In this guide you will learn how to safely rent a motorbike in Mui Ne, how to avoid typical rental mistakes, and how to stay out of trouble with the police. You will find ideas for 4 beautiful motorbike routes around Mui Ne, starting with short rides and ending with a multi-day loop. All links marked with 📍 open in Google Maps.
Hi, I am Yuriy Malykh, and I will be your guide to road adventures in Mui Ne. Since my first trip to Vietnam over a decade ago, I have returned constantly, covering more than 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometers) on two wheels. You can read my motorbike travel stories at Vietnam stories section, but for now, let’s get you armed and prepared to have a lot of fun while exploring the roads in and around Mui Ne.
How to rent a motorbike in Mui Ne?
Renting a motorbike in Mui Ne is as easy as you can imagine—and probably even a bit more. There are tons of motorbike rental services in Mui Ne at every corner of the main coastal road. Almost every guest house or hostel will offer you one. Regular prices range from 100K–200K VND ($4–8 / €3–6.5) depending on the motorbike model and the conditions. If you’re renting for more than 3 days, you can easily ask for a little discount.
If renting from a guesthouse, you most likely won’t even be asked for a deposit. It’s quite incredible, the level of trust here. Surprisingly, almost none of the rental services will ask for a valid driving license; they basically do not care. However, do not let this trick you into irresponsible behavior.
Unlike most other destinations in Vietnam, police checks are very frequent — near popular tourist attractions in Mui Ne and in random locations, at almost any time of the day, and they actively stop tourists to check for a valid International Driving Permit.
Can you drive in Mui Ne without a driving license?
If you don’t have a license but still want to explore Mui Ne on two wheels, you still have options: a moped of 50cc or less, or an Electric Motorbike (≤4kW).
- Honda SuperCub 50cc: A classic for Vietnamese roads. It’s officially legal without a license and fast enough to joyfully explore the beauty of the Mui Ne coastal roads. You might have to search a bit to find one for rent. The downside? It’s semi-automatic, meaning you’ll have to switch gears. For experienced riders, it’s nothing, but if it’s your first time on a motorized two-wheeler, it might be a complication.
- E-Motorbike: Those that don’t require a permit are under 4kW and limited to 30 mph (50 km/h). They are as easy to navigate as a regular scooter. The E-Motorbike scene is still developing, but the Vietnamese government is pushing for this eco-transport, so we believe they’ll soon be widely accessible too.
Is it safe to drive in Mui Ne?
As of March 2026, a big part of the main road in Mui Ne is undergoing massive reconstruction. Some parts are narrowed down to one lane for both directions. There is also a lot of sand and dirt on the roads, especially from Ham Tien Market to the Fishing Village Viewpoint.
Being slow and confident is the key. Don’t forget that you will share the road with “crazy” tourist buses and young kids driving e-scooters home from school. Extra caution is required. And for any driving you do, remember that a helmet is a must.
Tips on renting a motorbike in Mui Ne
- Always check the bike before you commit to the rent. Drive it for a short distance to see if it handles straight, and ensure the brakes actually stop you, the lights work, and the horn functions.
- Check that the speedometer and fuel gauge are operational, as they are often broken.
- Check if the key stays secure in the ignition; it is not uncommon for keys to fall out of the keyhole even while in the ON position.
- Discuss the policy on scratches, especially if you are renting a bike that looks brand new. Scratches can happen even when you aren’t around, like when someone parks poorly next to you, so it is better to be clear on the deal beforehand.
- Take a slow 360-degree video of the bike’s body and the wheels as a simple “just in case” procedure.
- Take a photo of the license plate so you don’t forget which bike is yours.
- Be sure you have a contact number to call if the bike breaks down.
The Best Motorbike Routes Around Mui Ne
1. Mui Ne Highway Loop
- What you will see: Top-hill views over the village, Wine Castle, SeaLink Sea Wall, Local University, Red Dunes, Fishing Village Viewpoint.
- Distance: ~45 km for the full loop.
The Mui Ne highway is the first gem in the list. It runs parallel to the main seaside tourist strip but on higher ground, opening up amazing views over the village and the sea.
The road is excellent quality with three lanes each way, including a dedicated scooter lane that local youths occasionally use for illegal street racing. You will also see quite interesting vegetation along the route, with small trees meticulously trimmed into the shapes of dragons and various animals.
If you are planning a longer stay in Mui Ne for deeper exploration or kitesurfing lessons, the highway will likely become your daily commute and doesn’t require a dedicated visit. However, if your stay is short and you love a high-quality ride, I definitely recommend spending an hour or two just to enjoy this road. It is worth seeing twice because after sunset, the sea view changes completely. You will see hundreds of fishing vessels using bright lamps to hunt for squid, making it look like a floating city or an airport runway on the horizon.
The Best Direction
Drive from the Phan Thiet direction toward the Red Dunes. This puts you in the lane closer to the sea, so you can stop anytime for pictures.
The Route
Start at the 📍gas station roundabout and follow the road toward the Red Dunes. You’ll pass the Wine Castle and the University. If you’ve already seen the Red Dunes as part of a day tour from Mui Ne, just turn at the roundabout in front of it and head toward the village road.
That stretch after the viewpoint back to the hotels is in very bad condition (as of March 2026). You might prefer turning back and taking the highway again. Just find a connective road, though there aren’t many of them.
