Saigon / HCMC Motorcycle Rental and Vietnam trip suggestions

[CLW]

Hello,

I'm going to Vietnam soon and want to rent a motorcycle in Saigon.

What I found on internet so far are the reputable companies. Saigon scooter centre and Flamingo travel.

They rent out Semi-automatic Honda Wave and also 125 Suzuki and Yamaha bikes.

The question, do I need a real bike or can I do fine on the Wave? Also they are only 8$ compared to 20$.

I want to make some day trip or longer from Saigon.

Another question, any trips to recommend from Saigon and into the Central Highlands?

Here in Thailand I'm riding a 125 GTO and I have driving experience

Edited January 27, 2016 by CLW

[craigt3365]

Make sure you have proper insurance. I'd hate to think of how many articles I've read of foreigners here in Asia having problems getting proper health care due to lack of insurance and/or unable to self insure. Don't want to be a downer, but better safe than sorry....as they say!

Have a great trip. No recommendations, but heard the central highlands are fantastic. One of my dream trips.

[Ricardo]

These clips from Top Gear might also inform your upcoming trip ?

[CLW]

Back from my trip I have some suggestions.

I rented my motorcycle from this shop.

It was a new (2015) 110 Honda Wave RSX with only 900km on the clock. These guys are amazing, it's two brothers running the shop. The can rent you out automatic, Semi-automatic and the legendary Honda Win (mostly with replaced, copied engine).

They charged me 7$ per day which is a good price.

In my opinion if you are single rider and only driving in the south or central Vietnam, no real motorcycle required.

You will do fine with the scooters.

For my route I drove Saigon, Bao Lac, Dalat, Mui Ne and back to Saigon. I will write a more detailed trip report and put a link on here.