Buying or Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam?

Years ago the only option if you wanted to travel by motorbike in Vietnam was to buy a bike and then sell this again at the end. This is no longer the case. There are plenty of established motorbike shops across Vietnam with good reputations offering rentals, as well as one way rentals. Style Motorbikes offer both of these thanks to our 5 locations in Vietnam, we also offer this in Laos with our 3 locations there. 

Why is Renting Better?

Firstly, there is peace of mind when renting that we want the bike to be good. When renting it is in everyone’s benefit for the bikes to be in good condition. There are set prices, and with a breakdown warranty if there is an issue the cost is covered by Style Motorbikes. This means that you don’t have to check the bike too much, you can trust that we have checked the bike beforehand to try and ensure the risks are minimal. 

Secondly, you don’t have to waste time looking around to get your bike beforehand or waste time trying to sell this again at the end. There are plenty of motorbikes in Hanoi and HCMC being sold by locals and shops so trying to pick out the right one can be difficult and time consuming. Equally when you are selling there are plenty of other bikes being sold so there is competition on the price. 

Thirdly, having support and help on the way can make a huge difference. If you have a breakdown or accident on the way then having someone to ring that can help can make a hard situation much easier to deal with. Local partners in small towns, being able to speak with locals, or just being able to arrange transport back to the cities are all easy if you have that support available. 

Optional extras are also available with rentals, we offer a damage waiver so that the cost of an accident is minimised so it becomes less risky than purchasing your own bike. Protection in the form of good helmets, jackets or gloves are also much cheaper to rent than to buy so if you are not looking to take these home at the end you can save money. 

The cost of a rental is also clear beforehand, you can see the price of the bike, as well as any extras you choose. When buying it could end up being cheaper but equally you never know the sale price at the end or the repair price on the way. So the total cost is always unknown. 

Why is Buying Better?

If you have lots of time to explore Vietnam then at some point it becomes better to buy instead of rent. This point is different for everyone but generally it is over 2 months then we think people should start to consider this option. Budgeting about a week to sell the bike at the end and maybe half a week to buy is good so that you are not rushing to sell or buy. 

If you want to go to Cambodia then you have to buy and this is now the main reason that people still do buy. The borders with Cambodia and Laos have both become more strict in 2025 and it is now harder to pass to Cambodia but as of now it is still possible, although some border crossings might not allow it. Laos is now no longer possible though, hence why we have now opened shops there to offer motorbike rentals in Laos and Vietnam. If you cross to Cambodia then it is still recommended to come back to Vietnam to sell as the price should be better here. 

Because it is cheaper. Well this could be true but equally it can be more expensive buying than renting. If the rental fee is out of your budget then buying is the only way to go but this will mean buying a cheap bike with the risk of an expensive repair job on the way and an unknown sale price at the end. If you know your bikes then you might be able to find a bargain which could be sold at a good price, but when buying you never know. 

What has Changed to Make Rentals the Go To?

The main changes have been that rental shops are now professional with good support and bikes. Along with this people are coming to Vietnam just to ride and want good condition bikes which are expensive to buy and very hard to sell at the end due to the high price. Since shops are offering these now renting has become the thing to do. 

The days of the old backpacker Detech / Honda Win for $200 are thankfully gone and the 150cc – 500cc Honda are now the go to for many riders in Vietnam. 

How to Book a Rental Bike for Yourself?

Contact us via Whatsapp, email or just make a booking directly on our website to book a bike. Or if you have more questions to ensure that this is the right bike for you then just message us and we will be more than happy to help.