Vietnam Mileage
 

How many miles a day can you expect to travel through Vietnam? Currently in the planning stages of a fly/buy/ride/sell/fly ride at the moment and just trying to get an idea of how far north we can expect to get over the course of 10 days. The general idea is to fly into HCM and head to Hanoi. No one in the group is really looking to kill themselves trying to make a daily mileage nor opposed to saying screw it and selling the bikes and hopping a train or something to Hanoi.

i think mbike buying & selling legally is tough for non-residents (without permanent address or work permit)...but it has been done before and most likely carry a big element of risk... I personally wont do that so i will just hire one and work out some kinda arrangement. I read there are bike rentals with offices in BOTH Hanoi & HCM. so that could be a drop off service, built into the rental agreement.
Keep in touch as I too want to d so in May next year.
Cheers.:scooter:

hMx Joko

p/s previously, I did no more than 200km a day... with almost every vehicle from lorry to bikes to bullock cart, every person,his/her grandma and his/her pet ALL trying to cross into my path. I came home with a sprained thumb...and the bike a very used horn.

Hi Hurricanemax,

I did 3500km from Hanoi, north along the border then to HCM a few years ago in 18 days on my own. Roads in the North are definitely worse than the South, but the South is much busier until you get well clear of HCM. Head towards Mui Ne via the ferry out of HCM which I think gets you out a bit quicker and more peacefully.

Speed limits are 50km/h across the country. The fastest I went on the whole trip was 70 and that was more than enough, so factor an average of around 50km/h in when planning the leg of your journey. I found a blog that helped me heaps in the planning (vietnamcoracle.com).

I used a 125cc scooter that I hired in Hanoi and shipped back from the train station in HCM. Rental cost $180US for 3 weeks which got me out of the hassle of trying to buy a bike then sell it at the other end. I used rentabikevn.com and they were really helpful.

Happy to share some other ideas if you want. You will have a blast.

:mchappy:

Hi JBB,

1. The roads are all asphalt but with frequent potholes. You can reach speeds of up to 110km/h, however take note of the speed limit which is up to 60km/h. The bike you are using also will determine the speeds that you can go. If it's a small 125cc bike, I think 70-80km/h will be a rather scary experience for you. One friend rented a XR150 and we comfortably rode together at about 80-90km/h throughout long stretches of the trip (We were on big bikes).

2. I do not think you will enjoy travel anything more than 200-300km in a single day on a small bike. On some sections, you can't take the mountain and you have to use the mountain passes which will add time to your journey.

3. I suggest doing what you can at your own pace and enjoy yourself. In the event you know the distance can't be covered, you can get a bus and then have the bike placed into the bus bay to have it delivered (with you) to your destination. This will ensure you can finish your trip smoothly.

4. I recommend Spencer @ MuiNe Easy Riders, our group has used him frequently for different types of trips. He speaks fluent english and can help with various matters including bike rental etc etc..

Visit this link to find out more > https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attra..._Province.html

I have just got around to coming back on here to seek similar advice! Me and my girlfriend are flying to Hanoi boxing day for just shy of a month. Our plan is to buy/rent and cover as much as we can basically, but enjoying it so if we dont do it all so be it, we can come back! I will keep you posted on what i find.