Apr 20

Apr 20 Motorbiking through Vietnam - Things you should know

Motorbiking Through Vietnam Over 30 Days - Things I Wished I knew

Resident adventurer, free spirit and feel good guru Aisha Preece talks us through the ups and downs (literally) of a specific sporting holiday, by recounting things she learned whilst motorbiking in Vietnam.

A few years ago I decided to embark on a motorbike journey through Vietnam. I rode from Hanoi up to the border of China and down all the way south, to Ho Chi Minh.

I decide to embark on this journey for 3 main reasons:

The thought of being pressed up against someone's sweaty armpit in a tour van and waiting for everyone to take selfies for the gram’, wasn't my idea of fun.

I wanted to experience Vietnam differently and really immerse myself in the culture. I also love riding motorbikes—the way the sun kisses my skin and the wind slaps my face makes me feel alive.
I had recently discovered freelance writing and wanted to prove to myself I could work on the road

Despite the fact this was a life-changing journey, there were a few mishaps that could have been avoided.

Also, I am petite and have a terrible sense of direction.

I want everyone to know you can handle a big motorbike (250cc to 650cc baby!) in a foreign land, even if you are a bit hopeless like me. Just need to plan properly and bring wet wipes because you might wee in your trousers from fear the first few days.

1. It Takes Longer Than You Think

When you plan your route and Google maps says it takes 3 hours to get to your destination, factor in at least 2 hours to your journey.

A motorbike will always be slower than a car, especially since you’ll most likely ride nothing faster than a 250cc bike*, and if you intend to ride safely.

*You can most definitely rent a faster one, but the most common and best priced one on the market is a 250 cc

**The cc represents the size of an engine. Generally, the higher the cc, the faster the vehicle.

2. Don’t Trust The Motorbike Guy

As a general rule, I try to avoid profanities. But I used plenty on this trip because of the ‘stupid motorbike guy’ .

This was the useless dude at the motorbike rental shop that claimed to be an expert at motorbikes and everything relating to them.

When I asked him if I should get spare bungee cords (I strapped my backpack to the back of my bike with them), he said their cords were the sturdiest on the market, so there was no need.

When I asked how many kilometres the bike could ride before petrol ran out, he told me a completely inaccurate figure.

I found myself stranded in the Vietnamese countryside out of petrol on one occasion and my backpack launched into peak Vietnamese traffic on another occasion, because the bungee cord snapped.

As a female, being stranded at night could have been potentially disastrous! But I armed myself with mosquito spray, found some bushes to hide and sleep under and asked for help the next day during daylight.

Always get a second opinion and whatever you do, don't trust the motorbike rental guy.

3. Have A Spare Can Of Petrol

Since you can't trust the motorbike rental guy, it's best to have a spare can of petrol in case you do run out.

Wrap it with a few plastic bags to avoid the contents spilling out and strap it to the bike with the spare bungee cord you should pack on your trip.

Stunning scenery and breath-taking views in Vietnam

4. The Street Lamps Are Shy

There is a distinct lack of street lamps as you navigate further into the countryside. As it will be difficult to see any potholes or debris on the road, this can be especially dangerous at night.

So, always plan to arrive before nightfall, especially when you are riding through the countryside.

5. Prepare To Occasionally Look Like A Drowned Rat

Depending on the season you choose to ride in Vietnam, there will be occasions when it rains. If you are trying to get to your next location before sunset, you might need to ride on through the rain.

This is where you whip out the waterproofs, stick your backpack in a bin bag and rock the #drownedratchic look.

Note- Vogue will probably call you the next day, so tell them you are available after your trip.

Note 2- Silver lining. If you bump into your soulmate, they will be ok with you resembling a sad rodent. The only way is up.

6. Nutjob Lorry Drivers

On my motorbike trip, I came to the conclusion that all the lorry drivers over there were F1 racers in training, minus the safety gear and common sense.

Prepare to ride along the scenic countryside enjoying the sunshine pretending you don’t have bills to pay and be interrupted by a lorry driving at 180km an hour, honking the horn like a maniac.

There is no point trying to be stubborn. Just get out the way because if you don't, you might find yourself catapulted into a rice field.

7. Your Teeth Are In Great Danger

Nothing prepared me for the scale and depth of potholes I saw on my motorbike trip. One pothole was so deep it went past my ankles!

Keep an eye on the roads and ride slowly. If you don’t, you will most definitely face plant into a pothole and break your teeth.

Motorbiking through Vietnam - Incredible scenery as well as incredible pot holes

8. You can take a train to avoid the bad parts

I spent a large part of the start of my trip trying to ride as fast as possible so I could return the bike within 30 days. (I only paid for 30 days and would get a fine if I returned the bike late).

I later discovered I could take a train through less scenic parts and avoid the more dangerous roads. This was a lifesaver, as it meant I could take my time and really enjoy the beautiful views around me.

You can ask your bike rental company for more advice on this, but be wary of what the motorbike rental guy says and ask a few different people.

Conclusion

My motorbike trip through Vietnam gave me access to wonders of the world I would have never seen if I was wedged between sweaty tourists in a tour van.

I learned to toughen up, trust my body and instincts and really appreciate taking life at a slower pace.

I remember riding through the windy roads of the Vietnamese mountains feeling like I was in an Avatar scene.

The roads were covered in swirly misty clouds and small little waterfalls cascaded onto the roads surrounded by green mountains. Everything was silent except for the gentle rumble of my motorbike echoing into the valley….

Then some mountain kids robbed my gloves -_- but that’s a story for another day!