Vietnam has one of the highest percentages of motorbikes per capita in the world. There were 74 million motorbikes registered in 2024 according to the World Health Organization—that’s more motorbikes than Vietnamese adults. Motorcycles make up 85-90% of the traffic on Vietnam’s roads (Vietnamnet Global, 2024), which means that pop-up services providing roadside repair, gasoline, and tire inflation are booming. The curated collection below features signs related to automobiles of all types, but particularly motorbikes.
Motorbike repair is a common theme (sửa chữa means repair)—signs include considered, weathered layouts (Sửa Chữa) to handwritten advertisements (Bơm Vá Thay Eo Xăm Lốp, Mua Xe Đạp, Bơm Vá). Services at these establishments range from bike sales to tire inflation, oil change, gasoline, car wash, and repair. Most of the signs of this type are informal, posted by entrepreneurs along busy roads on posts, trees, and in other non-traditional spaces. These signs are painted on wood, canvas/vinyl, styrofoam, metal, and even concrete.
A handful of the signs below have to do with parking—either prohibiting parking in a particular area (Không Đỗ Xe), or allowing it (Điểm Gửi Xe). A favorite of mine is Không Đậu Xe Trước Quán, which means no parking in front of the shop; and in the photo several motorbikes appear to be parked there.
One sign advertises Xe Ôm services—Vietnam’s motorbike taxi network. And two signs advertise more specialized services (Hổng Phát for shock absorber refurbishment, and Út 143, Chuyên Sơn Sửa for painting and repairs).
The signs in this collection showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades Vietnam, and offers a peek at the lettering styles prevalent on the streets there.
