Jessica Hayward

Jessica Haywardhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/jessica-haywardJessica Haywardhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/cambodia/everything-to-know-about-motorbiking-in-cambodiaFrom picturesque Tonle Sap Lake to the noise of Phnom Penh, motorbiking is a great way to get around Cambodia. Jessica Hayward gives us her tips on how to do it legally and safely.2018-08-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/cambodia/everything-to-know-about-motorbiking-in-cambodiahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#legal">Do You Need a License to Ride in Cambodia?</a></li> <li><a href="#rent">Renting a Bike in Cambodia</a></li> <li><a href="#outside">Can I Bring a Bike into Cambodia From Neighboring Countries?</a></li> <li><a href="#bike">What Type of Bike Should I Rent?</a></li> <li><a href="#ride">Riding in Cambodia</a></li> <li><a href="#scams">Scams To Look Out For</a></li> <li><a href="#danger">Dangers While Riding in Cambodia</a></li> <li><a href="#route">Best Routes for Motorbiking in Cambodia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="legal">Do you need a license to ride in Cambodia?</h2> <p>Motorbikes up to 125cc <em>can</em> be ridden legally without a license, however, check your travel insurance wording. Many insurers will require a license from the destination country or your home country, so this loophole may not work for you! <br /><br />If you want to ride higher than 125cc, you can transfer your valid home license at the Dept. of Public Work and Transport outside Phnom Penh for a one-year Cambodian license. <br /><br />If you do not have a valid home license, you may apply for a 10-year license here as well, which will require relevant documentation, a theory test (can be taken in English) and a basic <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling" id="109" data-gr-id="109">practical</g> test. <br /><br />Riding over 125cc without a valid license is illegal. For minor infractions, you might be able to bribe your way out of scenarios, but if serious injury or death occurs, you will be held responsible.</p> <h2 id="rent">Renting a bike in Cambodia</h2> <p>Try to rent from reputable companies that provide proper vehicles (Honda, Yamaha etc) rather than Chinese knockoffs. <br /><br />Note, it is forbidden to rent a motorbike in the Siem Reap area, so you will need to bring a bike from a different area of Cambodia.</p> <h2 id="outside">Can I bring a bike to Cambodia from neighboring countries?</h2> <p>You should be able to bring a Vietnamese or Laotian bike into the country without issue. However, many people report problems at borders when trying to cross with cheap motorbikes, as Cambodia does not want these motorbikes to be sold in the country. You are advised to bring only a quality rental bike brand (e.g Honda) to avoid border disputes.</p> <h2 id="bike">What type of bike should I rent?</h2> <p>Motorbikes of 110cc to 125cc will be good enough for touring the country unless you intend to head off along the dirt backroads. If so, a more powerful dirt bike may be required. <br /><br />Whilst many Cambodians know how to repair motorbikes, if you do not know what they are doing it will be hard to judge if you are being scammed or sold faulty parts. With a Honda bike, you can take it to one of the many Honda dealers for service and be assured of legitimate mechanics.</p> <h2 id="ride">Riding in Cambodia</h2> <p>Cambodia is undergoing huge infrastructure upgrades with its roads, and you can expect to ride on smooth paved highways for most of the main routes, including the northeastern areas, which are now fully accessible by highways. The worst roads are between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as these see the most traffic and can be quite potholed and rough in places. <br /><br />Traffic is an issue, and you will need the confidence to manage it. Most roads have shoulders for motorbikes to travel <g class="gr_ gr_657 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="657" data-gr-id="657">in,</g> but expect trucks and buses to use these too, and it is your duty to navigate out of their way – even if it is into a ditch. It is not uncommon to witness a truck overtaking a truck that is already overtaking a truck, leaving you no space on the road. Be aware and drive defensively at all times. <br /><br />Use your horn liberally – motorists in Cambodia rely on being notified of your approach by your horn rather than monitoring the road themselves. When in doubt, beep! Make sure you are heard, particularly coming around blind corners. <br /><br />Manage your fuel. There are long stretches of road in Cambodia where no one lives; the last thing you want is to run out of fuel in such an area. Carry extra in bottles if you need it. These are easily purchased along the way. <br /><br />Similarly, make sure you have enough food and water on hand in case of a breakdown in an isolated area. Help may take a bit of time to arrive. <br /><br />It is best to travel with someone else in case of an emergency. You can motorbike in Cambodia <g class="gr_ gr_1175 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="1175" data-gr-id="1175">solo,</g> but invest in a good SIM card to ensure you can call for help if something happens to you.