Jump to content
IGNORED

Dec 2010.Indo China Expedition.


yempaul

Recommended Posts

Singapore - Malaysia - Thailand - Cambodia - Vietnam - Laos

 

 

In December 2009, we entered Saigon from Bavet-Moc Bai border just to see if it's feasible. We only spend 1 night in Saigon. This time around, we were determined to ride from South to North of Vietnam. Planning started as early as July. With all the itineries and documentations prepared 1 month before depature, we left Singapore on midnight 9th Dec 2010. Cruising through Malaysian North South Highway and reached Hatyai railway station by 10am. Purchased tickets for passengers as well as cargo for bikes for 6pm schedule to Bangkok.

 

Arrived at Hua Lamphong by 1330pm and headed straight for Aranyapratet border where we arrived at 1800hours. Battambang was our rest stop, checked in Asia hotel for USD$6. Next day was one whole sunlight riding time to Vietnam border of Moc Bai. Along the way stopped by Phnom Penh for quick lunch and was at Bavet before nightfall.

 

Cleared Vetnamese customs early morning and was greeted by almost 20 bikers from local ACEMotoSaigon club. They escorted us into Saigon with ease amidst the chaos of Saigon traffic. The 22 days of adventure begins.

 

162815_487406177551_676382551_5692942_1713573_n.jpg

 

I still think these are useful

 

162815_487406182551_676382551_5692943_814280_n.jpg

 

166189_489417812551_676382551_5731556_501257_n.jpg

 

167294_489419712551_676382551_5731677_6154621_n.jpg

 

162815_487406192551_676382551_5692945_3888811_n.jpg

 

The 3 rides ...

 

Hit by heavy rain on the way to Gurun, arrived Bukit Kayu Hitam by 0815hours. Purchased Thai insurance at $RM30 for 1 month and finally arrived Hatyai Train station at 1000hours. Got the 2nd class sleeper as all the 1st class was fully occupied at 845baht for upper deck and 950baht for lower deck. Bike cargo costs 1740baht.

 

162815_487406197551_676382551_5692946_478890_n.jpg

 

168351_489405082551_676382551_5731047_4046379_n.jpg

 

While waiting, time for some foot reflexology.

 

164045_489409797551_676382551_5731236_8265623_n.jpg

 

Train was delayed for some 3 hours and we finally arrived Hua Lamphong at 1330hours local time.

 

163230_487672857551_676382551_5696869_5692509_n.jpg

 

163230_487672862551_676382551_5696870_7505706_n.jpg

 

No time to shop.

 

163230_487672867551_676382551_5696871_4979931_n.jpg

 

One hour later, we made a slow cruise out of Bangkok. That's the Victory monument.

 

163230_487672872551_676382551_5696872_3010067_n.jpg

 

Arrived Aranyapratet - Poipet border before they closes. Passport stamped, vehicles declaration and got some Riels at the money changer, we're headed to Battambang of Cambodia, some 116km away from Poipet. Riding at night in Cambodia was very blinding. In fact it was. The Cambodians drive with their high beams on all the time.

 

167894_488782627551_676382551_5715520_6020633_n.jpg

 

162753_487675802551_676382551_5696891_5031893_n.jpg

 

Checked in Asia Hotel for USD$6 triple sharing. Battambang is quiet with a few eateries and massage shops operating night time.

 

Day 3 Battambang - Bavet

 

164347_488783767551_676382551_5715545_36765_n.jpg

 

Day 3 was an early morning for 467km ride across Cambodia to Bavet which shares the boundaries with Vietnam.

 

162753_487675807551_676382551_5696892_6842998_n.jpg

 

Not after 2 punctured tires.

 

165155_489422797551_676382551_5731811_4066724_n.jpg

 

A hungry man is an angry man. Was lucky not to crash the bike after it fishtailed when the tire burst. Help came 15 minutes later as the pump was with the front bike.

 

167795_489425102551_676382551_5731843_2470826_n.jpg

 

162753_487675822551_676382551_5696894_7191862_n.jpg

 

Love gazing at school childrens on bikes.

