Inside a Vietnamese Motorbike Repair Shop

In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Mr. Cường welcomed us into Phung Motorbike. They’re a one-stop shop: rentals, repairs and sales. They serve a predominantly foreign crowd of expats and backpackers, with demands ranging from daily commuters to people looking to spend weeks, or even months, traveling the amazing roads that have made Vietnam one of the most sought after motorbike destinations in the world. If you’ve been thinking about a motorbike trip through this stunning country, Phung Motorbike is a good place to start.

Phung Motorbike, 13 Ngõ Huyện, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội, Vietnam, +84 90 425 34 91

Phung Motorbike has 10 mechanics working in two garages. Mr.Cường has been with the company for two years now, and he told us that he alone repairs many motorbikes in a single day. Some jobs – things like oil changes and flat tires – are quick and easy, while others take days. The shelves and walls are stacked high with spare parts for every make and model, from cheap knock-offs that sell for a couple hundred dollars to high-performance rides that cost thousands. In their business, they have to be ready to work on anything with two wheels and an engine.

Many expats move to Vietnam for just a few months, and they’d rather not go through the effort and risk of buying a motorbike. For them, renting is a better choice. In general, the longer you rent, the better the price. Mr. Cường told us that the longest daily rental they’ve ever done was for 40 days. Any longer than that, and they’d advise changing to a monthly rental. For daily rentals, the prices range from $5–$26 USD. Semi-automatic motorbikes that are kept within the city are the cheapest, while long distance 150cc motorbikes meant for back roads are the priciest.

Buying a motorbike in Vietnam is actually a simple process. Many riders buy a motorbike and then resell it when they’re through with their trip, often ending in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. This is riskier, as all servicing and repairs are entirely on the owner, but parts and labor are cheap in Vietnam, and there are plenty of repair shops in even the tiniest, most remote villages. This country is made for motorbikes, so be sure to visit Phung Motorbike and see what they can do to help you start the journey of a lifetime.