Foreign tourists in Vietnam often like to rent and drive motorbikes, but it’s really important to know the rules so you stay safe and legal.
According to Mr. Hung, who represents a motorbike tour company here in Ho Chi Minh City, foreign tourists often rent motorbikes to get around the city or for longer journeys across different provinces while they’re exploring Vietnam.
Traffic in Vietnam can be quite different, and renters who are unfamiliar with the laws or lack the necessary skills may face fines or accidents. Mr. Hung shares six key points that visitors should consider when planning to travel using this mode of transportation.
Preparing Documents
In tourist destinations like Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Nha Trang, there’s no shortage of motorbike rental places. Tourists can find reputable rental shops by checking reviews on Google Maps or travel advisory websites like TripAdvisor.
For motorbike rentals, you’ll be asked for documentation, which includes your original passport or a notarized photocopy. When it comes to your driving license, you’ll need to have either a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) – that’s the international one – or a Vietnamese driver’s license that you’ve actually gone through the process of converting your home country’s license to. you only have a driver’s license from another country, you may encounter issues if your papers are checked.
You can usually expect to pay a rental deposit between VND 500,000 (19 USD) and VND 2,000,000 (77 USD). Tourists should not leave their original passports at the rental shop; if requested, a notarized copy can be used instead. The original passport should always be carried with you or kept securely at your hotel.
Tourists should ensure their travel insurance includes accidents while riding a motorbike. If you don’t have a valid driver’s license, some insurance companies might not pay out if you make a claim.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Automatic or semi-automatic motorbikes are popular choices for short-term rentals and trips under 100 km. You’ll find that automatic scooters are easier to get around in tight, crowded spots. Semi-automatic bikes are generally more fuel-efficient and suitable for longer journeys.
Large displacement motorcycles are appropriate for long routes and challenging terrain. If renting a motorbike over 175cc, tourists need an A2 class driver’s license, and the IDP must explicitly state the authorization to drive large displacement motorcycles.
Renting an automatic scooter will typically cost you somewhere between VND 120,000 (around USD 5) and VND 200,000 (about $8 USD) per day. Semi-automatic bikes usually go for VND 80,000 (roughly 3 USD) to VND 150,000 (around 6 USD) a day. If you’re looking at a larger motorcycle, prices start at about VND 800,000 (around 31 USD) per day.
Tourists should carefully review the rental agreement and clearly understand the terms regarding repair responsibilities in case of vehicle breakdown or accidents.
Before taking the motorbike, tourists should check the front and rear brakes, lights, horn, turn signals, and rearview mirrors. The fuel tank usually has only a small amount of gas, so you’ll need to refuel immediately after renting. Make sure to take pictures of the motorbike before you rent it, so you don’t get blamed for any damage that was already there.
When Operating the Vehicle
Many foreign tourists describe traffic in Vietnam as “chaotic,” especially in large cities with high vehicle density.
Drivers need to be mindful of large vehicles such as buses and trucks, as they often do not yield; stay in the correct lane. It’s best to avoid driving at night in areas that aren’t well-lit or on mountain roads.
Tourists should purchase gasoline at official gas stations and avoid buying from roadside vendors, as the fuel may be diluted.
Should the police pull you over to check your papers, make sure you remain calm and courteous. If you do not have a valid driver’s license, you may be subject to an administrative fine.
Complying with Traffic Laws
Vietnamese law requires wearing a helmet when operating a motorbike; tourists should choose a good quality one.
Remember to always keep to the right when you’re traveling on the road. Within city limits, the speed limit is generally about 40-50 km/h, while outside of cities, it’s usually around 60-80 km/h, varying by location.
Make sure not to go through red lights or drive in no-entry lanes. Pedestrians, bicycles, and other motorbikes may appear unexpectedly from alleys or intersections, so tourists should slow down when approaching intersections or come to a complete stop.
In some areas, large vehicles like trucks or buses tend to have “priority,” so yield to them to ensure safety.
Tourists should pay attention to hand signals, as many local drivers use their hands to indicate turns instead of using turn signals.
Emergency Situations
If the motorbike breaks down, tourists can call online repair services, look for roadside repair shops, or contact the rental agency for assistance.
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, stay calm, take pictures of what happened, and call 113 for the police or 115 for an ambulance.
To avoid legal complications, try to resolve minor issues at the scene, but do not admit fault if the cause is unclear.
Practical Experience
Tourists should refuel early, as gas stations can be quite sparse in some rural or mountainous areas. Always fill the tank before embarking on long journeys.
Avoid prohibited areas. In major cities, some lanes or roads are exclusively for cars, and driving a motorbike in the wrong lane can result in hefty fines.
Pay attention to the weather. The rainy season in some tourist destinations often lasts from May to October, making roads slippery. If you’re not accustomed to it, avoid driving in heavy rain.
Keep personal belongings safe. Do not leave bags or valuables in the front basket of the motorbike, as they can be snatched.
According to Vnexpress