Motorbike rental in Hai Phong: 7 things to know about prices, licences and safety
Renting a motorbike in Hai Phong is fairly straightforward, with daily rates ranging from VND 80,000 to 200,000. Before riding off, check which engine size your licence covers and whether your travel insurance pays out for motorbike accidents.
18 min read
Nguyen Binh Khiem street from the back of a motorbike: a wide carriageway, a tree-lined median on the left and a few riders ahead.
Picking a 160cc scooter when your driving licence only covers bikes up to 125cc could leave you facing a fine of several million Vietnamese dong. Before renting a motorbike in Hai Phong, check your licence category, the bike’s engine capacity and its registration documents. Travellers with a valid licence and experience riding in Vietnamese traffic can find rentals starting at around VND 80,000 per day for exploring the city and nearby destinations.
1. Where can you rent a motorbike in Hai Phong?
The area around Hai Phong Railway Station is one of the easiest places to find a motorbike rental shop. Several businesses operate along Pham Ngu Lao Street, Luong Khanh Thien Street and nearby Le Loi Street.
This location is particularly convenient for travellers arriving by train from Hanoi. You can collect a bike near the station and start exploring without arranging another transfer.
One shop to try is ViKa/LV Motorbike Rental at 39 Pham Ngu Lao Street, close to Hai Phong Railway Station. Its published rates start at VND 100,000 per day for manual or semi-automatic bikes and VND 120,000 for standard automatic scooters. The shop also advertises free pickup and return services at the railway station.
Several providers also offer delivery to hotels, guesthouses and homestays around the city centre.
Some charge approximately VND 15,000-40,000 each way for delivery within central Hai Phong. More distant locations may involve additional charges.
Renting a motorbike near Hai Phong Railway Station
The biggest advantage of renting near the station is convenience. You can pick up your bike shortly after arriving and return it before catching your train.
This works especially well for short visits of one or two days.
Before booking, confirm the exact pickup and return times. For example, imagine arriving at 9 AM on Monday and leaving on a 6 PM train on Tuesday.
A rental company that calculates each day as 24 hours may charge you for the extra nine hours or count them as an additional rental day.
Motorbike delivery to hotels and Cat Bi Airport
Many rental shops can deliver motorbikes directly to your accommodation. You may also be able to arrange collection from the hotel when your rental period ends.
Travellers landing at Cat Bi International Airport should confirm airport delivery in advance. Not every provider includes the airport in its free delivery zone.
Send the rental company your flight number, expected arrival time and preferred meeting point before departure.
Ask about roadside assistance too. Some shops only provide rescue services within a 15 km radius of Hai Phong Railway Station.
A day trip to Do Son Beach, for example, takes you beyond that coverage area.
2. How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Hai Phong in 2026?
Motorbike rental prices in Hai Phong generally range from VND 80,000 to 200,000 per day, depending on the model, age of the vehicle, rental duration and whether you’re travelling on a weekday or weekend.
| Motorbike type | Approximate daily rate | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-automatic bikes: Wave, Sirius, Jupiter | VND 80,000-120,000 | Experienced riders looking to save money |
| Automatic scooters: Vision, Janus | VND 120,000-180,000 | Everyday city travel |
| Manual motorcycles: Winner, Exciter | VND 150,000-200,000 | Riders experienced with manual clutches |
| 50cc scooters | Around VND 150,000 | Eligible riders without a motorcycle licence |
| SH Mode | Around VND 200,000-220,000 | Travellers preferring a premium scooter |
Each shop sets its own rates, so treat the table as a guide.
Some shops near the railway station publish separate weekday and weekend prices.
For instance, a Sirius may cost VND 100,000 per day from Monday to Friday and VND 130,000 on weekends. A Jupiter can cost VND 100,000 on weekdays and VND 150,000 on weekends.
Standard scooters such as the Vision, Lead and certain Air Blade models may start at VND 120,000 on weekdays, rising to around VND 150,000 on weekends.
An SH Mode can cost approximately VND 200,000 on weekdays and VND 220,000 during weekends or public holidays.
The model name alone doesn’t tell you which driving licence is required. An Air Blade with an engine larger than 125cc may require a different licence category from its 125cc counterpart.
Is renting by the week cheaper?
Most rental shops calculate one rental day as a 24-hour period beginning when you collect the bike.
Returning it late may result in additional charges.
Some providers charge approximately:
- VND 10,000 per extra hour for semi-automatic bikes.
- VND 15,000 per extra hour for standard scooters.
