Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1
Planning a Bike Trip for South East Asia, Require Assistance

Hello,

So me and a friend want to take a 3 month bike trip all through SE Asia. Starting in mid to late November 2013

We want to fly in, buy a bike and be able to take them all around. Such as Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and perhaps others.

Is this a feasible idea? What will I need in terms of paperwork to cross the borders? Which would be the easiest country to buy a bike from to take it across boarders? (I heard Malaysia you just need a passport with an approved stamp) Is this true?

What do I need to cross boarders with a vehicle?
I have tried searching the site and reading the guides but it all is still very unclear to me.

Some clarity and guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Malaysia is your best bet by far. There is a fairly recent thread on this in last couple of months.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
If you want to do Vietnam, you'll need to buy/rent in Vietnam. You cannot enter Vietnam on a bike that is not registered in Vietnam.

Malaysia and Thailand are your best options for buying and registering.
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Sep 2013
NearlyHomelessNick's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Germany
Posts: 96
Now I was under the impression you could take foreign registered bikes into Vietnam but there were engine size restrictions, a fair few have also reported one crossing allowing big bikes to enter as long as they exited at the same point

Nick

Signature;- Current bike, 1991 Africa Twin RD04
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Engine cc limit for Vietnam seems to be just a rumour on the net, never really proven anywhere. There is a sizeable language barrier with them, though. I once tried with 115cc scooters, and did not succeed, but maybe it was the size of our group, that got their attention. It is Asia, so nothing is written in stone.

For about a year, travellers report to have been able to enter on big bikes, but only through one specific border crossing with Laos (and this does sound strange, usually it is every international crossing, or none at all)... so at the moment there seems to be a good chance to do it this way, but really no guarantees of anything.

Southern Asia section has threads about this.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Sep 2013
trackdayrider's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 199
My brother is living working in in Ho Chi Minh city as an English teacher I have asked him to try to find a definitive answer to this
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Sep 2013
NearlyHomelessNick's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Germany
Posts: 96
Hopefully he can get the latest update on crossings


My latest update, handed my notice in at work. Boss was understanding and guaranteed me work on my return. (",)

Signature;- Current bike, 1991 Africa Twin RD04
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: kuala lumpur, Malaysia
Posts: 138
Yes, you can buy a bike in Malaysia and ride the countries you mentioned except for Vietnam which have unclear policy on foreign bikes. Anyway, Cambodia is also following the China policy of requiring a guide to enter the country. However, if you are travelling solo or two they seem to relax on this rule.
Malaysian registered bike does not need carnet to travel in the ASEAN countries just temporary import permit obtain at the border.
In my opinion, if you have a smaller bike or middle dual purpose bike (600 cc equivalent) it is much easier to deal with if you have any technical problem. Kawasaki is made in Thailand a popular and cheap to run. BMW is also popular but pricey. Less pricey and common bike is less attractive for scums.
Hope this helps.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Oct 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
Hi People, I'm presently in Laos having ridden here from Vietnam on a Vietnamese registered rental 125cc Yamaha. I crossed the VN/LAO border a week ago along with a French couple who had bought a second hand Honda Wave in HCMC. We had no problems at all at the Na Meo crossing although the French pair had 3 days earlier been refused permission to bring their moto into Laos at the Tay Trang crossing. The word on the street is that at the moment Tay Trang is unpredictable whereas Na Meo has been a reliable crossing for several months now. I have met several Thai riders on big Thai registered bikes and the way I understood it they come through Laos and Vietnam quite regularly having put in paperwork for a "tour" GT riders website has some useful info on crossings and the "rules" at present. For what it's worth, riding in Vietnam is almost as bad as India but Laos is an oasis of calm. Beer in both countries is good and cheap and the natives are friendly. Ride safe.
__________________
Mike
---------
Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Feb 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Indonesia
Posts: 1
What's news on the border crossings??

Hello from Bali!
I am currently planning a trip with the same route… My bike will be temporarily imported from Indonesia to Thailand and from there I want to ride Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as well.
I was wondering if you had done your trip yet and can provide me any more informations about the border crossing. I have tried too, to find use;flu information online and it almost seems impossible.
I'll be riding with a small bike, 225cc only.

I am very grateful if I could get some help and advises

Love,
Aileen
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: kuala lumpur, Malaysia
Posts: 138
Vietnam Ride

Hi!,
Just returned from Vietnam ride last week. Me and 5 other Malaysian rented Honda Future 125cc bikes and ride the South of Vietnam. We rented the bikes from Flamingo Travel, Head Office in Hanoi, 66 Dao Duy Street. Tel 0439260938 and Branch Office in Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, 30 Do Quang Dau, district 1, Tel +84 986751020. Website flamingotravel.com.vn

Price for the rent all inclusive, unlimited mileage was USD12/day/bike.

We started from HCM city - Phan Thiet - Nha Trang - Dalat - HCM city. Total distance covered approx 1074 km.

It was such a fun and nice tour. There are some 8 million bikes in HCM city and much more I think. Still I consider it is one of the safest bike riding country. Why? Simply because all bikers obey the speed limit which are 30PKH in city and build-up areas and 50KPH in normal trunk roads. However, most bikers there have high 'Give Way" tolerance attitude.

You can also, from the company mentioned above, rent the bike from HCM city and deliver the bike in Hanoi.

Safe Ride
Attached Thumbnails
Planning a Bike Trip for South East Asia, Require Assistance-sam_8424.jpg  

Planning a Bike Trip for South East Asia, Require Assistance-sam_8311.jpg  

Planning a Bike Trip for South East Asia, Require Assistance-sam_8377.jpg  

Planning a Bike Trip for South East Asia, Require Assistance-sam_8303.jpg  

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy South America 187 5 Dec 2023 14:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:16.