Nearly everyone in Vietnam gets around on motorbike. While gas is higher than normal as I write this, the cost of the motorbike is about the same as always. Usually 1.000.000 VND per month, or $40.
Motorbike travel in Vietnam is quick, easy and fun! It’s easy and inexpensive to rent a motorbike for a month or so while you are here. In my experience maintenance and emergency roadside assistance is usually included. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a motorbike.
There are a few things to watch out for, and in this article I will share my own experience with you so you have a great time!
Before we get started, I want to caution you. If you decide to rent a motorbike, be careful! There are few rules, fewer emergency services, and it’s not too rare to see a family of five (including babies) on a motorbike WITHOUT helmets! More than once, I personally have seen accidents happen. I personally have seen injured people lying in the streets.
Besides, a mistake is much less likely where there are two or more motorbikes in the way. IF the police catch you. Carry some extra cash. There are few police, and when you see them, they can usually be ignored.
Blend in with the crowd, drive in the middle of the street. Wear a helmet and cover up like the Vietnamese do. A license is technically required but I drove for two years without a problem. It’s not likely you will be stopped. No license is required for 50 cc and electric motorbikes, but they are limited in speed and range.
If you are stopped, the fine is only 500,000 to 1,000,000 vnd ($20 to $40). Show some money, your current international or other driver license and be prepared to pay for your mistake. It’s best to appear ignorant and say as little as possible. You didn’t hear me say that.
Navigating Vietnam Maps
Use caution if you copy your address from Google Maps. The Grab App will not recognize the full address with “number, street name, ward, district, city, country, postal code”. Shorten this to the number and street name. Vietnamese want to sound Western by using “street” instead of “đường” when they give you an address.
But remove the word street because Google Maps doesn’t always recognize “Street”. Before you book, be sure to check the route to make sure the autocomplete didn’t choose another city!
Some rental motorbikes have mirrors and some do not. Lots of Vietnamese only look forward when driving! Also, mirrors get in the way when parking them close together and mirrors sometimes suffer as a result.
Also, some motorbikes can have a smartphone holder. These can be very handy when you are using Google Maps to find your way in the city. Be sure to remove your smartphone when you get to your destination!