IS IT SAFE TO RIDE MOTORBIKE IN VIETNAM?
It is true that traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic at times, but if you follow some basic rules and common sense, you’ll be fine. The best way to ensure your safety is to travel with a motorbike guide (you may be an experienced rider or not) and to follow their instructions. Wear all recommended safety gear and do not speed. When traveling on wet or slippery roads, slow down. Use the horn to notify other drivers of your presence – it’s not rude to ride during Motorbike Tours in Vietnam, it is expected.
IS THE TRAFFIC IN VIETNAM AS DANGEROUS AS I HAVE HEARD?
It depends on your driving style. At times, traffic in Vietnam could become overwhelming, but if you ride with common sense and comply with some basic rules, you will not have issues whatsoever with the traffic in Vietnam. We recommend though that you travel with a guide as provided by us, so to ensure utmost safety for you. Of course, you will need to closely follow your guide’s instructions to accomplish that. Other than that, being discreet and using good judgment can always become your allies when traveling. Also, make sure you wear your safety gear when you ride your motorbike, not speed over the limit (over-speeding limits your chances for a safe stop if needed, too), and carefully slow down when you are travelling on slippery or wet roads. As for blind turns, it is advised not to ride too quickly around them. And, one more thing…In Vietnam, using the horn is not considered rude; on the contrary, it is something drivers and pedestrians expect, so use the horn to let others know of your presence.
WHAT ARE THE ROAD CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM?
In the majority, the roads are in good condition in Vietnam. However, expect occasional potholes and of course like any other country road maintenance, which is never a real issue to be concerned about. There are plenty of dirt roads trails in the north’s mountainous regions that can be avoided by inexperienced riders or enjoyed by more experienced and adventurous riders. Please note that sometimes some off-road trails can become impassable or too muddy, due to heavy rain (in the rainy season). You can expect busy roads in major highways and in the bigger cities during rush hour.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF ACCIDENT HAPPENS?
During your motorbike rentals Vietnam or if you’re on one of our tours, if there’s an accident It is customary for the bigger of the vehicles involved in an accident to pay. For example, a vehicle driver will pay a cyclist, a driver will pay the motorcycle driver, etc. However, if you do get involved in an accident, first you need to let our guide talk on your behalf or you can call our 24hr helpline to calmly discuss with the other party to resolve the situation. In case you disagree with one another, We will call the police and they will resolve the issue. The most important thing to remember is to keep calm and our guide or our 24 hr help line will prove a valuable assistant that will help you get through the situation that has arisen.
Remember our 24-hour support for our customers is just a phone call away to solve all your issues!
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MOTORBIKE BREAKS DOWN?
This is an extremely unusual thing to happen, given the proper care we have for our fleet. However, in the rare case your engine fails, we take full responsibility to fix your motorbike, as long as your breakdown is not the outcome of neglect or misuse. We have support all around the clock, and we have a comprehensive network of local mechanics spreading all over Vietnam to deal with the more serious problems.
In case the motorbike needs damage repairs that are not covered, according to our Terms & Conditions, you can repair the bike anywhere you want, providing you only use authentic parts to fix the motorbike.
Important Notice: We do not charge for labor repair, or on parts.
WHAT TO BRING ALONG?
Vietnam is a developing country. As such, the quality of the products and a selection of size cause a headache sometimes. You will find local products cheap, but you will either get a poor quality or a size that fits all, so here is what we suggest:
Bring your:
- Helmet
2. Wellington boots
3. Rain gloves
4. Summer gloves
5. T-shirts/underwear/socks
6. Balaclava
7. Turtleneck shirt
8. Long-sleeved shirt
9. A pair of extra jeans
10. Goggles and sunglasses
11. Bandannas
12. Riding boots
13. Light jacket
Notice: We will supply you with some equipment, including helmets and rain-gear. Personal Items:
- Insect repellant
2. Earplugs
3. Sunscreen
4. Emergency cash
5. Zip lock bags, in case it rains, and you want to protect your documents
6. Basic toiletries
Emergency Items:
- Chargers
2. Medications’ List and List with Medical Conditions
3. Flashlight
4. Emergency contact number
5. First aid kit
6. Duct tape
Miscellaneous:
- Cargo net
2. Camera
3. Bungee cords
4. Small towel
CAN YOU MAKE ANY ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS FOR US?
Of course. We arrange hotel reservations. We can also arrange for a car to come and pick you up from the airport and then drive you straight to the hotel of your choice.
WHAT TYPES OF HOTELS AND FOOD ON TOUR?
Quality varies with location, in both accommodation and food. Like in all major cities, there are world-class facilities with international cuisine, as well as numerous local restaurants, where you can find many quality levels and prices.
