Top 5 reasons to travel on the back of a vespa/ motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City has heavy traffic with millions of motorbikes/ vespas. Traveling by these means of transportation is also a trend for travelers visiting this city. But is it better to travel on the back of a motorbike/ vespa with a driver, instead of riding on your own? Let's see 5 reasons why.
Top 5 reasons to travel on the back of a vespa or motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City
Table of Contents

No need for motorbike license

One of the best things about traveling on the back of a Vespa or motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is that you don’t need a motorbike license if you’re a passenger. Locals who are experienced riders will safely navigate the bustling city streets for you. All you need to do is hop on and enjoy the ride. Your driver will know the ins and outs of the roads, effortlessly weaving through traffic and taking you on routes that reveal the city’s unique spirit.

Main Sightseeing Tour on Motorbike or Vespa
Main Sightseeing Tour on Motorbike or Vespa

To legally operate a motorbike or Vespa in Vietnam with an engine size above 50cc, riders must possess a valid Vietnamese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, even with proper documentation, navigating the country’s rules can be tricky for foreign riders. Common infractions include driving without proper helmets, lacking a valid license, or committing traffic violations like running red lights or driving the wrong way on one-way streets.

Enforcement is frequent, and fines can add up quickly. Police officers often conduct spot checks, and the fines for violations can vary depending on the severity. For example, riding without a helmet can lead to a penalty of around VND 200,000, and driving without a valid license may incur even higher fines.

Because of the complex traffic rules and strict enforcement, it’s easier and more enjoyable to experience the city from the back of a motorbike as a passenger with a trusted local driver.

Avoid Traffic Problems

Navigating the streets of Ho Chi Minh City can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Traffic problems like sudden collisions, unexpected obstacles, and jams can create a stressful experience, but riding on the back of a Vespa or motorbike with an experienced local driver can help you avoid these issues.

  • Sudden Collisions: In the city’s chaotic traffic, it’s common for vehicles to change lanes suddenly or stop without warning. Being a passenger with a skilled local driver reduces the risk of unexpected bumps or crashes. Your driver will be alert, anticipating and dodging these surprises to keep you safe.

  • Children and Cattle: On Vietnam’s busy streets, it’s not unusual to see children running into traffic to play or cross, and sometimes cattle may also wander onto the road. An experienced motorbike driver knows to anticipate these sudden appearances, navigating safely to avoid accidents.

  • Traffic Jams: Ho Chi Minh City’s streets often experience traffic jams that leave cars stuck bumper to bumper. A motorbike can slip through these jams by weaving through tight spaces that cars can’t navigate. You can move quickly even when traffic slows to a standstill.

When you travel on the back of a motorbike, you’re placing yourself in the capable hands of a driver who knows how to deal with these tricky situations, leaving you free to enjoy the ride without worrying about traffic hassles.

Easily stuck in the traffic jam of Saigon if you are not an expert
Easily stuck in the traffic jam of Saigon if you are not an expert

Easy to take photos

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a Vespa or motorbike offers a fantastic opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the city’s vibrant energy easily. Here’s why:

  1. Better Visibility: As a passenger, you’re not focused on navigating through traffic, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of bustling streets, historic landmarks, and local life. Your elevated position behind the driver provides a perfect angle to snap pictures, capturing the essence of Ho Chi Minh City in a way that’s hard to achieve from inside a car.

  2. Freedom to Focus: Without the need to watch the road, you’re free to concentrate on capturing the best shots. If something catches your eye, you can simply ask your driver to stop momentarily, allowing you to take your time and get the perfect photo without the pressure of finding a place to park or managing the vehicle.

Chat with local guide

Riding on the back of a Vespa or motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City gives you a fantastic opportunity to connect with your local guide, who will share their insider knowledge and personal stories. Here’s why chatting with them can enrich your journey:

  1. Authentic Stories: Your guide knows the city inside and out. They can share fascinating tales about the neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and cultural traditions that you won’t find in guidebooks.

  2. Insider Tips: Whether you’re looking for the best street food stalls, hidden gems for sightseeing, or unique local experiences, your guide can point you in the right direction, helping you explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

  3. Cultural Insights: Your guide can offer insights into Vietnamese culture, daily life, and local customs. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what makes Ho Chi Minh City so lively and diverse.

  4. Personal Connection: By chatting with your guide, you can form a personal connection that adds warmth to your journey. They may share their own favorite memories of the city, making you feel like you’re exploring with a friend rather than a stranger.

No worries about the vehicle

When traveling on the back of a Vespa or motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City, you don’t have to worry about handling the vehicle itself, giving you peace of mind to focus on exploring the city. Here’s why it’s a major advantage:

  1. Avoid Rental Hassles: Renting a good motorbike often involves a lot of paperwork, deposits, and conditions, not to mention finding a reliable rental shop. By hopping on the back of a local guide’s motorbike, you skip these hassles entirely.

  2. Maintenance-Free: When you rent a motorbike, you’re responsible for keeping it in top condition during your rental period. If the bike breaks down or has a flat tire, you might be stranded or need to find a repair shop. With a local guide’s motorbike, maintenance isn’t your problem, and the guide ensures everything is in working order.

  3. No Financial Risk: Many rental agreements require travelers to cover damages if something goes wrong. This can lead to expensive fees or fines if the bike is damaged, lost, or stolen. Riding as a passenger with a licensed guide removes this risk, as they manage and maintain their own vehicle.

  4. Stress-Free Exploration: With no need to worry about parking, vehicle security, or unexpected repairs, you can explore the city’s lively markets, historical landmarks, and cultural sites stress-free. Your guide handles the logistics, while you enjoy the ride.

Ready to experience it? Check out the Top 3 motorbike – vespa tours in Saigon you should not miss here:

Top 3 motorbike – vespa tours in Saigon you should not miss

Scooter tours, motorbike tours or vespa tours in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) are becoming popular for tourists nowadays. This article will let you know the best types of motorbike or vespa tours in Ho Chi Minh City, the comparison and where to book.
This article is written by:
AN Tours Vietnam – expert Vietnam travel company that gives the best advice and insightful tips & tricks for your trip to Vietnam.

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