- VND 20,000 per extra hour for certain premium models.
Exceeding the agreed return time by more than eight hours may result in a full additional day’s charge. Even renting a bike for just a few hours can cost the same as a full day.
Travellers staying for several days may be able to negotiate a lower daily rate. Not every shop posts its weekly rates, so ask.
3. Should you rent a semi-automatic bike, an automatic scooter or a manual motorcycle?
For travellers who already know how to ride a motorbike, a 110-125cc automatic scooter is often the easiest option for getting around Hai Phong.
Models such as the Honda Vision and Yamaha Janus are comfortable for short city journeys, restaurant stops and sightseeing.
Semi-automatic bikes like the Honda Wave, Yamaha Sirius and Jupiter are usually cheaper to rent and economical on fuel.
They’re also relatively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. However, you’ll need to understand how to change gears, especially when climbing slopes or moving slowly through traffic.
Manual motorcycles such as the Winner and Exciter appeal to riders who enjoy greater control. A holiday is the wrong time to learn to use a clutch.
Can you ride a 50cc motorbike without a licence?
Vietnamese law allows people aged 16 or older to ride certain low-powered mopeds without a driving licence.
For a petrol-powered vehicle to qualify, its engine capacity must not exceed 50cc, and its design speed must not exceed 50 km/h.
Electric vehicles in the same legal category must meet the corresponding design-speed requirement and have a motor power output of no more than 4 kW.
The maximum permitted road speed for these mopeds is 40 km/h, unless a lower limit applies.
Some rental shops in Hai Phong offer 50cc scooters, such as the Crea, for around VND 150,000 per day.
This can be a legal option for visitors who don’t have a recognised motorcycle licence, provided the actual vehicle meets the legal definition of a moped.
Don’t assume that every vehicle described as an "electric bike" or "small scooter" falls into this category.
And while a 50cc scooter may not require a licence, navigating busy Vietnamese streets still calls for riding skills and confidence.
4. Can foreigners legally ride motorbikes in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreign visitors can legally ride motorbikes in Vietnam, provided they meet the requirements for age, driving licences and vehicle categories.
Whether you’re allowed to ride depends on where your licence was issued, which international driving permit you hold and what type of motorcycle you’re qualified to operate.
Driving licences recognised in Vietnam include Vietnamese-issued licences, certain licences recognised through international treaties or mutual agreements, and qualifying International Driving Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
How does an International Driving Permit (IDP) work in Vietnam?
An International Driving Permit, commonly called an IDP, is a document used alongside your domestic driving licence.
It isn’t a replacement for your original licence.
For IDPs recognised under the 1968 Vienna Convention, you must carry:
- A valid IDP issued by the competent authority of a contracting country.
- Your valid national driving licence, covering the appropriate motorcycle category.
- Identification documents needed to verify your identity.
Both the IDP and domestic licence must remain valid.
A car driving licence doesn’t cover motorcycles. Your documents must authorise the relevant motorcycle category.
Websites selling unofficial "international driving licences" are a trap. Documents issued by organisations without legal authority won’t satisfy Vietnam’s licensing requirements.
Which countries’ IDPs are recognised in Vietnam?
| Country | Important information |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands | Parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark | Parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| Finland, Norway, Poland, Portugal | Parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| Russia, Israel, Philippines, Thailand | Parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| South Korea | Covered by a separate bilateral IDP recognition agreement |
| United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand | Not parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia | Not parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| India, Ireland | Not parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention |
| Spain | Signed but has not ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention |
This table describes the countries’ treaty status, not an automatic approval or rejection of every individual driving document.
Some licences may be recognised through separate international agreements.
Travellers from the United States, Australia, Canada or China, for example, may hold IDPs issued under a different convention, and those aren’t automatically valid for riding in Vietnam.
Before travelling, check whether your documents qualify under an applicable agreement or whether you need a Vietnamese driving licence.
Special rules for South Korean travellers
Vietnam and South Korea have a bilateral agreement recognising certain International Driving Permits. It took effect on July 23, 2023.
Under this agreement, South Korean visitors holding a valid Korean-issued IDP with the appropriate Category A entitlement can operate corresponding vehicles in Vietnam for non-commercial purposes.
The IDP must be carried together with the matching national driving licence.
Recognition is limited to a maximum of one year from the date of entry into Vietnam, and the driving documents must remain valid throughout the period of use.
South Korean riders need this agreement because South Korea issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention, while Vietnam’s general IDP recognition framework is based on the 1968 Vienna Convention.