If you travel in the countryside, you will most likely not find Western cuisine. However, there are several towns that offer both formal dining facilities, alongside traditional restaurants and food cooked by street vendors.
As for the more remote areas, quality in food definitely varies significantly. If you are particularly worried about food safety, you can as well buy snack food and per-packaged, processed food from the many grocery shops on your way!
Accommodation is a different thing in Vietnam. Hotels are generally well-appointed and clean, even those that are in the budget price range. There are many reasonably-priced hotels in Vietnam, and even if you are visiting the country solo, you can still get a great bargain if you just shop around for that super price you wanted!
Tip: If you want to spend your night in a remote area, it is suggested you choose a town of a populous center, because you have more accommodation options available.
HOW TO GET VIETNAM VISA?
You will need a visa while in Vietnam, so here is how you can acquire one. Start early on the process, as it can take up to 14 days (and sometimes even longer) to get a visa.
Important Notice: You DO NOT need a Vietnam Entry Visa if you are planning to travel in Vietnam for less than 30 days. This applies to residents of Laos, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.
Also, you DO NOT need a Vietnam Entry Visa if you are planning to travel in Vietnam for less than 15 days. This applies to citizens of Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and Japan.
HOW TO APPLY FOR VIETNAM VISA?
In order to get a Vietnam Visa, there are 2 ways to get there:
- You can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in your country, who can pre arrange your visa.
- We can prearrange an invitation approval visa letter before you depart from your country and upon your arrival in a Vietnamese International Airport, you will be issued the full visa. This is the most convenient way to get a visa:
Please note: In order to board the plane in your country you must have either a Visa from the embassy in your country or you must have an invitation approval visa letter.
DO I NEED A DRIVING LICENSE TO DRIVE A MOTORBIKE IN VIETNAM?
Yes, you do. But if you travel with a guide, this is not necessary.
IS AN INTERNATIONAL LICENSE VALID IN VIETNAM?
International Driving License is only valid as you live in one of the countries abide by the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic on IDPs.
HOW LONG DO WE RIDE IN A DAY IN GUIDED TOUR?
We aim to ride approximately 4-5 hours/day. However, this will vary depending on your tour program. We typically stop often during the day for photos, drinks, or short visits in the villages along our route.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO HIRE A MOTORBIKE OR SCOOTER?
You will need your driver’s license and a credit card (VISA or MasterCard) for the security deposit. For anything larger than 50cc, you need a motorcycle driver’s license.
CAN I HIRE TWO OR MORE BIKES WITH ONE DRIVER’S LICENSE?
Yes, you can but you won’t be allowed to give either bike to another person to drive. So if you want to have options as to what you will drive one day or the next, that’s fine. But giving the bike to someone without a license to drive or without one in his/her possession at that specific time is prohibited and also illegal.
ARE BEGINNERS ALLOWED TO TAKE PART IN A MOTORCYCLE TOUR?
Since you will be travelling with our assistance and guidance at all times, it is possible. We also hold a training course that usually takes place a day ahead of the departure of your Vietnam motorbike tours or rentals and is specially designed for inexperienced riders. Through this course, you will learn all you need to know to operate a motorcycle and give you the necessary confidence to ride one. At this point, we suggest you select a bike that suits your riding skills and is appropriate for beginners (e.g. not too big or with extreme motor power).
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL PRICE?
The rental price includes 24-hour rental period, 24-hour emergency contact phone number, secure storage for your luggage or baggage, third party insurance, unlimited mileage, free road assistance in case of a problem, helmets for two (Although we suggest you bring your own for fitment and comfort). We do not provide medical insurance for the rider, passenger and any third party involved in an accident as mentioned on our Contract.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL PRICE?
The rental price does NOT include insurance (available for an extra charge) and fuel.
WHAT ABOUT FUEL?
You will need to put as much fuel as you like in the bike depending on the distance you plan to cover. You just need to return the bike with the same amount of fuel as when you first hired it. So if you the tank was full when you took the bike then it must be full when you return. If it is almost empty to start with then you just bring it back empty.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM RENTAL PERIOD?
The minimum rental period is one day. This can be 12 hours (morning to evening). You could hire a bike for a few hours if that is what you would like but a full day would still be charged.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET?
Yes, Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger.
We always recommend you bring your own helmet for best fitment and comfort.
WHERE CAN I GO ON THE MOTORBIKE / SCOOTER?
You can go anywhere in Vietnam but we strongly recommend that you ride in the North of Vietnam and along the coast from North to South if your travel time permits.
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET A FLAT TIRE?
We recommend that you pump the tires up every 2 weeks to reduce the chances of getting a flat tire. However, should you get a flat tire, the customer is responsible for repairing the flat tire. There are motorbike repair shops on almost every corner. A patch on an inner tube should cost about 30,000 VND and a new inner tube should cost about 120,000 – 150,000 VND.
