How much does it cost to rent a motorbike per day in Saigon?
Automatic scooters (Honda Wave, Yamaha Sirius style) cost 100,000–150,000 VND per day at reputable shops in District 1 and District 3. Semi-automatic bikes run slightly cheaper at 80,000–130,000 VND. Weekly rates are 20–30% lower. Fuel costs around 30,000–50,000 VND per day for city riding. Deposits range from 1,000,000–3,000,000 VND cash or a passport copy.
Motorbike rental in Saigon is inexpensive. The challenge isn’t cost — it’s finding a shop that won’t make the return process difficult.
Prices by bike type (2026)
| Type | Daily rate | Weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic scooter (110cc) | 100,000–150,000 VND | 600,000–900,000 VND |
| Semi-automatic (Honda Wave) | 80,000–130,000 VND | 500,000–750,000 VND |
| Manual 110cc | 70,000–120,000 VND | 450,000–700,000 VND |
| Larger semi-auto (125–150cc) | 130,000–200,000 VND | 800,000–1,200,000 VND |
Automatic scooters are the practical choice for Saigon — automatic transmission makes stop-and-go traffic less fatiguing. Most tourists opt for a 110cc or 125cc automatic.
Additional costs
Fuel: Petrol in Vietnam runs around 22,000–25,000 VND per litre (2026). City riding averages 30–50km per litre on a 110cc scooter. Expect to spend 30,000–50,000 VND per day in fuel for central district riding.
Parking: Most hotels allow bike parking. Markets and attractions have parking attendants — typically 5,000–10,000 VND per visit.
Helmet: Included in the rental. Check that the clasp works and the foam isn’t degraded. If the helmet is in poor condition, ask for another — it’s within your rights.
Deposits
Most shops require either:
- A cash deposit of 1,000,000–3,000,000 VND, returned on bike return
- Your passport (original or copy)
Avoid leaving your original passport. Some shops are accommodating — a copy plus a modest cash deposit is often acceptable if you ask. If a shop insists on holding your passport, shop elsewhere on Phạm Ngũ Lão — there are dozens of alternatives within walking distance.
Inspect before accepting
Walk around the bike before signing anything. Note scratches, dents, and damage on the rental form. Take photos with your phone and timestamp them. Disputes on return (“you scratched this”) are common; documented pre-existing damage resolves them.
Check: brakes (front and rear), tyre pressure by feel, mirrors, horn, and that the third-party insurance sticker (bảo hiểm) is affixed to the bike.
Safety context
Before renting, read is it safe to rent a motorbike in Saigon as a tourist? and do you need a license to rent a motorbike in Vietnam? — the cost is low, but the legal and safety picture matters. For days you’d rather not ride, how to get around Ho Chi Minh City covers the full transport picture.