Taking the bike into Laos and Vietnam
 

We are planning to ride our bike from Thailand through Laos to Vietnam and back again. The official story seems to be that bikes are not allowed into these countries but I have read some stories of people who have done so without any problems.

Does anyone know the current situation? Is a carnet useful? Suggested bordercrossing / itineraries / tips.

t.i.a.

Zion

I'm planing a similar trip. I will most likely try this in January 2002. From what I have read and seen, Thailand and Laos are no problem, but Vietnam is very difficult. Ass far as I know folks how have tried it from Cambodia have failed, but a few have succeded from Lao....

Mark

We would also be interested in informations.
we are in bangkog at the moment trying to find out whats possible. if anyone knows more, please contact us...

frank

See the post by David Unkovich and link to his info:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000013.html


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Good luck and safe travels!

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Hi there,
I travelled for 5 months by motorbike through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Getting in Laos from Thailand is no problem. My friend drove his Minsk from Thailand to Laos and sold it there.No problem at all.(for details contact him at: Koenderd@hotmail.com). It's they only country where you can take a motorbike in and leave without. Driving a motorbike in Vietnam is 'illegal' unless you have a Vietnamese driving license. You can do a test for it but it will take of lot time (waiting)and it will cost the same as bribing your way through this country. We drove two Minsks for two and a half month from Hanoi to Saigon. In the North you won't have any problems with police because there ain't much.On your way down it gets a bit difficult. There are some police checks and there are stories from 'no problem' till ' lost their bike'. We had no problems at all. For Accurate information concerning border crossing into vietnam contact the Minsk club (run by expats) in Hanoi. They have a website (and a very nice cafe in Hanoi) with a lot of usefull info. Just have a quick search on the net.
By the way; entering Cambodia by bike is no problem (as long as you take it out again). Prepare to say your shock absorbers farewell.
I had the best time ever in vietnam. It's wonderful in the Northern highland but traffic on the major road down south can be nerve wrecking sometimes.
Fun part about Laos, you will be one of a few on a big motorbike. Vientiane is the only place where they rent 'big' off roads (250cc, and they only had 4 of them) and after that the road is pretty much yours. almost no traffic on your way up. If you have any questions about where to go you can reach me on : globalkoster@hotmail.com

see ya,
Roland

As of Spring 2002, the border post that we all used to get into Vietnam has stopped letting in bikes over 175cc. As far as I know, there is no way into Vietnam for us anymore.