FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT VIETNAM MOTORBIKE TOURS

Below are some of the most popular frequently asked questions (FAQs) we have collected over many years of providing motorbike rentals in Hanoi and guided motorcycle tours throughout Vietnam. These questions cover our motorcycles, rental services, pricing, equipment, fuel, and basic rental conditions.

1. What does Hanoi Motorbike Rental provide?

Hanoi Motorbike Rental offers several types of motorbike and scooter rentals in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Our fleet is designed to suit different riding styles, experience levels, and budgets, with rental prices generally starting from around US$ 10 to US$ 35/day/bike, depending on the motorcycle model, rental duration, and type of bike you choose.

We focus on genuine Japanese Honda motorcycles and do not rent other brands or low-quality Chinese copy motorcycles. Our goal is to provide reliable and well-maintained motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam, particularly for customers planning longer trips outside Hanoi.

Our rental categories include:

• Semi-automatic or fully automatic scooters from 110cc to 125cc – suitable for commuting and general travel.
• Manual-clutch touring motorcycles from 125cc to 150cc – a good option for longer road trips.
• Manual-clutch dirt bikes and dual-sport/enduro motorcycles from 150cc to 250cc – designed for riders planning mountain roads, remote areas, and off-road adventures in Northern Vietnam.
• Small 50cc scooters – suitable for customers who require a small scooter and, where legally permitted, do not need a motorcycle licence.

Before leaving our office, your rental motorcycle will normally be filled with fuel so you can start your trip easily. The exception is when you arrange to transport the motorcycle by train from Hanoi, in which case different fuel requirements apply.

You can either pay for the fuel in advance or refill the motorcycle when you return it. We also provide a basic tool kit and essential spare parts with suitable rentals. If you use any of the spare parts during your trip, you simply pay for the parts when you return the motorcycle.

Because Hanoi Motorbike Rental currently operates from only one office in Hanoi, we do not offer one-way motorbike rentals. You must collect and return the motorcycle in Hanoi. If one-way rental becomes available in the future, we will update this information accordingly.

2. Why should I go for a Honda?

The answer is simple: Honda is almost synonymous with motorbikes in Vietnam. Honda motorcycles are extremely common throughout the country, which means replacement parts are widely available and most local mechanics are familiar with repairing and servicing Honda bikes.

Another major advantage is the relatively low cost of motorbike repairs and maintenance. If you experience a mechanical problem during your Vietnam motorcycle trip, there is usually a mechanic nearby who can help. In many places, fellow Honda riders may even stop and offer assistance or point you toward the nearest repair shop.

Honda motorcycles are also known for being fuel-efficient and reliable, particularly in Vietnam’s hot and humid tropical climate. Their popularity makes them a practical choice for motorbike touring in Vietnam, especially when traveling through rural and mountainous areas where access to specialized motorcycle services can be limited.

Just look at the traffic in any Vietnamese city, and you will quickly understand Honda’s popularity. A large proportion of the motorcycles on Vietnamese roads are Honda models, making the brand one of the safest choices when it comes to finding parts, mechanics, and roadside assistance.

3. What should I bring with me for the trip?

You do not need to bring all of your luggage on the motorcycle. If you are joining one of our Vietnam motorbike tours or renting a motorcycle from us, you can leave your larger travel bags safely at our Hanoi office while you are on the road.

For a motorcycle tour in Vietnam, we recommend packing light and bringing only what you really need. Here are some useful items to consider:

• Clothing: helmet, rain gloves, wellington boots (rubber boots are particularly useful during the rainy season from June to October), summer gloves, balaclava, T-shirts, socks and underwear, long-sleeved shirts, a turtleneck shirt, extra jeans, a light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses, and goggles. Some hotels along the route offer express overnight laundry services, so there is usually no need to bring a large amount of clothing.
• Personal items: basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen, and earplugs.
• Emergency items: a basic first-aid kit, emergency contact numbers, a list of relevant medical conditions and medications, flashlight, phone or camera chargers, and duct tape.
• Miscellaneous items: a small towel, bath towel, trash bags, duffel bags, bungee cords, camera, and cargo net. We also provide rubber straps, including the traditional Vietnamese type recycled from truck tires. They may look simple, but they are surprisingly strong and useful for securing luggage to a motorcycle.

Remember that less luggage is better when motorbike touring in Vietnam. A lighter motorcycle is easier to handle, particularly on mountain roads, rough tracks, and winding passes.

4. How is the traffic in Vietnam?

In one word: scary! Vietnamese traffic can be overwhelming for riders who are not accustomed to it, especially in major cities such as Hanoi. It is definitely not a place to start learning how to ride a motorcycle.

If you are new to motorcycles, we strongly recommend taking a motorbike riding lesson before renting a motorcycle in Vietnam. You can take a lesson in your home country before traveling or arrange one in Vietnam. Our riding lesson costs US$ 30/person and normally takes around one to two hours, depending on your previous riding experience and how quickly you become comfortable with local traffic conditions.

However, a basic riding lesson alone does not make someone an experienced rider. Riding in Vietnam requires awareness, anticipation, confidence, and good traffic judgment. If you have never ridden a two-wheel vehicle before, we recommend gaining some basic experience first rather than learning directly in Hanoi’s busy streets.

5. How long do we ride each day?

There is no fixed distance that every rider must cover each day on a Vietnam motorbike tour. The speed limits on Vietnamese roads generally range from around 25 km/h to 70 km/h, depending on the type of road and location. We recommend riding at a comfortable and safe speed rather than trying to match the speed of local riders.

For most travelers, around 200 km per day is more than enough, particularly when riding through the mountains and countryside of Northern Vietnam. Mountain roads are slower than highways, with frequent curves, villages, road conditions, viewpoints, and unexpected traffic. Taking regular breaks also makes the journey much more enjoyable.