Route Extension
Visit an off the beaten path destination in Mui Ne— the 📍Mieu Ba Vang shrine and the cape.
Insider Tip
If you’re starting early, stop for coffee with coconut ice cream and a sea view at 📍Teen Cafe or any other place near the SeaLinks area.
2. Ke-ga Lighthouse Seaside Ride
- What you will see: Seaside Road, Bikini Beach, Sun World Amusement Park (with the Ferris Wheel), the big Pirate Ship at Movenpick, Ke Ga Cape, Ke Ga Lighthouse.
- Distance: ~100 km back and forth; ~130 km as a loop with Ta Cu Mountain.
This ride mostly follows the sea, but you’ll have to cross through Phan Thiet, which can be stressful. Once you’re out of town, it’s a joyful coastal cruise. You’ll pass “Bikini Beach,” some abandoned hotels, and end up at the beach opposite the lighthouse. You can take a local boat to visit the lighthouse on its small island.
Want to fit more in?
You can extend this to include Ta Cu Mountain and the Reclining Buddha. On those additional kilometers of road, you’ll see the interesting Dragon Fruit cactus plantations and the destination itself is one of the best day trip locations in Mui Ne. However, the shortest way back from Ta Cu Mountain to Mui Ne is via the highway, which isn’t very enjoyable with all the trucks and buses.
3. White Sand Dunes Motorbike Loop
- What you will see: Turtle Island, White Sand Dunes, rural areas, some nice hills with wind generators.
- Distance: ~103 km.
Usually done before sunrise to see the sun coming up from the ocean. You’ll pass the Turtle Island on the way out. On the way back, turn away from the seaside road to get a glimpse of real rural life—it’s dramatically different from the tourist zone.
The Warning
Near Hon Rom cape, you will likely pass a police checkpoint that is almost a constant fixture. Be sure you have the official right to drive, your helmet is on, and you aren’t breaking the speed limit.
Extension
If you continue straight past the White Sand Dunes, you’ll hit a high-quality, empty highway leading toward Phan Rang with even better sea viewpoints.
Insider Tip
On the final stretch back, take a detour to 📍Gai Garden Café. It’s the size of a football field with tons of cacti, a pond, and great ginger tea.
4. The “Big One”: Mui Ne – Phan Rang – Dalat Loop
Distances:
- Mui Ne to Phan Rang (~125 km);
- Phan Rang to Dalat (~103 km);
- Dalat to Mui Ne (~170 km).
Everyone traveling Vietnam has heard of the Ha Giang Loop. It’s a genuinely good ride — but its fame has turned one of the country’s most beautiful roads into something far too crowded to truly enjoy. Meanwhile, equally impressive routes go largely overlooked. This is one of them, and it deserves far more attention.
This loop has everything: high-altitude curves, pine forests, authentic small towns, sweeping viewpoints, and one of the most spectacular serpentine coastal roads you’ll find anywhere. The total distance is roughly 400 km and can be ridden in either direction.
The Strategy
Going from Mui Ne to Phan Rang on the coast and then turning into the mountains gives you better views, as you’ll be on the side of the road closer to the drop into the sea.
The Challenge
The daily distances can be tough for beginners, but for seasoned riders, they are no big deal.
The extension
You can add one more coastal stop at Cam Ranh or Nha Trang after visiting Phan Rang. That will definitely add some of the best road views in all of Vietnam, as you will pass through the serpentines of Nui Chua National Park, the grape valleys, the stone gardens, and authentic local villages.
Insider Tip
Check the Dalat weather forecast. It can be way colder than the seaside due to the altitude; driving those mountain passes can get chilly.
Mui Ne Motorbike FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Not at all, as rental shops are located on almost every corner of the main road, but finding specific 50cc bikes or well-maintained electric models requires a bit more effort and searching.
Generally, it is safe if you are experienced, but the ongoing 2026 road construction makes many sections dusty, narrow, and unpredictable. You should remain extra alert for sand on the asphalt and the erratic movement of large tourist buses.
In 2026, the chances of being pulled over are very high due to daily checkpoints positioned near the main tourist attractions. They are strictly checking for valid international permits, so do not assume you will simply blend in with the traffic.
The only legal way to drive without a license is by using a moped with an engine capacity of 50cc or less, or an electric bike with a motor under 4kW. Anything more powerful requires a valid A1 or A category license along with a matching International Driving Permit.
Final Word on Driving in Mui Ne
Mui Ne is a small, dense residential area. You’ll meet whole families on one bike and kids crossing where you’d never expect. Be patient, stay slow, and make sure you’re protected by a good helmet. And never drink and drive.
If you are planning your Vietnam adventure far in advance and don’t yet have a motorcycle license, I highly recommend getting one along with some solid riding experience. In my opinion, there is only one true way to fully explore Vietnam, and that is by motorbike. You cannot imagine how many more opportunities and hidden gems open up when you have your own wheels.
Check out our guide to the best places to eat in Mui Ne to stay fueled while exploring. I also recommend our Mui Ne Nightlife Guide to help you plan your evenings once the sun sets and the riding is over. For more inspiration for your overall trip, head over to our Vietnam Travel Guides page.
Stay tuned and have a great trip!
