2010 North Vietnam on a Minsk

[gavo]

Originally Posted by dannyboydesigns

We leave the beginning of June for Vietnam. Hoping to meet relatives of my daughter. A couple of questions: do you need a driver's license, what medical shots did you get, if any, we plan on buying mc's in Danang, will we have any legal hassels? Thanks in advance. Hope to post the trip right here. Dan

I was there last November and the previous year.
After reading articles in the local newspaper and making enquiries to the embassy, I found that you may ride if you have your licence translated (depends who you talk to) you can obtain a local licence(do you speak and read Vietnamese)
The embassies position was as long as you ride with a Vietnamese company it's ok and the travel insurance companies want you to have an international licence and the appropriate bike licence from your usual place of residence.
I rode with a company and one of our group was busted for speeding (limits are low,40kph in towns) guide took the rap and we paid his fine. I also hired a bike and had no problems but the word is if you have an accident and hurt or kill someone your penalty could from compensation payment around $1000 to 20yrs in Jail. Most tourists don't have many prob's but if you get pulled over talk English and no understand
Ps accidents happen frequently, I saw one fatality last time I was there

[Jedum1]

Originally Posted by dannyboydesigns

We leave the beginning of June for Vietnam. Hoping to meet relatives of my daughter. A couple of questions: do you need a driver's license, what medical shots did you get, if any, we plan on buying mc's in Danang, will we have any legal hassels? Thanks in advance. Hope to post the trip right here. Dan

Gavo's right. Bottom line, you're safer riding with an organized tour company. You are taking a risk riding without a license on your own. That being said you probably won't have any problems as long as you obey the the traffic laws, and avoid any accidents. I personally didn't have any problems, but I was lucky enough to not hit anything, and I didn't have a bike capable of breaking the speed limit. I passed many motor officers while I was out there, and had mild panic attacks with the first few I saw. By the forth or fifth one I'd just smile and wave. Not one of them paid me any mind, and I stuck out like a sore thumb.

I've heard about people buying bikes out there ($300 to $400) for a Minsk, but don't have any personal experience with it. Hit these guys up for some info. http://www.minskclubvietnam.com/. They might be able to help you find a couple for sale. Hope you can make it work! I look forward to seeing your RR.

[Jedum1]

Originally Posted by Rogdog

Thanks for your story so far, I am enjoying it. You capture the spirit of the people well and I enjoy reading about your interactions with them. Very impressive that you are so willing to dive into all of these conversations, despite the obvious embarassement on both sides due to language.

Keep writing as you have time, as I am looking forward to reading what you have to say.

Appreciate the feedback. There's more coming, but getting a paycheck is taking priority at the moment.

[Jedum1]

Hey everybody. Life has thrown me a few curve balls over the last few months, and the report has fallen by the wayside. I'm hoping to rectify that in the very near future. Anyone still interested?

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by Jedum1

Hey everybody. Life has thrown me a few curve balls over the last few months, and the report has fallen by the wayside. I'm hoping to rectify that in the very near future. Anyone still interested?

Absolutely! One of the best Asia reports ever on ADV IMO. I'd love to see more if you can manage it. Hope things are going OK. The ADV community is pretty generous to travelers ... maybe reach out if you need some help?

I'm still trying to get over to Vietnam this year! So much other crap getting in the way ... none of it all that important.

Keep it up!

[going south]

I am bring it on !!!

[gavo]

I'mmmm waiting

[davidbrundage]

Originally Posted by Jedum1

Hey everybody. Life has thrown me a few curve balls over the last few months, and the report has fallen by the wayside. I'm hoping to rectify that in the very near future. Anyone still interested?

damn right we are!

[timmie415]

Originally Posted by Jedum1

Hey everybody. Life has thrown me a few curve balls over the last few months, and the report has fallen by the wayside. I'm hoping to rectify that in the very near future. Anyone still interested?

Sorry to hear that your life has been unbalanced. I just found your ride report and would love to read and see more...

-tim

[rboett]

Come, on.....pleeeeeze

Working at posting the rest up will have you reliving the experience.

help you take your mind off those curve balls

[radianrider]

Still interested.

[OldPete]

Bring it on.

The last 3 hours were well spent on this RR.

[AleXtz]

awesome trip i'm so jealous dude, when I read and enjoy pics on reports like this, it encourages me to live someday to the fulness with the simplicity of nature and goodhearted people.
Hoping to see what is next on your blasting adventure

saludos!

[YZman]

Loving your ride report Jed. Keep it coming.

[roly1]

Bringing back fond memories, thanks