travel in vietnam
 

is highway between ho chi minh city and hanoi paved?
can you import bikes larger than 200cc for a 30 day period?
thanks.

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

Bringing big bikes into Vietnam at all seems to be impossible. Everyone who has tried in recent months has been turned away.

Search the site for more on this, it's been discussed a number of times.

I'd be very surprised if the highway wasn't paved, but perhaps someone else who has been on it can answer for sure?



------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

there is tarmac all the way between these two towns. i rode this trip in 91 and it was ok, a bit shitty in places but probably sorted by now. there is/was tarmac around most of the delta but unpaved near the borders. north vietnam was mostly unpaved. but that was a while ago.
good luck
dave

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

I lived in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) 1998-2001. No bikes over 175cc are allowed at all. Bikes under limit that are available all over the place. Your best bet for long distance riding in Vietnam is a Minsk. See the web page of the Hanoi Minsk club for more info on the Minsk and lots of good info on motorcycling in Vietnam: http://www.minskclubvietnam.com/

They also throw great parties.

The road is paved the whole way from HCMC to Hanoi, but it is badly maintained in many areas. It is a beautiful trip though, and I highly recommend it.

-Scott

Hi

I'm one of those who got turned away last year and it's been bugging me since. So, lately I've been toying with the idea of flying out to HCMC, buying a Minsk, riding up to Hanoi, selling the bike and flying home from there. Any major hassles involved in acquiring a Minsk and getting it legal. I'll check out your link...

Cheers



------------------
Sean

Hi Guys,
Just recently Frank Butler got his BMW 650 into and out of Vietnam. Check out gt-rider.com for the details...Cheers Peter

Yeah that road is in great condition the whole way. Better than many in UK http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif . I was just there last September for a short holiday. Beware of some of the other major highways that aren't in nearly as good condition or aren't sealed tarmac at all in places.

If u buy a Minsk, as I did, do it in a major city where there's much better selection. I bought mine in Mui Ne, a really bad idea and was ripped off, being a bit ignorant myself when it comes to buying bikes. Don't pay any more than about $260 for something fairly decent. If there's not much wrong with it fine, smaller problems can be easily fixed for peanuts. There's many Minsks that have been around a very long time though and are knackered. A good alternative is a Honda Bonus. These are newer and can be found in better condition, though I have no idea of the price.

I'm afraid that I have no idea about importing bikes.

Vietnamese ppl are smashing, and is a very hassle-free place. Am planning on going back in about '05 to teach English I liked it so much. Enjoy.