Hi,

It might be a little late for that by now,but just for the future:

I bought an old minsk in Hanoi and by now I'm in Vientianne and hopefully by tomorrow in Thailand. But if you're on a budget and not a hobby mechanic I would agree with the others to take a scooter, though I would take a Honda Wave. Better Suspension, better performance (120 kph) and seen more often (personal feeling). Parts and repairing are dirt cheap in Vietnam, more expensive (though still nothing) in Cambodia and Laos. You couldalsothink about a Honda Win if you crave something more motorbike-ish, though supposedly the parts are getting a little rare,thoug noting too serious.

Borders are no issue at all so far even though thepapersof the bike are more than dodgy, not my name and from 94.Still, intocamodia they just ignored itcompletyand waved me through on my oily monsterand into Laos they "charged"me 5 Dollars more than the fee actually is.

What I would recommendthough is to getmore seat padding on your scooter. It looks like shit and the vietnamese don't getwhy you do that, but they are very uncomfy after more than 3 hours.

And buy an original Honda,no Hoinda Hongda or Japan.

Vietnam is awesome to ride,especiallycause the HCM Highway is in an amazing quality and runs through awesome scenery in the north.


Gonna give you an update on the Thai-Border soon.