What’s the difference between Vietnam’s A1 and A motorcycle licences?
Vietnam introduced new motorcycle driving licence categories on January 1, 2025.
Under the newer system:
- Category A1: Covers two-wheeled motorcycles with engines up to 125cc or electric motorcycles with motor power up to 11 kW.
- Category A: Covers two-wheeled motorcycles with engines above 125cc or electric motorcycles above 11 kW, as well as vehicles covered by Category A1.
There are transitional provisions for older licences.
An A1 licence issued before January 1, 2025, that hasn’t been exchanged remains valid within its transitional scope, allowing the holder to ride motorcycles from 50cc to under 175cc.
Older A2 licences also remain valid under the applicable rules.
Therefore, someone holding a newly issued A1 licence cannot legally ride a Winner X 150, Exciter 155 or Air Blade 160 merely because these vehicles are commonly described as motorbikes.
5. What happens if you ride without a valid licence? Will travel insurance cover you?
Riding a motorcycle without the required valid driving licence can lead to the following fines:
| Vehicle category | Fine |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles up to 125cc or electric motorcycles up to 11 kW | VND 2-4 million |
| Motorcycles over 125cc or electric motorcycles over 11 kW | VND 6-8 million |
Corresponding penalties also apply in cases involving a Vienna Convention IDP without the accompanying appropriate national licence, or riding a vehicle outside the permitted licence category.
For certain licensing violations, the authorities may temporarily impound the vehicle before issuing a final penalty decision.
Does travel insurance cover motorbike accidents in Vietnam?
Travel insurance doesn’t automatically cover every accident involving a motorcycle or scooter.
Some policies require you to purchase additional motorcycle or adventure-activity coverage, hold the correct driving licence, wear a helmet and comply with the laws of the country you’re visiting.
For example, World Nomads’ Australian travel insurance conditions include requirements relating to the appropriate motorcycle licence, legal riding entitlement at the destination, eligible activities and safety equipment.
Riding without a recognised licence can put your insurance claim at risk of being denied.
Purchasing extra adventure coverage doesn’t make illegal riding legal.
Before renting, read the sections of your policy dealing with motorcycle riding, engine capacity limits, medical expenses, licence requirements and exclusions.
The motorbike’s compulsory third-party liability insurance is separate from your personal travel insurance.
6. Do you need to leave a passport or cash deposit?
Motorbike rental procedures vary between businesses in Hai Phong.
Some shops don’t require a cash security deposit but ask to hold your national identity card or passport.
Others request a small advance payment, sometimes around VND 100,000, to reserve the bike before your arrival.
Certain providers require cash deposits of roughly VND 1-3 million. More expensive manual motorcycles may come with higher deposit requirements.
Instead, ask whether the shop accepts a refundable cash deposit and provides a written receipt.
The receipt should clearly record the deposit amount, registration number, pickup and return times, and conditions for receiving your deposit back.
What to check before accepting the motorbike
Spend a few minutes inspecting the bike before leaving the rental shop or delivery location. It’s much easier to resolve any concerns while the rental staff are still there.
- Photograph the bike. Take clear pictures of existing scratches, damaged plastic panels, mirrors, tyres and the registration plate.
- Test the brakes. Check both front and rear brakes at low speed in a safe area.
- Check the lights and horn. Make sure the headlights, indicators, brake lights and horn work properly.
- Verify the documents. Check the vehicle registration and valid compulsory third-party liability insurance certificate. Keep your own driving documents with you.
- Inspect the helmets. They should fit properly and have working chin straps. Many rental companies provide two helmets.
- Confirm the fuel policy. Ask whether you must return the bike with the same amount of fuel it had at pickup.
- Clarify responsibility for problems. Agree on what happens if you get a puncture, damage the bike, lose the key or have an accident.
For visitors who don’t speak Vietnamese, keeping the rental agreement and important conversations in written messages can make communication easier if something goes wrong.
7. Essential traffic rules for riding a motorbike in Hai Phong
Hai Phong has several broad roads, but traffic around the city centre can still be busy, particularly near major intersections during rush hour.
Riders unfamiliar with Vietnamese traffic should watch for vehicles entering from side streets, sudden stops and pedestrians crossing the road.
Helmets and passenger limits
Both the rider and passenger must wear proper motorcycle helmets with their chin straps securely fastened.
Failing to wear a helmet or fastening it incorrectly can result in fines of VND 400,000-600,000 for the relevant violation.
