Living in Da Nang Without a Motorbike
Living in Da Nang and wondering if you need a motorbike?
The answer is probably not.
Many expats and digital nomads get around just fine using Grab, walking, and the occasional bicycle. That said, owning a scooter does offer extra freedom and convenience.
Here's what we've learned after living in Da Nang and experiencing both sides of the debate.
Jump To
I’ll get right to the point: you absolutely can.
With that being said, your mobility across town will be slightly limited. Last-minute invites and late-night meetups may also be less appealing without a proper pair of wheels.
But is it worth the monthly expense?
Rest assured, our first-hand experiences outlined in this guide will steer you toward the right decision.
Is Riding a Motorbike in Vietnam Safe?
Yes, it is.
Having lived here for a long time, I have seen 5 crashes — 3 of which were harmless fender-benders and 2 where one driver took a slight tumble off. They immediately got back up.
I actually skidded out myself when popping a curb and did a little dance. No serious scuffs or scars.
By day 3, I felt like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, which says a lot coming from someone who was genuinely scared of motorcycles.
Anytime I rent a scooter that ends up being slow, I get upset — I wanna go fast.
Hannah has also mastered the art of scootin’ and is just as comfortable driving as I am.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll love it.
Need some ocean exhiliration too? Our Surfing Guide has all the best beginner tips and tricks for catching some waves in Da Nang!
Using Grab Instead of Owning a Motorbike
For most of our first year here, we solely relied on GRAB.
The Vietnamese equivalent of Uber or Lyft, this fearless army of moped drivers delivers food, foreigners, and locals to all corners of Da Nang — and beyond.
For as little as 55 cents (USD), you can hop on the back of these terrific little motorcycles and brave the wild traffic of this Vietnamese metropolis.
Even for long rides lasting 20 minutes or more, we have never paid more than $3 USD for a scooter ride across town.
Once ordered, the motorbikes arrive in literally — and I mean LITERALLY — 60 seconds or less.
The biggest blessing is knowing I can GRAB a quick ride anywhere, anytime, at a moment’s notice.
Walking Around Da Nang
Urban explorers (such as myself) will find no end to the countless beautiful back alleys and side streets that meander off the busy main roads of Da Nang.
You can walk from the southernmost tourist cluster to the northernmost in about an hour.
Within certain areas, such as An Thuong, walking is preferable for first-timers and those hoping to explore the numerous cafes, shops, and eateries that line the beach side of town.
Exploring on foot, with GRAB downloaded and ready for any last-minute hitches, is a great way to brave the streets while always having an easy ride home.
What About Bicycles?
Many people — from locals to foreigners — opt for the internal combustion, and now also electric, bike.
Whether you’re out in the sweltering summer heat or torrential winter rains, you’ll be glad to have the extra horsepower to get you where you need to go.
Bikes can be rented from a few shops around town, though these establishments are fewer and farther between compared to the scooter rental shops that abound throughout the city.
Curious about costs around Da Nang? Our Cost of Living guide has all the answers you need!
What We Do Living in Da Nang
As mentioned above, we almost exclusively relied on GRAB scooter taxis during our first year in Vietnam.
In our last month or so, however, we discovered we loved having the late-night freedom of scooting around the city, finding new spots, and enjoying the after-dark atmosphere.
As mentioned above, the sooner you learn the ins and outs of motorbiking around Vietnam, the sooner you’ll feel quintessentially local.
It’s one of the ultimate expat experiences.
Who Should Consider Getting a Motorbike?
At the end of the day, living in Da Nang without a motorbike really comes down to your lifestyle.
If you’re staying mostly around the beachside, working remotely, and don’t mind using Grab or walking, you’ll likely find it more than manageable.
But if you want full freedom, late-night spontaneity, and the ability to explore every corner of the city on your own schedule, a scooter quickly becomes a game-changer.
Either way, Da Nang is one of those cities where both approaches work — you just have to choose the level of convenience (and adventure) that fits you best.