 

165042_487678547551_676382551_5696977_4354873_n.jpg

 

Quick lunch in Phnom Penh. Was here exactly a year ago. Now the place has gone through extensive touch ups. Guess they must be doing very well.

 

168756_489436397551_676382551_5732094_6112126_n.jpg

 

This girl wants some crackers and was persistent about it.

 

163988_489428382551_676382551_5731922_1094871_n.jpg

 

Boy, she was happy when got it.

 

168103_489429892551_676382551_5731955_2646206_n.jpg

 

In order, to get to Bavet we need to board a barge.

 

165042_487678552551_676382551_5696978_5967271_n.jpg

 

168059_489432657551_676382551_5732009_4939639_n.jpg

 

168439_489435832551_676382551_5732078_1294541_n.jpg

 

165042_487678557551_676382551_5696979_4215504_n.jpg

 

164181_488786327551_676382551_5715622_7011088_n.jpg

 

Arrived Bavet at 1830hours and checked in Thai An guest house for USD12 triple sharing. Bavet is filled with casinos catered for Vietnamese gamblers. They prefer to deal in USD and Vietnam dong rather than their own Riels.

 

Day 4 Bavet - Saigon

 

It was one of the highlights of the trip. Left early morning at 0700hours for some 2km to the border. Clearing Cambodian customs was a breeze this time.

 

165042_487678562551_676382551_5696980_8141083_n.jpg

 

167156_488787517551_676382551_5715648_315792_n.jpg

 

164503_488787402551_676382551_5715645_4162912_n.jpg

 

165042_487678567551_676382551_5696981_4144148_n.jpg

 

35616_489439107551_676382551_5732149_2024714_n.jpg

 

Moc Bai border of Vietnam

 

164560_487681027551_676382551_5697034_7947618_n.jpg

 

Met up with our Southern guide, Tuan for clearance of documentations.

 

164560_487681032551_676382551_5697035_7327185_n.jpg

 

This time round, we brought plastic covers for our Vietnamese license plate.

 

167204_488871972551_676382551_5717930_4905507_n.jpg

 

Bike inspection.

 

164560_487681037551_676382551_5697036_5446249_n.jpg

 

And was overwhelmed to see almost 20 bikers from Vietnamese local motorcycle club, ACE MotoSaigon waiting to escort us into Saigon.

 

164560_487681047551_676382551_5697038_6913495_n.jpg

 

167737_487687287551_676382551_5697060_2705123_n.jpg

 

With this kind of traffic, no wonder the escorts are mandatory for foreign vehicles.

 

168683_488873167551_676382551_5717960_6970535_n.jpg

 

And they brought us to some kopi sessions.

 

167019_488875417551_676382551_5718029_853619_n.jpg

 

And a good Pho for lunch.

 

167737_487687297551_676382551_5697062_2822513_n.jpg

 

Then off to a local mechanic to patch those holes.

 

167737_487687302551_676382551_5697063_1082501_n.jpg

 

The Vietnamese have good taste for classic bikes.

 

163819_488888742551_676382551_5718269_2775035_n.jpg

 

Then we were escorted to our hotel.

 

167638_488889302551_676382551_5718287_507251_n.jpg

 

With safe parking.

168224_487695512551_676382551_5697145_5592445_n.jpg

 

Afternoon in Saigon was checking out Ben Thanh market. Abundance of colours.

 

166445_487690372551_676382551_5697098_4798101_n.jpg

 

163130_487693842551_676382551_5697131_7258944_n.jpg

 

168167_488896767551_676382551_5718546_6319115_n.jpg

 

165216_488885547551_676382551_5718227_1695775_n.jpg

 

Apai got his boots fixed while the lady was pissed she wasn't attended to.

 

Link to comment

163130_487693847551_676382551_5697132_5456456_n.jpg

 

At night, we were invited to a H.O.G Saigon 2nd anniversary party at Hard Rock Cafe.

