Chaos I can handle ... it tends to limit the opportunities for really dangerous behaviour. I mean seriously dangerous driving at high speeds, with disregard for common sense, combined with apparent lack of judgement, stupid macho behaviour, and poor vehicle control.

I know it probably happens a lot in Asia (and probably most developing countries) due to limited licensing process. But sure, Malaysia takes the cake for me Never seen so many wantonly dangerous things in a few weeks.

Japan has the best driving I've seen, though I did not ride or drive there.

Re the bandits, that's good to know. I read something about Lao anger due to exploitation by China, but they also shot up a truck and two guys on bikes - locals, I assume. As you say, maybe crossfire.

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www.motoindo.com
One-way and multi-island rentals ex Bali

Yes! .. Exactly the problems of riding in Asia. Poor licence testing, bad law enforcement, macho bahavoir, selfishness - But thats not the same thing in Malaysia - I presume, they implement a British style-driving test like in many different scenarios in MY. I really get the impression these guys know how to drive.

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Here's a story from last week.

So I am on the 76 which is a route that runs from Gerik to Ipoh, and eventually to motorway into KL. The road runs past national park and is a really sparsely populated area. I pulled up to a red light at some x-roads on this 2 lane trunk, I can see for at least two miles in every direction. There is a car to my left, and cars behind me.

So we sit, waiting for the lights do their circulation and I'm really happy to do this, I hate red light jumpers.
I wait for around two-three minutes and no one crosses in any direction and I'm starting to feel the heat. I check every direction and I can't see any traffic so I jump the lights and continue. At the top of the hill, say 2-3 miles away I checked in my mirrors and the cars are still sitting there. Maybe a malfunction in the lights, but these law abiding people are still sitting there patiently for the lights to change.
For me this is unheard of, traffic lights are a free-for-all in Thailand where you have to be vigilant at lights, just because the lights are red, doesnt mean every other road user will stop.

Sorry, for the NDR, I just thought it was really quaint. If you think MY is the worst, then I respect that.

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About 15 years back, I rode 2-up on a Minsk through VN - From Sapa down to Hue.

The main problem that I think someone else posted was that on the main routes, coaches and trucks give you no room. You forever have the feeling that the trucks are just an inch away from you elbows.
Maybe better to stay off the roads after dusk, this is when the inter-city buses move and they just don't care.
I remember it just became so tiresome, time after time of near side swipes when my pegs were scraping against the curb at times.

Somedays, I just sat shaking, cold and wet, drinking coffee on the roadside and I just wanted to stop and be teleported out.

Yeah, this is the case. Even though I understand the language, its very hard to get the locals to speak about their concerns and issues with the Vietnamese and Chinese ( along with every other country in the world ) "investment". But yes, from what I gather its protests against exploitation.

On the whole, its a safe place - you probably have more chance of hitting a black pig or buffalo on the road, who have a habit of crossing the road - just get into the habit of riding behind them because ( unlike dogs ) will always continue walking regardless.

its not too bad. just avoid riding at night and watch out for oncoming buses in your lane.
i heard vietnam has just started to accept the IDP? so double check that.