motorboat in vietnamese

How to Say Motorboat in Vietnamese

• motor vehicle
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Translation of "motorboat" into vietnamese.

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What is the translation of "motor" in Vietnamese?

"motor" in vietnamese, motor {noun}, motor oil {noun}, motor-boat {noun}, motor-cycle {noun}, translations, monolingual examples, english how to use "motor" in a sentence.

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English How to use "motor oil" in a sentence

English how to use "motor-boat" in a sentence, english how to use "motor-cycle" in a sentence, synonyms (english) for "motor":.

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The 8 Best Motorbike Routes in Vietnam

• Motorcycle Routes

Vietnam is a paradise for adventure seekers and motorcycle enthusiasts. With its rugged terrain, winding roads, and breathtaking landscapes, it offers some of the most thrilling motorbike routes in Southeast Asia. From the misty mountains of the north to the stunning coastal roads of the south, Vietnam’s motorbike routes are a must-see for anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through the top 8 motorbike routes in Vietnam. We will explore the scenic beauty, cultural richness, and hidden gems of each route, as well as providing practical tips and advice for your motorbike adventure. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, these routes offer something for everyone, and we guarantee that they will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So, rev up your engines and let’s hit the road!

Table of Contents

1. Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass is undoubtedly one of the most popular and iconic motorbike routes in Vietnam. Located between Hue and Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass offers breathtaking views of the East Sea, lush green mountains, and winding roads. The 20-kilometer pass has been featured in the popular television series “ Top Gear ” and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Hai Van Pass is also home to many historical sites, including the Hai Van Gate and the French-built Fortin de la Montagne.

The road is steep and winding, with hairpin turns and steep inclines, making it a challenging but rewarding ride. The scenery is breathtaking, with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Be sure to stop at the top of the pass to take in the panoramic views and snap some photos.

Easy Riders Vietnam organize daily tours from Hue to Hoi An or vice versa through this spectacular pass.

2. Khe Sanh to Phong Nha Route

The Khe Sanh to Phong Nha Route is a challenging but incredibly rewarding motorbike route in Vietnam. The 200-kilometer route will take you through the rugged terrain of the Truong Son Mountains and the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. You’ll pass through dense forests, winding rivers, stunning waterfalls and historic sites from the Vietnam War.

The road is generally in good condition, but there are some rough patches and steep inclines. The highlight of the trip is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is home to some of the most spectacular caves in the world. Be sure to take a guided tour of the caves to fully appreciate their beauty.

3. Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is a 300 kilometer route through the mountainous Ha Giang province in northern Vietnam. The route takes you through stunning landscapes, including terraced rice paddies, rocky cliffs, and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll see the Dong Van Karst Plateau , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is often described as the most spectacular ride in the country and takes travelers at least 3 to 4 days to complete. However, this route is not for beginners. Expect hundreds of hairpin turns, mountain scenery, and friendly local hill tribes such as the H’Mong people, who inhabit this area. Multiple viewpoints are scattered throughout for stunning panoramas, making it a challenging but exhilarating ride. Check out our Easy Rider Ha Giang Loop to learn more about the route as well as what to explore during the ride.

4. O Quy Ho Pass

The O Qui Ho Pass is a 50 kilometer stretch of road that runs through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in northern Vietnam . The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the famous Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

The road is narrow and winding, with steep inclines and sharp turns, making it a challenging but rewarding ride. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in Vietnam, with breathtaking views at every turn. Be sure to stop at the top of the pass to take in the panoramic views and snap some photos.

5. Dalat to Nha Trang Route

The Dalat to Nha Trang route is a scenic 140-kilometer route that takes you through the rolling hills and beautiful countryside of the Central Highlands. You’ll ride through winding roads, pine forests, small villages, and stunning waterfalls before reaching the coastal city of Nha Trang.

Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Dalat, known for its cooler climate, beautiful scenery, and French colonial architecture.

The road is generally in good condition, with some steep inclines and hairpin turns. This route is a favorite route among locals, connecting two popular travel destinations that seem a world apart: slow-paced, cool  Da Lat  in the mountains, and hot buzzing Nha Trang on the coast. The pass takes around five hours to complete, with twists through mountains and forests on each side. You’ll find awesome pitstops along the way to get some food or coffee.

6. Dalat and The Central Highlands Loop

Dalat and the Central Highlands Loop is a 500-kilometter route through the stunning landscapes of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The route takes you through lush jungles, pine forests, tea plantations, and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll see stunning waterfalls , including the Dray Sap Waterfall, Elephant Waterfall and the Pongour Waterfall.

The road is generally in good condition, but there are some steep inclines and hairpin turns. The highlight of the trip is the city of Dalat, known for its beautiful French colonial architecture and stunning scenery. It’s definitely one of the 8 best motorbike routes in Vietnam you shouldn’t miss!

7. Kon Tum to Hoi An/ Da Nang Route

The Kon Tum to Hoi An Route is a lesser-known motorbike route in Vietnam but is no less stunning than the others. The 300-kilometer route will take you through the Central Highlands of Vietnam , where you’ll see beautiful coffee and rubber plantations, small villages, stunning waterfalls and through lush forests. Along the way, you’ll see historic sites from the Vietnam War, including the Dak To and Charlie Hill battlefields.

The road is generally in good condition, but there are some rough patches and steep inclines. The highlight of the trip is also the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to take a stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautifully preserved architecture.

8. The Coastal Route

The Coastal Route is a 1,500 kilometer route that runs along the eastern coast of Vietnam, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. The route offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional fishing villages, historic cities, and beautiful beaches . The road is generally in good condition, but there are some sections that are narrow and winding.

The highlight of the trip is the beautiful coastal scenery, with endless stretches of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Be sure to drive through these beautiful beaches: Mui Ne, Ninh Chu, Cam Ranh, Nha Trang, Dai Lanh, Qui Nhon and Lang Co.

In conclusion, Vietnam offers some of the most beautiful and challenging motorbike routes in the world. From the steep mountain passes to the stunning coastline, there is something for every type of rider. When planning your trip, be sure to keep safety in mind and be prepared for a long journey. With so many routes to choose from, we’re sure you will have an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam.

• Top 10 spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam
• 12 most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam
• The Central Highlands – The amazing motorbike route in Vietnam

Easy Riders Vietnam

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Translation of motor – English-Vietnamese dictionary

(Translation of motor from the PASSWORD English-Vietnamese Dictionary © 2015 K Dictionaries Ltd)

Examples of motor

Translations of motor.

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Vietnam Veteran Remembers Improvised Outboard Motors From “Borrowed” Army Surplus

In last week’s VBC Bulletin , we linked to a War History Online story on drop tank canoes : detachable light-metal external fuel tanks that US fighter jets dropped by the thousands over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. These tank halves made nifty canoes that locals still use fifty years later. The article reminded Vietnam veteran George Dvorznak of something he saw while stationed in Saigon and told us about it in an email:

George Dvorznak, 1967

“Your linked story about the drop tank canoes in Vietnam brought to mind something I often  saw over there in the 1960s:  improvised outboard motors.

We were in Saigon, and the river there was used by thousands of people daily for many purposes, especially transit.  But there was a lack of outboard motors — so the people improvised.  They stole, er, borrowed, generators from our outfit and many others. They didn’t need much. Just a little gasoline engine. 10hp, or even 5hp would do.

They removed the engine, attached a 6-foot pole to the motor’s output shaft, then added a propeller.  The little engine was kept in the boat, while the “long tail” shaft  and propeller reached over the boat’s transom and into the water.

When the engine ran, the propeller turned and drove the boat. River pilots steered the boat by moving the motor. Worked great. No patents needed.

Here’s an example of a Mark I motor on a small boat. This one is well-crafted. Others were more primitive.

I swear I saw this kid in 1967.”

The Veterans Breakfast Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that harnesses the power of storytelling in order to connect, educate, heal, and inspire.

Driving Motorbike in Vietnam buy/rent

Are you planning to buy or rent a motorbike in Vietnam? And do you want to ride the entire length of Vietnam on a motorbike or take a short drive through the city or countryside? Then it is good to first find out what you need to know before you buy or rent a motorbike. Read this comprehensive guide so that you can set off safely and wisely.

This can read about buying or renting a motorbike in Vietnam:

Traffic rules and laws of Vietnam

Do it or not, rent or buy a motorbike, what are the costs, where can you rent and buy a motorbike, how do i sell my motorbike, what kind of motorbike can you buy or rent in vietnam, best motorbike routes in vietnam, motorbike tips, basic rules.

• You do not need a driver’s license for motorbikes under 50 cc.
• For motorbike with 50 – 174 cc you need the Vietnamese driving license A1
• For motorbikes above 174 cc – you need the Vietnamese A2 driving license
• When buying or renting a motorbike you must get a blue card from the owner (or at least a copy). This blue card provides information about the owner of the motorbike. If you do not have this blue card, you may get into trouble with the police if you are arrested.
• No alcohol tolerance for motorists and 0.5 ‰ for motorcyclists. But be wise and never drink alcohol before you drive.
• Motorcyclists must wear a helmet while driving.
• More than 2 people on a motorbike is not allowed (as you will see this everywhere).
• In Vietnam they drive on the right.
• You must be 18 years old.
• A stronger vehicle always has priority.

