Vietnam Motorbike Ride – Have You Known About It?

In Vietnam, each city, each street, each quarter is said to have its own specialty. There are many beautiful spots, friendly people, delicious food and tons of wonderful stories in this S-shaped country. 

Do you want to explore all these wonderful things here by yourself? I know that you will answer “Yes” without delay. Coming to Vietnam, you also have to try Vietnam motorbike ride, which is the easiest way to explore this lovely country to the fullest.

Do not know the requirements for the Vietnam motorbike ride? Do not panic! You will find out in this article. Now, check it out!

Motorbike Legality In Vietnam

Firstly, if you want to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, you have to learn the legality of motorbikes in Vietnam.

Normally, you need to have a valid driving license to legally ride a motorbike in this country. In case, you do not have a license, you can only ride a motorbike that is under 50cc. Of course, 50cc motorbikes are not strong enough for you to have an extended journey throughout the country.

In some special cases, the international motorbike riders can also drive in Vietnam if they have an international driving permit Vietnam. But permits are only accepted if their home country has signed the 1968 convention. To transfer your home license to a valid Vietnamese license, you will have to do some paperwork in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city. Don’t worry because it won’t take much of your time.

What should you choose: Renting or Buying a motorbike?

If you are still in two minds whether you should buy a motorbike or rent it instead. Which option should you choose? Let’s find out the pros and cons of buying and renting a motorbike.

Renting

Advantages

• Save much money if you do not use the motorbike much
• Be less risk in motorbike repair costs
• Rent a motorbike from many companies offering bike tours or bike rental services.

Disadvantages

• Have no initiative in travel time
• Have less freedom
• Be required to do some paperwork
• Have a risk of fraud
• May pay much for renting

Buying

Advantages

• Able to take the initiative in traveling
• Use the motorbike freely and comfortably
• Go out anytime that you want
• Require no deposit
• Do anything for your own motorbike (paint, pimp, fix, and so on)

Disadvantages

• Deal with motorbike repairs by yourself
• Take a long time to find out how to buy a good motorbike
• Takes a long time to sell the motorbike after using it

Tips For Riding A Motorbike Safely In Vietnam

Safety is always important while driving, right? Remembering these safety tips, you can rest assured to ride a motorbike in Vietnam.

Understand the type of your motorbike

Your motorbike is not only just a means of transportation but also your sidekick. If you do not understand this companion, you may end up in trouble on the way. In Vietnam, there are 3 different common types of motorbikes. Each type has its own function.

There are three popular kinds of motorbikes in Vietnam, which are automatic transmission motorbikes, manual transmission motorbikes, and electric motorbikes. What are the differences between them? Maybe you need to spend more time learning about it.

Always wear a helmet while riding

Do you feel annoyed when wearing a helmet? If that is your case, I’m so sorry to inform you that wearing a helmet while driving is mandatory in Vietnam. 

Do not think that having a helmet is unnecessary. Your head is always the most sensitive part of your body because there are so many complicated nerve things inside it. When you get an accident, those nerve things may be broken, causing serious results to your health. You don’t want to end up in this situation, right?

If you still attempt to drive without a helmet, Vietnamese traffic polices may arrest you. In this case, your driving license may be taken. Besides, you will have to pay about 300.000 – 500.000 VND for punishment as well.

Pay attention to traffic lights

Remember that you are not the only person who drives on the road. Every day there are plenty of people who are in traffic as you. In order to avoid getting accidents, you should pay attention to the traffic lights. These traffic lights in Vietnam are similar to the traffic lights in other countries. They have three colors: green, yellow and red. When you see it red, you must stop.. When you see the yellow color, you should go slow down. When the light is green, it’s time for you to continue your journey.

Always go on the right lane of the road

Not on the left lane, not in the middle of the road, always go on the right side! 

In Vietnam, people always go on the right side of the road. So if you go on the left side, you may bump into vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. 

We understand that in some countries such as Singapore, The United Kingdom, Malaysia, New Zealand, Indie, and so on, people usually drive on the left side of the road. But when you come to Vietnam, we hope that you will understand and get used to these requirements.

Follow the speed limit

It is always great to get to the destination as fast as you can, right? But there is always a speed limit for a motorbike on each type of road. If you drive too fast, you may lose control of your motorbike, jeopardizing other drivers. 

The speed limit for motorbikes on double roads and one-way roads with 2 or more lanes is 70 km/h, on two – way roads and one-way roads with 1 lane is 60 km/h. In the city, you can only ride the motorbike at maximal 40 km/h.

Conclusion

Now you have all you need to travel Vietnam by motorbike. We hope that you can enjoy natural beauty spots, interesting traditions, delicious food and more.

If you still have questions about Vietnam motorbike ride, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help.

Lastly, thank you for reading. We wish you have a wonderful time in Vietnam!

Vietnam Embassy Singapore