Flexibility in organizing motorbike tours is always our top priority. We offer tours for individuals as well as large groups of 16 riders or more. Our services are tailored to the group size, including categories for 1 – 5 riders, 6 – 10 riders, 10 – 16 riders and groups larger than 16.

Before embarking on a motorbike trip with Rental Motorbike, it’s essential to prepare the following items:

• A helmet

• Protective clothing

• A raincoat

• A physical map or Google Maps

• All necessary personal belongings

• Basic motorbike repair skills, if possible

In case you don’t have these items, let us know your sizes, and we’ll equip you with the appropriate gear based on your riding needs.

Each rider uses their own motorbike, making it easy to secure luggage directly onto the saddlebags or the back of the bike for heavier or bulkier items. Motorbikes are specifically designed with features that allow for luggage to be tied securely at the rear. Additionally, if needed, we can provide a support motorbike to carry any extra belongings you wish to bring along.

Vietnam is the perfect destination for motorbike tours, offering exciting adventures at every turn. With three-quarters of the country covered in mountains and over 3,000 km of coastline, most roads are small, sunny and breezy. This makes exploring Vietnam on a motorbike more fun and adventurous than traveling by car.

At Rental Motorbike, we are dedicated to guiding you through the remote mountainous regions of Vietnam, where breathtaking views of towering peaks, majestic waterfalls and enchanting terraced rice fields await. You’ll also have the chance to meet friendly locals and experience the natural beauty of the country up close.

Vietnam is an ideal destination for your first off-road motorbike adventure. Here’s why:

• Diverse terrain: Vietnam’s topography offers a unique mix of challenges and excitement.
• Unique roads: Small, narrow paths with tight curves are iconic features of Vietnam’s trails.
• Mountainous landscapes: With three-fourths of the country covered in mountains, Vietnam caters to both trail enthusiasts and high-gear motorbike riders.

All our motorbikes are expertly serviced by our professional team after each tour. Maintenance includes checking chains, tires, brake pads, air filters, and fuel systems, ensuring the bikes are reliable and rarely break down.

During your tour, our support team and mechanics are always ready to assist in emergencies. For new riders, experienced guides are provided to help with bike repairs, share insights into local culture, and guide you on the best routes.

If you’re looking to enhance your travel experience in this S-shaped country, the answer is a resounding “Yes.” Renting a motorbike allows you to explore more destinations at your own pace. With decent riding skills, you can save on costs, access remote areas and discover unique sights that are off the beaten path.

When renting a motorbike from Rental Motorbike, you’ll receive:

• Vehicle registration certificate: Provided as an original or a copy, this document ensures no issues with local authorities.
• Rental contract: A clear agreement covering terms, conditions, and responsibilities for a hassle-free experience.

You must have a valid passport and visa to enter Vietnam. In addition, Vietnamese law requires foreigners bringing vehicles into the country for tourism to complete temporary import and re-export procedures to legally ride motorbikes.

• Better maintenance: Booking early allows our team to carefully inspect and maintain the motorbike, ensuring it’s in excellent condition when you start your trip.
• Secured availability: During peak travel seasons, motorbikes may not always be available due to high demand. By reserving in advance, you secure a motorbike and can be confident it will be ready for you on your travel date.

A clear contract with terms and conditions will be signed by both parties before the rental begins. The contract includes details such as the rental and return dates, rental cost and deposit.

• Early return: If you return the motorbike before the agreed return date, you will still be charged for the full rental period as outlined in the contract.
• Late return: If you plan to return the motorbike after the stated return date, you must notify us 1 – 2 days in advance. Additional rental fees will be applied to your final payment.

The legal minimum age to ride a motorbike under 50cc is 16 years old. For motorbikes over 50cc, the rider must be 18 years old or older and possess a valid license.

Yes, a valid driver’s license is required for motorbikes over 50cc. Foreigners must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or convert their license to a Vietnamese driving license.

Operating a motorbike in Vietnam without a valid driver’s license can result in significant fines. The penalties are as follows:

• For motorbikes with engine capacity up to 125cc: Fines range from 2 000 000 to 4 000 000 VND. 
• For motorbikes with engine capacity over 125cc: Fines range from 6 000 000 to 8 000 000 VND. 

Additionally, operating a motorbike without a valid license may lead to further legal consequences, such as vehicle impoundment.

Yes, wearing a helmet is mandatory for both drivers and passengers at all times while riding a motorbike. If caught without a helmet, the fine ranges from 400 000 to 600 000 VND per violation, depending on the specific circumstances.

Highways are roads designated for motor vehicles, featuring a central divider that separates lanes for traffic in opposite directions and without at-grade intersections with other roads. Accordingly, pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, tractors and special-purpose vehicles with a design speed of less than 70 km/h are not allowed to enter highways, except for individuals, vehicles or equipment used for highway management and maintenance.

The legal limit is zero alcohol for motorbike riders. Any level of alcohol in the system while riding is prohibited:

• A fine of 2 000 000 to 3 000 000 VND is imposed for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of up to 50 mg/100 ml or breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of up to 0.25 mg/l.
• A fine of 6 000 000 to 8 000 000 VND applies for BAC over 50 mg to 80 mg/100 ml or BrAC over 0.25 mg to 0.4 mg/l.
• A fine of 8 000 000 to 10 000 000 VND is imposed for BAC exceeding 80 mg/100 ml or BrAC over 0.4 mg/l.

Yes, traffic fines are strictly enforced, and penalties vary depending on the violation. Fines can range from monetary penalties to license suspension for severe offenses. Traffic enforcement often involves roadside checks and camera monitoring.

If involved in an accident, you should:

• Stop immediately and ensure everyone’s safety.
• Call the police or traffic authorities for assistance.
• Exchange information with other parties involved.
• Cooperate with authorities to resolve the situation.