Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Thailand
Posts: 6
Buying in Vietnam and on to Cambodia / Thailand

The information I have is that as a tourist, you cannot legally own a vehicle in Vietnam and therefore you can’t get the documentation to take the bike out of the country (i.e. To Cambodia).

How do people typically get around this issue?

Also, after arriving in Vietnam with an international driving permit, how long does it take to get sorted out with a local license, insurance etc.?

Sorry if this has been treated before—I found some older reports that seemed to suggest it wasn’t an issue; wanting to find out what the current state of affairs is. Am I likely to run into problems getting a bike out of Vietnam?

I want to ride through Cambodia to Thailand and possibly onto India, but I haven’t worked out if I will ship the bike over from Thailand or re-buy in Nepal, Bangladesh or India.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 62
I bought a bike in Vietnam in 2009. No paperwork was needed, the seller just gave me the bike`s documentation and that was all.

No problem getting out of the country. A matter of 15 minutes. Same for the Laos side. 30 minutes and the fun in the jungle could began.

Insurance was not mandatory.
At the time (no idea if it has changed) the international driving license was not valid in Vietnam. You had to pass an exam to get the viet license, something no traveller I met on the road had done.

Contact the Minsk Club, they sure know better if things have changed.

Minsk Club Vietnam
__________________
___________/)____/)___/)____/)/)___/)___/)________
"Cosas que escapan a los que sueñan solo de noche..."
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 16
Hi,

the official requirements are:

Foreign and international driver license is not valid in Vietnam. It is necessary for a vietnamese driver license, even many tourist are driving without.

There are 2 classes:

A1 for motorcycles till 175 ccm
A2 for motorcycles over 175 ccm

The A2 is not so easy to get. Its a harder official way or you pay something below the table.

For purchasing a bike on your own name you need a stay permit for min. 6 month and a official home in Vietnam.

Since about one year also an insurance is mandatory for the motorbike.

If bikes are sold with papers (like old Minsks) this is not really legal but usually nobody cares. The traffic law in Vietnam is like a chewing gum.

Especially in tourist areas sometimes police is also controlling the foreigners. This is because in the past some foreigners were driving crazy and also caused seriously accidents. Anyway, everybody is driving crazy there. But, if the police stop you, you could be lucky or not, depends on the officer.

Here some info:

So Giao Thong Van Tai - Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Thailand
Posts: 6
Alternative license + insurance

Thanks for the info, Paul + Vander. Much appreciated. Vietnam doesn't recognize the international driving permit, but apparently the "smart card" license which is obtainable in Thailand (with the appropriate visa) and recognized in 10 countries in SEA including vietnam.

Since you can't officially own the vehicle in Vietnam, what does that mean for obtaining legitimate insurance cover. Is it possible?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Vietnam-Thailand-Laos-Cambodia 2011 Solsil West and South Asia 40 31 Aug 2011 03:09
Buying minsks in Vietnam, riding through Cambodia/Laos then back into Vietnam gemmasun West and South Asia 9 31 Jan 2011 04:32
Camping in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia ilesmark West and South Asia 3 31 Jan 2008 03:10
Borders between Thailand - Cambodia - Vietnam thomyorke Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 4 15 Feb 2004 01:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:39.