Hi everybody,

after struggling with my boss for some weeks I finally managed to get a three week holiday in November, which should be the perfect time to tour north Vietnam on a motorbike or scooter , haha, really looking forward to that.

I've been looking up a lot of info on the internet but would still appreciate some first hand experience from fellow motorbikers. Got a lot of questions:

- I found a few shops in Hanoi with good recommendations to rent bikes (without guide, me and my wife like it cheap and independent) but wonder if anyone of you had particular good experiences with a shop/company?

- We plan to drive to the north (first direction Halong, then up north and return to Hanoi more to the west). We would like to avoid the big busy roads as much as possible, so any tips for us? Alternative road out of Hanoi? Roads in the north to avoid or not to be missed? We're not looking for spectacular things, just want to enjoy the scenery, the people, some nice food and a cold drink once in a while.

- We want to travel two up. Anyone did this on a 125ccscooter? We can rent bigger bike but like to keep the cost low and we're no speed or power addicts, just as long as the bike keeps us moving we're happy .

- How cold does it get in the north in November? Will we need sleeping bags (hope not, takes too much space)?

- We also hope to go south from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park. Any tips on roads or interesting things in that area? Anybody visitted the monkey care center? Tourist trap or interesting?

Lots of questions, I know. All your input is welcome, all part of the preparation which gets my mind out of the office here

Safe travels to all of you.

Koen