Motorbike touring

September 3, 2005 6:45 AM

I'm thinking about putting around Vietnam on a motorbike for a month or so, starting in a week. What do I need to know?

I have a 125cc Honda Wave Alpha I'm planning on using. I've been driving around in Saigon extensively every day for over two months, and I've driven from here to the beach at Mui Ne (about six hours through crazy traffic), so I have at least a passable amount of experience. What sort of laws (I know all about the helmet laws), provisions, precautions etc. should I know about? Am I completely insane?

posted by borkingchikapa to Travel & Transportation around Vietnam (6 answers total)

I have no experience riding in Vietnam, but I've toured extensively on a motorcycle. It sounds like you've thought about it, have done some practice and know basically what you're doing. So hell no, you're not crazy!

When I tour I take enough stuff to get me to the next big town if the bike breaks down. That includes a tire patch kit, replacement valve cores, a tool kit large enough to at least get the wheels and side covers off and a set of replacement cables. That will get you through the most common failures.

Take a look at the Micapeak checklists here. They'll help you remember things that you might need. On a 125, you'll be carrying the minimum amount of gear, but it's good to see what other people consider carrying. Just don't go this far!
posted by letitrain at 7:37 AM on September 3, 2005

Motor vehicle accidents -- often involving alcohol -- are the leading cause of death amongst foreigners/tourists in SEAsia.

Be very, very careful.

And good luck -- I'm jealous!
posted by docgonzo at 8:50 AM on September 3, 2005

I'd read Karin Muller's "Hitchhiking Vietnam" website.
posted by Vidiot at 10:38 AM on September 3, 2005 [1 favorite]

You must learn the protocol for dealing with random "inspections" by government officials out in the countryside. Often this involves putting cash in the appropriate place in your documents before handing them to the officer. Failure to do this correctly or discreetly can result in the officer seriously ruining your day. I can't tell you all the rules, but I have witnessed it firsthand.

(That said, I loved my visit to Vietnam).
posted by ldenneau at 10:41 AM on September 3, 2005

I'm not sure how useful this is, but a very large part of Nelson Demille's Up Country is essentially a long travelogue from Saigon through North Vietnam on Motorcycle, with gun battles and 'mysterious' women thrown in :-P
posted by jabberwock at 3:39 PM on September 3, 2005

Well I seriously question Idenneau's comment. I rode quite a bit when I was in Vietnam and in fact had an accident and was fined (it was my fault) and although it all depends on individuals of course, in my case it was all letter perfect by-the-book. Although there were sometimes rumours I never heard of any substantiated case of Police backsheesh, so I would keep your cash in your wallet at least to begin with and judge the circumstances/Police officer attitude as you go. But bribing should never be a first line strategy.

I guess I would talk to a bike shop in HCM and ask them if they recommend any Wave alpha parts that are hard to come by. But a Honda Wave ought to be easy to get fixed all around - there's lots of them about as you know. Perhaps a small tool kit and say spark plugs and puncture repair kit. I'd get a list of bike shops on the route you're taking.

And in general, wear a helmet and drive slow both so you see more but more importantly because you do not want to fucked up in the middle of nowhere. That would be seriously hellish I'm sure. Anyway - you know this. Hmm...sorry, can't think of any other country specific stuff. I loved the ride from Dalat to Nha Trang. Have a great time and I hope you'll post photos sometime. I may have given a little stick in your last question but I really do hope it all goes well.
posted by peacay at 12:33 AM on September 4, 2005