If you plan on backpacking or taking a vacation in Southeast Asia and, specifically, in Vietnam, the city of Hanoi should absolutely be on your travel itinerary. This is one of the most unique cities in the region due to its long and colored history and the clear influences of French and Chinese occupation. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and the second largest city in the country behind Ho Chi Minh City. Every year, travelers flock to the city of Hanoi to enjoy all of its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and incredible food, all of which can be enjoyed for extremely affordable prices.
Hanoi is located in the northern region of Vietnam along the Red River delta. Its history can be traced back to the third century BCE when it was founded by the nation of Au Lac. The city would later become a part of Han China and, after that, would earn the name Hanoi when it became the capital of French Indochina in 1902. And, ever since Vietnam gained its independence during the August Revolution in 1945, Hanoi has served as the capital of the independent country. As you can probably tell, Hanoi has a rich cultural history and a plethora of interesting historical sites spotted all around the city. This is a bustling metropolis with a culture all its own and almost endless things to do. And, if you want to experience Hanoi to the full, you should do as the locals do and tour around the city on a motor scooter.
Here is everything you need to know about scooter hire in Hanoi. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a scooter in Vietnam
- The best places in Hanoi to find motor scooter rental
- The normal price of scooter hire in Hanoi
- Whether it’s safe to hire a scooter in Hanoi
- The best places in Hanoi to explore by scooter
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Scooter in Vietnam?
For foreigners, driving in Vietnam without an international driving permit is completely illegal. And, while many visitors to Vietnam choose not to get an IDP before renting a motorbike, you are running the risk of being pulled over by Vietnamese police and having to pay a fine by doing so. By getting yourself an IDP, you are proving that you have a valid driver’s license in your home country. You must also carry local insurance in order to legally drive in Vietnam. These rules apply regardless of what kind of motor vehicle you are hiring, whether it’s a scooter, motorcycle, or car.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so online here. The application fee is $20 and it usually takes around two weeks for the permit to come in the mail once you submit your application. So, you should probably submit your application at least two weeks before departing your home for your trip to Vietnam. Once you have your international driving permit, it is valid for a full year.
Where Can You Find Motor Scooter Hire in Hanoi?
If you’re planning on flying into Noi Bai International Airport, the main airport serving Hanoi and the surrounding communities, you may not be able to find a rental motor scooter directly inside the airport. However, there are plenty of rental companies around the city that offer free airport delivery, so you can have your scooter brought to you at the airport and then drive it directly to your accommodation within the city.
If you would rather take a taxi to your accommodation and then search for motor scooter hire within the city, there are plenty of rental shops within the city center as well. To get you started on your search, there are particularly high concentrations of scooter hire shops around the Dong Xuan, Phuc Tan, and Hang Bac neighborhoods of Hanoi. However, because scooter rental is so popular in Hanoi, you should have no trouble finding a rental scooter anywhere in the city.
What Is the Average Cost of Scooter Hire in Hanoi?
Just like pretty much everything else in Vietnam, scooter rental in Hanoi is extremely affordable. For instance, if you’re looking to rent a motor scooter, such as a Yamaha Luvias FI, you can expect to pay as little as €7 per day. If you have your heart set on getting a motorcycle instead of a scooter, you can still find those at very cheap rental prices. You can find a solid motorcycle, such as a Detech Win 130, for no more than €9 per day. Of course, you can also find more powerful motorcycles for even higher prices.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make sure to wear a helmet and to pay for an insurance policy as well. Many rental shops offer insurance as part of the rental package; however, it never hurts to double-check. You don’t want to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country without insurance.
Is It Safe to Drive a Rental Scooter in Hanoi?
In general, driving in Hanoi is not a very safe endeavor. By renting a scooter and driving it around the city, you are partaking in the general lawlessness of the roads of Hanoi. People in this city will drive on the wrong side of the road, drive on the sidewalks, run red lights, and pass you in very illegal ways. The police force in Hanoi rarely enforces any of the traffic laws and police officers will pull over foreigners with even more rarity. With all that being said, though, driving a rental scooter around Hanoi is a great way to get the authentic Vietnamese experience, it’s the best way to get around the city, and it can be extremely fun.
If you do choose to drive around the city on a scooter, drive as defensively as possible. Don’t do anything unpredictable so as to confuse drivers around you. If you see other drivers weaving through cars or making reckless passes, don’t follow their lead. Stay in your lane like a law-abiding citizen. Again, always wear a helmet. And, When you inevitably hear hundreds of people honking on the road, don’t panic. Honking is far more normal in Vietnam than it is in the Western world.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Hanoi by Scooter?
So, you know everything you need to decide whether or not you’d like to rent a scooter in Hanoi. Now, here are some of the best things to do around the city with your rented wheels:
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
First constructed in 1011, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most historically significant sites in Hanoi and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the city. It was first built during the Vietnamese Ly dynasty and then subsequently expanded during the Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. Unfortunately, many of the structures were ruined during the 19th century during French occupation. Still, many of the most important parts of the imperial complex still remain and are available for touring.
The central flag tower is the most famous feature of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and it serves as a symbol for Hanoi. Because this flag tower was used as a military post by the French, it was never destroyed. The north gate of the citadel is also in pretty good shape and features some impressive architecture. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is located in Ba Dinh, meaning that it’s very close to many of the other important historical sites in Hanoi.
Water Puppet Theatre
Puppet shows are a major art form all throughout Asia and Vietnam’s particular take on the art form is known as water puppetry. The heart and soul of Vietnam’s water puppetry scene, however, is in the capital city of Hanoi. There are many theatres throughout the city where you can witness water puppet shows, many of which are very similar to the way they were performed in ancient times. One of the best theatres to experience this art form is Thang Long Puppet Theatre, located right in the center of the city.
Water puppetry involves a group of puppets moving and dancing gracefully in front of a liquid stage, all being controlled by a series of puppeteers hiding behind a screen. The shows often tell stories and legends about the history of Hanoi. In fact, you’ll almost certainly hear the story of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Located right in the middle of Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the most popular hangout spots for locals and tourists alike. Day or night, you can always find people having picnics, playing games, or simply chatting with friends around the lake. On a small island in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake, you can see Ngoc Son Temple, which you can access via a small bridge. Due to the temple and the array of colorful lights around the lake, this is one of the most photogenic spots in Hanoi.
The areas around Hoan Kiem Lake become very lively around sunset and sunrise. So, if you’re more into peace and quiet, it’s probably best to visit the lake in the middle of the day. However, if you want to see some stunning colors come over Hoan Kiem Lake, sunset is the best time to go. Visiting the lake is free of charge, but there is a fee if you want to enter Ngoc Son Temple.
Weave Through Hanoi on a Scooter
Although driving a scooter in Hanoi can be a bit frightening at times and equally as dangerous, you’ll never forget the experience of weaving through the bustling streets of Vietnam’s capital city and experiencing all of the city’s rich culture as you do. So, hop on a scooter and start exploring the wonderful city of Hanoi..
Napisao 