Can I drive with an international driver’s license in Vietnam?

There are conflicting reports about this, but an international driver’s license is not valid in Vietnam. You can only drive with a valid Vietnamese driver’s license.

Why do tourists ride a motorbike any way?

There seems to be a kind of tolerance policy for motorcycling tourists. Police almost never stop foreigners, probably also because they are insecure because they speak poor or no English. So don’t ruin it for others and behave in traffic.

Vietnamese driver’s license

You can only apply for a Vietnamese driver’s license if you have a Vietnamese business visa, a work permit and / or a residence card. With a normal tourist visa you cannot apply for a driver’s license. Foreigners living in Vietnam can have their national driver’s license translated into Vietnamese and get a Vietnamese driver’s license without passing an exam. If you cannot drive a motorbike with your driver’s license, you must pass a simple test.

• Driving in an area where you are not allowed to drive or on the wrong side: 200 000 – 400 000
• Alcohol (per level): 500,000 – 3,000,000
• Without a license: 800,000 – 1,200,000
• Driving without a helmet: 100,000 – 200,000
• Making calls while driving: 60,000 – 80,000
• In the bad cases, the police can seize a motorcycle. In the worst case, such as a major accident, you can go to jail …

Are you planning to buy or rent a motorbike in Vietnam? If so, the first question you should ask yourself (seriously) is whether you can drive well. There are few rules when it comes to traffic in Vietnam. You must always be extremely reactive and be able to properly anticipate changes. If you have no experience at all, then Vietnam is not the right country to learn to drive. If you are not very self-assured, you can probably also look for an alternative better.

• The best way to see Vietnam and visit local authentic places
• Perfect to see the landscape and stop whenever you want.
• Lots of freedom, not tied to bus and train times.
• A unique and very adventurous experience.
• Cheap and easy way to travel
• The traffic is very chaotic and can be very dangerous, accidents happen regularly.
• When you are not experienced and not self-confident.
• Officially you are not allowed by law to drive without a Vietnamese driver’s license;
• Because of this you are often not fully covered by your (travel) insurance after an accident.
• The roads, especially in the north of Vietnam, are not always of good quality.
• You have to navigate yourself.

The alternative

If you don’t like driving alone, but still want to get some of this experience, there are a number of alternatives:

Rent a scooter and explore the region : You can of course choose not to see the whole of Vietnam with a motorbike, but only a certain region. From city to city you take the bus or train and once at your destination you rent a scooter to explore the region. Tip, check out the best motorbike routes in Vietnam to determine where you can best do this.

Motor tour with guide : There are a number of tours that you can do where you can drive yourself, but with an experienced guide that helps you. With this option you are not concerned with navigation either.

Easyrider : An easyrider is a local guide who takes you on the back of the motorbike to visit sights. This is the best and safest alternative. You still have freedom, but you don’t have to drive and navigate yourself. The best thing about an easyrider is that this local guide can show you places you would otherwise never come to and he can put you in touch with the locals, giving you a unique insight into the culture.

If you are certain that you can drive, you must decide whether you want to rent or buy a motorbike / scooter.

Renting: advantages and disadvantages

• Saved hassle of selling / buying and paperwork
• You will probably get more support and advice.
• You do not have to take care of maintenance yourself and pay for it.
• One-way costs more by shipping the motor to the original destination.
• More expensive than buying and chances that you have to pay for damage when you return the motorbike (and if you are scammed by a bad company, you may have to pay for damage that was already there).

Buying: pros and cons

• Cheaper than renting.
• If you want to travel through other countries with the same motorbike.
• No worries about damage you have to pay to the rental company.
• You have to buy the motor yourself and also sell it again.

Costs for renting a motorbike in Vietnam

• Scooter / motorcycle for 1 day> $ 5 – 15 (Honda Wave, Future, Blade, Yamaha …)
• Scooter / motorcycle for 1 month> around $ 100 – 200 (the longer you rent, the lower the price)
• Stronger motors for 1 day> $ 30 – 60 (the longer you rent, the lower the price)

Costs for buying a motorbike in Vietnam

The costs for a scooter / motorbike are around $ 250 to 1500 (eg Honda Wave, Future, Blade, Yamaha …). Low prices from advertisers or street vendors (can be copies of motorbikes), higher prices from certified suppliers.

Some companies offer redemption, for example you buy a motorbike for $ 1 000 and when you return, you get $ 800 back.

You can sell your motorbike when you leave Vietnam through advertising websites, social media and sellers, usually at a lower price.

You can buy or rent a motorcycle, especially in the center of major cities and tourist towns. Outside the store are a row of motorbikes and scooters with the inscription “Motorbike for sale / to rent”. In Vietnamese – “Xe máy” = Motorbike, “Cho thuê xe máy” = Motorbike rental.

Recommended companies:

Hanoi, Ha Giang, Da Nang: rentabikevn.com Hanoi: Phung Motorbike , Tigit motorbikes , Flamingo trail Ha Giang: QT Motorbikes + Tours Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon scooter rental

You can also take over a motorbike from another backpacker, read “how do I sell my motorbike” to see a number of websites where this is possible.

If you have chosen to purchase a motorbike, you must resell it at the end of your journey. There are a number of options for doing this. First of all you can try to sell your motorcycle in the hostel where you stay. Some hostels have a notice board where you can hang something to sell your motorbike. Another option is via a website or social media:

• Vietnam Backpacker Sales
• Backpacking Vietnam by Bike – Sales and Advice
• Vietnam Craigslist

Before you rent or buy a motorbike, it is necessary to carefully check and test the motorbike. Some companies offer cheap and used motorcycles and scooters of dubious quality. Other official and certified commercial companies rent and sell a good quality motorbike.

• Check the lights and direction indicators.
• Check the tires and the frame
• Gasoline must not leak.
• Check the noise of the motorbike.
• Stability and control of the handlebars.
• Check the standard.
• Check the registration papers (the blue card)

There are many different motorbikes that you can buy or rent, from various brands, but also many poor Chinese ones. The cheap Chinese copies of Honda Win (called the “Chinese Win”) are well known, many travelers buy or rent this motorbike. This motorbike is very cheap (you can buy it from around $ 200), but what is very cheap is often not very good. Cheap often also means more breakdown and repairs while traveling.

The most popular brands:

Honda Most popular brand, but also many Chinese copies. Honda Blade, Honda Wave and Honda Future are a semi-automatic and a good choice to travel with. The Honda Win has a manual gear, cheap and has a place to put your backpack on.

Yamaha The most popular models are the Mio and Nuovo. Strong motors for difficult terrain.

Suzuki Hayate scooter is easy to maintain.

Minsk Old motorbike for someone with a very low budget and not super reliable.

• The Ha Giang loop
• The Hai Van Pass (between Dan Nang and Hue)
• From Quy Nhon to Nha Trang
• Make sure you are rested; although you sit all the time, traveling on a motorbike is physically tiring.
• Check the weather. Drought means a lot of dust and when it rains hard means a lot of water on the road.
• Plan your route in advance.
• Stick to the speed and adjust your speed, the state of the road, the traffic and the weather conditions.
• Keep a sufficient distance.
• Take a break after every 1 or 2 hours of driving.
• Make sure you have enough gas if you have to drive a long distance through a remote area.
• Honking is very normal here to let them know that they are going to overtake you.
• Depart early in the morning on days when you will be driving long distances.

What to bring:

• Helmet (good quality)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen. Glasses are also handy against dust.
• Mouth cap against exhaust gases and dust
• Phone for GPS
• Water-resistant bag for your backpack
• A metal carrier and cables to secure your backpack
• Basic repair tool
• Google maps: Since 2018, Google Maps has a special “motorbike mode”. This option takes into account the speed of motorcycling and small roads and shorter roads that the car cannot take.
• Maps.me : Has very detained maps and the best thing is that you have to download them in advance, so that you can always use this navigation, even if you have no network coverage on your phone.

What do you do if your motorbike breaks down?

Many travelers are not experienced motorbike technicians. Problems with the very cheap motorbike (eg the Chinese copy of Honda Win) often occur. If you get into such a situation, you can take your motorcycle to a repair shop or technicians. You find them everywhere along the road in Vietnam and are happy to help you. However, if such a place cannot be found, try asking the locals. Make sure you have a translation app on your phone or copy standard phrases in Vietnamese in advance.

