Vietnam by motorcycle Part 1
You will read on the internet, many travelers’ tales that will say there are no rules. These people are mistaken and simply offer you bad advice and opinion. I will address some of the rules on the second part of this blog, however, first I will make the case why a person should consider not to experience by motorcycle unless riding pillion with an experienced rider (easyrider).
In my capacity as a tour operator and Hotelier, Personally I have guided hundreds of motorcycle tours between the DMZ and as far south as the Mekong Delta. I will just give a few short examples of experience I have had with foreigners driving without an understanding of the dangers of driving in Vietnam.
Darned Foreigners!!
2 Australian military men on a tiny scooter hit a family turning in front of them. The family injured and
the men surrounded with angry Vietnamese. Afraid for their safety. They ask me to help. I arrange for the Ausies to pay for damage and for an emergency hospital visit (less than 200 dollars). The locals are satisfied, however, after being treated first in the hospital, the 2 men run off and strand the family with broken motorcycle and hospital bills. What lowlifes!! I ended up getting a big scolding from the locals to let them deal with it their way next time…. I agree.
During a tour under contract when I encounter a young couple all bloody and broken along highway 1. Again they were in the wrong and were being yelled at by local motorists. Out of some kind of morbid sense of duty, I stop and assist. They pleaded and cried that I accompany them to the hospital and make sure they would be treated properly….. SORRY!! I am not going to abandon my paying clients to babysit irresponsible travelers. I simply spoke to the locals of what to do and explained to them what the locals would help them with. No money was involved but I left feeling guilty that I did not babysit them.
A young British man hits a merging farmer at high speed and ends with a broken arm and friction burns. The farmer is critical and later dies in hospital. The Brits UK drivers license and statement was kept and would be revisited in 7 days. He was allowed to keep passport in order to stay in a local hotel until matter dealt with. Unknowing to me, he asked my clients if he could ride along in our car to Dong Hoi. Agreed, we delivered him to the city where he booked the next flight to escape the country.
There are many more I could retell but you get the idea. In every case that I have been aware of, the foreigner driving was responsible though to them it might not look like it. I am tired of rescuing irresponsible ass****s that make all foreigners look bad. Following is some facts about touring Vietnam by motorcycle.
Why risk it?
Firstly, be aware that you will be driving illegally. As of July 1 2016, Foreigners were allowed to drive if they had an international permit with a motorcycle endorsement, however, Vietnam changed their mind shortly after and made it that a person could only be legal if holding a valid Vietnam drivers license. This is very inconvenient to foreign drivers including expats that are here as the expiry is based in your visa. Most travel insurance providers will not cover injuries caused by operating motorcycles, and if they do will deny payout due to driving illegally. There ARE traffic rules and laws that are different to those in the west. A
foreign tourist has no clue of the rules and regardless of how skilled they are, they become a danger to everybody around them. There are so many random obstacles in this country such as livestock, kids, and hazards falling off vehicles that you always have to be prepared.
Truthfully, experiencing Vietnam by motorcycle is not that much of a sightseeing trip as much of your travels is simply staying alive by avoiding road hazards. It is without a doubt an adventure. Why risk it? If you are really set on a motorcycle adventure, consider a trip with “easyriders”. Not only can you relax and enjoy the scenery, culture, and adventure, but also have the security and knowledge of a local person. You will enjoy the trip so much more.
Even though I am retiring and currently only do tours by car, I can still recommend a good easyrider based in NhaTrang. I also know many in Dalat, however, I try to stay out of that market due to the way Vietnamese view competitors. Please please please!! Consider very carefully before you decide to tour Vietnam by motorcycle! I know there will be many of you that will ignore commonsense and do it anyway, so………. The following blog will be information about the rules, dos and don’ts, and advice how to survive your holiday.