How to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam: The 2026 Guide for Foreigners
ARTICLE CONTENT
Renting a motorbike is the best way to experience Vietnam — but doing it safely as a foreigner in 2026 takes a little know-how. From fair prices and deposits to the all-important damage-scam defence, here is the complete, no-nonsense guide.
1. How much does it cost?
| Bike type | Typical daily rate |
|---|---|
| Automatic scooter (Honda Air Blade, Vision) | 100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–8) |
| Semi-automatic 110–150cc (Honda Wave, Blade) | 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–10) |
| Manual / bigger bikes (Honda XR150, CB500X) | 200,000–600,000 VND (~$8–23) |
Renting by the week or month usually earns a 15–30% discount. Budget separately for fuel (~50,000–80,000 VND per tank on a scooter).
2. Your documents & the law
To ride legally you need an International Driving Permit (1968 Vienna Convention) with the motorcycle “A” stamp, carried with your home licence. (US, Canadian, Australian and NZ 1949 permits are not valid here.) Since Decree 168/2024 fines are high and enforcement is strict — read our full Vietnam motorbike laws 2026 guide first.
3. The golden rule: film a walkaround video
Before you touch the bike, film a slow 60-second video of the whole motorbike — every panel, every scratch, and the odometer — ideally with the shop staff present. This one habit is your complete defence against the most common rental complaint in Vietnam: the “you damaged it” claim.
4. Inspect before you ride
- Brakes — test front and rear
- Tyres — tread and pressure
- Chain — not too loose or tight, no odd noise
- Lights & horn — headlight, tail, indicators, horn
- Engine — starts cleanly, no strange sounds
- Mirrors — present and adjustable
Take a short test ride up and down the street before you pay.
5. The rental contract
Insist on a written agreement in English and Vietnamese covering the daily rate, fuel policy (usually full-to-full), the deposit amount, and exactly what counts as “damage.” A professional shop will happily note existing scratches on the contract.
6. Deposit: cash, never your passport
Reputable shops take a cash deposit of about 500,000–2,000,000 VND ($20–80), or hold a passport copy. A shop that insists on keeping your original passport is a red flag — it is the leverage behind most disputes. Offer a cash deposit, or walk away.
7. Common scams (and how to dodge them)
- Pre-existing damage claim — beaten by your walkaround video and photos.
- Passport held hostage — use a cash deposit instead.
- Verbal price that changes — get everything in writing.
- “Too good to be true” prices — hidden costs appear later. Avoid.
8. Insurance
Most shop “insurance” is weak. Get travel insurance that explicitly covers motorbikes — and note that most policies only pay out if you were legally licensed. One more reason to carry the correct IDP.
9. Choosing the right shop
Pick an established shop with real Google or TripAdvisor reviews, English-speaking staff, clear contracts and quality helmets. Avoid street touts and unlicensed individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent without a licence?
Some shops will rent to you, but riding without a valid 1968 IDP risks fines, bike confiscation and voided insurance. If you do not have one, consider an Easy Rider tour instead.
Scooter or manual?
An automatic scooter suits cities and the coast; for mountain routes like Ha Giang, a Honda XR150 (manual) or a reliable semi-auto is better.
Rent with confidence from AZ Motorbikes
For 10+ years we have rented clean, fully-serviced bikes in Hanoi with honest contracts, fair cash deposits (we never hold your passport), helmets and gear included, and 24/7 support.