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Motorcycle market in Vietnam - statistics & facts

Motorcycles: the most common vehicle on vietnamese streets, the future of motorcycles in vietnam, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Volume of motorcycles in Vietnam 2016-2029

Motorcycle sales volume growth Vietnam 2017-2023

Number of new businesses for wholesale and retail Vietnam 2016-2023

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Motorcycles & Bicycles

Motorcycle manufacturers market share in Vietnam 2022, by revenue

Motorbike and bike tubes production volume Vietnam 2013-2023

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Motorcycle and scooter production volume ASEAN 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Motorcycle and scooter sales ASEAN 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic GDP value of wholesale, retail, and repair of motor vehicles in Vietnam 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic GDP contribution of wholesale, retail, and repair of motor vehicles Vietnam 2018-2023

Motorcycle and scooter production volume ASEAN 2014-2023

Number of motorcycles and scooters produced in Southeast Asia from 2014 to 2023 (in millions)

Motorcycle and scooter sales ASEAN 2014-2023

Number of motorcycles and scooters sold in Southeast Asia from 2014 to 2023 (in millions)

GDP value of wholesale, retail, and repair of motor vehicles in Vietnam 2018-2023

GDP value of the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector in Vietnam from 2018 to 2023 (in trillion Vietnamese dong)

GDP contribution of wholesale, retail, and repair of motor vehicles Vietnam 2018-2023

GDP contribution of the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector in Vietnam from 2018 to 2023

Key indicators

• Premium Statistic Revenue of the motorcycles industry in Vietnam 2016-2029
• Premium Statistic Motorcycle sales volume Vietnam 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Average scooters price in Vietnam 2016-2029
• Premium Statistic Average on-road motorcycles price in Vietnam 2016-2029

Revenue of the motorcycles industry in Vietnam 2016-2029

Revenue of the motorcycles market in Vietnam from 2016 to 2029 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Motorcycle sales volume Vietnam 2018-2023

Volume of motorcycles sold in Vietnam from 2018 to 2023 (in millions)

Average scooters price in Vietnam 2016-2029

Average scooters price in Vietnam from 2016 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Average on-road motorcycles price in Vietnam 2016-2029

Average on-road motorcycles price in Vietnam from 2016 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Production and trade

• Premium Statistic Motorbikes production volume Vietnam 2013-2023
• Premium Statistic Motorbike and bike tires production volume Vietnam 2013-2023
• Premium Statistic Motorbike and bike tubes production volume Vietnam 2013-2023
• Premium Statistic Motorcycle export volume of Honda from Vietnam 2020-2022

Motorbikes production volume Vietnam 2013-2023

Production volume of assembled motorcycles in Vietnam from 2013 to 2023 (in million units)

Motorbike and bike tires production volume Vietnam 2013-2023

Production volume of motorcycle and bicycle tires in Vietnam from 2013 to 2023 (in million pieces)

Production volume of motorcycle and bicycle tubes in Vietnam from 2013 to 2023 (in million pieces)

Motorcycle export volume of Honda from Vietnam 2020-2022

Motorcycle export volume of Honda from Vietnam from 2020 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Leading manufacturers

• Premium Statistic Motorcycle manufacturers market share in Vietnam 2022, by unit sales
• Premium Statistic Average motorcycle prices in Vietnam in 2023, by make
• Premium Statistic Honda motorcycle market share Vietnam 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Motorcycle sales volume of Honda Vietnam 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Most popular motorcycle models of Honda Vietnam 2021-2022

Motorcycle manufacturers market share in Vietnam 2022, by unit sales

Market share of motorcycle manufacturers in Vietnam in 2022, based on unit sales

Average motorcycle prices in Vietnam in 2023, by make

Average price of motorcycles in Vietnam in 2023, by make (in U.S. dollars)

Honda motorcycle market share Vietnam 2018-2023

Market share of Honda in the motorcycle market in Vietnam from 2018 to 2023

Motorcycle sales volume of Honda Vietnam 2018-2023

Volume of motorcycles sold by Honda in Vietnam from 2018 to 2023 (in millions)

Most popular motorcycle models of Honda Vietnam 2021-2022

Most popular motorcycle models of Honda based on sales in Vietnam from 2021 to 2022

Ride-hailing

• Premium Statistic Most popular bike ride-hailing services based on usage Vietnam 2021
• Premium Statistic Bike hailing versus traditional bike taxi usage preferences among Vietnamese 2021
• Premium Statistic Reasons for choosing bike ride-hailing services over bike taxis among Vietnamese 2021

Most popular bike ride-hailing services based on usage Vietnam 2021

Most used bike ride-hailing platforms in Vietnam as of May 2021

Bike hailing versus traditional bike taxi usage preferences among Vietnamese 2021

Preference of using bike ride-hailing versus traditional bike taxi among people in Vietnam as of May 2021

Reasons for choosing bike ride-hailing services over bike taxis among Vietnamese 2021

Reasons for choosing bike ride-hailing services over bike taxis among people in Vietnam as of May 2021

Consumer behavior

• Premium Statistic Frustration among motorbike drivers Vietnam 2021
• Premium Statistic Share of motorcyclists who experienced injury while driving motorbikes Vietnam 2021
• Premium Statistic Injury types faced by motorcyclists while driving motorbikes Vietnam 2021
• Premium Statistic Interest in owning a car among people Vietnam 2021

Frustration among motorbike drivers Vietnam 2021

Leading frustration of driving motorbikes among motorcyclists in Vietnam as of July 2021

Share of motorcyclists who experienced injury while driving motorbikes Vietnam 2021

Share of motorcyclists who experienced injury while driving motorbikes in Vietnam as of July 2021

Injury types faced by motorcyclists while driving motorbikes Vietnam 2021

Injury types faced by motorcyclists while driving motorbikes in Vietnam as of July 2021

Interest in owning a car among people Vietnam 2021

Interest in owning a car among people in Vietnam as of July 2021

Further reports

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Yes, You Can Get Detroit-Style Pizza in Vietnam

We know Detroit-style pizza made its way around the U.S. and Canada including Toronto and Montreal. But Vietnam?

Yes, we found at least two pizza joints: Motor City Detroit Style Pizza in Da Nang and LAMIE PIZZA in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.

LAMIE PIZZA is an alley with many barbershops across from Ben Thanh Market in District 1,  according to HG's Ho Chi Minh Travel Blog , which goes on to say:

"It is one of the few Detroit-style pizza restaurants in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, and is almost the only charming restaurant where you can taste authentic Detroit-style pizza."

The shop, according to the blog, is owned by a Vietnamese man who grew up in France and moved to Vietnam 10 years ago. It said he originally worked as a store interior designer, but after quitting his job during the Covid pandemic, decided to open a pizza restaurant. It does not say when it first opened. 

The pizza joint's website says:

"At Lamie Pizza, we are proud to bring the unique flavors of Detroit style pizza to Vietnam. Our dedication to quality and authenticity sets us apart in the pizza industry."

Some of the pizzas include: UGOTBEEF (mozzarella cheese, minced beef, caramelized onion, white sauce, bell pepper), ITALIAN SAUSAGE (tomato sauce, mozzarella/cheddar cheese, Italian sausage, shallot, basil pesto), 4 BROS (tomato sauce, mozzarella/cheddar/emmental/ricotta cheese, honey), MOTOWN (tomato sauce, mozzarella/cheddar cheese, pepperoni).

As for Motor City Detroit Style Pizza in Da Nang, one Facebook subscriber, Don Thompson, writes: 

"Not Italian pizza so don’t judge it by that. But, if you are from North America or familiar with deep dish, this stuff is great. Awesome crust and flavors."

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• Nancy Derringer
• Violet Ikonomova
• Joe Lapointe
• Chad Selweski
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Asia » Vietnam » How to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam

How to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam

What's In This Guide?

Looking to buy a motorbike in vietnam.

Buying a motorbike in Vietnam may seem difficult at first. However, with a bit of guidance, it is actually quite easy. I have done it four times and learned some valuable lessons along the way.

Here you will learn about the types of motorbikes available in Vietnam and where to buy a motorbike in each of the major cities.

I will also answer common questions like; should you buy an auto or a manual, a Chinese copy, a legit Honda or possibly a Belarusian Minsk? Or should you actually just rent instead?

Most importantly, you will also learn how to check your motorbike properly before handing over your cash.

It’s easy to get screwed over, this unbiased buyer’s guide makes sure you don’t.

At the end of this article, I will also show you some epic Vietnam motorbiking routes which you seriously don’t want to miss. So, make sure you read to the end!

First. Should I Rent or Buy a Motorbike?

Most travellers don’t give this enough thought.

If traveling Vietnam for 3 months or longer, you should buy your own motorbike. In the long run it will work out cheaper. You should also have enough time to spare a few days at the start and end of the journey to buy a decent motorbike and try to sell it again.

However, bear in mind that selling your motorbike for a decent price can be quite challenging. I’ve experienced it firsthand. Don’t expect to recover all (or even half) the amount you spent on the motorbike.

If traveling Vietnam for 2 months or less, you’re better off renting a motorbike. You can actually rent a much better quality motorbike (like a Honda XR150) for the same price. Plus, you also avoid messing around looking for a decent motorbike to buy, and then trying to offload it for a fair price.

The main challenge with good quality motorbike rentals is the high demand. Secure rental motorbikes at least 3 months in advance.

