Da Nang
The coastal city of Da Nang and its surrounding areas are best explored by renting a motorbike. Da Nang is one of the number one destinations in Vietnam. When you drive along the coastal city, there are various things you can do when traveling by motorbike such as visit the beaches, drive up to Hoi An or just enjoy the best Danang attractions. Here are our guidelines for looking to rent a motorbike in Da Nang.
5 Best Danang Attractions
Da Nang’s attractions consist of ancient ruins, historic port towns, jaw-dropping coastal roads, and beautiful beaches. Here are just a few of those destinations you can get to by motorbike.
To read more about what to do while staying in Da Nang, read our own top 10 list of attractions.
Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass is easily one of the top Danang attractions attractions. Pulling visitors from all over the globe every year to experience riding a motorbike along the stunning Vietnamese coastline. Voted by Top Gear as one of the greatest stretches of coastal road in the world (it even serves as the crescendo of our popular 8 day Run to the Sun motorcycle tour), it alone is a reason to rent a motorbike whilst staying in Da Nang.
This 25km stretch of coastal road will have you gripping to your seat whilst winding along mountain passes. During this trip, you can expect views of the mountain ranges and open ocean. An experience everyone visiting Da Nang should have.
Hoi An
The ancient town of Hoi An is another popular destination with tourists from all over Vietnam and the world. Famous for its lantern-lit streets, quaint canals and lush rice paddies, this small town is the ideal place for you to spend a day relaxing.
Located 30km from the centre of Da Nang, Hoi An is easily accessed by motorbike. The wide stretch of road joining the two cities have you cruising along the coastline, beneath the shade of palm trees. It is a short and simple journey to an ancient and beautiful town.
My Son Sanctuary
The ancient ruins of My Son are 40 km from Da Nang city centre and an approximately 1-hour drive. Easily accessed by motorbike, this attraction gives you the opportunity to go back in time. Imagine what life might have been like for the Champa people who inhabited the area from the 4th to 14th centuries?
Used as a place of religious ceremony, these ruins hold some of Vietnam’s most ancient history. This cluster of ruins sit in a beautiful green landscape and is truly a sight to behold.
Renting a bike from Da Nang gives you the opportunity to visit My Son at any time that suits you. It also allows you to visit during quieter periods and avoid going with a group tour.
Hue
The historical city of Hue is located just under 100km north of Da Nang. The city is famous for its city walls and well-maintained pagodas. Tourists visit from all over the world to wander the Imperial City streets all year round. Just a 2-hour drive from Da Nang, it makes an ideal 1 or 2-day trip.
Although a two-hour drive might seem excessive for a short trip, the Hai Van Pass connects the two destinations and this means you will go slow. If it isn’t the steep incline or the winding road that slows you down, it will be the fantastic views. Arriving in Hue by motorbike gives you the option to complete Hai Van Pass and also experience a day in the historic city of Hue.
The Imperial City of Hue is the main attraction and truly an enchanting sight. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, this walled citadel was home to the ruling Dynasties from the 1800s. Bursting at the seams with history, you should not miss it!
Riding a Motorbike in Da Nang: Is It Safe?
For many, renting a motorbike in a foreign country can be daunting and renting a motorbike in Da Nang is no exception. It is no lie that the main mode of transport in Vietnam is a motorbike so the roads are heavily flooded with them. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing for foreign riders in the country.
Luckily, the large motorbike population means other vehicles are very aware of motorcyclists. Often you will find that larger vehicles give motorcyclists plenty of room on the roads and will sound their horns to make you aware of them. However, despite the Vietnamese’s awareness of other motorcyclists on the road, the idea of riding a motorbike is still unnerving.
All things considered, riding a motorbike in Da Nang is safe. However, safety is nearly always down to the rider. Here are a few tips from us on how to stay safe on the roads in Da Nang.
Safety Tips For Riding A Motorbike in Da Nang
- ALWAYS WEAR A QUALITY HELMET
- Be aware of your speed at all times and ensure that you take the speed limit into consideration
- Take corners at a slow pace and keep an eye out for large oncoming vehicles (particularly on Hai Van Pass)
- Stay in a lane on corners, especially on the inclines, and be prepared / able to move to avoid oncoming traffic.
- Sound your horn if you want to be seen
- Keep your eyes on the road and always pull over to take in the views. Do NOT stop abruptly!
- Keep a good distance between yourself and any larger vehicles
- Don’t take ANY risks. Cautious drivers live to tell the tale.
If you would like more tips on driving a motorbike in the countryside and in the bigger cities, we have given you all the do’s and dont’s that will help you increase your safety and still enjoy the freedom.
How to Choose a Quality Motorbike in Da Nang
When looking for a rental motorbike in Da Nang, there are a few things that everyone should consider. Here are some of the things:
Cost
One of the main things most people consider is cost. However, choosing a cheap rental can sometimes lead to problems further down the line. The area of Da Nang has a large number of tourists passing through every year and as a result, there are various different rentals to choose from. All of them at varying quality.
Daily rental can range from anywhere between $7-$60, all depending on the bike. Automatic, Semi-automatic and Manual motorbikes all come at a different cost and are appropriate for different riders.
At Rent A Bike, our team in Da Nang will discuss your plans and riding experience in order to advise you on a suitable bike for your needs.
Quality
Rental motorbikes are often driven by inexperienced riders which means they can quickly deteriorate. Due to this, it is important to take the quality of your motorbike into consideration.
Take the time to look over your bike before agreeing to rental. Look for any damage that the bike may already have and ensure that the rental company is aware of it. Have it written on the contract and take photos to avoid any confusion when returning the bike. This will ensure that you aren’t to blame when the bike is returned.
At Rent A Bike, we ensure that our bikes are serviced regularly and are suitable for rental. If you do encounter any issues with your bike, our team in Da Nang will always be at the other end of the phone to provide you with any necessary support.
Support
Something we consider to be vital is the support the rental company is able to offer. It is not uncommon for rentals to hand you a questionable motorbike with only a set of keys and a pair of worn-down helmets. Sadly, this support will not ensure that you are safe throughout the time of your rental.
We pride ourselves in ensuring all of our riders are given the utmost support throughout their time renting from us. Each individual is provided with a quality serviced motorbike, a quality helmet, a route plan if needed and direct contact in case of emergency.
Ongoing support during your rental is a vital element and one that we take very seriously.
Is Renting a Motorbike in Da Nang Worth It?
The short answer to this question is, YES!
Da Nang beaches, weather, and all its attractions are best experienced by motorbike. The freedom in which a motorbike can bring you means that you’ll be able to see everything you want to see, and in your own time and on your own schedule.
Say goodbye to crowded tour buses and expensive taxis, and say hello to an exciting adventure you’ll never forget!
