VIETNAM MOTORBIKE RENTAL – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you want to experience Vietnam in the most interactive, authentic, and memorable way, consider a Vietnam motorbike rental. In this guide, I’ll explain the different types of motorbikes, their rental prices, along with useful tips, advice, and important things you should know before signing a rental contract. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly options to premium motorcycles.

In reality, Vietnam is a true motorbike nation, with more than 75 million motorbikes on the road in a country of over million people. With a land area of just 329,560 square kilometres, it’s easy to imagine how busy the traffic can be. Fortunately, most rental motorbikes are small-displacement motorcycles or scooters (either fully automatic or semi-automatic), making them ideal for everyday riding.

In this guide, I will focus on Vietnam motorbike rental in Hanoi, particularly the scooters that expats commonly rent for daily commuting. Large-displacement motorcycles are not covered because new big bikes are generally unavailable for rent in Vietnam due to their high import taxes and purchase costs.

Vietnam Motorbike Rental Low End – Chinese  Brands

This is probably the cheapest category of new motorbikes available in Vietnam, but unfortunately, it is also the lowest in quality. In reality, these motorcycles are not built to the same standards as those sold by Chinese manufacturers in China. A used Chinese motorbike typically costs between US$50 (very poor condition) and US$300 (reasonably rideable), while a brand-new model costs around US$700, including tax and registration.

Many articles about Vietnam motorbike prices describe buying one of these bikes as a fun adventure, but it often turns into an expensive lesson. Many travellers choose these motorcycles simply because they are cheap, hoping to save money without fully considering reliability or safety. For more information, please check this link out.

There are two main types: the manual-clutch Win (110 – 125cc) and the semi-automatic Wave/Future (110 – 125cc), with model names copied from Honda. Today, only the Win copies are still available brand new, while most Wave copies are at least ten years old. Rental prices may appear attractive at first – typically US$3-5 per day for a Wave copy and US$5-10 per day for a Win copy, depending on their condition.

However, these low rental rates can quickly become poor value for money. Because of their unreliable build quality, you are likely to spend more time in repair shops than enjoying your ride. Even more importantly, safety is a major concern with these Chinese copies. Once you add the cost of repairs, extra fuel consumption, and engine oil, the total expense can be almost the same as renting a Japanese Honda, which offers far better reliability, performance, and peace of mind.

Our company has never considered these machines suitable for touring motorcycles, which is why we do not rent or sell Chinese motorbikes. Just look at the photo above of an old Chinese Win and decide for yourself. As far as we’re concerned, the answer is simple: No Chinese motorbikes!

Conclusion

Cheap at first, but expensive in the long run. These Chinese motorbikes may seem like a bargain, but their poor reliability, higher running costs, and safety concerns often outweigh the initial savings. They simply do not offer the peace of mind or freedom you need to enjoy riding in Vietnam.

Vietnam Motorbike Rental Mid-End – Japanese & Taiwanese Brands

You can easily rent a 100-155cc motorbike from hundreds of rental shops throughout Hanoi. One of the most common models available is the Yamaha Nouvo, an automatic scooter that is typically 5-20 years old. It was once Vietnam’s first popular lightweight automatic scooter, but after Honda introduced the Air Blade, Nouvo sales declined dramatically. By the end of 2016, Yamaha had discontinued the model after annual sales dropped to around 34,000 units, while the Honda Air Blade had surged to approximately 368,000 units. Quality, reliability, and performance ultimately sent these two scooters in very different directions.

The typical Vietnam motorbike rental cost for a Yamaha Nouvo is around US$40-60 per month (or US$5-10 per day). However, before choosing one, there are several drawbacks you should consider:

• Difficult to start, especially on cold mornings.
• High fuel consumption, averaging 5-6 litres per 100 km.
• Expensive spare parts compared to similar scooters.
• Wheels are often bent or deformed after years of use.
• Weak brakes and a firm suspension, resulting in a less comfortable ride.

Other Japanese and Taiwanese models commonly available for rent include:

• Yamaha: Sirius, Jupiter, Grande, Nozza, Acruzo, Janus, Luvias, Mio, Cuxi, and Classico.
• Suzuki: Best, Revo, Viva, Axelo, Impulse, Address, Hayate, and UA.
• SYM: Elegant, Angel, Magic, Galaxy, Amigo, Attila, Passing, Shark, and Venus.

As an expat commuter in Hanoi, you can generally expect to pay between US$40 and US$100 per month for these motorcycles. While these rental rates are reasonable, there is an even better value option available, which we introduce in the next section.

