Practical Riding in Da Lat: Parking, Fuel, Charging, Helmets and Rain Gear

Parking: how gửi xe works

At markets, the lake, attractions and many cafés you will see a parking area with an attendant. This is called gửi xe. You ride in, the attendant gives you a small paper ticket (vé xe) or writes a number on the seat, and you pay a small fee in cash — either when you arrive or when you leave. Keep the ticket until you collect the bike.

• Many cafés and restaurants have their own parking with staff who watch the bikes; it is often free for customers.
• Take valuables with you and don't leave your phone in the phone holder.
• Follow the attendant's directions. They often move bikes around to make space, so lock the steering only if they don't ask you to leave it unlocked.
• Avoid parking on footpaths or anywhere signs say no parking. When in doubt, use a gửi xe area.

Riding an electric scooter? Our guide to electric scooter parking in Da Lat covers the details.

Fuel: filling up at a petrol station

Our gas scooters (Honda Vision and Honda Air Blade) come with 1 liter of fuel — enough to reach a petrol station near the centre. Filling up in Vietnam is simple:

• Petrol stations are called cây xăng. Staff fill the tank for you — you stay on or next to the bike.
• Turn off the engine and open the fuel cap. We show you where it is at pick-up.
• Say đổ đầy (fill it up) or show an amount in VND, for example 50,000 VND.
• The usual choices are RON 95 or E5 RON 92 petrol; both work in our scooters.
• Cash is the easiest way to pay; many stations also accept bank transfer or cards.

Plan to fill up before longer rides out of the city — stations are common in Da Lat but fewer on quiet country roads.

Charging: electric scooters

With an electric scooter you don't need to look for a charging point. Each scooter comes with 2 batteries, and when one runs low you swap it for a full one at our shop for 20,000 VND. Keep an eye on the display and plan your day so you pass the shop before the battery gets low. Our battery guide explains how to plan it.

Helmets

• Helmets are required for both the rider and the passenger in Vietnam. Every rental includes a free helmet.
• Always fasten the strap — a helmet only protects you if it stays on.
• Sunglasses or a helmet with a visor help against dust, sun and wind.

Rain gear and warm clothes

Da Lat's rainy season usually runs from about May to October or November, often with afternoon showers. A cheap rain poncho (áo mưa) from a small shop or convenience store fits under the seat and makes a big difference. On wet roads, ride slower, brake earlier — especially downhill — and take care on painted lines and steel plates.

Mornings and evenings are cool all year. Bring a light jacket, and gloves if you ride before sunrise. More tips are in our article on renting a motorbike in the rainy season.

A few everyday rules

• Vietnam drives on the right. Use your lights in fog and after dark.
• No alcohol or beer when riding, and strictly follow Vietnamese traffic law.
• New to riding here? Read our tips for riding a motorbike in Vietnam.

Ride with Van Phu

All our bikes come with a free helmet and a phone holder, and gas scooters leave the shop with 1 liter of fuel. If you're unsure where to park or fill up on your route, just message us — we're happy to help. See all bikes on our Da Lat motorbike rental page.

Written by Ngô Văn Phú (Phu) – owner of Van Phu Dalat, local travel services in Da Lat since 2018: motorbike rental, homestay and villa booking. About me →