Vietnam Motorbike tour Riding: Things to Know
Travelers frequently use motorbikes in Vietnam to get around, but the process isn't straightforward. We get the dirt on how to ride safely and legally from Jessica Hayward.
Australian By riding a motorcycle the whole length of Vietnam, Jessica Hayward traveled 4,349 miles (7,000 km) via Vietnam and Cambodia. She did this while navigating the congested streets of Ho Chi Minh City. But how can you accomplish this in a safe and legal manner? What you should know is as follows. Vietnam Motorbike Tours
Legality of motorcycles in Vietnam
Vietnam allows the riding of motorbikes up to 50 cc without a license, however this size of motorcycle is not appropriate for extensive travel across the nation.
If your country of residence has ratified the 1968 convention, international driving permits are currently legal (countries colored green on this map). However, you need to have your motorcycle registered on the IDP and have a valid license at home. You will be riding unlawfully as only the 1949 convention on IDPs has been ratified by Australia, the UK, the USA, and Canada.
Otherwise, a Vietnamese license is needed. Despite the fact that many tourists bypass police stops by riding without one, if you hurt yourself or someone else you will be held totally liable and at the mercy of Vietnamese law.
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a little effort and documentation, you can get a valid license from your country converted to a Vietnamese license. This is how to go about it.
Be advised that even if you have a motorbike license in your home country, your travel insurance will not be valid without a current IDP or Vietnamese license. You are riding against the law.
Additionally, keep in mind that some insurers may not cover "motorbike touring" for policyholders from specific countries of residence. This implies that while you are covered for incidental motorcycle use, you cannot travel in areas where motorcycles are the main mode of transportation. UK policyholders of World Nomads are currently covered by this exclusion. Regardless of where you live, always read your policy's fine print.
Vietnamese buying or renting
Instead of Chinese knockoffs, try to rent from established companies that offer dependable automobiles (Honda, Yamaha, etc.). Tigit Motorbikes is among the most well-liked. In order to cut costs, many travelers opt to purchase $200 bikes from other backpackers. I can't emphasize enough how valuable it is to rent or buy a quality, well-maintained motorcycle; the inconvenience and cost of fixing your continually broken motorcycle will soon equal or exceed the cost of renting a more modern motorcycle. Vietnamese roads are already quite dangerous, so having a broken motorbike only makes things worse.
motorcycle rental outside of
Only Vietnamese bikes are often permitted entry into Vietnam. On a non-Vietnamese bike, you will have trouble crossing borders into Laos, Cambodia, and China. Depending on how frequently your border is used and how much the border security cares about letting you in, be prepared to pay some hefty bribes or not cross at all.
which bicycle to rent
Unless you want to go over tougher terrain in the north and west, a motorcycle between 110 and 125 cc will be more than adequate for touring the nation. It's advisable to rent a bike with more power in those circumstances. Vietnam has low speed limits of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) for cities and 37 miles per hour (60 km/h) for highways, thus having a very powerful motorbike can frequently be an inconvenience in crowded regions. Choose the mode that will work best for your experience from automatic, semi-automatic, or manual when navigating the country.
Try to stick with well-known manufacturers like Honda or Yamaha. Even while the majority of Vietnamese are skilled motorcycle mechanics, it might be difficult to tell if you are being conned or are being offered subpar repairs if you don't know what you're doing. If you have a Honda motorcycle or anything similar, you can take it to one of the many Honda dealerships for service and be sure that the mechanics are reliable and will only charge you a set fee. These shops can be found in practically every city and town.
Vietnam bike riding
The most of the time, you may anticipate average to terrible roads and busy traffic. Good highways have been developed in Vietnam, but as they can only be used by automobiles and trucks and require a toll, most vehicles will continue to travel on the more difficult and congested roads that motorcyclists must navigate.
Please be aware at all times as there will frequently be stalls, markets, and cattle along the sides of the road.
Despite the chaotic traffic, Vietnamese drivers are more courteous and conscientious than those in other South East Asian nations. Pay attention to other drivers because most trucks will beep to get your attention before passing. Use your horn to alert them if you're unsure that they can see you. This is particularly true on the winding mountain routes in the west and north because there are numerous tight, blind corners where passing is impossible without alerting incoming traffic.
Although riding around Saigon and Hanoi may look scary, because of the slow moving traffic, it is usually safe. In order to let drivers know where you are going, the trick is to stare directly in that direction. If you need to cross an oncoming lane of traffic, walk slowly and steadily; if you do so, everyone will get out of the way. Go with the flow!
Pay attention to the weather. The rain will fall at some point, so be ready with waterproof clothing. When selecting to travel in inclement weather, please keep in mind your visibility and the fact that even a fine road can quickly become slick and hazardous in a downpour.
Scams to be aware of
Because so many foreigners lack licenses, police are known to target them. Avoid this by keeping your nationality a secret. You will blend in with the locals on the road if you wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves.
The police won't bother you if you have proper licenses or IDP. Without them, you'll probably have to pay a fine or bribe in order to move forward.
Dodgy mechanics: While using local repair shops may occasionally be inevitable, attempt to service at reputed outlets to avoid being taken advantage of.
Fuel: Although it's uncommon, be sure your attendant resets the fuel gauge before adding fuel to your bike.
Risks of riding in Vietnam
Vietnam is a very safe country, but some of the world's most hazardous roads are found there. Wear the proper safety gear, drive conservatively, and pay attention to the traffic around you as a result.
Make sure your motorcycles are parked in a secure, safe area every night, and do not leave them unlocked or unattended for an extended period of time (if at all). Even if it is locked to your bike, whatever you leave with it, including your helmet, is subject to theft. Simply cutting through the strap won't deter thieves from taking it.
The best Vietnamese bike routes
Main Route: The east coast is followed from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi and back. Access to all major cities, including Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, and generally adequate highways, albeit congested. The majority of travelers take this path. Depending on speed, the travel time should be between one and three weeks.
Ho Chi Minh Road: This road begins outside of Ho Chi Minh and travels all the way to Hanoi, which is located on the country's western border. Amazingly peaceful route with breathtaking landscape is highly recommended for those who enjoy the outdoors and wish to experience unspoiled Vietnam.
The Ha Giang Loop, which travels from Ha Giang to the far north of Vietnam before turning around, is regarded as having the best landscape in all of Vietnam. between three and six days to finish. Expect the unexpected because the road conditions fluctuate between
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