Motorbikes are an essential mode of transportation in Vietnam, dominating the busy streets of cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Renting a motorbike while visiting Vietnam gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. However, there are some things you need to know before renting a motorbike in Vietnam. This article will cover the key things to consider when renting a Honda motorbike in Vietnam, including facts, figures, prices, and more which will be helpful for your trip.
General Information about Honda Motorbike in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Honda 150 ccm and 250 ccm are the two most popular models. You can easily find these 2 motorbike models when visiting Vietnam. Here are some key things you need to know about 2 Honda motorbike models in Vietnam.
Honda Motorbike 150 ccm
Here are some general things about the Honda 150cc motorbike in Vietnam:
Off-road: While not genuinely off-road capable (see later for the off-road CRF150R), many Honda 150cc owners in Vietnam use their bikes on unpaved roads and lightly trafficked rural routes. The basic suspensions handle bumpy roads adequately.
History: The Honda 150cc has been extremely popular in Vietnam for decades. Models like the Wave and Wins have become iconic due to their reliability, affordability, and suitability for Vietnam's traffic conditions.
Facts: Most Honda 150cc motorbikes in Vietnam are used for daily commuting, errands, and transportation. They are the preferred choice for Grab bike and taxi services due to their low cost of ownership.
Figures: The 149cc engine produces adequate power for city riding and highway speeds up to around 100 km/h. The fuel efficiency of 45-55 km/liter translates to a range of about 300-400 km per tank. The summary of Honda motorbike 150 ccm:
Displacement: 149.1 cc
Engine type: Air-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
Maximum speed: 90-100 km/h
Acceleration: 0-60 km/h in around 6-7 seconds
Fuel tank capacity: 8-11 liters
Fuel efficiency: 45-55 km/liter
Renting: Honda 150cc bikes are some of the most popular options for tourists renting motorbikes in Vietnam due to their ubiquity, reliability, and affordability. Daily rental costs around VND 200,000 - 400,000 Vietnamese Dong ($9 - $17).
Offroad model: The CRF150R is designed to be a powerful and elegant off-road motorcycle. The engine has a cylinder capacity of 150cc and uses Honda's exclusive Unicam technology, which helps increase power and torque across a broad rpm range. The lightweight frame with large-diameter tubes provides good balance and easy control, allowing the rider to overcome any terrain easily. We use the CRF150R as the basis model for our tours.
Honda Motorbike 250 ccm
Here are some general things about the Honda 250cc motorbike in Vietnam:
Off-road: The Honda 250cc in Vietnam is not specially designed for off-road use. While it may cope on unpaved rural roads, the suspension and ground clearance are inadequate for serious off-road riding.
History: The Honda 250cc has been popular in Vietnam for its higher power and larger size than the 150cc models. The Honda Wave Alpha 250 was launched in Vietnam in 2015 and is a top seller.
Facts: The Honda 250cc offers higher power for highways and heavier loads than 150cc bikes but at a significantly higher price in the Vietnamese market. The trade-off is a larger, more powerful motorbike suited to Vietnam's conditions.
Figures: The Wave Alpha 250 is powered by a single-cylinder 247cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine producing around 17.8 horsepower and 22 Nm of torque. This gives it significantly more pull than a 150cc bike. The summary of Honda motorbike 150 ccm:
Displacement: 247.3 cc
Engine type: Air-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
Maximum speed: 120-130 km/h
Acceleration: 0-60 km/h in 5-6 seconds
Fuel tank capacity: 13 liters
Fuel efficiency: 35-45 km/liter
Renting: The Honda 250cc is rarely available for tourists to rent in Vietnam due to its higher costs. Most rental options focus on the Honda Wins, Wave, and Lead 150cc models.
Offroad model: The CRF250R is designed specifically for rugged terrains with its 249cc advanced technology engine, providing strong torque across a broad rpm range, helping to overcome any obstacles on the racing track. The ultra-light frame, along with the Pro-Link suspension system with flexible damping, allows the CRF250R to pass through complex terrains easily. The finely tuned fuel injection system helps the engine achieve optimum power in all situations. In addition, the powerful braking system and the Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires provide a perfect combination of handling and safety. With such excellent off-road capability, the CRF250R is the top choice for adventurous off-road rides. We offer these bikes as premium models for our tours.
4 Steps to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam
Renting a Honda motorbike in Vietnam is a great way to explore at your own pace. Here’s all you need to know when renting a Honda motorbike in Vietnam.
Important advice in advance: The traffic situation in Vietnam is much more challenging and dangerous than in western countries, such as USA or Germany. Therefore, we generally recommend a motorcycle trip without local accompaniment only for people with sufficient experience in similar countries. If you have little experience, we generally recommend a local operator with a local guide who can safely accompany you on the road. In addition, also make sure to ride only in full motorcycle clothing. Often you can see tourists riding only in shorts or T-shirt, which can be very dangerous in case of an accident.
Step 1: Preparation
Driver license: Prepare an international motorcycle driving license if you don't already have one. This will make the process much smoother.
Step 2: Find a Honda motorbike rental provider in Vietnam
Choose where to rent from - motorcycle rental shops, hotels or guesthouses, or street vendors. Shops tend to offer better quality bikes, insurance, and service while being more expensive. Street vendors have lower prices but variable bike conditions.
If you’re unfamiliar with these markets, you can ask your hotel service for more convenience.
Step 3: Pay rental fees and check the bike
Decide how long you want to rent for - days, weeks, or longer. Prices range from $15 to 25 USD per day for a Honda Wave or Excel Deluxe up to $100 USD per day for a bigger bike. Weekly and monthly rates offer discounts.
Check the bike thoroughly before renting. Inspect for damage, oil leaks, electrical issues, and worn tires. Take photos as proof of existing damage to avoid arguments later.
Purchase insurance to cover theft and damage, if not already included. This can cost $5-10 USD per day, depending on the deductible and coverage. Full coverage is recommended.
Step 4: Enjoy your journey
Familiarize yourself with the traffic conditions. Practice riding in a parking lot first if possible. Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic, so confidence and caution are key.
Fill up the fuel tank before returning the bike to avoid high refueling fees. Petrol is relatively cheap in Vietnam at around $1.20-1.45 USD per liter.
General advice: Wear a helmet and other protective gear. This is required by law in Vietnam. The rental shop may provide a helmet, but you'll need your own gloves, jacket, and boots.
Final Words
Renting a Honda motorbike Vietnam is a convenient way to explore Vietnam independently during your trip. Whether you opt for a reliable Honda Wave 150 or a more powerful Honda CRF250R, following the best practices outlined in this article will help ensure your motorbike rental experience in Vietnam is a safe and worthwhile adventure. Safe riding!
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