Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Vientiane

Vientiane doesn't feel like a capital city so much as a big, easygoing town that happens to sit on the Mekong. Ride out at golden hour and you'll catch the gold spire of Pha That Luang catching the last light, then swing down to the riverside promenade where Thailand sits quietly on the opposite bank. On two wheels the whole city opens up in an afternoon — something a tuk-tuk driver on a fixed route simply can't offer.

Vientiane is flat, low-rise and just spread out enough that walking gets old fast, while traffic stays gentle by regional standards. A scooter lets you string together temples, riverfront and out-of-town stops like Buddha Park into one loop, and if you want to reach the countryside — the dam roads north of the city, the border bridge over the Mekong — a motorbike gets you there in comfort a tuk-tuk won't manage.

Top 10 things to see in Vientiane by motorcycle

1. Pha That Luang — the great golden stupa and national symbol of Laos, an easy first ride through the city centre.
2. Patuxai — Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe, with a climbable viewing deck over the rooftops, a short hop up Lane Xang Avenue.
3. Wat Sisaket — the oldest surviving temple in town, its walls lined with thousands of small Buddha niches.
4. Wat Ho Phra Keo — a former royal temple turned museum of Lao Buddhist art, right across the road from Wat Sisaket.
5. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) — a surreal field of concrete sculptures on the Mekong, about 25 km out and the classic half-day ride.
6. Mekong Riverside Promenade — an easy sunset cruise along the water, with Thailand visible on the far bank.
7. Wat Si Muang — the spiritual heart of the city, where locals come for blessings; a quick, worthwhile in-town stop.
8. COPE Visitor Centre — a sobering, well-run exhibit on UXO clearance, just a few kilometres from the centre.
9. Nam Ngum Dam and Reservoir — a scenic reservoir roughly 90 km north, a proper day trip out of the city.
10. Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge — an easy out-and-back to the border crossing at Nong Khai, with views over the river.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Vientiane?

You'll technically need a valid motorcycle licence, though enforcement at rental shops is relaxed and many will hand over the keys against a passport alone — riding without a licence, however, voids your travel insurance if anything goes wrong. Most shops set the minimum age around 18, though this isn't always strictly applied. Expect to leave a deposit: often your passport held for the rental period, sometimes cash instead or alongside a photocopy. An International Driving Permit isn't required.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Vientiane?

A standard automatic scooter runs roughly 500,000–600,000 LAK per day in low season and 650,000–800,000 LAK per day in high season. If you want a semi-automatic or a trail bike for the rougher roads out toward Nam Ngum, budget 700,000–1,200,000+ LAK per day.

• Prices climb from November through January, when the cool, dry weather and the That Luang Festival bring the most visitors.
• Rates drop through the rainy season, June to August, when demand is lowest.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Vientiane?

November to February is high season — dry, cooler air and the best riding conditions of the year, so it's worth booking a few days ahead. June to October is low season, with the southwest monsoon bringing regular downpours and the cheapest daily rates; roads stay rideable in the city, though unsealed routes further out can get messy.

Local traffic rules in Vientiane

Traffic keeps to the right, with overtaking on the left. Helmets are mandatory and checked at police posts around the city, so don't skip one even for a short ride. Speed limits are posted but vary by road type, so watch signage rather than assuming a number. Drink-driving is prohibited and checked at roadside stops — treat it as a strict zero-tolerance rule. Rental insurance tends to be minimal, so ride defensively, especially near villages where livestock can wander onto the road without warning.

Most of our motorcycle rentals in Vientiane come from shops with years of local experience, offering a well-kept bike, a helmet and friendly service from the moment you pick up the keys. If you're ready to rent a motorcycle in Vientiane, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!