I’ve partnered directly with renowned motorbike rental shops in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City offering reliable motorbikes at great prices. Convenient one-way drop offs are also available . Send me an enquiry now and get an exclusive discount!

Which Motorbike Should I Buy?

If you want to buy a cheap motorbike in Vietnam, then your best option is probably a Chinese copy Honda Win . It is cheap, has a manual clutch, uses normal petrol, and is easy to fix when you inevitably break down.

Legitimate Japanese built Hondas are way more expensive to buy, and often far outside backpacker budgets. Expect to pay USD 1,000+ for a Honda XR150. To get a real Honda you’re really better off renting from around USD 15 per day (enquire here).

However, the manual clutch Honda Win might not be for everyone. So, here are the most common motorbike options you will find in Vietnam for sale (note that where I refer to Honda in this section, I mean a Chinese copy):

• Honda Dream: semi-automatic // 100cc scooter // Price Range USD 200-300
• Honda Wave: semi-automatic // 100cc motorbike // Price Range: USD 200-300
• Honda Win: manual clutch // 110-125cc motorbike // Price Range USD 300-400
• Russian Minsk: manual clutch // 125cc motorbike // Price Range USD 300-400

Honda Wave & Honda Dream (Semi-Auto)

The Honda Wave and Honda Dream are best for those with little to no motorbiking experience.

Pros: These motorbikes are both semi-automatics which do not require you to use a clutch. This means changing gears is as easy as pushing the foot lever up and down. It might take about an hour of getting used to, but you’ll quickly be on your way. Essentially, if you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a Honda Wave or Honda Dream.

Other benefits of these motorbikes are the comfortable seat and the small under-seat storage for those things you really want to keep dry.

Cons: you might cop a bit of shit from other riders with manual motorbikes like the Honda Win. And without a clutch, you might struggle up some of the steeper mountains and off road trails.

Honda Win (Manual Clutch)

The Honda Win is definitely the best for those with some motorbiking experience. This is also the most common backpacker’s motorbike on the road.

Pros: This motorbike provides the best value for money and riding quality. Importantly, the Honda Win offers the extra clutch control needed to ride through the high mountain passes in northern Vietnam. Without a clutch, getting to more remote and off-road places can be tough.

The Honda Win will break down as all motorbikes in Vietnam do. However, it is truly indestructible as there are cheap spare parts for this motorbike everywhere. Replacing a chain will cost just $5 and even blowing up the engine will only cost $50 each time.

A bonus benefit of the Honda Win is that you will be accepted by fellow riders as having a real motorbike.

Cons: None, other than the standard breakdowns.

Russian Minsk (Vintage)

The Russian Minsk is both badass and bad. It looks awesome, sounds awesome, and breaks down everywhere. The Minsk is only recommended for those who really know how to fix a motorbike.

Pros: The Minsk is a two-stroke motorbike. One of the fondest memories is the smell of burnt oil riding up the mountains. The suspension on the Minsk Sport version is great for off-roading and the seats are way more comfortable.

Cons: They break down all the time. Even a well serviced Mink will break down almost every day. Spare parts are uncommon and cost way more as they are not interchangeable with the Japanese/Chinese motorbikes. Many locals even refuse to repair a Minsk. Carry lots of spare parts or be prepared to search for a long time.

If you’re buying a Minsk in Vietnam, consider your repair budget to be the same as the cost of the motorbike itself.

Where to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam?

Ho chi minh city (hcmc).

Remember these words “find the guy next to the big neon bull.”

Backpackers are most likely to stay at or near Pham Ngu Lao Street. At one end of the street, there’s a huge neon bull’s head called the Crazy Buffalo.

Go to that neon sign, then head into the small alley on the left. There you will meet a short Vietnamese guy fixing used motorbikes. He has a huge stash of motorbikes underground at an average price of USD 300.

Not all of his motorbikes are in great condition, so I suggest inspecting them with my detailed checklist at the end of this article. You can also give these motorbikes a test ride first.

Some motorbikes have been crashed badly and repaired while others have been looked after well.

If you’re looking to buy a motorbike in Hanoi then you should start off at the backpacker district in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Ngo Huyen is a crowded narrow laneway where you will find lots of hotels, guesthouses, travel agents, and the shop called Phung Motorbike. This guy has loads of new and used motorbikes for rent and for sale, which will have been serviced well.

You can usually buy a motorbike cheaper in Hanoi directly from another backpacker, however, it will not have been serviced and most likely has been crashed.

Be sure to check out my Hanoi travel guide while you’re in town!

Backpackers regularly ride from Hanoi to Sapa, then plan to cross from Sapa to Laos with the overnight bus. These backpackers often have their Vietna tourist visa running out of time and need to offload the motorbike quickly.

This means you can often get a motorbike in Sapa super cheap, at around a 60-70% discount of the purchase price.

We sold two decent condition motorbikes in Sapa for a total of USD 200. But the catch was that you had to take both or none.

Buying a Motorbike Online

Travelswop – this website has been around forever. Listings are not updated very often, and there is quite a limited choice available. You are better off going directly to the small shops.

Facebook – the Facebook group called ForSaleVietnam lists all sorts of things by locals and expats. Scroll through the page and you will find motorbikes posted quite often.

ChoTot – this is the Vietnamese version of Craigslist or Gumtree with just about everything for sale. The website is only available in Vietnamese, but this link will take you directly to motorbike listings.

What to Check Before You Buy

If you have never ridden a motorbike in Vietnam, welcome. Let me start by telling you that all budget second-hand motorbikes will have been crashed at some point. If you’re being told otherwise, it’s a lie.

Since these motorbikes have been crashed, they’ve been damaged, and not all have been repaired properly. Here are a few basic checks to make before you buy a motorbike in Vietnam:

• Check the rear swingarm is straight – the rear swingarm is those two vertical forks holding the rear wheel in place. If either of the rear swingarm forks are bent then, your ride will veer to the side every time you pass over a rumble strip or pothole.
• Check the headlight works and is powerful – riding at dusk or night in Vietnam is downright dangerous, but it happens quite often. You are not always going to reach your destination in daylight hours, so be prepared.
• Check the battery properly charges and holds a charge – the battery provides steady power to the headlight. If the battery is no good the headlight will be dim and flicker as your riding speed changes.
• Check the horn works – it doesn’t take long to realize the Vietnamese rely on horns to communicate.
• Test the front brake – Rule #1 when riding a motorbike is to use your front brake when stopping fast. If it doesn’t work properly you will crash soon.
• Check for the Blue Card – the Blue Card is the Vietnamese vehicle registration paper. Police may stop you and ask for this, so be sure your motorbike has one.

Typical Motorbike Repair Costs

There is no point denying that your motorbike will break down. With a Chinese copy motorbike it is inevitable, and buying a genuine Japanese usually just isn’t worth it.

However, one of the things that makes Vietnam such an attractive place to motorbike across is the abundance of motorbike mechanics. And they’re cheap!

Here are some of the most common breakdowns with a rough price guide for repairs:

• Repair a tire tube – VND 30,000 (USD 1)
• Change tire tube – VND 50,000 (USD 3)
• Change an entire tire – VND 200,000 (USD 9)
• Tighten chain – VND 30,000 (USD 1)
• Change engine oil and filter – VND 150,000 (USD 6.5)
• Repair cracked motorbike frame – VND 200,000 (USD 9)
• Replace rear swing arm bolt – VND 200,000 (USD 9)

It is best you learn to do the following easy repairs by yourself; change the spark plug, clean the spark plug, adjust the brake and clutch cables, pump up your tyres.

Useful Tips for Motorbiking in Vietnam

After buying a motorbike there are a few useful accessories for your journey. These things will make your trip much easier and more enjoyable:

• Bungy cords make tying down your luggage way easier. These will save you at least 10 minutes every morning compared to using ropes. Make sure you buy a few spares as they tend to snap easily.
• Wet weather gear. Although it looks expensive now, it is worth every last Vietnamese Dong in your pocket. You’ll thank me when you get blasted by a thunderstorm up in the mountains.
• Some essential spares parts include; headlight bulb, fuel filter, fuel line hoses, tire tubes. They will all come in handy.
• Tools; spanner, hammer, hand tire pump – all the basics.
• A decent road map of Vietnam , this is essential for exploring the back roads!

By the way… I’ve seen people mess up badly with their Vietnam travel visas. It’s definitely no fun getting stuck in the airport without your paperwork, sometimes getting told to return to your previous country.

The thing is, it is actually so easy to get your visa by applying on Vietnam Visa . I personally use this service every time and love it. There’s even an urgent (one-day turnaround) option if you leave things right to the last minute like me.

Where to Ride in Vietnam?

Heading north from Ho Chi Minh City your first stop may be Dalat, Nha Trang, and Cat Thien National Park. To learn more about these, and a further 23 destinations across the country, you cannot miss my epic Vietnam Motorbike Route .

This details how I rode across the country for over three months.

If you are rushed on time then you might consider this 2 Week Vietnam itinerary taking you from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north. If starting in the south of Vietnam you might like to spend a few days exploring   Ho Chi Minh city with this guide to the local attractions.

