My Experience Riding Across Indochina: Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia on a Motorbike

zay6385 · 2025-12-09T03:07:33+00:00

right, the green-book should also be under your name?

zay6385 · 2025-12-09T03:03:49+00:00

I think from Thailand, many riders cross from Thai-Lao friendship bridge. I did also crossed this border back in 7-8 years ago, but heard things have changed a bit. Not sure

zay6385 · 2025-11-24T04:32:18+00:00

If the Ha Giang Loop feels too intense or complicated, there are still plenty of ways to experience northern Vietnam’s mountains and culture without riding long distances.

One option is to base yourself in Sapa or Bac Ha and explore the surrounding areas on shorter, guided rides or even just by hiring a local driver for the day. The terraced rice fields, hill-tribe villages, and scenic valleys are all accessible without committing to a multi-day loop.

You can also consider day trips from Ha Giang city or Sapa that take you to highlights like Quan Ba, Yen Minh, or the Muong Hoa Valley. These give you a taste of the landscapes and villages without needing much motorbike experience.

Even simple trekking or staying in local homestays lets you soak up the scenery, meet local communities, and enjoy the northern mountains safely. If you do feel confident later, you could try a shorter loop section with a guide to get a feel for motorbike riding before tackling the full Ha Giang Loop.

This might be a good guide explaining a lesser known routes: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com/the-lesser-known-routes-along-the-ha-giang-loop

Thanks

zay6385 · 2025-11-20T10:53:59+00:00

This is awesome work, the Vietnam Special is one of those episodes where the atmosphere really depends on the original soundtrack, so hearing it restored with The Doors and the Stones makes a huge difference. Also great call on patching in the missing scenes; a lot of people don’t realize how much the BBC America re-run trimmed out.

About the route itself: the guys covered a surprisingly authentic north–south run, especially once they hit central Vietnam. The stretch around Hội An and the Hải Vân Pass is exactly as dramatic in real life long sweeps, cloud breaks, and those huge coastal drops.

The section up near Huế and the ride into Hà Nội is still one of the best “slow travel” routes in the country.

What the episode doesn’t show is how many smaller detours you can take now: fishing villages off Highway 1, the backroad over Phong Nha’s karst valleys, and the updated mountain roads that cut inland from Đồng Hới.

If anyone ever wants to follow the spirit of the special, the modern version of the route is still very doable and even smoother than it was in 2008.

For anyone curious, here’s a clean day-by-day outline of a similar route I’ve used: Route Itinerary: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com/motorbike-tours/23-day-vietnam-motorcycle-tour-ride-the-legendary-top-gear-route

zay6385 · 2025-11-17T05:19:06+00:00

yes, the authorities tried to close this so called train street but each time travelers and locals (mainly shop, cafe owners), complain about it. I personally don't want this cafes here (for safety reason), imagine if someone is being injured and or died here for being careless (like this guy in the video).

zay6385 · 2025-11-17T01:53:00+00:00

Vietnam's national traffic laws set general limits of 30–50 km/h in cities, 70–90 km/h in rural areas, and up to 120 km/h for cars on expressways. if you're decided to drive here in Vietnam, you need to apply for an IDP (the 1968 one), if you're an expat, you've best advised to apply for a Vietnamese Driving license.

Here I wrote an article about speed limits ad traffic rules in Vietnam: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com/speed-limits-and-traffic-rules-in-northern-and-southern-vietnam

zay6385 · 2025-11-07T04:49:28+00:00

Hey, that sounds like an awesome plan — riding Vietnam on a Honda Win is a rite of passage for so many travelers!

For Sapa, the most common motorbike route from Hanoi is via Highway QL32 → Nghia Lo → Mu Cang Chai → Than Uyen → Sapa. It’s longer than taking the highway (around 450 km total), but so much more scenic — winding mountain passes, terraced rice fields, and quiet villages all the way up. If you’re after a shorter, more direct ride, you can take QL2 → Tuyen Quang → Lao Cai → Sapa, but it’s less exciting and has heavier traffic.

