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Why the Honda Vision is Your Perfect Ride in Vietnam: A Guide for Expats & Tourists

Updated 05/09/25
Vietnam Motorcycle Rentals: Honda Vision motorbike rental

Any trip or extended stay in Vietnam is not complete without having a scooter / motorbike. It is a rite of passage and the best way to experience the country. With the right vehicle, the roads open up to a world of freedom and discovery. Enter the Honda Vision, a scooter so common you’ll see it on every street, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Here we will show you why the Honda Vision is such a great little bike and a practical transport solution for anyone looking to navigate Vietnam with confidence.

Contents

The Honda Vision: What Makes It Tick?

The Honda Vision is a lightweight, automatic scooter that is easy to drive for beginners and versatile enough for anyone with years of experience. It is a 110cc, single cylinder bike with fuel injection so it is powerful enough for towns and cities and also very economical. The plus points of the Honda Vision are:

  • Reliability: Honda’s reputation reliability is unsurpassed. It is a simple, strong engine that, with proper maintenance, is unlikely to let you down. None of this waiting on the side of the road being late for work.
  • Fuel Efficiency: In Vietnam, this is one of the biggest selling points as the locals feel that over the life of the bike, you will save a great deal on fuel. This then justifies the purchase. It is the Fuel Injection and Smart engine management that allows this.
  • Ease of Riding: This is a ‘twist and go’ scooter so it is incredibly easy to drive. It is also lightweight and that weight is low down and well balanced making it very nimble in the dense traffic.
  • Compact Size: The Vision is is very slim with no frills so it can easily squeeze through traffic and back alleys. This also makes it easy to park in crowded parking lots.

Why the Honda Vision is an Expat's Best Friend in Vietnam

For expats settling into life in Vietnam, a reliable motorbike is a necessity, not a luxury. The Honda Vision excels as a daily driver for several key reasons.

  • Reliability & Low Maintenance: The solid build quality of the Honda Vision means that you are unlikely to have problems with unexpected breakdowns, giving you peace of mind. Any maintenance that does need to be done is usually simple and cheap due to the availability of parts and service centres. Every mechanic can work on a Vision and that means it is cheap.
  • Service Network: Not only is there a huge network of official dealers throughout the country, most every mechanic can work on a Vision as they are so common. You are never far from someone who can help you out when you need them.
  • Low Depreciation: Honda themselves hold their value well and the Vision especially. If you have purchased a Vision and it is time to leave the country, or upgrade, you can sell it easily and will not lose that much on the sale. This can be more cost efficient than long term renting.
  • Practicality: Everything about the Vision is functional. The scooter’s under-seat storage compartment is large enough to hold your helmet, groceries, or rain gear, making daily errands a breeze. It’s a comfortable and efficient vehicle for daily commutes to work or school, and for weekend explorations.
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The Ideal Tourist Companion: Exploring Vietnam on a Honda Vision

For tourists, renting a motorbike is the ultimate way to experience Vietnam. The Honda Vision is a great choice for many travelers for its accessibility and freedom.

  • Accessibility and Ease of Rental: The Honda Vision is the most common rental scooter in Vietnam. It’s available in every major city and tourist hotspot, often at very affordable daily rates (from 6 to 10 USD per day). Its simple operation makes it easy to drive and handle which allows drivers to focus on the traffic.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Renting a Honda Vision is far cheaper than using taxis or ride-hailing even for a few days. Combine that with its excellent fuel economy, it helps stretch your travel budget, allowing you to spend more on experiences.
  • Freedom and Flexibility: On a Honda Vision, you are in control of your journey. You can explore at your own pace, stop for photos whenever you want, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path that are inaccessible by bus or car. No haggling with drivers or having to follow the group.
  • Sufficient for Most Tourist Needs: The Honda Vision is perfectly capable of handling city travel and day trips to nearby attractions. We definitely do not recommend it for long-distance, multi-day or mountainous travel on challenging terrain. However, for most tourists’ needs in Vietnam, it is more than sufficient.