These are the basics of buying a motorbike in Vietnam and getting yourself properly set up for the journey ahead. Don’t rush, take it easy and enjoy the ride!

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The 40 Best (and worst) Motorbikes in Vietnam

Please read the update and shorter list of the most popular motorbikes on the expat market in 2021.

This is an opinion piece about the 40 best and worst(!) motorbikes in Vietnam by Tigit Jon. I’ve included the average used prices for handy reference. Most people reading this have no interest in buying a brand new model so comparison price accordingly on other sites.

Note – I do love Suzuki and Honda, but I do not work for them!

These are some of the main scooters and bikes you’ll see when travelling on the streets around Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Be warned!, Some motorbikes are cheap because they are rubbish…. So understanding and researching what you are buying is incredibly important!

Tigit does sell old rental motorbikes, but we recommend the service offered by The Extra Mile for sourcing second hand motorbikes!

$200 to priceless

$300 to priceless, $350 – $600, $400 + honda wave for sale or rent by tigitmotorbikes., $400 (never owned and never driven, but we do talk to people).

• $350-500 Suzuki Hayate for sale by TigitMotorbikes

$600+ (never owned, never driven)

$800 + (never driven and never owned), $900 (tigit never owned).

• $1000+  Honda AirBlade for sale by TigitMotorbikes

$1000 (only experience with the oldest generation)

$1000 + (never owned but have driven one before), $1200+ (kind of driven one before), $1500 + and the yamaha exciter is for sale and for rent by tigit motorbikes., $1300 + and the suzuki raider is for rent by tigit motorbikes..

• $1700 +  Honda XR for sale or for rent by Tigit Motorbikes.

$1300 + Honda Winner for sale or rent at Tigit Motorbikes.

$1800 + (never owned, never driven), suzuki satria manual transmission, $2000 (never owned, but have driven one), $2300 (never owned, but have driven one), $3000+ (never owned, but have driven one), motorbike list, chinese honda win manual transmission.

The Win is for: If you are an adventure seeker!  You are a lad on tour wanting a “laugh”!

Chinese Honda Semi-Automatic, Wave, Dream, Future

Cheapest motorbike in Vietnam to buy and also the cheapest to fix. For the traveler on a tiny shoestring budget and absolutely no spare cash then the Chinese Honda Wave is a reasonable choice! The Chinese semi-automatics are all the same underneath, the “name” Wave, Dream is just the bodywork design. Underneath is the same Chinese engines.

The Chinese semi-automatic is severely lacking in the power and character department. Overall it is nothing more than a chunk of plastic on two wheels. Generally, the Chinese Semi will get the traveler from A to B cost efficiently. Even a catastrophically bad breakdown is quick and cheap to fix providing the traveler gets the right price in a backstreet mechanic.

This bike is for you if: You got no money!

SYM Attila Automatic

The famous 2002/3 Attila was one of the first automatics to arrive in Vietnam, and it was THE first with a 125cc engine. They are rarely seen on the streets today. but can be picked up for $100-$150 (I wouldn’t advise it though). Now, SYM have various modern models but SYM in general are known for budget / very cheap scooters. The depreciation and shelf life of an SYM scooter is quicker than a rotting apple. Modern SYM scooters can be bought between $600-1000 which does make them a cheap purchase for an expat on a temporary stay in Vietnam. The bikes are comfortable and perform nicely, a lot of bang for the buck. However the reliability is questionable and SYM have useless after service. For someone settling in Vietnam it is better to get something more than an SYM.

The Atilla SYM is For:  If you want a very, very cheap automatic!  You have not a care in the world about how you look! You don’t mind kick-starting an automatic!

Yamaha Nouvo 1/2/3/5/6 Automatic

The Yamaha Nouvo is the most commonly seen automatic motorbike in Vietnam driven by foreigners. The Yamaha Nouvo 1 back in 2002 was a Japanese made scooter, and a very good one at that. The Nouvo 1 is still seen on the streets today with some value. A testament to a scooter that is around 20 years old! Yamaha must have arrived on the scene of Vietnam with a massive bang for quality. However since the Nouvo 1 (2002), it is fair to say that Yamaha in Vietnam are unreliable, high maintenance and depreciate like rockets. Yamaha rode The Nouvo 1’s reputation all the way through to around 2012 which was the end of the Nouvo 4 days. Since 2012 the Vietnamese have finally become wise to Yamaha’s poor reliability and the 5/6/7 models are now rarely seen on the streets today. Infact the Nouvo as a model has mostly died off on the Vietnamese market. Held up by the foreigners relying on the branding of “Yamaha” to mean something. To be fair to Yamaha,  they are significantly cheaper than the power house of Honda, and the ride / suspension / styling tends to be far better than the equivalent Honda’s. We get what we pay for with Yamaha, an ok bike at an ok price with an ok after service.

For the expat / backpacker, just know that “Yamaha” does not equal quality in Vietnam. That $150 fifteen year old scooter is A) Very gas hungry, B) Very expensive to fix!

The Nouvo is For: If you think you can detect the good from the bad! You fancy your chances and hope to get a good bargain for the money

Honda Cub Semi-Automatic

The Honda cub is a semi-automatic motorbike from a long time ago. Due to the age of the motorbike, it is now seen today maintained with cheap Chinese parts. Honda will not service the Cub which means over time these gradually have fallen to be no different to the Chinese semi-automatic. A source of confusion and misunderstanding among foreigners who purchase these beauties expecting Honda reliability. Only to find the motorbike has no brakes, regularly falls apart and is an ongoing and stressful maintenance project. The cute styling of the Cub will often create a defensive reaction by the owner if interrogated about the reliability of their beautiful motorbike. A few hard-hitting questions in the right areas and the sob stories will eventually come out! Contradictory to belief, the Cub can still be bought new for around $550 as a useless Chinese replica .

The Honda Cub is for: If you have not done your research, just grab it! The classic look is worth all the misery and stress that the motorbike will eventually bring you!

SYM Excel Automatic

The SYM Excel is another powerhouse from SYM’s early days in Vietnam. It WAS a hidden gem of monumental value among Expats lucky enough to find one (back in 2008), however today they are no longer seen. Even if we looked for this old school classic, the chances of finding one are slim. The chances of finding a working one, are next to none. A cheap 150cc large framed automatic motorbike that is comfortable for a foreigner. If you do find a working Excel for around $300, then you just found that golden nugget!

SYM Excel: If you want a large automatic scooter on a small budget.

Suzuki Epicuro Automatic

An expat will never be found driving one and even on the Vietnamese market, they are rare motorbikes in Vietnam! The Epicuro is a high quality imported scooter from around the year 2001. In the early days of Tigit we bought and sold a few of these successfully. Hard to explain, but the Epicuro is in a class of its own compared to all other normal scooters in Vietnam. A clear quality jump from a local Asian built scooter to a Epicuro European import. The Epicuro we later discovered is basically an unfixable scooter due to the high quality but old systems within. Mechanics do not have the skills or parts to fix them. When broken the Epicuro’s life is done and there is no reviving it. Writing in 2019, these motorbikes are still seen driven by local Gangsta’s!

Epicuro is for: If you have some spare cash sitting around and you fancy trying your luck at picking up an old but very high-quality scooter.

Minsk Manual

As Richard Hammond from Top gear says.. “The ak47 of motorbikes”. Supposedly indestructible machines that are the origins of the now-famous concept of traveling Vietnam by motorbike. Richard Hammond thought the Minsk was indestructible but backpackers put this theory to the test and came out on top. A 2 stroke engine requiring a mixture of oil and gas in the right concentrations is what led to the slow and eventual deaths of the iconic Minsk. Backpackers who know nothing about motorbikes failed to get the mixtures correct and one by one these motorbikes came to a bitter end. The story doesn’t end there though! The Minsk is now used by the tour companies in Sapa , renovated with modern Honda engines and used for charitable rides.

The Minsk: Buy it if you find one that works!

Honda 67 Manual

The 67 is without question one of the most beautiful looking motorbikes in Vietnam. In modern times they are maintained with low-quality Chinese components making them unreliable and useless motorbikes. The price bracket shows the variation in quality and a truly original Honda 67 is worth a fortune. A motorbike that should be used by people who enjoy “projects”. Constant ongoing maintenance should be considered “fun” by the owner. For most people, they are something to be admired from a distance. Owning one of these beauties can be a stressful experience!

The ’67: If you enjoy a good old-fashioned project! You want a “sexy” motorbike for popping down to the local bar or cafe!

Bonus Manual Transmission

A slightly bigger version of the Win. The bonus is the cheapest “big” motorbike that money can buy. Often used in scams as the frame can be customized to create a cool looking motorbike on a shoestring budget. The motorbike may look cool, but has nearly no chance of actually working! Ultimately the Bonus is a motorbike from the past that was low quality, to begin with. Today, they are only seen being sold by dishonest dealers turning a quick buck. It is one of the most common scams on the market when dealing with motorbikes in Vietnam!

Buy or Rent the Bonus: If you enjoy being scammed!