Conclusion

Reasonably priced, but better options are available. While these Japanese and Taiwanese motorbikes are generally more reliable than low-end Chinese models, many rental bikes are quite old and may show signs of heavy use. Choosing a newer, well-maintained motorcycle can provide a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable riding experience.

Vietnam Motorbike Rental Best Scooter Choice – Honda

Your best choice for a Vietnam motorbike rental in Hanoi is, fortunately, an easy one: Honda. It is by far the most trusted and popular small motorcycle brand in Vietnam. In fact, the word “Honda” has become almost synonymous with “motorbike” in everyday Vietnamese. By choosing a Honda, you’ll be riding the same brand as more than 70% of local riders.

The cost of renting a Honda scooter typically ranges from US$50 per month for semi-automatic models to US$80–120 per month for fully automatic scooters. Our rental fleet consists of modern motorcycles, all less than four years old or with fewer than 30,000 km on the odometer.

One of the reasons we recommend Honda is its outstanding consistency. Many components are interchangeable across different models, making maintenance and repairs both simple and affordable. While Honda motorcycles may not have the futuristic styling of some Yamaha models, their reliability, durability, and low running costs make them the preferred choice for riders throughout Vietnam.

Here are just a few reasons why two-thirds of Vietnamese riders choose Honda:

• Reliable starting every morning, regardless of the weather – a feature you’ll truly appreciate.
• Excellent engine quality, backed by decades of proven reliability.
• Outstanding fuel economy, typically 1.5–2.5 litres per 100 km.
• Affordable and widely available spare parts. Honda has more than 800 authorised dealerships across Vietnam, along with thousands of independent repair shops specialising in Honda motorcycles.
• Free monthly servicing and an engine oil change when required.
• A full tank of fuel when you collect your scooter, with a simple full-to-full fuel policy. Unlike some rental shops that hand over nearly empty tanks to maximise profits, we believe in treating customers fairly.

• Effective brakes and a comfortable suspension, providing a safer and smoother ride on Vietnam’s roads.

For more information about scooter rentals, please click here for our semi-automatic scooters or here if you’re looking for a fully automatic scooter.

Conclusion

Look no further. Pay once and enjoy complete peace of mind. With new, low-mileage Honda scooters, you’ll benefit from excellent reliability, low running costs, and the confidence to explore Vietnam without unnecessary worries.

50cc

If you don’t have a valid driving licence, or your licence doesn’t comply with Vietnamese law, you may want to consider renting one of our 50cc scooters. Our Taiwanese SYM and KYMCO scooters are in good condition and make an excellent option for riders legally permitted to ride a 50cc motorcycle.

Please note that 50cc scooters are best suited for one rider. Due to their compact size, limited power, and basic suspension, they are not comfortable or recommended for carrying two people, especially on longer journeys.

Conclusion

If you don’t have a valid driving licence or your licence isn’t recognised under Vietnamese law, and you’re willing to accept limited power, then a 50cc scooter may be your only practical option. These scooters are not suitable for steep hills or mountain roads, but they are perfectly adequate for city commuting and riding on flat terrain.

Vietnam Motorbike Rental Touring Bikes – Honda Again!

Honda’s reputation has been built over decades of producing reliable, durable, and easy-to-maintain motorcycles. It’s a reputation that has earned the trust of millions of riders around the world.

On paper, Honda touring motorcycles may produce slightly less horsepower than some of their competitors. However, real-world reliability is where Honda truly stands out. Since 2000, I have worked extensively on Honda XR250 models (1998-2005), Honda XR150L models (2015-2020), Honda CRF250L models (2013-2019) and Honda CRF300L models (2021-2022). Even after replacing worn pistons and piston rings on high-mileage bikes, they continued to perform exceptionally well. In my experience, I have yet to find another sub-250cc motorcycle that matches Honda’s combination of quality, durability, and dependability.

If you’ve owned, ridden, or maintained a Honda motorcycle, you’ll probably understand exactly what I mean. These opinions are based entirely on hands-on experience. Honda has never sponsored our business or provided us with discounts, so we have no reason to exaggerate our recommendations.

Many rental companies in Hanoi offer touring motorcycles from brands such as Yamaha, Benelli, Kawasaki, and KTM. While these bikes certainly have their strengths, spare parts can sometimes be difficult to source in Vietnam, resulting in longer repair times if something goes wrong during your trip. With Honda, replacement parts are readily available almost everywhere, making repairs faster, easier, and less stressful.

For more information about hiring a touring motorcycle, please click here. If you’re looking for a dedicated off-road motorcycle, please click here.

Vietnam Motorbike Rental Conclusion

Stick with Honda, and you’ll enjoy a reliable, worry-free, and fun riding experience throughout Vietnam.

To help you choose the right motorbike or scooter, please watch the video below.