Renting a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best decisions you can make as a traveler in Vietnam. There's no better way to feel the city's electric energy, discover hidden alleyways, and escape the tourist trail than on two wheels. But with so many rental shops, bike options, and confusing advice online, it's hard to know where to start.
This guide covers everything — prices, which bike to pick, license requirements, what's included, and how to stay safe. Updated for 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Motorbike in Saigon?
Rental prices in Ho Chi Minh City range from around $9/day for a basic scooter to $42/day for a larger adventure bike. Here is what you can expect across the main categories:
• • Small scooter (Honda Wave 110cc): $7–$12/day — perfect for no pressure riding, easy for beginners
• • Mid-range manual (Honda XR150, Suzuki EN125): $10–$15/day — versatile, perfect for crossing Vietnam in 3weeks/1month
• • Large adventure bike (Honda CB150X, Kawasaki Versys X300): $42/day — best for serious long-distance touring
Weekly and monthly rates are significantly cheaper. If you plan to keep the bike for 7 days or more, always ask for a weekly rate — you can save 20–50% compared to the daily price.
Which Motorbike Should You Choose?
The right bike depends on your experience level, where you're going, and how long you're renting. Here's a simple breakdown:
For Beginners: Honda Wave Alpha 110cc
The Honda Wave is Vietnam's most popular bike for a reason. It's lightweight, semi- automatic, fuel-efficient, and incredibly easy to ride. If you've never ridden a motorbike before, this is where to start. It handles Saigon's chaotic traffic effortlessly and costs less than a coffee break per kilometer to run.
For cross country and offroading: Honda XR150, Honda CRF150, Yamaha WR155R
If you have some riding experience and want a bit more power for adventures and off the beaten path, the Honda XR150 and Yamaha WR155R are excellent choices. Both handle cross country comfortably while giving you enough engine to tackle coastal roads and rural routes with ease.
For Long-Distance Touring — Kawasaki Versys X300
Planning a one-way ride to Da Nang or Hanoi? The Kawasaki Versys X300 is the bike for you. With 300cc of power, a large top box included, and a comfortable upright riding position, it handles everything Vietnam can throw at you, mountain passes, long highway stretches, and narrow village roads.
Do I Need a License to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam?
This is the most-asked question — and the answer is nuanced. Technically, you need a Vietnamese motorcycle license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle category to legally ride in Vietnam. In practice, the enforcement varies significantly.
Here is what you actually need to know:
• • Bikes under 50cc (mopeds): no license required in Vietnam
• • Bikes 50–175cc (most rentals): Vietnamese license or IDP with motorbike category required
• • Bikes over 175cc: full Vietnamese motorcycle license required
• • Your home country driving license alone is NOT valid for riding in Vietnam
• • An IDP issued by your home country (based on the 1949 Geneva Convention) is accepted
At Red Lantern Bikes, we ask all customers about their license and can advise which bike category best suits their situation. We always recommend having the correct documentation — it protects you if you have an accident and need insurance to cover costs.
What's Included in the Rental?
A good rental shop should include more than just the bike. At Red Lantern Bikes, every rental includes:
• • Full-face helmet
• • Phone holder
• • Rack for bags or luggage
• • Bungee cords
• • Printed map of the best roads in Vietnam
• • Roadside assistance: call us if anything goes wrong, anywhere in Vietnam
Optional extras like insurance, premium helmets, side racks, top boxes, and hotel delivery are available at a small additional cost. We believe in zero hidden fees, the price you see is what you pay.
One-Way Rental: Rent in Saigon, Return Somewhere Else
One of the most popular options for backpackers and long-term travelers is a one-way rental. Instead of riding the same road twice, you pick up your bike in Ho Chi Minh City and drop it off in Da Nang or Hanoi when you reach the end of your journey. It's the ultimate way to see Vietnam north to south.
At Red Lantern Bikes, we offer one-way rentals to Da Nang and Hanoi. The process is simple: rent your bike in Saigon, ride at your own pace, and hand it back at the destination. Pricing for one-way rentals varies by bike and duration — contact us via WhatsApp for a quick quote.
How to Book Your Motorbike Rental in HCMC
Booking with Red Lantern Bikes takes two minutes. Browse our fleet above, choose your dates, and either pay a small deposit online to reserve your bike, or send us a message on WhatsApp. We confirm within minutes and there are no complicated forms or contracts.
We are located at 235B/A11/9 Nguyen Van Cu, District 1 — a short Grab ride from the tourist centre of Saigon. We are open every day and can deliver the bike to your hotel in District 1 for a small fee.