thanks for the feedback
 

fantastic to here. im just in the process of booking a flight. i here the helmets over there are pretty poor, gives me an excuse to buy a retro bell jet open face and a pair of goggles. im taking a casual leather jacket but i can imagine going all tshirt and sandals. now about maleria; i am going to pop to the docs and seek information. i understand how the disease works but what kind of risk am i at in the north? i do feel a bit naive talking about another country in terms of contracting a disease, but i am aware that it is a serious problem and want to get sorted.

heres looking forward to ten days in the 'nam:mchappy:

North vietnam
 

Hi, I think in the mountains you will be cooler than you think,Jacket and trousers,check an online weather site, I know it gets cold this time of year especially higher up. Re Malaria...In the cities its not a problem in the mountains and forests it can be, Dengu is another mosquito born illness, the only stratagy is prevention avoid being bitten, lots of repelant and cover up ( daytime bites can carry dengu, night time bites malaria)

Have fun

Jimmy46

insurance...
 

quick question regarding insurance, aimed specifically at those who have been there; what kind did u get?

Travel insuarnce with motorcycle cover/motorcycle insurance with limited foreign cover/ or what else?

thanks for the help as always.

I agree - don't get bitten if you can help it. Cover up and spray your room before you go to dinner and its clear of mozis and insecticide when you need to sleep.

Docs will always tell you to take the prophylaxis, to cover their ass. They don't always give good impartial advice.

Malaria prophylaxis is only 60% effective so recommend not taking it. never took it in 7 1/2 years, never had a problem.

Recommend you do buy the malaria anti biotic, wait till you get there, its about $1.50, if you start getting flu like symptons go to the nearest town and get a blood test. if you can't do that just take the course as a precaution. Remember the incubation time is 10-14 days so you will likely be home before you get symptoms.

There is no prophylaxis for Dengue.

Vietnam North
 

Just got back from doing a 3 week loop of the North, fantastic. My retention ability when reading through these threads is pretty low so if any one has some specific unanswered questions I'd be glad to help. Cold, not so bad. Then again I'm a Canadian from the prairies so understanding of cold may be different than others. I did put my long johns on though when going over the pass west of Sapa. You can go anywhere easily with the exception of Meo Vac- you need a guide and permit - worth the hassle for sure. You can check out Offroadvietnam for rentals. The guys there are great to deal with.

nice one!
 

glad to here you had a great time, and some good advice there. in keeping with the curren tmood of the thread-maleria; did you take anything, or just cover up well?

malaria
 

Malaria is present up there - I brought the pills with me but chose not to take them because I didn't see any mosquitos. I would think it's more of an issue in the summer and during the raining season. However, that's not a medical opinion just my personal choice.

P.S and I was in fact covered up most of the time cause of the coolish weather

cheers mate, will take note. u will have to get ur pics up btw.

Enjoy
 

Hello Tommy.
Still up for it?! All the advice here is invaluable and indeed accurate. Yes, Cuong is the first stop for motorcycle touring in Vietnam. Not only does he know bikes but the whole spectrum of touring in Vietnam. Recommended.

May I offer some advice too? The Minsk is the obiquitous choice for touring the highlands but have you considered other options? Cuong can also rent you a Honda Future Neo complete with pannier racks. I have just returned from Sapa/Lao Cai and all the vilages and rented/rode a Future Neo whilst there. It cost $7 a day to rent with unlimited mileage and was nearly new. It managed all the hills and tracks and was light enough to man handle when the going got too tough or sticky. It's very frugal and fits in with other local rides. I'm not knocking the Minsk, I have one, but a Honda may be more..'convenient'!

I live in Hanoi, a stones throw from Dr. Cuong, and I'd be glad to help any fellow Hubber who asks.

Pete

The best way to contact travel people is via the HU Communities - there is one in Hanoi and in Saigon - Pete, you're not in either of them! Time to join! See the Communities pages on the left menu.

hey pete cheers for that mate, will take your advice and have a think. i was going to delay my trip as i wanted to spend a few months doing all SE asia, but there suddenly seems to be an influx of Vietnam threads on the forum thats making me excited.....:thumbup1:

oops
 

Sorry Grant, joined!