Traveling in the beautiful scenery of Vietnam on a scooter is definitely bucket list worthy.
It allows you to get up close and personal with the land, and you’ll see plenty of locals who also recognize the convenience of traveling by scooter. It will be the kind of vacation you won’t quickly forget, especially if you follow a few tips to navigate more easily. The following article will outline some advice when embarking on a scooter vacation in Vietnam.
How to obtain a scooter in Vietnam
You have the option to rent or purchase a scooter, and you decide which one is best based on your individual travel plans. If you’re planning to travel in a circular route that brings you back to the place where you rented the scooter, it might be a good choice to rent. If you do rent, expect to pay approximately $10 per day. (That’s in US currency.) Make sure the rental includes a helmet and a tank of gasoline, especially since Vietnam’s law requires a helmet.
If you plan to buy a scooter, you can obtain a used one for around $500 in American dollars. However, it’s likely worth an extra few hundred dollars to purchase an imported Honda. You’ll be depending on this scooter to keep you mobile, so quality will be a benefit.
Amazing destinations to see on your scooter
A must see for anyone traveling via scooter in Vietnam are the roads that connect Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which became very popular when it was included in the filming of Top Gear. Either city is sure to please and appeal to a large number of tourists. But even the journey between the two destinations provides abundant opportunities for sightseeing. But be aware that the distance is 1137 kilometers, so this is not for the faint of heart.
One notable coast to see is the Mekong Delta, which is just southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The views are awesome and you will likely want to spend a long time taking in all the sights. You could also venture on to Ho Chi Minh City, which is a relatively young city that has become quite popular with tourists.
Another lovely Vietnamese destination is Hue, located in a lush part of the country with plenty of hills and even some mountains. See the beautiful Perfume River and observe local fisherman at work. You’ll also enjoy the forests of sweet-smelling pine trees, which were brought over from the French.
Once you start exploring Vietnam, you’ll find an almost endless supply of great things to do and places to go. The countryside is stunning, and the cities are teeming with fun activities.
Safety tips
You’ll definitely want to drive carefully and defensively, especially in the cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Scooters are extremely prevalent in these cities, and you don’t want to end up stuck in a large group of bikes.
Another consideration, especially on country roads, is the existence of potholes. Some can be dangerous, so you want to drive at a modest speed so you can observe the road. This is also a great reason to minimize driving at night.
Another important tip relating to safety, in addition to legal issues, is the need for a temporary motorcycle license for Vietnam. Although not every tourist has this, it will be essential if you’re involved in an accident of any kind. It’s worth the extra time and expense to be protected in case of a collision.
Finally, you’ll need to think about the possibility of theft, and secure your scooter when not using it. You can purchase a high-quality wheel lock to minimize the chances of theft. It’s important to use it at night when you’re away from the scooter for several hours, but just as important if you go into a restaurant for a couple of hours. It takes so little time for a thief to ruin your trip by grabbing your scooter.
Conclusion
While driving a scooter through the Vietnamese countryside may not be for everyone, it is a delight for abundant travelers each year. Vietnam is a beautiful country that has lots of history and an amazing culture. With appropriate planning and preparations, you could be one of the many who choose to explore this great place on a scooter. If you do, it will definitely be an unforgettable experience.