 

163130_487693852551_676382551_5697133_5935891_n.jpg

 

165302_489307762551_676382551_5728761_3622183_n.jpg

 

163636_489306512551_676382551_5728738_1834323_n.jpg

 

3 men and a lady. Had a good time there with good music and crazy Vietnamese partying. A charity auction also went on for a Harley which was finally bidded for USD$55,500, way above the original price of USD$45,000. The rest went to the victims of the flood in Central Vietnam. Good heart they have.

 

163130_487693857551_676382551_5697134_121582_n.jpg

 

This lady is the Hard Rock Cafe Saigon Ambassador. Guess what, she's a Singaporean.

 

163130_487693862551_676382551_5697135_7662652_n.jpg

 

164542_487927327551_676382551_5700903_6534239_n.jpg

 

Got this as a souvenir.

 

Day 5 Saigon - Nha Trang

 

Left for 455km trip to Nha Trang early morning. This time 3 local bikes escorted us to our destination. A goldwing and 2 RTs.

 

166112_487705347551_676382551_5697273_3598647_n.jpg

 

36271_487713447551_676382551_5697360_3032973_n.jpg

 

36271_487713452551_676382551_5697361_5709627_n.jpg

 

36271_487713457551_676382551_5697362_4864468_n.jpg

 

This chap was the winning bidder for the auction at Hard Rock Cafe the night earlier. He rides his Wing like a motorcross race. Really awesome skills.

 

36271_487713462551_676382551_5697363_7383208_n.jpg

 

163082_487716962551_676382551_5697408_6457332_n.jpg

 

We stopped by Phan Thiet area for lunch and some desert. A real desert.

 

163082_487716967551_676382551_5697409_816845_n.jpg

 

164313_487719727551_676382551_5697459_2398270_n.jpg

 

164313_487719737551_676382551_5697460_8137394_n.jpg

 

164313_487719742551_676382551_5697461_3858315_n.jpg

 

In Mui Ne, Phan Thiet.

 

39453_487737617551_676382551_5697724_2732593_n.jpg

 

167604_487738557551_676382551_5697739_956129_n.jpg

 

You can do some sand surfing for a mere USD$1.

 

164569_487739107551_676382551_5697751_2477329_n.jpg

 

Then came the adventure riders from Thailand.

 

163248_488748177551_676382551_5714566_8262424_n.jpg

 

They immediately plunged in.

 

168469_487745507551_676382551_5697862_237643_n.jpg

 

More Sand Dunnes

 

168648_487750032551_676382551_5697977_4059144_n.jpg

 

168648_487750042551_676382551_5697979_964736_n.jpg

 

Sg and Vn RTs.

 

168648_487750052551_676382551_5697981_5248008_n.jpg

 

168395_489452907551_676382551_5732589_4119113_n.jpg

 

168375_487753632551_676382551_5698009_5218555_n.jpg

 

168375_487753637551_676382551_5698010_1217568_n.jpg

 

Checked in Nha Trang Beach Hotel and dinner at one of the rider's restaurant

 

167284_487754537551_676382551_5698029_8147453_n.jpg

 

168375_487753642551_676382551_5698011_6070842_n.jpg

 

The Harley on the forefront is apparently used for riding around the town, and he also owns a BMW X5, also used for city driving. My heart aches upon hearing that.

 

Day 6 Nha Trang - Hoi An

 

Had early breakfast and left Nha Trang for Hoi An. No escort this time, and we were on our own. Travelling on National Highway No. 1, the road was busy with many bus drivers as road bullies. Still, the view along the great Vietnam ocean ride was scenic with jagged peaks and lots of oases of greens where they grow rice. While the wifey was busy snapping away, I had to be careful not to be pushed off by those road gangsters who have no regards whatsoever with other road users.

