How dangerous is riding in Vietnam?

[ColinD]

Hello,

I'm riding in Vietnam in October. I've been advised that highways and major regional roads are exceptionally dangerous due to ill-disciplined bus and truck drivers, e.g. rounding corners on the wrong side of the road.

This all sounds pretty much like "situation normal" for travel anywhere in Asia. I have plenty of experience riding in Indonesia and Malaysia, covering highways through to unmapped tracks - is it significantly worse in Vietnam?

Are there any "no-go" roads in Vietnam from a riding point of view? (i.e. particularly dangerous traffic situation).

thanks

[farqhuar]

It's situation normal.

[Tony LEE]

Riding your own bike???

[mark manley]

Expect pretty normal Asian driving, people pulling out from the right without looking seemed to be the biggest danger to me, just watch what the locals do and follow their rules.

[ColinD]

Originally Posted by Tony LEE

Riding your own bike???

Not for this trip - it's only 3 weeks, so not worth shipping. I am renting a Pegasus 250 trail bike.

[ColinD]

thanks folks ... looking forward to the ride

[konradm]

Normal Asia driving I'd say. Just about to arrive in Malaysia after riding a Minsk from Hanoi through Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Vietnam has the most scooters in my opinion. Most dangerous are overpassing minibuses in opposite traffic. Anyway I suggest to ride in the mountains along Laos / Cambodia as it has the least traffic, the prettiest scenery and the nicest roads for bikers. Cheers

[ColinD]

Originally Posted by konradm

Normal Asia driving I'd say. Just about to arrive in Malaysia after riding a Minsk from Hanoi through Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Vietnam has the most scooters in my opinion. Most dangerous are overpassing minibuses in opposite traffic. Anyway I suggest to ride in the mountains along Laos / Cambodia as it has the least traffic, the prettiest scenery and the nicest roads for bikers. Cheers

So far Malaysia has got the worst drivers I have ever seen - see what you think!

Definitely will be seeking out backroads and mountain trails.

Did you hear any news of armed bandits in Laos? Apparently a band of 30 bandits was apprehended recently - maybe that will be the end of the problem.

[konradm]

Haven't heard anything about those bandits. In Laos I've only been to the very South though: 4000 islands and on and around the Bolaven Plateau.

[ColinD]

Apparently they were only active around Plain of Jars and further north, so staying south should be fine. That's my plan too.

The attached a Chinese tour bus and killed one passenger, as well as a truck, two motorcyclists, and a few others since late last year.

[recom273]

Originally Posted by ColinD

So far Malaysia has got the worst drivers I have ever seen - see what you think!

Definitely will be seeking out backroads and mountain trails.

Did you hear any news of armed bandits in Laos? Apparently a band of 30 bandits was apprehended recently - maybe that will be the end of the problem.

Jeez ..

You think that Malaysians are the worst ???

I can't believe how courteous and disciplined Malaysians are. At least they adhere to road rules and stop at red lights.

I think you will be in for a shock in VN, if thats the case.

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The problems in Laos are quite deep, they shouldn't concern you unless you are caught in the crossfire. It's nothing to do with 'bandits' stealing something, more like political.

[ColinD]

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.

[Snakeboy]

Originally Posted by recom273

Jeez ..

You think that Malaysians are the worst ???

I can't believe how courteous and disciplined Malaysians are. At least they adhere to road rules and stop at red lights.

I think you will be in for a shock in VN, if thats the case.

-------------

The problems in Laos are quite deep, they shouldn't concern you unless you are caught in the crossfire. It's nothing to do with 'bandits' stealing something, more like political.

Have to agree with you. Malaysian traffic is the best I have experienced in SEAsia. Try Indonesia and Cambodia. I havent been riding a bike in Vietnam, just travelled by bus, train etc but the traffic looked bad, really bad, especially in the cities.

[uk_vette]

The whole of Asia seem to ride and drive the same.
Just keep your speed down. Keep your eyes open.

Our Vietnam trip was the best we ever had.

Started with 2 rented Honda 110cc semi automatics.
One for me, one for my wife.

Absolutely reliable. 35.00 USD for the month each.
We used 1.50 USD petrol, each bike, each day on average.

Our trip started in Hanoi in the north, then out to Hai Phong to get the ferry to Cat Ba Island.
Stayed there a few days, then ferry back to Hai Phong, and headed south all the way on coastal highway, over Hai Vann pass.

Riding for about 3 to 4 hours most days, and just stopping at whatever hotel was around.

Great trip, would do it again tomorrow if I had a month to spare.

Vette