A motorcycle is generally allowed to carry only one passenger.
There are limited exceptions, including transporting someone for emergency medical treatment, a child under 12, an elderly or frail person, or a person with a disability.
Carrying an additional passenger outside the legal exceptions can lead to a fine of VND 400,000-600,000.
Alcohol and mobile phones
Vietnam prohibits driving or riding with alcohol in your blood or breath.
There is no legally permitted alcohol threshold for motorbike riders.
The main penalties are:
| Alcohol concentration | Fine |
|---|---|
| Alcohol detected, not exceeding 50 mg/100 ml of blood or 0.25 mg/litre of breath | VND 2-3 million |
| Above 50-80 mg/100 ml of blood or above 0.25-0.4 mg/litre of breath | VND 6-8 million |
| Above 80 mg/100 ml of blood, above 0.4 mg/litre of breath, or refusing a test | VND 8-10 million |
Additional penalties may include points deducted from a driving licence or suspension of driving privileges, depending on the violation.
Using a handheld mobile phone while riding a motorbike can also result in a fine of VND 800,000-1 million.
When you need to check Google Maps or another navigation app, pull over somewhere you’re legally allowed to stop before looking at your phone.
Traffic lights, speed limits and road position
Ride on the correct side of the road, stay within the appropriate lane and follow local traffic signs.
Violations such as running a red light, riding against traffic, illegally riding on a pavement or entering an expressway on a motorcycle can result in fines of VND 4-6 million.
For ordinary motorcycles, the general maximum speeds where no different limit is posted are:
| Area | Divided roads or one-way roads with at least two motor-vehicle lanes | Two-way roads or one-way roads with one motor-vehicle lane |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 60 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas | 70 km/h | 60 km/h |
Low-powered mopeds are subject to a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
Always follow posted speed limits, even when they’re lower than the general limits shown above.
8. Fuel and motorbike parking in Hai Phong
Fuel is usually not included in the rental price, so you’ll pay for petrol as you ride.
At petrol stations, common fuel types include E5 RON 92 and E10 RON 95.
Ask the rental company which fuel is suitable for your particular motorbike, especially when renting an older model.
Petrolimex’s Region 1 retail prices effective November 1, 2026, included:
- E10 RON 95-III: VND 24,150 per litre.
- E10 RON 95-V: VND 24,950 per litre.
- E5 RON 92-II: VND 24,220 per litre.
Fuel prices change periodically and may differ by location.
At a petrol station, you can simply tell the attendant which fuel you want and how much you’d like to spend. For example, "RON 95, fifty thousand dong" is enough for a VND 50,000 refill.
Where should you park your motorbike?
Around central Hai Phong, look for designated parking areas with attendants, visible prices and parking tickets.
Some restaurants, hotels and attractions provide parking areas for customers.
Parking charges at certain attractions are quite modest. For example, the Con Son - Kiep Bac historical site complex introduced a VND 4,000 parking fee for motorbikes and electric motorbikes under its fee schedule effective in early 2026.
Avoid leaving your bike on pavements, roadways or in clearly restricted areas.
Illegal stopping or parking in certain circumstances can result in fines of VND 400,000-600,000.
9. Best motorbike day trips from Hai Phong
Renting a motorbike is particularly useful when your itinerary includes several stops and you want to decide when to eat, explore or return to your hotel.
Hai Phong city centre to Do Son Beach
About 20 km via Pham Van Dong Road and DT353
Do Son is approximately 20 km from Hai Phong’s old city centre. The usual route follows Pham Van Dong Road and Provincial Road DT353.
The roads are generally straightforward, although some sections carry considerable traffic.
Weekends and public holidays can be busier, especially when visitors head towards the coast.
You could spend half a day or a full day enjoying the seaside, stopping for seafood and exploring the surrounding area.
The actual journey time by motorbike depends on traffic, where you start and how frequently you stop.
A rental company’s 15 km roadside-assistance radius from Hai Phong Railway Station doesn’t reach Do Son.
Some shops also charge an additional VND 30,000 per day for taking the bike beyond the central area.
Hai Phong city centre to Vu Yen Island
Over Hoang Gia Bridge from Le Thanh Tong Road
From Le Thanh Tong Road, you can cross Hoang Gia Bridge to reach Vu Yen Island.
The bridge opened to traffic in July 2025, providing a direct connection between the old city centre and the island.
This makes Vu Yen a convenient choice for a short outing, with opportunities to enjoy views of the Cam River and explore the urban development on the island.
