Motorbike theft in Vietnam is a problem. Luckily it is very avoidable with one simple rule: Safe parking!
If you are traveling in Vietnam and renting a motorbike, one concern you may have is bike theft. Unfortunately, it can happen quickly, and anti-theft devices are often not enough. But with a few smart habits and awareness of how things work locally, you can avoid unpleasant surprises. Here is what you need to know to keep your rental bike safe.
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🚫 Never Leave the Bike Unattended on the Street
Leaving your motorbike unattended, even for just a few minutes, can lead to theft. This is especially true in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, where experienced thieves can take a bike in under two minutes. Even locking the bike’s neck or using wheel locks won’t help—these methods are easily bypassed in Vietnam.
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Our advice is to explore the countryside, the villages, the backroads, and stay away from the most urbanized locations and big cities. Vietnam has a lot to offer in its countryside, which is also the safest part to visit thanks to the locals’ honesty.
Be mindful if you just came traveling from Thailand or other neighbouring countries. While parking bikes with high-end helmets in the streets in Thailand is absolutely safe, it is NOT the case in Vietnam. Other countries of South East Asia have very safe environment to park bikes, but Vietnam suffers with the most bike theft, hence you cannot compare with your experience in other countries.
✅ Use Proper Parking Facilities
The safest way to protect your motorbike is to use official parking lots that provide a ticket or parking card. These lots are usually monitored 24/7, and with a ticket in hand, the facility takes responsibility if a theft occurs. Parking in these lots typically costs between 5,000đ and 20,000đ, but prices may be higher at hotels in big cities.
If you are staying in a hotel, make sure they offer secure indoor parking or have a security protocol in place. Don’t assume your hotel offers safe parking—ask specifically.
🛍️ What About Parking at Shops or Cafés?
At restaurants, cafés, and shops, there’s often a security guard stationed outside. While they might not give you a ticket, their presence typically means they are watching your bike. In these cases, it is relatively safe to park, as long as you follow their instructions.
If there is no guard, like it is common at many convenience stores, keep an eye on the bike. These shops all have glass walls permitting you to see through easily while making your purchases. If possible, park indoors or in plain sight from where you are.
🧠 Think Before You Park
In general, always try to park:
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In ticketed lots
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At places with security personnel
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Indoors when other options are unavailable
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Within your line of sight if briefly stopping somewhere without guards
And remember: a few minutes unattended is enough time for a theft to happen.
❌ Don’t Rely on Anti-Theft Devices
It might be tempting to use wheel locks, padlocks, or the built-in neck lock on your bike, but in Vietnam, these are mostly ineffective. Thieves are skilled and well-equipped, and can often bypass these systems in seconds. For this reason, we do not support the use of any anti-theft devices—your best protection is smart parking, not gadgets.
🪖 What About Helmets?
Even helmets can get stolen when left on a parked bike, especially if they’re of good quality. Always take your helmet with you or leave it in a secure area. Most bikes are able to fit in a small helmet in the under-seat storage, but most don’t fit certified quality helmets. If your trunk has enough space for a full-face or large open-face helmet, then great. If not, you’d better keep the helmet with you.
🧾 You’re Responsible for the Bike
Even in rentals, the customer is responsible for any theft, regardless of circumstances. Make sure to ask what is the consequence of bike theft. At The Extra Mile we write the value of the bike at the time of rental in the contract, so it is clear from the beginning. Our advice is not just to protect the bikes—it’s to protect your travel experience from avoidable stress and cost.
Traveling by motorbike in Vietnam is an incredible experience, and we want you to enjoy it without trouble. Take these precautions seriously, and you’ll likely have a smooth and unforgettable journey.
