Rentals
How to Rent a Motorbike from AZ Motorbikes
Renting a motorcycle in Vietnam should not feel mysterious. The basic process is simple: tell us what you want to do, choose a bike that suits the trip, understand the rental terms, test the motorcycle and then take it away once you are happy with it.
Contact AZ Motorbikes with your dates, riding experience and intended route to discuss a suitable motorcycle and the rental arrangements.
This guide explains what happens before, during and at the end of the rental so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Choose the Right Rental Type and Motorcycle
Start with what you need the motorcycle for. A short city rental, a month of commuting and a multi-day trip through the mountains are three very different jobs, so the right rental type and motorcycle will not be the same.
Our current rental system is divided into Tourist, Expat and One-Way rentals. The names describe how the rental works rather than who is allowed to use it.
Tourist, Expat and One-Way Rentals
Tourist rentals are fixed-term daily or weekly rentals and are the normal choice for short-term visitors. Expat rentals are monthly rentals intended for people living and working in Vietnam, while One-Way rentals allow you to collect the motorcycle in one AZ Motorbikes location and return it at another.
One-way rentals are available between Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City on eligible motorcycles. A transportation fee applies because the bike must eventually be returned to its original location.
Choose the Bike for the Job
For city use, a light automatic or semi-automatic motorcycle is normally the easiest option. For longer trips, luggage, mountain roads or broken surfaces, a semi-automatic, dual-sport or larger touring motorcycle may be more suitable.
Your height, experience, passenger, luggage and route all matter. Browse the current motorcycle rental fleet first, then tell us what you plan to do if you are unsure which model makes sense.
Booking, Deposits and Payment
Booking in advance is the safest option, especially during the November-to-March peak season. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance bookings take priority and give us time to prepare the motorcycle properly.
Before the rental begins, make sure you understand the rental fee, security deposit, any one-way transportation fee and any optional extras. The exact figures depend on the motorcycle and rental type, so use the current bike page rather than an old generic price list.
How the Security Deposit Works
Confirm the deposit and required riding and vehicle documents with AZ Motorbikes before collecting your motorcycle.
The deposit is returned once the motorcycle comes back in the agreed condition or any repair costs have been settled. For one-way rentals, confirm how and where the deposit will be returned before you leave the collection point.
What You Pay Before You Leave
For a normal rental, you pay the rental fee and security deposit before departure. For a one-way rental, the transportation fee is added as well.
AZ Motorbikes does not currently accept credit or debit cards. Cash and bank transfer are the main payment methods, including transfers through Wise and Revolut.
Check the Bike and Complete the Handover
We want you to be comfortable with the motorcycle before you leave. You should inspect it, sit on it and take a short test ride rather than accepting a bike simply because it looks good in a photograph.
This is also the moment to ask for adjustments. If the clutch, brakes, mirrors, controls or riding position do not feel right, tell us before the rental begins so we can adjust the bike or discuss another option.
Take a Short Test Ride
A short test ride confirms that you can control the motorcycle comfortably and that the bike feels right for you. We may refuse a rental if we believe a rider cannot control the motorcycle safely.
If you are inexperienced, be honest about it. A rental handover is not the right place to pretend you have skills you do not yet have, especially if your trip includes busy traffic or mountain roads.
Understand the Rental Agreement
Before taking the motorcycle, read the current rental terms and understand your responsibilities for damage, theft, maintenance and return. The optional Damage Waiver can limit your financial responsibility for some accidental damage, but it is a contractual waiver rather than comprehensive insurance and it does not cover every situation.
Keep compulsory third-party insurance, your own travel or medical insurance and the rental Damage Waiver separate in your mind. The Motorbike Insurance in Vietnam guide explains the wider insurance picture.
What to Do During the Rental
Once the motorcycle is with you, basic care matters. Keep the tyres correctly inflated, use proper fuel stations when possible, park securely and contact us if the bike develops a problem rather than allowing an unknown mechanic to make major repairs without approval.
If something does go wrong, send us clear information about the problem and your location. We can often help identify a suitable repair shop, speak to a mechanic and advise whether the bike should continue or stop.
Maintenance, Repairs and Fuel
Routine items such as tyre pressure and fuel are part of normal use, but unusual noises, leaks, starting problems, weak brakes or other changes should not be ignored. Contact us early rather than waiting for a small problem to become a larger one.
For fuel, use the grade recommended for the motorcycle. Our Petrol in Vietnam guide explains the current E5 RON92 and E10 RON95 system and how to buy fuel at Vietnamese petrol stations.
Accidents, Theft and Police Stops
If you are involved in an accident, if the motorcycle is stolen or if you have a serious roadside problem, contact us as soon as it is safe to do so. The accident and theft guides explain the immediate steps and evidence you should preserve.
If you are stopped by the police, remain calm and polite. We can try to assist with communication where practical, but the rider remains responsible for complying with Vietnamese law and for having the correct licence and documents.
Returning the Motorcycle
Return the motorcycle to the agreed location and at the agreed time. We inspect the bike, settle any damage or repair issues and return the security deposit according to the rental arrangement.
If you need to extend the rental, contact us as early as possible. Extensions are often possible, but the motorcycle may already be booked for another customer and we normally leave time between rentals for inspection and servicing.
For one-way rentals, make sure you know the exact return location and opening arrangements before the final riding day. If you have a flight, train or bus afterwards, leave enough time for the handover rather than planning to arrive at the last minute.
FAQ
Do I need to book a AZ Motorbikes motorcycle in advance?
We recommend booking in advance, especially from November to March. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance bookings take priority and guarantee the reserved motorcycle when the booking is confirmed.
What do I need to leave as a security deposit?
Confirm the deposit and required riding and vehicle documents with AZ Motorbikes before collecting your motorcycle.
Can I test ride the motorcycle before renting it?
Yes. We want you to make sure the motorcycle feels right before leaving. A short test ride also gives us a chance to confirm that you are comfortable controlling the bike.
Can I rent in one city and return the motorcycle in another?
Yes, on eligible motorcycles. One-way rental is available between Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, with a transportation fee to return the motorcycle to its original location.
What should I do if the motorcycle has a problem during the rental?
Contact AZ Motorbikes before authorising significant repairs. We can help identify the problem, speak with a mechanic and advise on the next step. If the issue is urgent or safety-related, stop riding until it has been checked.
A Good Rental Should Be Simple and Predictable
The purpose of the rental process is not to create paperwork. It is to make sure the motorcycle suits you, the terms are clear and both sides know what will happen if something changes during the rental.
Start by browsing the current rental fleet. If you are planning a longer journey, use the Vietnam motorcycle route maps to understand the roads before choosing the bike, and contact us if you want help matching the motorcycle to your route.