Pay attention to lane markings and local traffic restrictions when crossing the bridge or riding through residential and urban-development areas.
Hai Phong city centre to Thuy Nguyen and Bach Dang Giang
Trang Kenh historical site, Cao Quy stake site
Another day trip takes you across the river towards Thuy Nguyen and the Bach Dang Giang historical site at Trang Kenh.
The drive from the old city centre usually takes more than 30 minutes by car. Allow extra time when travelling by motorbike.
Bach Dang Giang commemorates major naval victories in Vietnamese history, particularly those associated with the Bach Dang River.
General admission to the historical complex is free.
Nearby, you can also visit the Cao Quy wooden stake site in the Luu Kiem area, connected to archaeological discoveries relating to Vietnam’s historic river battles.
This route suits travellers more interested in history than beaches or modern city attractions.
Should you take a rented motorbike to Cat Ba Island?
It’s possible to bring a motorbike onto Cat Ba Island using the Dong Bai - Cai Vieng ferry, provided the rental company allows you to take its vehicle to the island.
Motorbikes aren’t subject to exactly the same holiday restrictions as cars on the ferry route.
Bringing a rental bike from central Hai Phong to Cat Ba adds road travel, ferry waiting time, vehicle transport fees and the possibility of breakdowns far from your rental provider.
Staying on Cat Ba for only one or two days? Taking public transport to the island and renting a separate bike there may be simpler.
10. When is an electric taxi or ride-hailing service a better choice?
Travellers who have never ridden in Vietnam, lack a recognised driving licence or only plan to visit a few places around the centre may find taxis and app-based transport much easier.
In Hai Phong, you can book rides through Grab or Green SM, the electric mobility service previously known as Xanh SM.
Green SM operates the customer service hotline 1555, with support available around the clock.
Ride-hailing apps generally show estimated fares before booking, making it easier to compare a few taxi journeys against the cost of a full-day motorbike rental, petrol and parking.
For Do Son, bus route 03 also provides a public transport option.
The route connects the VSIP area, the political and administrative centre in Thuy Nguyen, parts of the old city centre and Do Son.
A full-route ticket costs VND 30,000, while a shorter journey costs VND 25,000.
Services generally operate at intervals of around 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day, although schedules can change.
Some VinBus services also connect areas around Vu Yen and Thuy Nguyen, including routes offered free of charge under specific operating programmes.
Check the current route, boarding point and eligibility conditions before relying on these services.
On days with heavy rain, slippery roads or an evening meal that includes alcohol, taking a taxi is the safer and more comfortable choice.
Before booking a motorbike in Hai Phong, send the rental company your travel dates, pickup location, driving licence details and intended route. Ask for the total rental price and the exact engine capacity of the bike you’ll receive so you can confirm everything before paying.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners legally ride motorbikes in Vietnam?
Yes, provided they meet the age, driving licence and vehicle requirements. A qualifying IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention must be used together with a valid national driving licence covering the appropriate motorcycle category. Some visitors, including eligible South Korean travellers, may qualify under separate recognition agreements.
Are IDPs from the United States, Australia or South Korea valid in Vietnam?
IDPs from the United States and Australia aren't automatically recognised under the 1968 Vienna Convention framework because those countries aren't parties to that convention. Travellers need to check whether another recognition arrangement applies or obtain an appropriate Vietnamese licence. Eligible South Korean visitors can use a Korean-issued Category A IDP under the bilateral agreement, accompanied by the corresponding national licence and within the permitted validity period.
How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Hai Phong per day?
Semi-automatic bikes generally cost VND 80,000-120,000 per day, automatic scooters around VND 120,000-180,000, and manual motorcycles approximately VND 150,000-200,000. Prices depend on the shop, model and rental dates. Many companies count 24 hours as one rental day, with fuel charged separately.
Do you have to leave your passport when renting a motorbike?
There is no general legal requirement for tourists to leave their original passport with a motorbike rental company. This is a business condition imposed by some providers. It's preferable to choose a shop that accepts a refundable cash deposit, issues a receipt and allows you to keep your original passport.
What is the fine for riding without a licence, and will travel insurance pay?
Riding a motorcycle up to 125cc without the required valid licence can result in a fine of VND 2-4 million. For motorcycles above 125cc, the fine is VND 6-8 million. Travel insurance may exclude claims when a rider doesn't meet the policy's licensing, motorcycle or activity conditions. Your exact coverage depends on the policy you purchased.
