Vietnam by Motorbike: 8 Things You Should Read First
Traveling to Vietnam by motorbike is not
an easy thing to do. This covered the route we took, the motorbikes we bought,
the country, and my overall experience riding a motorbike across Vietnam.
However, I felt like it missed some advice that everyone should read before
setting off on this adventure which is why I decided to write this follow-up
article.
It Is Super Easy to Buy a Motorbike, so Do It!
Motorbikes are easy to buy and sell in the main places such as
Hoi Chi Min, Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Hoi An. For me, it is really the best way to
travel and see a country. As long as you are in the main city, there will be a
bike available for you to buy. Being able to reach untouched and unspoilt
places which other tourists don’t get to do is one of the best things about
having motorbikes. During our trip, my friend and I ended up riding it all the
way to the border of China deep in the mountains. It was truly an EPIC
experience.
Make Sure It’s Legal
After buying the motorbike, make sure you are given the papers
which make it legal. It is usually a small laminated card that will have the
name of the original owner on it. This is the only thing you have to prove that
this bike is legally yours. Carry it with you at all times to avoid any
inconveniences, oh and make sure you don’t lose it.
The Choice for Motorbikes Are Small
You mainly have two options for the type of motorbike you can
buy. A manual 110 Honda Win or an automatic scooter. I chose the manual because
it looks more badass and sounds more badass! Basically, it’s more badass!
However, as I mentioned in my previous article our friend who bought a scooter
broke down far less than we did. If you’re not as confident of a rider,
scooters might be the way to go.
Sell in Hoi Chi Min, Buy in Hanoi
Vietnam Motorbike Tours usually sell for a higher price in Ho Chi Min, which means they usually cost more to buy there than if you buy them in Hanoi. I bought mine in Ho Chi Min for $250 and sold it in Hanoi for $250.
Remember You’re Traveling Vietnam the
Long Way
It’s going to be a long ride! Make sure you are either good with
maps or have GPS on your phone. You will get lost at some point. This is a
guarantee. Plan your route (or not) and accept the fact that at one point or
another, you will have to put your charades skills to use as you ask for
directions amongst the locals.
Get a Strong Backpack Rack
Make sure your backpack rack is strong (mine broke twice during
the trip). You’re probably going to be tying down everything you own on this
rack. The last thing you want is it breaking while you are taking a corner at
50km/h and you will more often than not, end up seeing your backpack flying
then rolling in front of you (this happened to my friend – true story).
Get Ready for the Rain. You’re in the Jungle, Baby!
It is going to rain (sometimes hard!) so buy a raincoat. You can
pick up cheap plastic raincoats for a dollar in Vietnam. If you want a nice
one, spend 2 dollars. This will come in handy-trust me. Note to others: See me
on the left. I spent a dollar on mine and it ripped by the third day. Lesson
learned, don’t be a cheapskate!
Wear a Freaking Helmet!
Finally, THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL is to make sure you get a
good helmet! I don’t want to sound like your mum but seriously do this. I
crashed my bike once or twice and my heavy-duty sturdy helmet saved my life.
While you’re at it, make sure you get good Travel Insurance from a reputable
company. You never know when this will end up saving your life. I recommend
Word Nomads because they have the best adventure travel coverage.
Contact Us:
290 nguyen trai street. trung van, nam tu liem. Hanai, Vietnam
WhatsApp: +84985333066
Website: https://vietnammotorcycletours.com/
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