Motorent
The streets of Ho Chi Minh City look chaotic, but they have a rhythm of their own: the flow of bikes moves steadily and everyone gives way to each other with a glance or a small signal. Once you understand that rhythm, riding becomes much more comfortable. Here are the habits that help first-time visitors stay calm.
Get ready before you start the engine
- Wear your helmet with the strap fastened, even for a short ride.
- Adjust your mirrors and check the lights, brakes and horn before you leave the pickup point.
- Get used to the bike on a quiet stretch of road: how the throttle and brakes respond, and how sensitive the bike is.
- Open your map in advance and use a firm phone holder, so your eyes stay on the road.
Ride slowly and look far ahead
In dense traffic, a steady slow pace is usually safer than riding fast and braking hard. Look far ahead instead of at the tail of the bike right in front of you: you will see red lights, turning bikes and people crossing early, and have time to slow down smoothly.
Keep a comfortable distance from the bike ahead, especially in the rain when the road is more slippery. A scooter is light and easy to ride, but it also needs a longer braking distance on a wet road.
Read the signals of the traffic flow
- Signal early and for long enough before turning or changing lanes, so riders behind understand what you intend.
- Check your mirrors before changing direction, and glance over your shoulder if you need to.
- At a busy junction, do not rush to go first the moment the light turns green: keep an eye on bikes still running the red.
- Be careful when large vehicles, buses or trucks turn, because they have big blind spots.
If you have been drinking, do not ride
The current rules on traffic penalties (Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, in force from 1 January 2025) penalise motorbike riders with any alcohol in their breath, even at a low level. After a fun evening, take a ride-hailing car back to your hotel and collect the bike the next day. It is safer for you and it keeps your trip complete.
Know when to take a break
Heat, traffic jams and a constant stream of signals can tire you out more than you expect. When your eyes feel tired or you lose focus, pull over at a roadside café and rest for a few minutes. An iced milk coffee on a street corner is part of the experience too.
If the bike has a problem, call 038 787 7450 (also on Zalo) right away and Motorent will tell you what to do. Please contact Motorent before agreeing on any compensation yourself.
Finally, remember that you do not have to keep up with the speed of the locals. Ride at your own pace, clear and predictable, and you are doing it right.