DO YOU RENT MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING?
Yes, we have motorcycle jackets and rain gear available for rent. The sizes we carry are limited, and if you are very small or very large, we may not have your size. Please call in advance to confirm. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, bandannas, sunglasses and light gloves are available to purchase.
CAN I PICKUP OR THE RETURN THE MOTORBIKE AFTER HOURS?
Yes, we can make special arrangements, however there is a nominal charge.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE “OVERTIME” AND “LATE” FEES?
Overtime charges will be applied when the scheduled return time goes past the 24-hour rental period. This must be arranged in advance, prior to your scheduled return, and is subject to motorcycle availability.
Late charges will be applied when you return the motorcycle past your scheduled return time without prior notice and approval.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM RUNNING LATE PAST MY SCHEDULED PICK-UP TIME?
Please notify us as soon as you realize you are going to be late, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please understand that we may not be able to extend your return time, as the motorbike might be scheduled for another rental as soon as it returns. You will still be responsible for the full rental fees as per your reservation.
WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION POLICIES?
Rental Deposit and Cancellation policy:
A reservation deposit is required to hold a motorbike. Amount of deposit is 20% of the total.
Cancellations with over 10 day notice will receive full deposit refund, 05- 09 days’ notice will receive 50% deposit refund. No deposit refund with less than 04 days’ notice.
WHICH ARE THE BEST MOTORBIKES FOR HA GIANG LOOP FROM HANOI?
To Ha Giang Loop from Hanoi, the Honda XR 150 (great for rider pillion) and Honda CRF 150L – Kings of Road are the best options for this riding, off road included. They are both reliable and powerful enough on 10-day riding.
Honda Wave Rental – Queen of Road is the second choice, great quality, few breakdowns.
CAN I RENT A BIKE IN HANOI AND DROP IT OFF IN HO CHI MINH, HUE… OR VICE VERSA?
Yes. You are allowed to do both ways. However, there is 14-day minimum rental requirements and you will have to pay a return/shipping fee. Please contact our offices for more information about your motorbike rentals Vietnam or Tours. We recommend you rent from Hanoi, where our Head Office is located, and get a chance to purchase the bike of your likes from our large fleet. As soon as you arrive at Ho Chi Minh City, our branch will immediately provide you a smaller bike (e.g. a Honda Scooter), so you can easily commute in the city and surrounding areas. Upon your request, we can make sure larger bikes are sent down from our Hanoi Head Office. In this case, we will need an advance notice and a deposit before we make the necessary arrangements. It all points to renting your bike in Hanoi and then return it in Ho Chi Minh City, so you can choose the bike you like most and travel with it, increasing your satisfaction.
DO I GET TO ACTIVATE A 4G SIM CARD?
Yes. Before you start your motorbike rentals Vietnam or Motorcycle Tours, our offices in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City sell 3G Sim cards, at cost price that are ready to be activated. The cost of a Sim card averages $5 and you can benefit from some extra credit. We recommend you add the 500mb 3G Sim card, for a few more dollars. If you need help activating your Sim card or make any top ups, we are always here!
DO I GET 4G COVERAGE AND SIGNAL IN VIETNAM?
Vinaphone is the best provider in Vietnam, which is why we recommend Vinaphone Sim cards, so you have full coverage throughout Vietnam and an excellent quality signal, even in the most remote areas.
IS MOTORBIKE INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Our Guided Tours packages include bike damage insurance at an extra cost. Nevertheless, there is no motorbike damage insurance offered for our Self-Guided Tours, as well as rentals. Also, no medical insurance is provided for the person driving the motorbike.
ARE THERE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Medical insurance of any type is not sold or offered by us. Our customers usually have their own personal insurance, mainly because having foreigners insured in Vietnam is a complicated, time-consuming process. Moreover, the compensation you can get for an accident is significantly low. So, it is best if you came with your own medical insurance that you would have acquired in your country or take a look at World Nomads: https://rentalmotorbikehanoi.com/world-nomads-travel-insurance-review-the-best-backpacker-travel-insurance/
I TRAVEL SOLO. IT IS POSSIBLE TO JOIN A GROUP TOUR?
Yes. It all depends on our bookings and the number of people we have at the time. We always try to offer our customers a compatible program, so we usually organize groups of a spontaneous nature. If you have any particular requirements from your trip, please feel free to let us know of your limitations and/or preferences, so we find the perfect group for you.
I STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! CAN YOU HELP ME?
You bet! You can always contact us directly, or email us at booking@rentalmotorbikehanoi.com. Of course, you can reach us by our live chat or alternatively, let’s talk over the phone, during business hours!
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