Practical Considerations for Both Expats and Tourists

Navigating Vietnamese traffic can be a unique experience. The Vision’s agility is a significant advantage, allowing you to react quickly to changing traffic flow. However, safety should always be your top priority.

  • Safety Tips: Always wear a good quality helmet. Practice defensive riding and be aware of your surroundings. Understanding local traffic customs, such as the use of horns to signal presence and the fluid nature of lane discipline, is crucial for a safe ride.
  • Security: While the Honda Vision is less of a target for theft than larger, more expensive bikes, it’s still important to park it in secure, well-lit areas and use a quality lock, especially when leaving it unattended for long periods.

Potential Downsides (and why they are often outweighed by the pros)

Some riders might point out the Honda Vision’s limitations, such as its power output. Its 110cc engine is not built for high speeds, and it can struggle on steep inclines, especially with two people. However, for the vast majority of urban and suburban travel in Vietnam, its power is perfectly adequate.

Speed limits in towns are usually 40kmh and it can handle inclines with just a little skilled driving. The simplicity and lack of advanced tech seen on more expensive scooters, is precisely what contributes to its unmatched reliability and affordability.

Honda Vision YouTube Video

A practical look at one of our Honda Visions. Get tl know the basics of the most common automatic scooter in Vietnam.

FAQ

Yes, as of 2025, a valid motorbike license is required for any vehicle over 50cc. However, you can easily rent one without a license. We have much more information about licensing on our blogs. In short, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed and it must be the 1968 Vienna Convention. You must also carry your home country’s license with a motorbike endorsement. It is also legal to use an ASEAN license.
The Honda Vision is one of the most fuel-efficient scooters in Vietnam. Its official fuel consumption is roughly 1.85 liters per 100 km, or about 54 km/l. Needless to say this is a ‘perfect case scenario’, however, the Vision is a very efficient little bike. This translates to very low running costs, especially with Vietnam’s affordable gasoline prices (currently around 20,000vnd per litre).
Yes, a Honda Vision is a perfectly safe and popular choice for long-distance day trips on main roads and highways. Its comfort and fuel efficiency make it ideal for this kind of travel. However, it is a small bike and you should take regular stops for comfort and to reduce stress on the engine and components. For multi-day trips or more challenging mountain roads, a semi-automatic or manual motorbike definitely offers more power, comfort and better engine braking / safety.
For a Honda Vision, regular maintenance is key to its longevity. A typical schedule includes an oil change every 1,500 to 2,000 km. Other routine checks and adjustments, such as the drive belt, spark plug, and brakes, should be done every 4,000 to 8,000 km, or as advised in the owner’s manual. When you take a bike from Rentabike, you do not need to worry about this as we take care of all regular maintenance.
Technically, yes, you can. However, the Honda Vision is not the ideal choice for the challenging mountain roads of Sapa or the famous Ha Giang Loop. Its automatic transmission lacks the engine braking capabilities of a semi-automatic or manual bike, which is a critical safety feature on steep descents. For these trips, a semi-automatic bike like a Honda Wave, Blade or Future is recommended over the Vision due to the added control and power. In our opi9nion, the better choice would be the Honda XR150, but that requires you know how to ride a manual geared bike.

Honda Vision - 'Possibly' the Best Scooter for Vietnam

If you are looking to really experience ‘local-like’ living or traveling in Vietnam, the Honda Vision is a great option. It is reliable, affordable, practical and easy to use. In many ways, it is your gateway to getting the most out of your time in country. Whether you’re an expat that needs dependable daily transport or a tourist wanting a flexible way to discover the country’s hidden beauty, the Honda Vision is an excellent choice.

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Total

Rider (CRF 300)

$220

Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

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Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

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Total

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$210

Jeep (2 PAX)

$120

Jeep (3 PAX)

$90

Jeep (4+ PAX)

$80

Rider (Easy Rider)

$115

Rider (Self-Drive)

$105

Private Room

$15

* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.

BMW 1250 GS

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)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

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

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243 mm

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129 kg

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12 litres

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2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

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)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

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

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

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)

Daily

Total

Rider (CRF 300)

$200

Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

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