</p> <h2 id="scams">Scams to look out for</h2> <p>Police target foreigners regardless of whether they are riding legally or not. Whilst 125cc motorbikes or lower do not require a license, expect police to pull you over and try to <g class="gr_ gr_1211 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="1211" data-gr-id="1211">fine</g> you regardless. This is a scare tactic; what they want are bribes which supplement their low wage. Paying a bribe will be the fastest way out of the situation, usually US$2-5. <br /><br />If you choose to stand your ground, do so carefully; take the keys from your bike when the police pull you over and hide them on your body, so they cannot confiscate the bike. Be patient and calm and eventually the police will leave you alone. You can also try showing them an international driver’s permit which, while not technically legal, may get you off as the police education levels are very low and they will assume you have correct papers.<br /><br />When it comes to roadside motorbike repairs, many Cambodians will provide you a good service, but a few will try to scam you into more expensive “repairs”, or try to sell you dodgy products. Go to an official repair place if you can. <br /><br />When you fill up, make sure the attendant resets the fuel gauge before they refill your motorbike.</p> <h2 id="danger">Dangers while riding in Cambodia</h2> <p>Cambodia is a relatively safe country; your biggest concern will be ensuring your motorbike's safety overnight. Check that your accommodation provides secure, safe parking, and do not leave any gear on your bike, including helmets, as thieves will take what they can get. <br /><br />Traffic is chaotic and you must always drive defensively, but the speed limits are relatively low so crashes are not typically very dangerous. Keep in mind that no one wants to hit you!</p> <h2 id="route">Best routes for motorbiking in Cambodia</h2> <p><strong>Main Loop:</strong> Covers the highways circling the Tonle Sap Lake between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Covers Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh. Allow one week to travel, two weeks including travel time in the main cities.</p> <p><strong>Southern Loop:</strong> Heading south from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then following the coastline towards Kampot, before crossing the Vietnamese border or returning to the capital. Three to six days depending on how long you spend along the coastline enjoying the beaches.</p> <p><strong>North Eastern Loop:</strong> Heading east from Phnom Penh to Snoul, Sen Mormoron, Ban Lung, Krong Stung Treng, Kratie and Kampong Cham. One week to travel.</p>Getty Images/TravelPhotographer 1127295057 Getty Images Tonle sap lake, Cambodia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/vietnam/motorbike-safetyJessica Hayward gives us the lowdown on how to make sure you ride motorbikes legally and safely in Vietnam.2023-01-10T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/vietnam/motorbike-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Australian Jessica Hayward covered 4,349mi (7,000km) through <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/dos-and-donts-when-travelling-in-vietnam">Vietnam</a> and <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/cambodia/top-things-to-do-in-northwest-cambodia-from-siem-reap-to-battambang" target="_blank" title="Top Things to do in Northeast Cambodia">Cambodia</a> by motorbike, weaving through the chaotic traffic of <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-ho-chi-minh-vietnam" target="_blank" title="Best Experiences in Ho Chi Minh">Ho Chi Minh City</a> and riding the entire length of Vietnam. But, how do you do this legally and safely? Here's what you need to know.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#legal">Motorbike legality in Vietnam</a></li> <li><a href="#rent">Renting or buying in Vietnam</a></li> <li><a href="#bike">What bike to rent</a></li> <li><a href="#ride">Tips for riding in Vietnam</a></li> <li><a href="#scams">Scams to look out for</a></li> <li><a href="#theft">Theft while riding in Vietnam</a></li> <li><a href="#women">Women motorcyclists in Vietnam</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="legal">Motorbike legality in Vietnam</h2> <p><a href="/stories/connection/the-road-less-traveled-vietnam">Motorbiking through Vietnam</a> is an immersive, exciting, and spectacular way to enjoy this beautiful country. Tens of thousands undertake this adventure every year; and for many, they have wonderful tales to tell at the end of it. Here’s how to do it safely and legally.