
Air pollution in Vietnam has increased over the last decade. It is no lie that the main cities in Vietnam are polluted and that the situation is worsening. At present, air pollution across the country isn’t as high as certain areas and cities in China. However, on many days of the year, it isn’t far behind.
Millions of visitors arrive in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City every year. Many are unprepared for the ever-growing air pollution issue. Due to the increasingly high number of motorbikes and other vehicles on the road, air conditions in Vietnam are deteriorating. Quite literally visible in the air, pollution creates a cloud of smog in both cities regularly.
With air conditions worsening across Vietnam, the government is looking at a number of ways in which they can ensure pollution in major cities across Vietnam improves. In fact, Ho Chi Minh City is currently developing a metro system to connect the city, with an aim to open in 2021. Ho Chi Minh Metro intends to encourage locals to commute in an environmentally friendly manner. Whilst also adding ease to travel.
The government has proposed a motorcycle ban in both Hanoi’s and HCMC ‘s city centers by 2030. Introducing a restriction on two and three-wheeled vehicles on city center roads will minimize the amount of traffic during peak times. Thus decreasing air pollution across Vietnam.
The Vietnamese people are well aware of the increasing issue of air pollution across Vietnam, so never fear! There are a number of different ways to protect yourself from the effects. You can take additional protection to minimize the way in which you are affected.
Vietnam has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. After the Vietnam/American war, the country has been subject to rapid industrialization. And as a result, there has been significant growth in population, visitors and expats.
Due to the fact many businesses function from either city, the population in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has increased which means an increase in the number of bikes on the road. So as you can tell, all of this contributes to an increase in air pollution across Vietnam.
The main choice of transport across Vietnam is by motorbike. And despite the fact that entire families will cram onto one small bike, there is still the major issue that they can technically carry only two people. More than half of the motorbikes on the road are carrying only one person. As a result, there is a number of unnecessary motorbikes on the roads.
The ongoing effects of pollution across Vietnam are clear to any visitor. In most cities across the country, air pollution creates a cloud of smog that is visible in the air. As a result, it can often be smelt and tasted. Especially when riding on a motorbike or walking alongside a busy road. Scientific studies have proven that long term exposure to air pollution can have a significant effect on one’s health.
However, don’t let this put you off.
Protection is available in a number of different forms. We will discuss these later in the post to help you ensure you minimize the effects of air pollution on your own body.
Both major cities in Vietnam are heavily affected by air pollution. As previously mentioned, economic growth has meant that the population in both cities has increased. And with a lack of public transport, particularly in Hanoi, many don’t have much choice. Traveling by motorbike is by far their easiest option.
Throughout the year, air pollution in Vietnam varies greatly. Often, it is heavily influenced by the weather. Windier days tend to move pollution out of the city, whereas hot, humid days tend to worsen it.
The real-time air quality index map shows an accurate air quality measurement for Vietnam. According to their results, pollution in both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi ranges between 60-200 a day. Moderate to unhealthy. As a result, it is important for individuals to take precautions when needed.
Many locals living in either city take daily precautions to ensure that they are minimizing their own exposure to air pollution. Due to this, cheap pollution masks are readily available. However, we do not suggest relying on a cheap thin mask from a corner shop to protect yourself. Sadly, it has been proven that such masks do not provide effective protection.
At RentAbike, we suggest that all of our customers take care of themselves when riding one of our motorbikes. This means, not only wearing a helmet at all times to ensure that your head is protected. But also wearing an effective pollution mask to protect your health.
We have a number of items in the store dedicated to protecting you from the negative effects of riding a motorbike on Vietnamese roads.
At our stores in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, we stock a range of pollution masks to meet your individual needs. It is hard to know which mask is best suited to you so we have highlighted all the masks we have in store and information on their cost and quality. Deciding which is best for you depends on the amount of time you intend on being on your motorbike, the nature of your travel and, your budget.
86B Đ. Trần Phú, Phường 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam (appointment only)
Tax Code: 0105306316
International Tour Operator License: 01-2010/2022/TCDL-GP LHQT
15a Ng. 12 Đ. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
© 2025 Rentabike Vietnam. This site is subject to copyright. No unauthorised reproduction is permitted.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)