 

163653_487756797551_676382551_5698079_3805726_n.jpg

 

163653_487756787551_676382551_5698078_7323052_n.jpg

 

163653_487756807551_676382551_5698081_2525974_n.jpg

 

166283_489456537551_676382551_5732625_4858039_n.jpg

 

163653_487756812551_676382551_5698082_8189895_n.jpg

 

166283_489456542551_676382551_5732626_4159454_n.jpg

 

162869_487758842551_676382551_5698156_770548_n.jpg

 

167422_487761007551_676382551_5698203_2952800_n.jpg

 

167422_487761017551_676382551_5698205_6197163_n.jpg

 

167422_487761022551_676382551_5698206_6826067_n.jpg

 

168055_487768212551_676382551_5698350_7815519_n.jpg

 

165143_487771957551_676382551_5698458_2606478_n.jpg

 

165143_487771962551_676382551_5698459_7267725_n.jpg

 

165143_487771967551_676382551_5698460_5364330_n.jpg

 

166307_487776832551_676382551_5698554_2373429_n.jpg

 

166307_487776837551_676382551_5698555_7203784_n.jpg

 

166307_487776842551_676382551_5698556_252484_n.jpg

 

168694_489457622551_676382551_5732642_1094975_n.jpg

 

166307_487776847551_676382551_5698557_981780_n.jpg

 

163167_489477492551_676382551_5733019_5651556_n.jpg

 

Arrived Green Field hotel, Hoi An after 520km later.

 

Link to comment

Day 7 was sightseeing in Hoi An.

 

Visited My Son ruins, the holy land of Cham Kingdom which was partly destroyed during the war.

 

163167_489477497551_676382551_5733020_2217378_n.jpg

 

164853_489487232551_676382551_5733164_8204539_n.jpg

 

Cultural dance

 

165305_487784357551_676382551_5698681_7434492_n.jpg

 

167691_487786982551_676382551_5698699_3095311_n.jpg

 

Nothing like Angkor Wat because the Americans dropped their shells here. But the remaining structure was unique. A lot of restoration work going on supported by UNESCO.

 

167718_487787352551_676382551_5698704_1638677_n.jpg

 

165520_489492817551_676382551_5733270_789817_n.jpg

 

165520_489492822551_676382551_5733271_6093419_n.jpg

 

Then, stopped by a local house who makes paper rice.

 

168484_487831652551_676382551_5699441_6126005_n.jpg

 

168569_487834982551_676382551_5699474_6696108_n.jpg

 

168569_487834992551_676382551_5699476_5818866_n.jpg

 

162635_489500482551_676382551_5733448_5705537_n.jpg

 

39446_487838557551_676382551_5699491_1179867_n.jpg

 

39446_487838567551_676382551_5699493_3619520_n.jpg

 

39446_487838562551_676382551_5699492_379111_n.jpg

 

Hoi An town has plenty of Chinese touches on their buildings and structures.

 

162635_489500487551_676382551_5733449_781184_n.jpg

 

Day 8 Hoi An - Hue, 130km

 

This was one of the most gruelling ride we had. We reached Hue 7 hours later just to clear the 130km stretch. Weather was unkind and it restricted us to many phototaking opportunities. It was supposed to be another highlight passing through Hai Van Mountain Pass. Strong crosswinds from Danang all the way to the summit. I remember the bike tilting to the side while riding and at some point, it felt like a giant hand picking up my bike and shifting it half a meter away. Dropped the bike on the way up to the summit, lost footing, then came the wind and down it went. When we picked up the bike, we had to lean on the bike to prevent it from dropping.

 

167996_487843542551_676382551_5699535_1776083_n.jpg

 

Stopped by Danang, where it rained heavily and the crosswinds was one of the worst i've ever experienced.

 

167996_487843547551_676382551_5699536_8157402_n.jpg

 

167996_487843552551_676382551_5699537_6411386_n.jpg

 

165635_489510637551_676382551_5733644_4370036_n.jpg

 

165635_489510632551_676382551_5733643_457339_n.jpg

 

163678_487847672551_676382551_5699571_7993280_n.jpg

 

Took a shelter on top of this Hai Van Pass due to weather conditions worsened. Stayed for 2 hours under the mini typhoon according to the locals before we braved ourselves down, freezed with numbness on the fingers. I couldn't even unzip my pants to relief myself. Could not feel a thing.

