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The Most Common Places to Park a Motorbike in Vietnam
Parking a motorcycle in Vietnam is an experience all its own. From neatly packed rows on bustling Hanoi sidewalks to massive underground basement mazes. Locals even pull their bikes straight into the living room for the night.
Knowing where to leave your ride is an essential local skill. Whether you’re navigating crowded city grids or pulling up to a remote roadside stop, this blog and video breaks down the most common (and uniquely Vietnamese) places to safely park your bike.
Designated Public and Private Parking Lots (Bãi Giữ Xe or Gửi Xe)
This is the most common and safest option, especially in urban areas and near popular attractions. Look for signs that say “Giữ Xe” or “Gửi Xe.”
- How it works: An attendant will take your motorbike and give you a ticket, often a small piece of paper with a number on it. They may also write the number on your bike’s seat with chalk. You must keep this ticket safe as you’ll need to present it to get your bike back. Losing the ticket results in a major headache to extricate your bike from the parking.
- Cost: Fees are typically low, ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 VND for a short stay. In tourist areas or at night markets, the price might be slightly higher, up to 20,000 VND.
- Why it’s safe: These lots are monitored by security guards, significantly reducing the risk of theft.
Shopping Malls and Commercial Centers
Large commercial buildings and shopping malls have dedicated underground parking garages for motorbikes.
- How it works: These are often modern, with an electronic ticket system that takes a picture of your license plate and assigns it to a card. You present the card at the exit to pay and retrieve your bike.
- Cost: Fees are typically affordable, starting around 5-10,000 VND for a few hours. Some malls may offer free or discounted parking if you make a certain amount of purchases.
- Why it’s safe: These garages are well-lit, monitored, and often have a high level of security. However, there can be cases where the garage is large and parking in a distant corner can expose your bike to risk.
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Business, Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes
Many businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops, provide parking for their customers. When approaching a business, you should ask if they have parking and where to park. If they tell you they have parking and direct you, then they are taking some responsibility for your vehicle, whether they have a guard or not. If they tell you parking is at your own risk, consider either parking elsewhere, or using a different business.
- How it works: You can often park on the sidewalk directly in front of the business. An employee or security guard will help you park and watch your bike. In most cases, this service is free if you are a customer. You may or may not be given a ticket and often the guard will cover your seat from the Sun.
- Cost: Free for customers, though some establishments may have a small fee. If you are not a customer, you will be told to park elsewhere.
- Why it’s safe: Your bike is being watched by a staff member of the business.
Street and Sidewalk Parking (with caution)
While you will see motorbikes parked everywhere on the sidewalk, it’s crucial to be aware of the rules.
- How it works: For very short stops, like running into a convenience store, people often park on the sidewalk. However, this is a risky option. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to break a lock and steal a motorbike, so beware.
- Regulations: Parking on the sidewalk in a way that obstructs traffic can result in a fine. In some areas, police may tow illegally parked bikes. This is rare.
- Why it’s risky: Unmonitored street and sidewalk parking greatly increases the risk of theft. If you choose this option, it’s highly recommended to use a steering lock and other security measures.
How to Secure an Unguarded Bike
Generally, it is a good idea to lock the motorbike as this will deter thieves and make them less likely to choose your bike over one that is not locked. However, this does frustrate parking guards who may need to move your bike. They will usually ask you NOT to lock the bike, which seems reasonable so long as you feel that the parking is secure.
Here are a few different locking methods:
- Steering lock This is the simplest, easiest and also the least secure method of disabling the bike. The convenience is that the steering lock is always present and you simply need to turn the ignition barrel an extra turn to lock the handlebars. However, it is very easy to snap this lock and then the bike is easy to move.
- U Lock Also, quite a simple and hassle free method of disabling the bike, but you have to carry the lock, which can be bulky, and also the key. Most of these locks can be easily cut, but this is noisy and as such deters thieves.
- Disc Lock This is very similar to the U Lock except that it is applied to the brake disc and is trickier for a thief to remove. It is smaller and easier to carry.
- Cable lock This is a thick wire that is difficult, but not impossible, to cut and is not a very secure option. This could be used to secure items such as helmets to the bike and secure them from opportunistic theft.
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FAQ
Is it possible to find a long-term parking spot for a motorbike in Vietnam?
Yes, many parking lots offer monthly rates, especially in apartment buildings and commercial centers. You can negotiate a long-term contract with the lot manager. Typically, you will need to register the bike with the guards and pay a monthly fee.
What should I do if my parking ticket is lost?
If you lose your ticket, you will need to provide your ID and motorbike registration papers to prove ownership. The attendant will verify your identity against security footage or logs before releasing the bike, which can take time and may involve a fine.
Are there different parking regulations for motorbikes with foreign license plates?
Parking regulations are generally the same for both local and foreign-plated motorbikes. However, having a foreign plate may sometimes complicate the process of retrieving a bike that has been towed, so it’s best to park legally.
Can I leave my helmet with the parking attendant?
While some attendants may offer to hold your helmet, it is not a standard practice and is not recommended. It’s safest to take your helmet with you to prevent it from being stolen or lost.
Is it common for people to park their motorbikes inside their homes or hotels?
In some residential areas, especially in smaller alleys, people commonly park their motorbikes inside their houses overnight. Many hotels also have designated indoor parking spaces for guests’ bikes.
Important Things to Remember:
- Lock your bike if possible: Try to use the steering lock where possible. Some guards will ask you not to, so that they can move the bike easily. Make a judgement call.
- Keep the ticket: If you’re given a parking ticket, do not lose it. Losing it can result in a fine and it is usually a major hassle to get your bike back.
- Don’t park in unauthorized areas: Avoid parking in places without an attendant or a clear “Giữ Xe” sign. Learn to recognize the “Cấm đỗ xe” sign. The police are quick to tow illegally parked bikes.
- Don’t park outside a shop/cafe/restaurant that you will not use: This will only upset the shop owner and will at best cause an argument. At worst, your bike will be moved and it could be difficult to locate.
- Take your helmet and valuables: Do not leave your helmet or any other valuables on your bike, even if they are secured.