The idea of a motorcycle tour is not simply to cover as many kilometers as possible. We recommend stopping frequently, taking photographs, enjoying the scenery, meeting local people, and having enough time to appreciate the places you ride through. A slower pace usually makes for a much better motorbike adventure in Vietnam.

If you would like to see what a typical Vietnam motorbike tour is like, please watch the video below or visit our YouTube channel.

6. What do I need to hire a bike from you?

To reserve a motorbike rental in Hanoi, we require a 50% deposit of the total rental amount to confirm your motorcycle(s). Once we receive your booking request, we will send you the necessary instructions for making the deposit.

The remaining 50% balance is payable when you collect the motorcycle(s) from our office in Hanoi. Please make sure you bring the necessary identification and documents required for your rental.

Because our motorcycles are limited and some models are in high demand during the busy travel season, we recommend booking your preferred Honda motorbike or scooter rental in Hanoi as early as possible.

7. When is the best time for riding a motorbike in North Vietnam?

There is no single best or worst time to ride a motorbike in Northern Vietnam. Every season has its own advantages, and the ideal travel period depends on the type of weather and scenery you prefer.

Generally, September to February is considered one of the better periods for motorcycle touring in Northern Vietnam. Temperatures are usually more comfortable for riding, particularly in the mountains. However, conditions can vary significantly between Hanoi and the higher elevations of areas such as Ha Giang, Sapa, Cao Bang, and Bac Ha.

May to August can be hot and humid, with a higher chance of heavy rain and occasional storms. On the other hand, the countryside is often very green during this period. March and April are generally cooler but can be damp and cloudy, particularly in mountainous areas.

Whatever season you choose, Northern Vietnam is suitable for motorbike travel year-round if you prepare properly and remain flexible with your itinerary. Check the local weather forecast before setting out, and be prepared to adjust your route if heavy rain or poor road conditions occur.

8. Do I need to have my country or an international driving license to ride a motorbike/motorcycle in Vietnam?

If you plan to ride a motorbike or motorcycle in Vietnam, you should make sure that you have the appropriate legal driving documents for the motorcycle you intend to ride. Your home-country driving licence by itself is generally not sufficient for legally riding in Vietnam.

Vietnam recognizes an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, subject to the applicable Vietnamese regulations. The IDP must also contain the appropriate motorcycle category or endorsement for the type of motorcycle you plan to ride. You should carry both your 1968 IDP and your original home-country driving licence when riding in Vietnam.

It is important to understand that not every country’s international driving permit is valid in Vietnam. Some countries issue IDPs under different international conventions, and these may not be accepted for driving in Vietnam. For example, travelers from countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada should carefully check which convention their IDP is issued under before traveling.

Having the correct driving documents can also be particularly important for travel insurance. Some insurance companies require you to hold a valid licence or permit for the motorcycle you are riding before they will cover a motorcycle-related accident. Always check your insurer’s requirements before purchasing a policy.

If you do not have an appropriate IDP or Vietnamese driving licence, you should understand the potential legal and insurance consequences before riding. Police checks can happen, and the fact that a rider is not stopped does not mean that riding without the required licence is legal.

For more information about Vietnam motorcycle driving licences and IDPs, please follow this link.

9. Do I need to have insurance for motorbiking/motorcycling in Vietnam?

This is one of the most important things to consider when planning a Vietnam motorbike tour. Yes, we strongly recommend that every participant has personal travel and medical insurance that specifically covers motorcycle riding in Vietnam. This also applies if you are traveling as a pillion passenger, because accidents can happen to passengers as well as riders.

We do not require a particular insurance company when you book one of our tours or rent one of our motorcycles. However, insurance is ultimately your responsibility. Many travel insurance policies have specific conditions for motorcycle riding, including requirements relating to engine size, riding experience, protective equipment, and possession of a valid driving licence.

This is particularly important because simply having medical insurance does not automatically mean that you are covered for a motorbike accident. Before purchasing your policy, confirm in writing that motorcycle riding in Vietnam is covered and check the maximum engine capacity allowed by the policy.

Some insurance companies and policies may have different requirements regarding local or international driving licences. Companies such as CHI Insurance, World Nomads, and Allianz have previously been recommended by some of our customers, including riders looking for coverage for larger-displacement motorcycles. However, insurance terms change frequently, so you must check the current policy conditions directly with the insurer.

On our Vietnam motorbike tours, riders typically spend around five hours per day riding. This means that, depending on your policy, you may still have general travel or medical coverage during the approximately 19 hours each day when you are not riding. However, this does not replace the need to make sure your policy specifically covers motorcycle activities.

We do not require you to show a driving licence simply to make a booking, but you are responsible for ensuring that you meet all Vietnamese legal requirements and your insurance company’s conditions before riding.

For more information about Vietnam motorbike driving licences, please follow this link.

10. What do I have to do when I collect my rental bike?

Collecting your rental motorbike in Hanoi is straightforward. You will need to sign our motorbike rental contract, which is provided in two copies. You keep one copy with you during your rental period.

We also require some form of identification or security deposit. In many cases, you can leave an appropriate document such as your home-country driving licence or ID card as security. We do not normally require you to leave your passport.

Alternatively, you can provide a cash security deposit instead of leaving an identification document. The amount required depends on the motorcycle model, rental period, and individual circumstances, so we will advise you of the exact amount before or when you collect the bike.

Once the paperwork and security deposit have been completed, we will go through the motorcycle with you and make sure you understand the basic controls and rental conditions before you leave.

Contact us at [email protected] if your question is not covered in these FAQs. We are always happy to answer questions and continue expanding our Hanoi Motorbike Rental FAQs with useful information for future travelers.