Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Buying a bike in Vietnam Buying a bike in Vietnam
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Aug 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 6
Buying a bike in Vietnam
Hi,
I am planning a trip to Vietnam in December 2009 for a month. The idea is to buy a bike (124/250cc) in Hanoi or wherever I land, travel around for a month (maybe in Cambodia as well if possible...) and sell the bike before I fly back to UK... As simple as that! Now after a bit of research the info I get is contractitive... some say that buying a bike and travelling around vietnam is allowed to foreigners/tourists; some say that it is risky, forbidden and can easily end up with a big fine and the bike being confiscated; some others say that it is kind of forbidden but easily achieviable... all very confusing...
Any kind of info from fellow travellers would be very welcome.
Many thanks
Vince
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Aug 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
I can tell you how I did it, as I had to leave my XR250 in Cambodia on a holiday from me, while I visited Vietnam.
I headed over to HMC where I did the rounds of the expat bars / restaurants and found posters, with bikes for sale. I ended up buying a Honda SS50 (a tiny wee thing) and travelling up to the north.
Two weeks before I needed to leave Vietnam I hunted down all the expat bars / restaurants and supermarkets and posted posters of the bike up. I also found an expat web site (the new Hanoi) which is where I ended up finding my buyer.

The trick is to find out what sells where - which in Vietnam is really easy - in the south they want to buy minks which you can get in the north. In the north they want Honda ss50 which what you mainly can find in the south.

As for the police - They only stop you if your on a bigger bike and ask for a bribe. If you do something wrong they will try and book you.
Its Vietnam most people speak English and they know how to get what they want - Stick to the crazy rules and have fun!
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Sep 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London UK
Posts: 59
Good Information, thanks.
I'm looking at buying a bike in Hanoi (Minsk 125?), and riding through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos before returning to Hanoi and selling it. Jan, Feb and March of 2010. I've no idea if this is possible, or even legal, ..... but I suspect that I'm going to find out.
Any 'good tips' will be accepted in exchange for 'cold '.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Sep 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
I too am planning a trip to Vietnam in December
I already have my plane ticket into HCM on the 11th of December and out of BKK on the 20th of December. I am interested in purchasing/renting a bike, and exploring. Perhaps a meet up?

Martin
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Sep 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Blue88 - You should be ok on taking the bike into Cambodia and maybe Laos, but Thailand might be a different story. They stick to the rules most of the time. But if one boarder wont let you out try another. You will find many expats in Cambodia and Laos even Thailand that probably would like a Minsk - so you may be able to make a small profit there if you didn't want to return to Vietnam.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Sep 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London UK
Posts: 59
Thanks Maximondo ... I just figured that starting with a Vietnamese Bike would be the simplest path as entry into Vietnam with other machines seems to be almost impossible. If I need to 'Sell' and 'Buy' as I cross borders, then that's just part of the rich tapestry of travelling where you learn how to do something new every single day. Thanks for the info :-)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 53
Vietnam
Hi @ all,

after reading all this stuff I get a bit confused. We are going to south east asia next year and thinking all the time how to manage to do Vietnam, because it is not allowed to take the bike in there.
we ship our two bikes to Jakarta and start from there north. The bigger problem we think of is, where is the best place to park our bikes while we teaveling thru Vietnam??
I recken it is defenetly not a smart idea to leave it in Cambordia, isn't it? :-) the second option is Laos, but where?
does anybody have any experience and done that bofore??

Thanks

Mario
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
If I had to leave my bike in Cambodia or Laos, I´d try to find a better hotel or a bike-rental with a good reputation, and ask them, if it´s possible to keep it and pay them something to look after it. I wouldnt leave it to just anyone, but with a bit of research, I think the chances of anything happening to the bike are quite slim. It´s all about finding the right place, though.

BTW, I met a German biker in Indonesia, who had had very tough time with the customs at Jakarta airport, in fact his bike had been stuck there for several weeks, and they would not let it in the country, even though he had the carnet (or that´s what he told me). This was in February 2008.

During the trip I heard several similar stories of stupid problems with customs, but our own experience with them (at Belawan, coming from Malaysia) was totally different, took about 5 minutes to clear the bike, and they were all smiles. The place, where you enter the country, could make a big difference, or so it seems. But it is Asia, so you´ll never know 100%, what will happen. But as a country Indonesia is freaking fantastic, not to be missed!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ho Chi Minh
Posts: 3
Vietnam- everything is illegal and everything is possible
I've lived in Vietnam for the last 2 years, I drive a 400 cc bike, for which I am improperly licensed (carry an international license, not a local one). I've never, in about 10,000 km's of riding within the country been stopped. So it happens but I don't consider it a major issue. If you get stopped, they probably don't want to deal with an official booking, and taking of the bike, if the alternative is easier and more lucrative (if you follow). Simple, carry extra cash (but don't pull it out until you have to). Always smile, and refuse to do what they ask you at first. Just stay patient and persistent and it all works out. Beyond that, don't draw attention to yourself and do what you want.
If you want to do everything the proper official way, expect tons of frustration, but persistence and money usually solves any problem (lots and lots of persistence).

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Just a bump, 12 months later.
Now its Jan / Feb 2011, and I am also in the very same position. - Almost.
We will pass through the border in China to Ha Noi.
then we plan to train or fly down to HCMC, because its too damn cold just now in Ha Noi,
Any way, getting in HCMC, we will look to buy a small 125cc motorbike, and make our way north.
Thats until we get bum ache, or fed up and sell it and train the rest of the way.

Looking to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam.
I am guessing HCMC to Ha Noi, is too much in 2 weeks ?
Suggestions please, where to get a cheap, but relaible bike for 2up riding.

'vette
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Shipping own bike to Vietnam Dave Milligan West and South Asia 1 15 Oct 2007 14:46
Buying a bike in vietnam and riding JoeSheffer West and South Asia 1 3 Oct 2006 13:05
Buying a bike in Vietnam le gouellec Which Bike? 0 4 Nov 2005 18:13
buying a bike in Vietnam Mingh West and South Asia 4 21 Oct 2005 00:47
Is it possible to get a 250cc bike in to Vietnam? CaptainTim Route Planning 3 8 Aug 2003 09:06

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 11:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top