Daelim Manual Transmission

The Daelim motorbike is a huge vehicle for the money. A big cruiser that fits the dream of driving a proper motorbike. The Daelim is essentially Chinese and so therefore designed to be maintained with low-quality parts. This actually makes them easier to fix than some of the other smashed up garbage out there that has gone beyond its maintainable life cycle (looking at you the Suzuki GN). If used as a gentle city monster truck the Daelim can be a great motorbike for the money. However, when pushed hard they overheat and fall apart.

Buy or Rent a Daelim: If you want a comfortable cheap cruiser for the city!

Suzuki GN Manual Transmission

The Suzuki GN is a magnificent motorbike to drive when discovered in good condition. The GN has a huge heart and lots of character. Unfortunately buying Suzuki GN components is near to impossible which means they are maintained with cheap Chinese parts. The Suzuki GN is an incredibly expensive ongoing maintenance project that will eat the bank balance. However, the GN is so much fun to drive, a broken bank is not actually a terrible trade-off for someone that loves motorbikes. For the backpacker, it is a con that will likely ruin a holiday. For an expat or motorbike lover, the Suzuki GN can be a much-loved friend.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki GN: If the bank won’t allow you to buy a proper motorbike but the GN feels like the real deal and the ongoing maintenance is a price worth paying to drive the motorbike of your dreams!

Yamaha Mio Automatic transmission

The Mio is a small framed automatic. Mostly seen by expat girls who find the standard automatics too heavy and bulky for city driving. The Mio is basically a Nouvo 1/2/3 with a small frame. Low quality and broken garbage that has an inflated value on the expat market due to its “cute” frame size. Rental companies attempt to rent these to target the female market – in Tigit’s opinion, this is a bottomless pit of non-profitable rentals as the maintenance is on-going and high. Updated in the year 2020, not sure I have been one of these motorbikes in years!

Buy or Rent the Yamaha Mio: If you want a small framed scooter and the Honda Click is out of your budget!

Yamaha Sirius / Taurus Semi-Automatic

Rarely seen driven by foreigners, but do exist out there on the Vietnamese Market. Yamaha Semi-Automatics are both cheaper and smaller in frame size than the equivalent Honda Semi-Automatic. Semi-Automatics rarely breakdown and so for the money, they are a good and reliable purchase. The Yamaha Semi-Automatic lacks in power and performance compared to the Honda competition and this shows in the price differences between the two. As an entry-level motorbike created by a proper company that is Yamaha, the Sirius is not a bad choice!

Buy or Rent a Yamaha Semi: If you want a small, cheap and reliable motorbike!

Honda Wave Semi-Automatic

Buying the correct Honda Wave is the most financially sound, safe and economical purchase a human can possibly achieve. The “Honda Semi-Automatic” is an indestructible motorbike. Only ruined or broken due to the incompetence of the owner. The Wave, if maintained in a Honda shop with Honda’s world-class service will never break down. Ridiculously cheap to maintain and the long term depreciation is minimal. Unfortunately, Honda semi-automatics can be maintained by people using backstreet mechanic shops that use Chinese components. This creates a large variation of quality. However, even a badly maintained, smashed up Honda will not drop below the value of $350. Generally, on the market, they are found from $500 and upwards. The Honda Wave is one of the most common motorbikes in Vietnam, and there is a good reason for this!

Buy or Rent a Honda Wave: If you want the best value for money motorbike! You never want to break down on the streets of Vietnam!  You count every penny and want the safest possible long-term investment!

Yamaha Jupiter Semi-Automatic

The Yamaha Jupiter is Yamaha’s top range semi-automatic. We believe people buy these due to the soft suspension of Yamaha, small frame size and stylish Yamaha looks. In Tigit’s opinion, at this price range it is better to buy a Honda. For high-end motorbikes in Vietnam, Honda is usually a better choice.

Buy or Rent the Yamaha Jupiter: If one is found in the right place, at the right time and at the right price.

Honda Future Semi-Automatic

The Honda Future is Honda’s top-level semi-automatic. Hard to put a price range on these as the model has been around a long time and significantly changed through the years. The variation of prices and quality is a minefield. If buying the correct one the 125cc engine in the Future is like driving a sports motorbike through the city. They are astonishingly fast and smooth – probably the ultimate motorbike for a combination of city and long distance driving. Rental companies often like to use the Future to promote the concept of a 125cc engine to foreigners. In reality the Future is over budget for a rental company and unless the rental price is in accordance to the luxury image of the vehicle it will be found that the Futures used are old and have lost their power.

Buy or Rent a Honda Future: If you have cash in the bank and want a motorbike that is ideal for city and long distance driving.

Suzuki Hayate Automatic

$350-500 Suzuki Hayate for sale  by TigitMotorbikes

The Hayate is without question the best value for money automatic scooter in Vietnam. It is reliable, has character and for the money, there is nothing in its class. It puts the Yamaha Nouvo 1/2/3 to shame. Not only is it amazingly reliable for the money, but it also has a buzzing noise and handling that is to die for. The downside to the Hayate is the carburetor problems which can cause it to cut out at low rev. The Suzuki mechanics are not hugely honest or skilled at diagnosing this problem. The fix is around 2 mil, which is a fair percentage of the value of the entire scooter! When looking for a motorbike in Vietnam, the Suzuki Hayate is up there as the best value for money scooter in the country!

Final word on the Hayate: If you want the cheapest automatic that is going to get you from A-B consistently!  You are a boy racer at heart! 

The poor mans Honda SH.

The SYM Shark is very popular among expats due to its big frame and low price. Generally, they are advertised at nearly double the market value with claims of an upgrade to 150cc from the 125cc stock engine. Believe this if you will, but I am happy to remain a skeptic, and what is +125cc on a city scooter anyway? For the price, the SYM Shark is a good purchase but as with any SYM bike the after service is limited and a small problem can escalate into an unfixable problem very quickly. Most SYM Shark owners seem happy with their purchase and overall I believe these to be a solid choice.

This bike is for: If you want a cheap large framed automatic and you don’t mind being seen as the person that simply couldn’t afford an SH!

SYM Elizabeth Automatic

The SYM Elizabeth is a comfortable and stylish girly motorbike. A flat platform for bags and often crash railings makes the Elizabeth an attractive choice. A common theme of SYM motorbikes where quality is not the priority, they are a Vespa copycat company but sometimes they do seem to release golden gems and we believe the Elizabeth is one of them. The ladies out there rushing to buy the “cute” Yamaha Mio, hold your horses and get one of these instead!

Buy or Rent the Elizabeth if: You want a shopping mall of a scooter that is affordable!

Honda Dream Semi-Automatic

The Honda Dream is the Ford Transit-Van of the Vietnamese motorbike world. Mostly seen driven by delivery drivers, motorbike taxis or old men. The flat seat design is comfortable and convenient for transporting goods around. The dream has a cheap exterior but high-quality internal mechanics which creates a misunderstanding among foreigners.  Looks can be deceptive and the Honda Dream is one of the more expensive Honda motorbikes on the streets.  Those smashed up looking delivery vehicles are worth far more than that beautiful spray-painted Chinese scrap the average foreigner is pottering around on. Upon research, this motorbike remains a dream that is over budget and out of reach!

Buy or Rent the Honda Dream if: The classic image of the dream is worth extra coin to you!

Honda Click Automatic

The Click is a very small city scooter. Seen around the streets of Vietnam but for a Honda it can be considered a small release and in relation to other motorbikes the Click is rare. The Click really is an unbelievably small motorbike. We are not sure why Honda stopped producing this model which means most of them are now quite old. If a small size is the most important element of a motorbike then the Click is the one to get!

Buy or Rent the Honda Click if: You want the smallest automatic that money can buy!

Yamaha Nouvo 4 Automatic

The Nouvo 4 is 135cc of automatic power making it one of the fastest automatics on the streets. In a completely different league to the Nouvo 1/2/3 and is the cause of some of the confusion about Nouvo’s being “good” motorbikes. The Nouvo 4 is popular among locals and can quite often be seen as a bling’d out automatic. Yamaha bikes depreciate quickly and in 2017 the Nouvo 4 has considerably dropped in value making it a reasonable purchase. When buying Yamaha, it is important to consider the long term depreciation…. Although good value for 2017, we believe it will continue to quickly drop in price. Update 2018 – Yamaha really are useless at maintaining scooters, the Nouvo continues to plummet in value and soon Yamaha won’t support it.

Buy or Rent the Yamaha Nouvo 4 if: You are going for a bargain that will probably work out, but are willing to accept the consequences of buying a mid priced scooter that doesn’t work!