</p> <p>If you’re riding a motorbike or scooter while overseas, you must check the licensing and local laws for the country you’re going to. You must also have a valid license at home for the class of motorized vehicle you may be renting.</p> <p>Riding a motorbike over 50cc requires an appropriate license to ride legally and ensure your insurance will honor any claims. Additionally, make sure that you are adequately insured elsewhere. To avoid any doubt, you are not covered under this insurance for third-party liability in respect of any mechanical/motorized vehicle.<i> </i>Get your license before traveling to Vietnam as well as some solid riding experience.</p> <p>If you choose to ride, consider <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/vietnam"><span class="s2">travel insurance</span></a> and be sure to comply with its requirements, such as riding with a helmet and being appropriately licensed to ride in your home country at your destination.</p> <p>Once you have your license, you need to convert it for Vietnam. Here’s how:</p> <ol> <li>Convert your license (both car and motorbike) into an International Drivers Permit (IDP). This is legal in Vietnam <strong>if your home country has signed the 1968 IDP Convention</strong> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vienna_Convention_on_Road_Traffic.svg">countries colored green on this map</a>). This is the easiest and cheapest way to guarantee your legality in Vietnam if you are a citizen of one of the countries listed.</li> <li>If your country is a signatory to the <strong>1949 IDP Convention </strong>(e.g. Australia, UK, USA, and Canada) your IDP is <strong>not</strong> approved in Vietnam and will not provide you any legal protection. Instead, to ensure your license is valid, you need to have it directly transferred into a Vietnamese license. This can be completed in <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/an-insiders-guide-to-hanoi">Hanoi</a> and Ho Chi Minh with a bit of time and paperwork.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vnlicense/"></a></li> <li>If you do not have a motorbike license before traveling to Vietnam, you can still investigate the option to apply for one directly in Vietnam. A practical and theory test will be required.</li> </ol> <p>Without a valid IDP or Vietnamese license, your travel insurance will not be valid, even if you have a motorbike license in your home country; you are still considered to be riding illegally within Vietnam.</p> <p>Also, note that some insurers may exclude “motorbike touring” for policyholders from particular countries of residence. This means you cannot travel where motorcycle is the primary means of transport, however, you are covered for incidental use of a motorcycle. World Nomads policyholders from the UK are subject to this exclusion currently. Always check the wording of your policy regardless of your country of residence.</p> <p>The consequences of riding without a license can range from costly to life-threatening. You could have your motorbike impounded and your passport confiscated until a hefty fine is paid. Further punishment may also be undertaken by the Vietnamese government.</p> <p>The most severe consequence is if an accident occurs. Should you injure yourself or others, travel insurance will not protect you if you are riding illegally. You will have full responsibility for any damages caused and will be at the mercy of the Vietnamese justice system for reparations.</p> <h2 id="rent">Renting or buying in Vietnam</h2> <p>Buying a dirt-cheap motorbike for a few hundred dollars is often a popular option for backpackers on a budget, but it can cause a lot of frustration in the long run with maintenance issues, and in the worst case it can be extremely dangerous if the bike has mechanical faults. I would only suggest doing this if you or someone you know has knowledge of motorbike maintenance and can help you select a safe vehicle.</p> <p>Alternatively, it is relatively cheap to buy a new motorbike in Vietnam, especially compared to Western countries. This option is particularly appealing if you intend to travel long-term within Southeast Asia, as you will have ownership papers, allowing you to transit with the motorbike through other neighboring countries legally.</p> <p>I would recommend renting a motorbike from a reputable company (Tigit Motorbikes for example) allowing pick up and drop off in different areas of the country. Renting is beneficial for multiple reasons:</p> <ul> <li>You will obtain a copy of ownership papers for the motorbike, meaning you can safely take it into another Southeast Asia country if the rental agency agrees (mine did)</li> <li>The motorbike is guaranteed to be well-maintained and reliable</li> <li>You have the support of a Vietnamese-speaking rental agency to assist you with any problems on the road</li> <li>They provide a clear guide for maintenance requirements for your motorbike, and where to go to get this done.