Tuan Hung, who works for a motorbike tour company in Ho Chi Minh City, says foreign tourists often rent motorbikes for city tours and long trips around the country, but traffic in Vietnam can be very different from what they are used to, and lack of familiarity with local laws and road conditions can result in fines or even accidents.

French tourists ride motorbike to explore Ha Giang in northern Vietnam,

He offers travelers planning to rent a motorbike six essential tips.

1. Prepare your documents

Motorbike rental services are plentiful in popular tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Da Nang, HCMC, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. You can find a reliable one by checking reviews on platforms like Google Maps or travel websites like Tripadvisor.

To rent a motorbike, you need a valid passport (original or notarized copy) and an international driving permit or a foreign driving license converted to a Vietnamese one. If you possess only a foreign driving license, there might be issues if the police check your documents.

Rental deposits typically range from VND500,000 to VND2 million (US$20-78). You should not leave your original passport with the rental shop, and can instead furnish a notarized copy.

Ensure that your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents. Some insurance providers may not offer coverage if you do not have a valid driving license.

2. Choose the right vehicle

Scooters and manual motorbikes are popular choices for short-term rentals and city tours. Scooters are easy to maneuver in busy areas, while manual bikes tend to be more fuel-efficient and are suitable for longer trips.

For longer routes or challenging terrain, large-displacement motorcycles are the best option. If you're renting a motorbike over 175cc, you will need an A2 class driving license, and the international driving permit must include large-displacement motorcycles.

Typical rental costs are as follows:

- Scooters: VND120,000-200,000 (US$4.72-7.87) per day

- Manual motorcycles: VND80,000-150,000 ($3.15-5.90) per day

- Large-displacement motorbikes: From VND800,000 ($31.50) per day

Before accepting the motorbike, you should thoroughly check the vehicle's condition. Test the front and rear brakes, lights, horn, turn signals, and mirrors.

Most bikes are rented out with only a small amount of fuel, and so be sure to refill right after renting. Take photos of the bike's condition to avoid being blamed for pre-existing damage.

3. Take caution while driving

Many foreign tourists find traffic in Vietnam, especially in major cities, "chaotic" due to the large number of vehicles. Here are some essential tips to stay safe on the road:

- Be cautious around large vehicles like buses and trucks, which may not always yield to smaller vehicles. Always stay in the correct lane.

- Limit driving at night, especially in areas with poor lighting and on mountain passes.

- Fill up your tank at official gas stations, and avoid buying fuel from roadside vendors as it may be diluted.

- If stopped by the police for a document check, remain calm and polite. Fines may be issued if you do not have a valid driver’s license.

4. Comply with traffic laws

Vietnamese law requires all riders to wear helmets. Always wear a high-quality helmet for safety.

Drive on the right side of the road and adhere to speed limits: 40-50 km/h in cities, and 60-80 km/h on rural roads.

Avoid running red lights and entering restricted lanes. Pedestrians, bicycles and other motorbikes may appear unexpectedly at intersections; so slow down or stop when approaching them.

Since many Vietnamese use hand signals to communicate, be mindful of them, especially when someone does not use turn signals.

5. Emergency situations

If your motorbike breaks down, find a nearby repair shop or contact your rental company for support.

In case of an accident, remain calm, take photos of the scene and call 113 (police) or 115 (emergency). If you don't want to face legal complications, try to resolve the situation amicably at the scene, but avoid admitting fault if the cause is unclear.

6. Practical experience

Refuel early: In rural and mountainous areas, gas stations can be scarce, and so always fill your tank before setting out on long trips.

Avoid restricted areas: In large cities, some lanes are designated for cars only. If you drive a motorbike in these lanes, you could face heavy fines.

Monitor weather conditions: Vietnam's rainy season runs from May to October in many southern tourist destinations, making roads slippery. If you are not accustomed to riding in heavy rain, avoid driving in such conditions.