Suzuki Impulse Automatic

The Suzuki Impulse is a large framed Hayate with fuel injection as standard. The only real negative of the Hayate was the carburetor and with the Impulse, this has been replaced with a modern fuel injection system. This alone is why nearly every expat in Vietnam should be driving this motorbike, yet no one is! At around $800 this starts to creep into the $1000 Airblade territory so I imagine most people skip over it. The $1000+ scooters tend to be characterless blocks on wheels in Vietnam. I believe the Impulse is probably the highest end scooter that still brings life to a party. If it wasn’t for Suzuki questionable after service Tigit would use these over and above Airblades. Considering how new they are, for $800 these bikes are a steal and people who want a good bike and are squinting at the Airblade price then this is the logical bike to get.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki Impulse if: You want a good bike that still has character. The Airblade is just out of your reach or you want something a little bit unique.

Honda Lead Automatic

The luggage space is enormous and these scooters are basically a transport box on two wheels. Very popular among the locals and the Lead can be seen everywhere on the streets.  The lead appears to be hard to get hold of despite its popularity, and we have never managed to find them at the “right price.” Perhaps this is because the owners won’t let the beast go! They wobbly around at speeds over 40km/h and have the handling of a boat. They really are terrible to drive. However the Lead is not about performance, it is about convenience. Flat floot position and a large seat make this the “go to” family vehicle.

Buy or Rent a Honda Lead if: You need a shopping cart on wheels that is a Honda and therefore reliable!

Honda Airblade Automatic

$1000+   Honda AirBlade for sale by TigitMotorbikes

The Airblade is the most common automatic scooter in Vietnam. There will not be a Vietnamese household that does not own a Honda Airblade of some sort. The ultimate family vehicle of supreme reliability, great gas consumption (even though it’s slightly smaller than the  Yamaha Nouvo fuel tank), and minimal depreciation. Economical and practical is the name of the game here. Front opening gas tank refills for convenience, a solid 110cc engine (older models) and a mid-sized frame make it the most down to earth and straightforward scooter that money can buy. The same old story of indestructible Honda’s ruined by people using back street mechanics applies here though, so getting the right one is important. The Airblade is a high-quality vehicle and therefore the components are expensive. Fixing a bad purchase can be a costly mistake!

Buy or Rent a Honda Airblade if: You want an automatic that is simply going to work! You want a good long term investment with minimal depreciation! You want to get from A-B with absolutely no drama!

Honda Vision Automatic

Buy or Rent the Honda Vision if: You want the cheapest automatic that Honda offers! A flat foot platform and shopping is important to you!

SYM Wolf Manual Transmission

The SYM Wolf is an almost mystical motorbike that everyone recommends to buy. Person A: “I want a cheap but good manual motorbike”…. Person B: “Ah, get an SYM Wolf, I heard they were good” ….. Person A:”Where do I find one?”…. Person B: “No idea!”…. Tigit’s opinion is the SYM Wolf is just another Chinese piece of garbage. Somehow and from somewhere it has developed this mystical reputation as being the number 1 motorbike to buy when on a budget. However, no one knows where to buy one. No one has ever seen one. Does anyone even have one? Do they even exist?………..

Buy or Rent the SYM Wolf if: You know a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy that knows a dude that maybe has an SYM Wolf for sale.

Suzuki Axelo Manual Transmission

The cheapest manual motorbike that actually works in Vietnam. The Suzuki Axelo is an amazing machine for the money. Power, reliability, and performance handling all for $900. Suzuki actually managed to build the perfect backpacker motorbike. A cheap and reliable manual that can also be fixed. Unfortunately, Suzuki messed up the styling which has created one ugly monster of a motorbike. Such as shame as we would love to buy and sell these on mass.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki Axelo if: You are all about performance to money ratio! You can’t afford an Exciter, you know imported manuals are useless and all you want is a manual motorbike that is going to work! 

Honda Master Manual Transmission

Like the SYM Wolf, the Honda master is another mystical motorbike commonly spammed around as the “recommended motorbike of choice”. In this case, at least they do exist and can eventually be found! It is true the Honda Master is a wonderful machine for the money and any owner should be proud and lucky to have one. They are small enough for city driving whilst also being comfortable for a long cruising holiday. Imported which means they are not under support by Honda. Maintenance is an unknown and needs to be sourced through back street mechanics.

Buy or Rent the Honda Master if: You want a combination of a city and touring cruiser! You want a comfortable and affordable motorbike and you are not interested in pushing any boundaries in price or performance!

Rebel USA Cruiser Manual Transmission

The Rebel USA is a gangster looking cruiser that is all about style. For the Harley wannabe to sit back and display dominance. The Rebel USA has a rumor of low quality around the “experts” and when people state an interest in these cruisers the reaction from the public is usually a word of warning and caution. The Vietnamese driving test for A2 licenses is on a Rebel USA 250cc cruiser which is where I had the pleasure of driving one. It was a shockingly bad motorbike but I am not sure a drivers test arena where motorbikes are driven by learner drivers all day long is a fair test of performance.

Buy or Rent the Honda Rebel if: You are wanting an aggressive dominant looking cruiser!

Yamaha Exciter Manual Transmission

The most common manual motorbike in Vietnam. Seen everywhere on the streets in use as a normal city commuter or a pimp’d out race motorbike. The Exciter has a huge range of models through the years alongside a modification culture which has created a wide range of prices. In 2015 the new generation of Exciter was released that Tigit uses, a 150cc large framed manual that is great for travelling Vietnam. The oldest models of the Exciter are becoming collector items for local street racer boys as the old technology is great for modifying up to death defying speeds. The Exciter is a quiet and gentle motorbike when relaxed, but a thundering monster when unleashed. The Exciter is a great motorbike for anyone with a keen interest in biking! More description of the Yamaha Exciter over in Linh’s blog Yamaha Exciter: King of the streets !

Buy or Rent Exciter if: You want a common and high performing manual motorbike! You want the cheapest manual motorbike that is optimized for speed!

Suzuki Raider Manual Transmission

The Suzuki Raider is a racing motorbike at heart. Designed for street racers and small circuit track events. For the city it is an absolute blast to smash aggressively through traffic. The brakes on this roaring go-kart outperform any rivals within its class despite being the lightest and smallest motorbike within its category. The Raiders bodywork is not exactly “firmly” attached to the motorbike and vibrates around – it is clear that this machine was built with speed in mind and it lacks in some areas of convenience. The Raider is the motorbike that is designed for someone who can really drive and can put its amazing power to weight ratio to good use. It is for fun and the owner of this motorbike should probably already have experience driving as well as other more convenient motorbikes sitting around as a backup. Worth noting that the Raider is disappointingly “restricted” within Vietnam which means it needs modifying and money spent on it to unleash its true potential.

Buy or Rent the Suzuki Raider if: You love driving! You have more convenient backup motorbikes around! Acceleration and adrenaline sends joyful shivers down your spine and you have the skills to handle this go-kart!

Honda XR 150cc Manual Transmission

$1700 +   Honda XR for sale or for rent by Tigit Motorbikes.

•  Honda XR is also used in our fully guided motorcycle tours .

These motorbikes have become “THE” motorbike for rentals and tour companies. Superb reliability and the most affordable dual-sport motorbike to be “comfortable” for foreigners. The only downside to these motorbikes is that the standard Vietnamese mechanics can’t fix them. If you buy one, then you a relying on a company like Tigit who is importing components. The XR 150 is proving to hold its value as they are difficult to buy new and the demand is higher than the supply. Comfortable for both city and long-distance driving, these really are excellent all-round machines.

Buy or Rent the XR if: You want a comfortable large framed motorbike! You want to go both on the road and off the road! A scooter is just not good enough!

Honda Winner Manual Transmission

The Winner is Honda’s rival to the dominant Yamaha Exciter. Since launch back in 2105, the Winner has been gaining market share among the locals. It is the most powerful and reliable 150cc manual motorbike in the country.

Buy or Rent the Honda Winner if: Performance is more important than “character” and upgrade kits!

Honda PCX Automatic Transmission

The PCX causes some confusion as in Thailand it is 150cc and very popular. The PCX is not that popular in Vietnam and up until recently, only the 125cc version was available. The PCX is famous for being a comfortable sofa, and for a foreigner its size is perfect. It has an image of class about it, whilst not being considered a show off scooter like the SH. For a high-end scooter, the PCX is well priced and we believe these will be better valued long term than the SH. At Tigit when the time is right we are likely to rent out this model as we consider it a good value for money.

Buy or Rent the PCX if: You want a comfortable high-end scooter that is good value for money.

A classic two-stroke motorbike that pollutes the planet and annoys all the surrounding motorists. For the driver, however, an explosion of acceleration and a rare two-stroke noise that can only be enjoyed by a motorbike enthusiast! Many of these old two-stroke motorbikes look old and broken but are sitting on values upwards of $2000. Now illegal to import the two-stroke motorbike to Vietnam meaning these classics will likely increase in value as time goes on.  The standard motorbikes are boring and slow whilst big motorbikes are impossible and impractical to drive here. This leaves the 2-stroke where the performance and acceleration is optimum and an underground knowledge is needed to realize that the smashed up beater is worth a small fortune. Respect and acknowledgment when someone compliments and understands the beauty of a classic motorbike that looks like a $200 broken down toy!

Choose the Suzuki Satria if: You think normal motorbikes are boring!

