Vietnam Biker!! :motu:

[motobull]

hey - I'm seriously considering a trip to Vietnam, why? because its there
So thinking of hiring a bike there and travelling by bike,I've done some research and looks like russian built 125's are all the go and can be hired for $5-$8us a day, and are supposed to be quite reliable[no jokes about them being faster than my hyobag ok..]
So have any of you guys been there done that? If so please share your experience and give me some pointers in the right direction.
Not sure if I want to hire a bike and tour vietnam or travel long distances by train and then hire bikes to explore regions. btw this trip will be done on a very tight budget..

Any help apreciated

[orangeback]

youll love it, my best mate did it , plenty ove bikes to chose from eg go fast 150 2 smokers , roads rough as shit though
id done simmilar but in parts of india but on an old shitter 350 enfeild
this is what i had in thailand similar to what youll get in vietnam .RS150 and something youll see a lot mobile shops that goe around villages

[Biff]

Basic French is useful for remoter parts of the country. Get a good map and plan your route well, it's very easy to get lost in the back country. The crime rate is pretty low, but watch out for bag-snatchers, many on motorbikes. They're everywhere. The level of motorbike traffic is enormous in Hanoi and some of the countries other cities.

A beautiful place, home to some of the warmest people you would ever wish to meet. But a police state it is, with a pretty ruthless single party political system to boot. So don't give the local cops any shit. You think the ones we've got are bad?

[Fatjim]

Chick at work did it (on the back). I'll talk to her tomorrow to see if she remembers much. (She's Irish and drinks like a fish).

[motobull]

thanks for the responce so far guys- The more I hear about Vietnam the more i want to do it.......all Irish chicks drink like fish Fatjim but if she does recall anything that would be cool

[Sniper]

It is a very simple question and it could just be wrong, but you do have a full license don't you?

[Paul in NZ]

One thing is utterly essential...

Make sure you have travel insurance that will put you in a decent hospital, cover expenses and evac you home in the unlikely event that you have an accident. A few extra bucks spent on a reliable compnay with a good track record will be money well spent!

[ferretface]

It is a very simple question and it could just be wrong, but you do have a full license don't you?

Not having a license is nothing to worry about - you realise that when you see 3 people on a moped and the driver is about 12 years old.

The Ho Chi Minh trail is a great place to go along - I didn't manage to do it myself but met alot of people that did do it.

If you go to a place called Delat - you will see loads of locals on Russian bikes who give great tours - they call themselves 'Easyriders' - they will FIND YOU if you go there!

Another thing you will have to get used to is crossing straight in the path of oncoming traffic when turning right - sorta merging like a zip (you will be waiting all day if hoping for someone to give way)

You'll have a great time over there are plenty of hills to keep a kiwi happy! have fun!

[Sniper]

I was under the impression that unless you have a FULL license, you won't be able to hire a bike. I should know.....

Although, I see what you measn, but you will proberbly find that in those circumstances (12 yo on a bike) is that it is a private vehicle, not a hire one

[ferretface]

Money talks - leave a deposit or passport and thats all I ever needed. (not like you can leave the country without it)

I was never asked to show my licence in Vietnam in 2 months (hired about 3 or 4 bikes I seem to remember)

[Two Smoker]

My old man just got back... Pretty crazy driving and road rules (if there are any???) over there... So you have to be pretty keen to ride over there... You WILL see a few headons.... But other than that, lovely people, great views, cheap beer, and a great place to see...