Can you drive a motorbike in Hoi An?
Legally, you need a valid motorbike license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive any motorbike over 50cc in Vietnam — which includes almost all rental bikes in Hoi An.
In practice:
- Most rental shops don’t ask for a license
- Police rarely stop foreigners unless you’re speeding, driving dangerously, or involved in an accident
- However, you’re not insured if you ride without the proper license, which can lead to big problems if something goes wrong
So while many travelers rent and ride without issues, it’s important to understand the legal and safety risks.
Renting a motorbike in Hoi An (Self-drive)
How it works
Motorbike rental in Hoi An is simple and widely available. Shops can be found all over town and rarely check for a valid license.
- Rented by the day — expect to pay around 120,000–200,000 VND/day for a scooter
- Some shops may ask for a cash deposit or a passport scan — never leave your actual passport
- Helmets are always included, but quality varies (mandatory to wear one!)
Types of motorbikes available
- Scooters (semi-automatic or automatic) – Most common and suitable for Hoi An’s flat terrain. Automatic scooters are easiest for beginners.
- Manual/touring bikes – Rare in Hoi An and mostly used in mountainous areas like Ha Giang.
- Electric bikes – Increasingly used for short distances, such as going to the beach or riding around town. Good for casual users but limited range.
Pros and cons of self-driving
Pros:
- Total freedom to go wherever, whenever
- Budget-friendly for short trips
- Fun way to explore the countryside
Cons:
- No guide to help or explain what you’re seeing
- Navigation, traffic, and road conditions can be challenging
- You’re technically not insured without a valid license
- Risk of fines or trouble if stopped by police or involved in an accident
Hoi An motorbike tours – What to expect
Why choose a guided tour?
Joining a motorbike tour in Hoi An offers a much richer and easier experience than riding solo. On these tours, your driver is also your guide — someone who knows the area, the shortcuts, and the hidden local spots you’d likely miss on your own.
- No need to navigate or worry about traffic rules
- Safer option if you’re unsure about driving in Vietnam
- Guides often speak English and share cultural insights along the way
- Perfect for photography, storytelling, and more meaningful local encounters
Tour Types
- Back of the bike (pillion ride) – The most common option in Hoi An. You sit behind a local driver who handles the road while you relax and take in the views.
- Self-drive in a guided group – Less common but possible. You drive your own motorbike while a guide leads the way and sets the pace. Good for confident riders who still want structure and support.
Popular Hoi An motorbike tour routes
1. Hoi An countryside
The countryside around Hoi An is perfect for short rides and local tours. Roads are mostly flat and quiet, making it ideal for beginners or casual riders.
Popular stops include:
- Tra Que Vegetable Village – close to town, great for a quick visit.
- Cam Kim Island – scenic with quiet rural roads; a short bridge crossing required.
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village – easy to reach via backroads, often part of countryside tours.
Self-driving is doable here, but if you want to learn more about local life or find the less obvious backroads, a guided tour adds a lot of value.
2. Hai Van Pass (Hoi An to Hue)
The Hai Van Pass is Vietnam’s most iconic motorbike route — a coastal mountain road between Da Nang and Hue with stunning views and winding curves.
This route is rarely done as a round-trip day tour. The most common version is a one-way ride from Hoi An to Hue (or vice versa), either as:
- A guided motorbike tour with an “easy rider” (you ride on the back of the bike), or
- A self-drive rental with luggage transfer arranged separately.
Specialized companies in both Hue and Hoi An allow you to:
- Drop the motorbike off at the end of your ride.
- Send your larger luggage by car or van, so you can travel light.
Stops often include:
- Marble Mountains
- Hai Van Pass viewpoint
- Lang Co Beach
- Waterfalls or fishing villages, depending on your time
This route is best for confident riders or as part of a guided experience. Traffic on the mountain section is light, but Da Nang and Hue can be busy.
3. My Son Sanctuary
A popular half-day ride from Hoi An, My Son is an ancient Cham temple site set in the hills about 40 km away.
There are two main road options:
- Highway route: direct but dull, with buses and trucks — not recommended.
- Scenic route: via smaller countryside roads or the coast — paved, quieter, and much more enjoyable to drive.
The scenic option passes through villages, rice fields, and palm-lined roads, making it a great ride even before reaching the temples. The road quality is generally very good on this route
Getting around Hoi An by motorbike
Many travelers in Hoi An rent a motorbike just for short trips around town. It’s a convenient way to:
- Ride to the beach (An Bang or Cua Dai)
- Visit cafés, tailors, or restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Explore nearby countryside roads at your own pace
Hoi An is relatively flat and compact, so distances are short. Even first-time riders often feel comfortable here — but don’t underestimate the risks. Accidents can happen, even on quiet streets.
Always drive cautiously:
- Never go fast — local traffic can be unpredictable
- Ride defensively and stay alert, especially at intersections or narrow lanes
- Always wear a helmet, even for quick rides to the beach
Just because the roads seem calm doesn’t mean they’re risk-free — safety should come first.
Other options: Motorbike taxi (Xe Ôm)
If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can hop on the back of a motorbike taxi — locally known as xe ôm. The easiest and safest way to book one is through a ride-hailing app.
- Use the Grab app to call a motorbike taxi. You’ll see the price upfront and can track the ride.
- Xanh SM is another option — they use electric motorbikes and are available in Hoi An and Da Nang.
- Prices are very cheap for short rides (often under 20,000–40,000 VND).
- It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the hassle of parking or traffic.
Tips:
- You’ll need mobile data and a Vietnamese SIM to use these apps.
- If you’re heading to a more remote place (like the countryside), ask the driver to wait for you. Many are happy to do this — either for free or a small extra fee.
Ideal for solo travelers or anyone wanting a quick, simple, and safe way to get around Hoi An.
Conclusion: Tour or Rental – Which one is right for you?
If you’re confident on two wheels and want maximum freedom, self-driving a motorbike in Hoi An is possible, especially for short distances like going to the beach or exploring nearby countryside.
If you’re unsure about riding, even for short trips, just use a motorbike taxi through an app — cheap, easy, and safe.
But if you’re looking for stories, culture, and a stress-free experience, a guided motorbike tour in Hoi An is the way to go. You don’t just get transport — you get someone who knows the area, takes you to hidden spots, helps you interact with locals, and arranges everything along the way.
In short:
Drive yourself for freedom, take a tour for a deeper experience.
