Han and Vern's jaunt round the globe together! - Aug 14, 2007

Contained herein is a short guide for those contemplating riding a motorbike in Vietnam courtesy of the Vietnamese Moto Safety Board.

First off you'll need to sort out your documents. These come in a variety of denominations and colours but they all have Ho Chi Minh's face on them, you should be able to find some examples in your wallet. If your unable to find any in the afformentioned place, this part of the process may take a bit longer for you. It also helps if you look over the age of 15, although this is not essential. Once you have all your documents in order it is time to look for a vehicle. However you may want to keep some of this paperwork handy should you be stopped by the Police for a nonspecific violation of the rules of the road. No need to keep anything back for safety equipment though as a speedy death on the roads is a lot better than being lumbered with heavy hospital bills you cannot pay from lack of insurance.
When choosing your vehicle it is important to ensure all the vital parts of the vehicle are in working order so you should test that the engine works and the wheels turn. Features such as dials, lights or even brakes can be considered an optional extra. It is also important to remember that models such as the Krapazuki 300 may not be as reliable as their Honda or Yamaha counterpart. Not to worry though cheap Chinese motos are common in Vietnam so your street cred is unlikely to be harmed should this be your only option.
Now it's time to familiarize yourself with the features of the bike. You will already have tested most of these but it is also vital that you memorize the location of the horn as you will be making frequent use of this medium to communicate with other road users. Do not overuse your horn however! This isn't India afterall!
Now it's time to get out on the open road. There are certain things you should know first in order to assimilate yourself into the Vietnamese riding style. While you are riding it is essential in Vietnam that you take in the surrounding scenery liberally. There may be much traffic and changing conditions ahead but don't let that spoil your enjoyment of nosing into other peoples live; watching moving billboards or colourful signs or texting your friends.
Roundabouts should be approached with speed or how can other riders be expected to know you are approaching an mean business. Always take the shortest route possible to your exit, even if this is against the flow of traffic.
Looking to your left when approaching a junction is strictly forbiden and you should always assume a position in the center of the lane as soon as possible. Most Vietnamese Motorbike riders have equiped themselves with X-Ray specs to see your approach so there is nothing to fear. Similarily corners should all be taken on the apex with no regard for what might be arround them.
As a motorbike rider the signage and boundries that apply to many other road users are not your concern. Riding the wrong way down a 3 lane carrigeway; jumping red lights headlong into cross cutting traffic and suddent U-Turns are all common place manouvers you would do well to observe. This comes in handy when traffic is dense because unlike many 4 wheeled motorists the pavement is your playground. Not only is it your personal parking space throughout the country but if there is no space left on the traffic filled road just hop up on the pavement a ride that extra 100 meters to jump the queue.
Lastly it is worth remembering that Motorbikes in Vietnam are load carrying vehicles. The only limit is as much as you can fit on, providing all the thrills of Bukkaroo at 60kph.

We hope this has proved informative and you will enjoy riding your moto safely in Vietnam.