Can foreigners drive motorbikes in Da Nang???

Can foreigners drive motorbikes in Da Nang???

Well, the answer is YES. Every day in Vietnam and Da Nang particularly; the fact that the locals as well as visitors are riding on their own or rented motorcycles around with or without a driver’s license. Although it is illegal when driving vehicle without a driver’s license, you need to be aware of some rules below:

1. Travellers are allowed drive a 50cc without any license, however, this size of motorbike is not suitable for longer journeys in Vietnam. Da Nang in particular has a lot of amazing scenery, especially on the mountains; therefore, you will definitely find it challenging when riding up to the mountains with a 50cc.
2. In terms of the size of 125cc, 250cc, 1000cc motorcycles and above, travellers must have a valid motor driver license and an International Driving Permit (IDP)
3. Vietnam allows only Vietnamese bikes into the country. Hence you will face difficulties when crossing the border from Laos, Cambodia or China on a non-Vietnamese bike.

Where can you rent a motorbike in Danang?

Fortunately, you can rent a motorbike or a scooter easily in Da Nang because there are an array of motorbike rental shops with various prices from $10 to $20 for scooters and $5 to $10 for motorbikes.

There are a couple of recommended motorbike rental shops below:

1. The Motorbike Station

Address: 196/41 Tran Cao Van Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang.

1. Da Nang Bikes 

Address: 44b Lam Hoanh Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang.

1. Tigit Motorbikes Da Nang.

Address: Danang Lot B2.6-10 Nai Nam street, Cam Le District, Danang.

1. Perfume Motorbike Rental

Address: 55/7 Phan Tu Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang.

In my opinion, I highly recommend that if you just want to stay in the city, you should rent a from 110cc to 125cc. Speed limits are strict by Vietnam standards – 25mi/h (40km/h) for cities, 37mi/h (60km/h) for highways – so having a very powerful motorbike can often be counterproductive in congested areas. You can rent a bigger size if you want to explore more of the coastal area or travel to other parts of the country. 

Riding in Da Nang / Helmet law

It is compulsory to wear a helmet when riding a motorbike in Vietnam, even when travelling as a passenger. Consider investing in a decent imported helmet if you are planning extensive rides as the fake helmets don’t offer much protection. Better-quality helmets are available in major cities like in  Da Nang from US$35.

Unspoken rule

There is an “unspoken rule” of Vietnamese traffic. People just use horns to alert others of their presence, and they are not angry like some Western countries, so do not freak out by the noise.

Traffic in general is chaotic, but Vietnamese drivers are more polite compared to the other nations in ASEAN. Most trucks will beep to warn you out of the way before overtaking, so pay attention to your fellow motorists. If you’re not sure they can see you, warn them by using your horn. This especially applies on the twisting mountain roads, as there are a lot of blind corners with no space and the only way to know you can pass safely is to ensure any oncoming traffic can hear you coming, especially on Son Tra Peninsula and Hai Van Pass.

Dangers riding in Da Nang, Vietnam

Vietnam is an extremely safe country, but the roads are some of the most dangerous in the world. For this reason, wear appropriate safety gear, drive defensively and always be aware of the vehicles around you.

Thieving is a problem – make sure your motorbikes are in secure, safe parking each night, and do not leave them unlocked/unattended for long (if at all). Any valuables left with your motorbike can and will be stolen, including your helmet, even if it is locked to your bike. Thieves will simply cut through the strap and take it anyway.