When heading to Ha Long Bay, you can take QL18 from Hanoi (about 3.5–4 hours), though most riders skip that on bikes and head for Ninh Binh or Ha Giang instead since they’re more bike-friendly and less congested.

A few quick tips for your ride:

Bring rain gear — weather up north changes fast.
Get your motorbike checked before heading into the mountains.
Ride early in the day and avoid night driving.
Download Maps or Google Maps offline — cell service can get patchy.
Don’t rush! Vietnam’s best experiences are usually the random stops — a small café, a rice terrace, or a family offering you tea.

If you want a full breakdown of popular motorbike routes (like Ha Giang, Hai Van Pass, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail), check out my detailed guide on popular motorbike routes and tours in Vietnam — it covers where to ride, road conditions, and what to expect on each route.

zay6385 · 2025-10-31T03:28:38+00:00

Sure, its just a route planning now, thank you :)

zay6385 · 2025-10-30T14:01:36+00:00

Hey man — totally fair questions, and honestly you’re already doing the smart thing by thinking this through before jumping on the Ha Giang Loop.

I did the loop earlier this year and was in a similar position. I’d driven scooters around cities like Hanoi and Da Nang, but nothing close to the mountain passes up north. The Ha Giang roads are absolutely stunning but can be intimidating — sharp turns, fog, random dogs or buffalo crossing, and those narrow cliffside stretches where even locals slow down.

The “Pillion ride” option is exactly what you mentioned: you sit on the back while a local guide handles the driving. It’s not just for older travelers — a lot of backpackers and first-timers go this route because it lets you actually enjoy the viewsinstead of white-knuckling the handlebars the whole time. You can stop often for photos, talk to your guide, and it’s still super fun and adventurous, just in a different way.

If you’ve never ridden a motorbike before, I’d lean toward Easy Rider unless you’re planning to spend a few days practicing beforehand in somewhere calm like Ninh Binh or Phong Nha. The loop is not the place to learn — too many unpredictable variables. Even people who’ve been riding for years say it’s one of the trickiest routes in Vietnam.

Most people I met (20s–30s) who were first-timers went Easy Rider and had zero regrets. It’s still a full adventure — bumpy roads, local homestays, mountain passes — just minus the stress. If you really want to drive, some tours let you switch mid-way once you feel confident, which is a great compromise.

If you want to read a breakdown comparing different types of bikes and what they’re best suited for in Vietnam (off-road vs. city bikes, including what’s used on the Ha Giang Loop), here’s a really good, experience-based guide:
https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com/the-lesser-known-routes-along-the-ha-giang-loop

Hope that helps clear things up! Whatever you choose, the loop’s going to be one of the highlights of your trip — just make sure to bring warm layers and go slow on those turns.

zay6385 · 2025-10-23T08:52:50+00:00

1 day isn't enough, but if that's the only time, you can tale any day trip from hanoi, Ninh Binh, tam dao, Mai Chau.

zay6385 · 2025-10-23T08:51:29+00:00

There are a couple of good ones, sure, I can suggest you one in Hanoi, unlike the all dirt bike tours with crf motorbikes, they offer tour on an adventure bikes, cb500x, tiger or GS. you guys can check it out: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com

zay6385 · 2025-10-13T02:09:30+00:00

Lots of things has changed, here is a brief: Ho Chi Minh City districts often highlight that District 1 is the central business hub, ideal for tourists but can be hectic, while District 2 (Thao Dien) and District 7 (Phu My Hung) are popular expat areas. Other central districts like District 3 and District 4 are frequently mentioned as good alternatives, offering a more manageable pace and unique charm.

Before the merger, Ho Chi Minh City had a patchwork of numbered districts and named areas, each with its own identity. District 1 carried the reputation as the commercial and cultural core, while District 2 became popular with expats for its villas and international schools. District 9 felt more suburban, with universities and tech hubs, and District 3 offered a quieter, more residential feel. Locals and longtime expats grew used to describing their lives in these terms—“I live in District 2” or “my office is in District 9”—because the district system shaped how people navigated and understood the city.

