Driving a motorbike in Saigon is an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. The city is filled with motorbikes day or night and the smaller town streets are just as busy. To the Vietnamese person it’s just daily life here but to us expats it’s very exciting every time. Read more.
When I first arrived in Vietnam the motorbikes were the first thing I immediately noticed, literally surrounded by almost hundreds of them on every busy street. I actually wasn’t expecting it as years ago I knew nothing about Vietnam other than old war movies.
My wife would take me out driving before I learned to drive, it’s an experience unlike anywhere else. Sure back home in the states we have motorcycles but the difference is in Vietnam motorbikes are a way of life. In fact the cars in Vietnam are the danger here, they get in the way - while in the US it’s the other way around.
I began to study for my motorbike endorsement. In Vietnam any bike over 50cc requires a license called a B1 endorsement. Above 160cc is another endorsement. Although it’s true many Vietnamese don’t have a license, I like to play it safe. At night time I would practice riding scooters (motorbikes) on an empty street but it took me a long time to feel okay with merging in with 50 other motorbikes on a busy road.
Another surprise was seeing young children riding with their parents on bikes, not just one but many children. I’ve even seen babies being held. As much as I dislike this idea, I get it. People have to get around and it’s a way of life. Most people here can’t afford cars.
Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam.
It’s actually affordable for a tourist. In Vietnam it cost as little as $4 to $15 a day depending on the bike such as the model and CCs. You will pay a deposit and I highly recommend buying insurance if it’s offered. I recommend the Honda Airblade 160, it’s simple and fast.Be sure that you take pictures of the bike before taking it. I’ve heard of people getting stuck with damage they didn’t do.
The Places I Recommend Riding in Vietnam
- Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
- The Ho Chi Minh Trail
- Hanoi West Lake
- Highland Mountains
- CT101 route along the coast
As always stay safe and if you come and need a riding partner look me up! Sometimes I’m free for a ride!