Motorbike Rental in Hanoi

Hanoi traffic can reduce you to tears and the best way of travelling in Hanoi is by motorbikes. It is easy to rent motorbikes in Hanoi. Can a foreigner hire a motorbike and what is the price? My article will answer all these questions and give a complete idea of all that you need to know about rentals and the best places that offer this facility. If you know how to ride a motorbike, then this is the best mode of communication for you while you are in Hanoi. The city has 45 million registered motorcycles and the population of the country is 90 million.
 

• Per day rental price: Around 100,000 – 150,000 VND ($ 4.5 - $6).
• The rental cost is for 24 hours.
 

• A deposit sum (from 2 million VND to 3 million VND). Pay in cash and upfront.
• Deposit your passport (it is not safe if you are moving around the city. Insist on a copy).
• Deposit your driving license (if you wish to drive then it is not a good idea. Proof of driving license is not required).
 

The following factors determine the rent:
• Your location
• The condition of the bike, whether new/old
• Automatic/ Neutral
• There could be some discount on weekly rent. A sure discount on a monthly rent.
• Monthly rent prices: about 120.000 to 200.000 VND per day or 800.000 to 1.200.000 VND for monthly rental.
 

There are several motorbike rentals in Hanoi, and it is difficult to pick a reliable one from the crowd of so many. There could be some that are not working well but the bike looks fine outwardly. It develops some defect on the way and you need to bear the repairing cost. A bigger bike of 50cc is safer. You could rent from the hotel that you are staying with. They may charge a bit more, but you can be assured that the bike is in good condition and will not give you trouble. You don’t need to pay a deposit if hiring from the hotel. Vietnamese people take good care of their bikes and ensure safe travel. If the hotel does not provide such a service, you can walk down the central street and there will be many eager rental shops waiting to offer good service.
 

The most popular are the ordinary scooters and these are good for people who are not accustomed to driving bikes. With an automatic transmission, they are easier to manage. They are a bit costly. However, it is up to you to decide if you want an automatic drive or a mechanical drive.
 

There are many foreigners running motorbike rentals. You can try them. They will help you choose suitable bikes and also offer tips on the best way to drive in the Hanoi city.
 

Address: 40 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

This is a comparatively new shop. It has new models from 2017-19. They provide extra service like guided tours. Bikes come with phone holders that help you to navigate as you ride, USB chargers and safety helmets. All mechanics are fluent in English. They will give a quick driving lesson to make you familiar with the vehicle. Daily rentals are around 230,000 VND (10 USD). Detech, Suzuki, and Honda | 110cc to 150cc cost 230,000 VND (10 USD) to 345,000 VND (15 USD).

If you want a drop off in another city, the cost will include a helmet, luggage rack, a USB charger, lock, bungee cords, navigation maps showing stop and initial driving lessons. They have a 24x7 helpline to resolve any issues related to accidents.
 

Address: 66 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. (Old Quarter)

They have been doing business in motorbike rentals in Hanoi city for the last 20 years. With 200 motorbikes in 26 different models. They have four branches across the city and offer attractive prices on monthly rentals from (920,000 to 1,380,000 VND, or 40 to 60 USD). They offer organized tours that include a route map, stop for meals and places to stay. You can ride by yourself or take a guide.

Their rental fees include a helmet, toolkit, a raincoat, remote support and 24×7 assistance, plastic cover for the bike, bungee cords and preliminary training. Upfront 30% payment is required.
 

They are a reliable service offering mostly the same deals as the others, a protective gearbox but that apart they provide pick up and drop, big transfers, GoPro cameras and a toolkit. However, for this, you need to pay extra. They speak reasonably well in English so that might help. Motorbike models they support are Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Win, Honda, KTM Duke all between 50cc to 373cc. Their daily rentals range from 345,000 VND (15 USD) to 1,121,000 VND (49 USD). The fee includes raincoat, 24 hours support, a helmet, plastic cover for the bike and bungee cords. For an extra, you can get a GoPro, Elbow and kneecap, gloves, a toolkit, bag transfer, prepaid fuel and guided tour.

Pay them with your credit/debit card or other modes of payment like Paypal and of course cash. Accepted currency (USD, GBP, EURO and VND). The bikes are in top condition, if not new almost new.
 

Address: 37 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

They have a range of bikes from rental to repair to sale. Their customers are mostly expats and backpackers. They are an old reliable shop that you could try out. With renting options from single day to long term and off-road expeditions, their service is tried and tested. Most used vehicles are Honda motorcycles, dirt bikes, sports bike.
 

• Yamaha Nouvo: 125cc (US $9 / Day). A popular model often seen on the roads of Vietnam, especially Hanoi. A long bike that is meant for both men and women. Ideal for round the city trips and also offers fuel economy. Spare parts are easy to procure.

• SYM Atilla: 125cc (US $9 / Day). There is space to accommodate a family of three. A power bike can handle load smoothly. This is okay for round the city travel but not fitted for uneven roads.

• Honda Airblade: A bike you can trust with engine capacity of 125cm3. This will allow you to travel for long distances. This is a bike meant for pros. If you aren’t confident of your driving skills, don’t take it.
 

• SYM Shark: A powerful bike with engine capacity 125cm3. This bike is for tall people or a family with two children. This allows both city and outer city travels.
 

• Honda Wave: 110cc (US $ 6 / Day) for girls and short heightened men. Just right for two. This semi-automatic bike allows only city tours.
 

• The tyres: New tyres 2-3 years are best. Check the pressure.
• Brakes: Check if they are working well and there are no leaks. Test the front and back of the lever. Squeeze the levers for a smooth reaction.
• Throttle: Open and let go and watch it return to the original position. Check the signal lights
• Suspension: There should be no leaks and no fluid build-ups.
• Chain: Pull the chain. It should not move. If it does, then they are worn.
• Check the horn, speedometer.
• Fill petrol don’t worry about the quality of gasoline. The petrol pump serviceman knows.
 

• The speed limit is 60km/hrs.
• A helmet is a must for the driver and passenger.
• Wait for the right signal.
• Turn on the light when inside a tunnel.
• Do not take photos while driving.
• Drunken driving is punishable.
• Be a confidant driver.
• Drive slow.
• Keep a safe distance from trucks especially in uphill drives.
• If in trouble with the police a tip of 10-20 USD is an easy escape.
• You need to contact the bike company to carry out repair work.
 

Don’t forget to carry your personal protection items. Sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoats, fully charged phones, phone and camera chargers and cash. Vietnam is a great place to travel if you have the liberty to travel by yourself. Take a bike and explore the country to savor nature’s best offerings.