Yamaha NVX Automatic Transmission

Choose the Yamaha NVX if: You fall for technology buzz words and acronyms.

Honda MSX Manual Transmission

An eyebrow and question mark is raised just looking at the Honda MSX. A small and lowered powered motorbike with an astronomically huge price tag. We can’t see any point in these ridiculous machines and from what we can tell it is the motorbike for showing off to friends. I had the unfortunate pleasure of driving a pimp’d out MSX that was probably a total of $5000 of a motorbike after bodywork and accessory upgrades. Had I been blindfolded and asked what motorbike I was driving – the answer would have been a Honda Win. It wobbled, it lacked power and even the brakes didn’t work. Maybe I got unlucky, but for a $5000 motorbike, it is probably the biggest joke I have ridden to date!

Buy or Rent the Honda MSX if: Have money spare to buy a small manual motorbike for the coffee shops.

Honda SH Automatic Transmission

The SH 150cc is the icon of the Vietnamese scooter world. The creme de la creme of what is possible. The target and dream of any up and coming city boy or girl. We have Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s in our magazines… the Vietnamese have the SH. The irony is that it is so popular now, and city folk are now making “real money” that these scooters have become unbelievably common and normal. Despite this, the SH has managed to maintain its image of  “I have more money than you” and it continues to be the eye candy of dreams.

The scooter now comes in all different sizes and colours, basically, a “for him SH” and a “for her SH”, ranging in physical size to actual power. The mother-load of the SH being around an 11,000usd 300cc Rolls Royce of class.

It goes without saying that the SH is built properly and it does not have corner-cutting, money-saving techniques such as cheap suspension and low-quality brakes. These corner-cutting, price-slashing methods have been erased and the SH drives how a scooter should. Smooth acceleration, good power, and brakes that actually work.

The downside to these scooters is that they weigh a tonne which is not ideal for the cramped style parking in the cities. Some parking lots may have a special SH row for the upper class, but if this is not the case, your $3000 scooter is piled in with the rest of the trash, ready to get scratched to pieces.

Buy or Rent the Honda SH if: Money is no object and you want the best officially supported scooter in Vietnam.

Tags: airblade , bike review , cub , Exciter , fast motorbike , honda , honda xr , motorbike brands , suzuki gn , winner , Yamaha

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66 Replies to “The 40 Best (and worst) Motorbikes in Vietnam”

love the layout and analysis. I have a sym wolf 150 in Hawaii and a 2002 Honda CB 250. I rented a CB150 and cruised through North Vietnam. the CB150 is a great balance between the two bikes. comfortable with great riding position like the cb250, but agility like the sym wolf 150. My sym has good power, the components seem quality, has had zero problems(knock on wood) and is a joy to ride. There is a company out of Taiwan that can source genuine parts if need.

Any Supermoto / Motard options over there? I’m in the US and am thinking a motard with some street tires with some tread (between street and dual purpose? they exist for bigger bikes) would be the ultimate setup for dicing through the streets, and able to handle the rain as well. Incredible braking, handling, steering….would likely be a safe choice as well, able to avoid accidents that much better. Might need to be built-not-bought. Maybe a Honda XR150 conversion or similar? Thank you-Chris in Phoenix, AZ

Yamaha WR 155 is used as SM these days. Also DRZ 400 a little bit. But no rentals companies have done this yet.

I’m currently going through the agonising process of choosing a long-distance-reliable manual motorbike (not a scooter) for VND24 million, and I think this article made the process even more confusing! Haha. Any solid staunch advice on said search—a long-distance-reliable manual motorbike for VND24 million?

Hello, we do have some videos on this matter. Please have a look at these videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPhfYiQpHFI&list=PLAIZgj_71ymB7hUoQ3TqF-DkDoNT1mCL4

Have your opinions on any of these changed? I’m ridding a new airblade rental and considering buying the same one new since it seems pretty great. Hilarious reviews btw, thanks!

Article is a bit old and out dated. The new version is here

But no, opinion is the same 😀 Airblades are great bikes. Though I prefer the Honda Vision. If I had to choose Vision vs Airblade, I would go Vision. (don’t care that it is marketed for girls!)

Good analysis. I had a Aerox here in Thailand for a few months and I sold it and kept my slightly modified but in excellent condition Honda Airblade 110. I believe the Aerox is actually a fairly dangerous vehicle and it’s motor will easily outrun the capability of its suspension. Even though I upgraded my rear shocks and fortified my front shocks I never felt the frame was strong enough and it is a bike that is designed primarily for looks over safety. I also understand there have been frame issues in collisions as well as oiling issues in the motor. I really like the engine but like its nmax brother the engine is rough vibrates like a single cylinder 250 from china. I won’t even get into the plastic parts or inferior paint on the bike. This would have been a great bike with better components for another 10000 baht:)

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A 7-day journey: Vietnamese traveler conquers Ladakh by motorbike

Trung Anh embarked on the motorbike adventure in mid-August to conquer Ladakh, a region in northern India, located in the Himalayas, known for its mountainous terrain.

For motorbike enthusiasts, Ladakh is a dream route that everyone aspires to ride at least once. Inspired by this, Trung Anh and his group of friends set out to take on the challenge.

They flew to New Delhi and took a connecting flight to Leh, the economic hub of Ladakh, on the first day. Upon arriving in Leh, Trung Anh immediately understood why this place is called the "Moonland", with its rocky terrain stretching in every direction, as pictured.

From a mountain peak near Leh, the group could see the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist monument built in 1991 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism. It also houses sacred relics of the Buddha.

His group decided to stay in Leh for two days to acclimatize to the high altitude of 3,500 meters before beginning their motorbike journey to explore Ladakh.

Trung Anh rode a rented Himalayan 411 motorbike and wore a full-face helmet for the long-distance trip.

The Himalayan 411, a popular choice for travelers in Ladakh due to its good suspension, occasionally had problems as the low oxygen levels at high altitude can affect the engine's performance.

One of the highlights of their trip was passing the Likir Monastery, which features a 23-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery, over 900 years old, is home to ancient manuscripts, paintings, and religious artifacts.

On the third day, the group crossed the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, standing at 5,359 meters. The terrain and views make it a magnet for motorbike enthusiasts. The group stayed briefly at the top to avoid altitude sickness, and they even witnessed rare August snowfall.

"The 15 minutes we spent taking pictures at the top left us exhausted," Trung Anh said.

The roads in Ladakh offered from rocky paths to streams caused by melting glaciers, though the conditions were mostly manageable. Each day, the group covered 300 kilometers without any issues. However, the mountain passes were narrow, often just wide enough for two cars, with few guardrails.

While crossing the Nubra Valley, the group encountered a sandstorm, a phenomenon not commonly seen at that time of year.

Trung Anh described the storm as less terrifying than he expected, though the winds and sand limited visibility, despite wearing a full-face helmet. The group found the experience exhilarating.

A woman that group met in Turtuk, a small village that started receiving tourists in 2010, on their fourth day of the journey.

"Just say 'Julley' to the locals, and they’ll smile and greet you back", Trung Anh said, referring to the hospitality of the Ladakhi people. "Julley" is a common greeting in Ladakh.

Another highlight of their journey was Pangong Tso, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world at an altitude of 4,350 meters.

The lake's colors shifted between blue, green, and silver, depending on the light and sky conditions.

As they traveled through Ladakh, they encountered lungta flags, Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags that are often strung up in high places so the wind can carry their blessings.

On the sixth day, they saw these flags fluttering near Tso Moriri, a lake located around 4,000 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, birds, and Himalayan wolves.

According to the Leh district website, Tso Moriri is a destination with limited basic amenities like electricity and restrooms, which is why few tourists visit. Despite these challenges, Trung Anh felt all the fatigue and hardship disappear when faced with the beauty of the lake.

The stone houses seen throughout their journey were a testament to Ladakh’s architectural heritage.

According to Kaarwan, a website dedicated to Indian architecture, Ladakhi homes are constructed from locally sourced materials like mud, stone, and wood, which provide insulation.

On the final day, the group passed by another monastery near Leh.

Reflecting on the journey, Trung Anh felt that the trip to Ladakh exceeded his expectations. The scenery, landscapes, and the kindness of the local people left a lasting impression.

The total cost of the trip was approximately VND43 million (US$1,740), covering flights, accommodation, food, bike rentals, mechanics, and a guide.

Photos by Trung Anh Nguyen

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Translation of "motor-boat" into Vietnamese

thuyền máy, đi thuyền máy, đi xuồng máy are the top translations of "motor-boat" into Vietnamese. Sample translated sentence: That last motor boat we heard was probably the Swiss navy.” ↔ Chiếc thuyền máy mình nghe thấy lần thứ hai có lẽ là hải quân đấy

English-Vietnamese dictionary

Đi thuyền máy, đi xuồng máy.

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Automatic translations of " motor-boat " into Vietnamese

Phrases similar to "motor-boat" with translations into vietnamese.

• motor boat ca nô
• river motor boat sà lúp

Translations of "motor-boat" into Vietnamese in sentences, translation memory