Why Scooters Rule the Roads in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2025

In 2025, scooters and motorbikes aren't just transportation—they’re an essential part of Viet Nam's cultural identity. With over 45 million scooters navigating Vietnam's streets, there's roughly one scooter for every two inhabitants. From Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, with its historic French colonial quarters, to bustling Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) city-centre wards, to scenic rides in Hue, Central Vietnam, Halong Bay, Vung Tau, and adventures along the Mekong River in Southern Vietnam, scooters dominate.

"Through scooters and motorbikes, you truly grasp Vietnam's soul: swift, adaptable, free, and forever in motion."

Why Do Scooters Dominate Vietnamese Traffic?

1. Narrow Urban Infrastructure

Vietnam's urban districts, like Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's crowded alleys, predate cars. Scooters weave effortlessly through traffic jams near pagodas, temples, limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, remnants of the American and Indochina wars, and fine arts museums showcasing Vietnamese culture.

2. Affordability

Scooters are affordable, ranging from just 600 USD to 1,500 USD per capita for a brand-new model. This makes scooters the ideal choice for locals, foreigners, and tourists traveling to Vietnam, especially in popular destinations such as Dalat, Mui Ne, and the Mekong Delta.

3. Unmatched Freedom

Unlike buses, taxis, or cyclo tours, scooters and motorbikes provide freedom for daily commutes, leisurely exploration of rice fields in Northern Vietnam, karstic caves in Ha Long, tranquil pagodas, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking beaches along the South China Sea, and scenic highlands across Vietnam.

4. Relaxed Road Regulations

Though governed by Communists, the Vietnamese government maintains flexible traffic enforcement, encouraging scooter use despite occasional unpredictability.

Scooters for Tourists and Expats: Key Information

Renting a Scooter in Vietnam

• Cost: 5 to 10 USD per day

• Documents: International driver's license, passport, visas (including visa-on-arrival documentation)

• Rental insurance specifics should be carefully reviewed: verify coverage limits, conditions, and exclusions before signing agreements.

Do You Need a Scooter License?

• Short stays: An international permit (class A or A1) suffices.

• Long-term expats: Recommended converting your license at your local embassy or consulate-general in Vietnam. Contact consular services in advance for detailed procedures.

Scooter Safety and Risks

• Dense, unpredictable traffic, especially during rush hour

• Scams targeting foreigners

• Challenging weather (heavy rains, heat)

Tip: Always wear a certified helmet and avoid rural night rides or unfamiliar paths. Familiarize yourself with common local driving habits to anticipate risks better.

Electric Scooters: The Rising Trend of 2025

Vietnam aims to reduce air pollution and improve GDP, making electric scooters popular in big cities like Hanoi, Saigon, and Ha Long.

• Subsidies available in selected provinces

• Easy charging stations and home charging options

Essential Tips for Riding Scooters in Vietnam

• Always inspect brakes and tires before riding

• Learn to intuitively navigate Vietnamese traffic

• Use offline maps (Google Maps or local apps like Moovit)

Scooter Travel: A Memorable Way to Discover Vietnam

Scooters and motorbikes are favored for travel to Vietnam—from terraced fields in Lao Cai in Northern Vietnam, UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, vibrant street-food stalls at Ben Thanh Market serving authentic Pho noodle dishes and Vietnamese food, rooftop bars overlooking the Saigon River, or sightseeing around iconic landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera-house, Post-office, Emperor’s Mausoleum, and Water Puppet theaters. Tourists and travellers can easily access hostels, boutique hotels, central hotels, budget hotels, city hotels, hotel spas, international schools, private tours, and homestays. Food tours, fine arts museums, arts museums, and city sights are conveniently accessible by scooter. Scooter travel allows authentic interactions with Vietnamese people, Khmer and Cambodian communities, and insights into Socialist history, Communist legacies, Diem-era history, Viet Minh and Viet Cong remnants, and the historic fall of Saigon.

"Riding a scooter along the coastal road between Da Nang and Hoi An remains one of my unforgettable experiences."

Conclusion: Scooters—Kings of Vietnam’s Roads

Scooters are flexible, economical, and culturally symbolic. Whether you're living in Vietnam, an expat reconnecting with roots, or planning flights to international airports for a trip to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, scooters offer unparalleled authenticity in experiencing Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic Indochina landmarks, vibrant city life, and beautiful countryside.

Have you experienced scooter travel in Vietnam yet?

Recommended Reading:

• What to Pack for Vietnam in 2025

• Living vs Traveling in Vietnam: A Guide

• Common Pitfalls When Renting Scooters in Vietnam

• Discovering Your Heritage through Vietnamese Cuisine