How to rent a motorbike in Da Nang: the licence you need and what to check

What licence do I need for a motorbike in Da Nang?

Vietnam's 2024 road traffic law (No. 36/2024/QH15, Art. 57) recognises an International Driving Permit from a 1968 Vienna Convention country, and only together with your national licence for the right category. A bike up to 125 cc is category A1; anything bigger is A. The law doesn't mention the 1949 Geneva Convention, so don't count on that kind of permit. The UK Foreign Office adds that it has to be the 1968 version.

An IDP adds no category by itself: if your home licence has no motorcycle category, the permit won't have one either.

What happens if I ride without a licence?

The fine is 2–4 million dong for a bike up to 125 cc and 6–8 million for a bigger one (Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, Art. 18). A rental shop may hand you a bike without asking, but the fine still applies. There's a second problem: VnExpress (3 Dec 2024) warns that some insurance policies won't pay if the rider has no valid licence.

What papers should come with the bike?

The law (Art. 56) requires the rider to carry the bike's registration certificate and a compulsory civil-liability insurance certificate (in Vietnamese, bảo hiểm TNDS). The UK Foreign Office adds that riding without this insurance is illegal in Vietnam. Ask the rental for both, or certified copies, at pickup and keep them under the seat.

Do I need a helmet?

Yes, rider and passenger alike. Article 33 of the law requires a helmet that meets the Vietnamese standard, with the strap fastened — an unfastened helmet is an offence too. If the rental hands you a flimsy cap with no strap, ask for another.

Will my travel insurance cover a motorbike accident?

It depends on the policy. Many travel policies exclude motorbikes or only cover you if you hold the right licence category. Read your policy before the trip, not after a crash.

Should I leave my passport as a deposit?

No. VnExpress (3 Dec 2024) advises not leaving the original passport with the rental: carry it or keep it in the hotel safe, and if a document is requested, offer a notarised copy. The UK Foreign Office also advises against using your passport as a deposit for hiring a vehicle. Without it you can't check into a hotel or buy a SIM. Offer a cash deposit or a photocopy; if the rental insists on the original, go to another one.

What should I check when I pick up the bike?

Inspect it before any money changes hands.

• Both brakes. The front brake on rental bikes is often weak.
• Tyres: tread and sidewalls. Bald tyres on wet roads cause a lot of falls.
• Headlight, indicators, brake light, horn.
• The lock and the helmet space under the seat.
• The plate number matches the registration certificate.

Film the bike from every side with the rental staff present. Any agreement, even half a page, should state the period, the deposit and the condition of the bike; read separately who pays for repairs after a breakdown or accident.

Where can I rent a bike in Da Nang?

Da Nang rental shops are collected in the vehicle rental section. Ask the shop directly about the deposit, the condition of the bikes and the return time: those change faster than any guide. Pick a rental that shows you the registration and insurance without fuss, gives you a proper helmet and writes up an agreement.

Can I ride over the Hai Van Pass?

Yes, but only over the pass itself: motorbikes aren't allowed in the Hai Van tunnel. Both Da Nang's tourism portal and the Vietnam Tourism site say so. The pass is about 20 km north of central Da Nang on Highway 1A. The road is steep and winding: fill up first and use a low gear on the way down. Avoid riding at night or in thick fog. From September to December, the rainy season, the road can be slippery and foggy. If you've never ridden in the mountains, the tourism portal suggests hiring a driver or joining a guided tour.

Frequently asked questions

What licence do I need to rent a motorbike in Da Nang? Your home licence with a motorcycle category plus a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit. Carry both.

Can I rent a motorbike in Da Nang without a licence? They may hand you the keys, but you can't ride: the fine is 2–4 million dong for a bike up to 125 cc, 6–8 million for a bigger one.

Is a 1949 Geneva Convention permit valid? Don't count on it. The law names only the 1968 Vienna Convention permit.

Do I have to leave my passport as a deposit for a motorbike? No. Offer a cash deposit or a photocopy.

What papers should I ask the rental for? The bike's registration certificate and the compulsory liability insurance (bảo hiểm TNDS).

Does a passenger need a helmet? Yes, a helmet with the strap fastened is required for rider and passenger (Art. 33 of the law).

Can I take a motorbike through the Hai Van tunnel? No, motorbikes aren't allowed in the tunnel. Ride over the pass, in daylight and dry weather.

Do I need a local SIM for navigation on a bike? Yes, maps need data — see SIM card in Da Nang for where to buy one.

Sources and checks

Licence, vehicle papers and helmet rules come from the consolidated 2026 text of Law No. 36/2024/QH15 (Articles 33, 56 and 57), read on 26 October 2026. Fines are from Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (Article 18, clauses 5 and 7). The passport deposit, inspection, contract and insurance advice is from VnExpress of 3 December 2024. The 1968 permit, liability insurance and passport advice is from the UK Foreign Office's travel advice for Vietnam. The Hai Van Pass and tunnel details are from Danang Fantasticity (article of 2 August 2025) and Vietnam Tourism (updated 18 September 2026). Updated 26 October 2026.