Motorcycle Rentals in Ho Chi Minh City

If you ever find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, don’t assume that walking or using public transport are your only ways to get around. You can rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City through our website and explore Vietnam’s largest city at your own pace—navigate the roundabout at Ben Thanh Market, cross the river toward the modern towers of Thu Thiem, or head out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Motorbikes are the primary mode of transport for almost everyone here, and joining the flow of traffic is far easier than battling it from the back of a taxi. On this page, you will find a comprehensive guide to renting a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon—as the locals still call it—is vast, and traffic in the city center is intense. While navigating the congested one-way streets of District 1 can be challenging, the true value of a motorbike becomes clear the moment you head toward the outskirts. The real advantage of two-wheeled travel here is the range it offers: the mangroves of Can Gio, the Cu Chi Tunnel network, and the quiet roads of the delta south of the city are all within easy reach for a day trip—something that would be impossible on foot or by bus.

Top 10 things to see in Ho Chi Minh City by motorcycle

1. Cu Chi Tunnels — a classic day ride out of the city, roughly 1.5–2 hours each way, to the famous Vietnam War tunnel network.
2. Bui Vien Walking Street — the backpacker nightlife strip in District 1, with easy moto parking to start or end an evening out.
3. Landmark 81 (Saigon Skyview) — Vietnam's tallest tower; cross the Saigon River for skyline views from the observation deck.
4. Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck — a central District 1 landmark with a rooftop "helipad" viewpoint over downtown Saigon.
5. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) — the historic 1975 landmark, an easy stop on any downtown loop.
6. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon — the French-colonial centerpiece next to the Central Post Office, a natural photo stop.
7. Ben Thanh Market — the iconic market and traffic circle, a good orientation point and street-food stop.
8. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve — a longer coastal ride of about 1.5–2 hours through mangrove forest to a monkey sanctuary and a modest beach.
9. Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phuoc Hai Tu) — an atmospheric early-1900s Taoist and Buddhist temple, a quick detour off the District 1/3 core.
10. War Remnants Museum — a major District 3 museum, easily combined with a downtown riding loop.

What do you need to rent a moto in Ho Chi Minh City?

Required documentation varies by rental agency, but general rules apply: you must be at least 18 years old. For engine displacements up to 125cc, an A1 license is typically expected, while larger motorcycles require a full A-class license. Foreign visitors must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national driver’s license—strictly speaking, a motorcycle license recognized in Vietnam is required to ride legally, so be sure to check the specific terms of your chosen provider when booking. Most agencies also require a security deposit (in cash or by card), which is returned once you bring the motorbike back in good condition.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Ho Chi Minh City?

Motorcycle rentals in Ho Chi Minh City start at around 650,000 VND per day for a mid-range model and can go up to approximately 1,100,000–1,350,000 VND per day for a larger or newer model. The price depends on the engine displacement and, most importantly, the time of year. Prices in Saigon follow a fairly clear seasonal pattern:

• December–April (high season/dry season) — the driest and busiest months, meaning rates are at the higher end of the spectrum.
• May–November (low season/rainy season) — hot and humid with frequent afternoon downpours; there are fewer tourists, making it the best time to secure a lower daily rate.
• Within each season, weekends and Vietnamese public holidays represent the true peak — this is when the most affordable motorcycles are snapped up first, and prices climb slightly. Book a few days in advance to get the best rate.

When to book a rental moto in Ho Chi Minh City?

The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant time for riding, with lower humidity and little rain; however, it is also the busiest and most expensive period. The rainy season runs from May to November, bringing short but heavy downpours—usually lasting less than an hour—most afternoons, alongside quieter roads and more affordable prices. If you are looking for the best weather for riding, aim for the dry months; if you are looking for the best value, the rainy season is kinder to your budget—provided you plan your trips around the afternoon showers. In any case, book a few days in advance to ensure availability.

Local Traffic Rules

In Vietnam, traffic moves on the right. Helmets are mandatory for both the driver and the passenger, and this is enforced by the police, particularly at checkpoints in the city center. Speed ​​limits in urban areas are generally 40–50 km/h, with higher limits on peripheral roads. There is virtually zero tolerance for drunk driving. Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is dense, constant, and follows its own rhythm: stay calm, ride predictably, use your horn lightly to signal your presence (rather than out of frustration), and yield to buses and trucks. Drive cautiously, keep your lights on, and navigate busy roundabouts and intersections gradually until you feel comfortable within the flow of traffic.

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!