</li> </ul> <p>Vietnam generally only allows Vietnamese bikes into the country. You will be facing difficulties crossing borders from <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/southeast-asia/laos/motorbike-safety">Laos</a>, <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/southeast-asia/cambodia/guide-to-scams-at-angkor-wat">Cambodia</a> and China on a non-Vietnamese bike.</p> <h2 id="bike">What bike to rent</h2> <p>110 cc to 125 cc will generally be sufficient for touring the country unless you intend to head through rougher country in the north and west or are deliberately seeking an off-roading experience. In those cases, it's best to hire a more powerful bike. Speed limits are low within Vietnam: 25mi/h (40km/h) for cities and 37mi/h (60km/h) for highways. You can navigate the country on an automatic, semi-automatic or manual transmission, so choose what will work best for your experience.</p> <p>Try to keep to well-known brands, such as Honda or Yamaha, whose bikes are not made in China and are designed in such a way that most parts are very easy to find and replace if needed. With a Honda bike, or similar, you can take it to one of the many Honda stores for service and be assured of legitimate mechanics who will charge you a flat rate.</p> <h2 id="ride">Tips for riding in Vietnam</h2> <p>Despite how congested traffic appears, the relatively low speeds mean it is not as chaotic and difficult as it may appear. Like a liquid, the traffic flows together through the streets smoothly, and your goal is to move with it and keep aware of your surroundings. Locals are paying attention to your horn, indicators and the position of your head when assessing your movement; use all of these tools liberally to help inform them about where you are going.</p> <p>Expect average to poor roads in most areas of Vietnam. You will be dealing with large trucks on narrow pitted lanes, and they will not move to accommodate you. Roadsides will also often be cramped with stalls, markets and livestock, all of which will often spill into the road suddenly.</p> <p>Most trucks will beep to warn you out of the way before overtaking, so pay attention to your fellow motorists. Likewise, warn others of your approach with your own horn. This especially applies on the twisting mountain roads in the west and <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/top-destinations-to-explore-in-northern-vietnam">north</a> of Vietnam; there are multiple blind corners, and a horn is the only way to identify your approach.</p> <p>Always wear appropriate safety gear, ride defensively, and be aware of the vehicles around you. It should go without saying that you invest in a decent helmet and wear it properly. Vietnam’s climate has a vast range depending in what area of the country you are traveling in and in which season. One consistent all year round is rain; it will occur at any time, often suddenly, and sometimes torrentially, so be prepared with waterproof gear for yourself and your backpack(s).</p> <p>It is better to ride with at least one other person to help if things go wrong, especially if your mechanical understanding of motorbikes is limited.</p> <h2 id="scams">Scams to look out for</h2> <p>Police are known to target foreigners because most do not have licenses; if you are pulled over, be prepared to show your documentation. I recommend taking the keys out of your motorbike and storing them on your person, so they are not taken unduly by officers thinking you are another illegal traveler.</p> <p>Dodgy mechanics also exist, so try to service your bike at reputable stores to avoid this wherever possible. Still, chances are a flat tire will happen out in the middle of nowhere, and you will need to find a local mechanic. Try to confirm the cost before they begin the work.</p> <p>Fuelling up can also be a trap for the unwary. Always check your attendant resets the fuel gauge before filling your bike so you aren’t surprised by an exorbitant fuel charge.</p> <h2 id="theft">Theft while riding in Vietnam</h2> <p>Theft is a real problem. Never leave anything unattended on your motorbike – it will get stolen if it is not secured (and sometimes even then). Helmets will be cut off by the strap even if locked onto the bike, so carry them with you.</p> <p>Make sure your bike is locked up in secure parking each night. Nearly all hostels or homestays have areas to secure motorbikes.</p> <h2 id="women">Women motorcyclists in Vietnam</h2> <p>I traveled with another woman through Vietnam safely. Confidence is very important, and you need to demonstrate this when interacting with locals. Single female travelers (while accepted) are still an oddity; many local women I spoke with told me that the journey we were undertaking would be considered unusual for a woman. However, I found the Vietnamese people to have a very healthy level of respect for women and we did not experience any harassment.</p>Jessica Hayward 0 Jessica Hayward Motorbikes by the side of the road