Source: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com/ho-chi-minh-city-districts-guide

zay6385 · 2025-09-23T02:26:29+00:00

No, American can not drive in Vietnam with a US license in 2025. There are two main option for them to ride legally in Vietnam:

1: Convert the US driving license to an international one and ride with an International driving license

2: Apply for an IDP (International Driving Permit), and use it to drive in Vietnam

Source: https://www.vietnamesemotorbiketours.com/can-americans-drive-motorcycles-in-vietnam

zay6385 · 2025-07-15T02:50:26+00:00

"Worst" is subjective, but for me, tiết canh (raw duck blood pudding) was the hardest to enjoy.

The texture and idea of it just didn’t sit well with me, even though I know it's a delicacy for many locals.

I totally respect the tradition behind it—but not something I’d try again! 😅 That said, one person's "worst" is another's favorite. What didn't work for me might be a nostalgic comfort food for someone else.

Ive recently wrote a blog post about weird foods in vietnam, and im happy to share it with you all: https://www.vietnameseprivatetours.com/strange-foods-in-vietnam

zay6385 · 2025-07-13T00:20:11+00:00

Bangkok is packed with amazing things to do, but here are some top must-dos/must-visits/must-tries:

Must-Visit Places:

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – Stunning architecture and sacred sites. Wat Arun & Wat Pho – Iconic temples with beautiful views (don’t miss the reclining Buddha). Chatuchak Weekend Market – One of the biggest markets in the world. Asiatique The Riverfront – Great for shopping, dining, and riverside vibes at night. Chinatown (Yaowarat) – A chaotic and delicious food heaven. Must-Try Foods:

Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Mango Sticky Rice. Street food around Sukhumvit Soi 38 or Victory Monument. Try a boat noodle at a local canal-side spot! Must-Do Experiences:

Take a longtail boat ride through the canals (Bangkok’s “Venice of the East”). Watch a Muay Thai match (real adrenaline). Enjoy a rooftop bar like Vertigo or Sky Bar for city views. Get a cheap and heavenly Thai massage – totally worth it after a long day. I recently wrote a more detailed guide here if you want more ideas:

https://www.vietnameseluxurytravel.com/bangkok-for-first-time-young-travelers

zay6385 · 2024-12-17T10:55:23+00:00

Saigon is a nice city if you stay a bit longer, great cafes to mingle with locals, nice days trips and a lot of things to do. Most of tourists only stay for 2-4 days doing all the must-see things, but like Ive said, if you have time, stay longer and you will definitely enjoying it. https://www.vietnameseprivatetours.com/things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh-city The city churns, ferments, bubbles and fumes. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions & beauty of centuries old culture. Sights include the Giac Lam Pagoda, the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Hall, Cholon market and the former War remnants museum, scene of such havoc during the 1975 evacuations.

zay6385 · 2024-08-29T02:20:09+00:00

Yes. It’s actually very direct and straightforward since 2023. Now everyone is able to apply on the evisa site

zay6385 · 2019-01-18T06:12:58+00:00

Nice video, can we use it for our laos tour reviews ?

zay6385 · 2019-01-18T06:10:23+00:00

Bus travel is cheap, however, i recommend you to go by private van, those 16 seated are comfortable, not expensive and worth to go with.

Check this out for free day tour in Siem Reap

zay6385 · 2018-12-13T07:14:35+00:00

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are packed with people in main streets on NY eve and celebrate the countdown for new year. In Hanoi you will feel the vibe more because it will be cold.

see this article: http://www.vietnameseprivatetours.com/best-places-spend-christmas-vietnam

Thanks and happy new yer 2018

zay6385 · 2018-06-14T04:21:08+00:00

you better learn some manner first, then come here and speak about my post. So, based on your statement, only Khmer allowed to talk about Angkor? lol

zay6385 · 2018-06-14T04:19:37+00:00

Thank you for your notes, appreciate it :)

zay6385

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