 

163678_487847677551_676382551_5699572_5051694_n.jpg

 

165635_489510642551_676382551_5733645_3164598_n.jpg

 

167007_489514587551_676382551_5733728_1410778_n.jpg

 

163678_487847682551_676382551_5699573_1643520_n.jpg

 

Soaked those hands under hot water for a good 30 minutes once we checked into the hotel.

 

163678_487847687551_676382551_5699574_6298816_n.jpg

 

The heavy rain and cold wind prevented us from venturing far for food. The next door Kentucky Fried Chicken was a better choice.

 

Day 9 Hue - Thanh Hoa, 600km

 

The longest distance travelled in Vietnam. The weather was just about right for riding. Cooling in fact. But not too cold to bring in the thermals. Will be crossing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where it separates the North and South. The tarmac was much better than previous days. But the road bullies was ever present. I remember the Vietnamese bikers told us they once beat up a lorry driver for persistent obstruction during overtaking. I am no Vietnam warrior.

 

Some nice spots along the way.

 

164737_487865257551_676382551_5699813_8061914_n.jpg

 

165360_487870442551_676382551_5699858_7191736_n.jpg

 

DMZ.

 

166857_487879177551_676382551_5700068_1830937_n.jpg

 

163402_487887262551_676382551_5700188_6043810_n.jpg

 

163402_487887282551_676382551_5700192_1271640_n.jpg

 

The multiple layer of mountains were simply breathtaking. A better camera would do some justice.

 

166553_487891127551_676382551_5700273_761692_n.jpg

 

163743_487896327551_676382551_5700372_5023120_n.jpg

 

163156_487900927551_676382551_5700485_5227265_n.jpg

 

163156_487900932551_676382551_5700486_8350795_n.jpg

 

168002_487909322551_676382551_5700645_4857855_n.jpg

 

168002_487909332551_676382551_5700647_8188866_n.jpg

 

164057_489529322551_676382551_5734012_7882263_n.jpg

 

The hotel in Samson, Thanh Hoa. It's the low season. They only switched on the lights for those rooms with occupants. That tiny light was where our room was. The town population is only 300. We were the only foreigners around. Dinner was just fried fish and cabbage. And the cold has start to seep in.

 

162930_487913702551_676382551_5700686_8082590_n.jpg

 

162930_487913707551_676382551_5700687_6474012_n.jpg

 

Fresh brew Vietnam coffee.

 

162930_487913712551_676382551_5700688_1899477_n.jpg

 

Day 10 Thanh Hoa - Halong, 262km

 

The morning was greeted by spectacular sunrise. But we couldn't wait to leave the haunted looking hotel. We set off early for Halong city where we intended to catch the last boat to halong bay at 1400hours. Noticed the rear tire was losing pressure but couldn't find any culprits. Rode on and was very obvious the tire pressure was not right. Frequent checks didn't lead to anything.

 

162930_487913717551_676382551_5700689_1857366_n.jpg

 

163112_489531282551_676382551_5734045_4802518_n.jpg

 

36272_487922492551_676382551_5700852_4663170_n.jpg

 

36272_487922502551_676382551_5700853_7015436_n.jpg

 

The tires are losing some air.

 

163005_487923417551_676382551_5700862_1307824_n.jpg

 

168482_487925117551_676382551_5700870_2568092_n.jpg

 

165641_489535527551_676382551_5734181_7280250_n.jpg

 

The baguette is crunchy when hot.

 

166489_487929302551_676382551_5700938_7651036_n.jpg

 

164752_487933102551_676382551_5700977_139709_n.jpg

 

Entering Halong town

 

Link to comment

167968_488146792551_676382551_5704978_6960739_n.jpg

 

164752_487933107551_676382551_5700978_3049225_n.jpg

 

165641_489535547551_676382551_5734184_2960872_n.jpg

 

Setting off to Halong Bay on our private boat. Costs USD$65 each with sea food lunch and entrance to two caves. Total time spent was 3 hours.

 

164752_487933117551_676382551_5700980_4085772_n.jpg

 

164752_487933122551_676382551_5700981_5318536_n.jpg

 

163812_487934657551_676382551_5701019_1097086_n.jpg

 

167893_487953782551_676382551_5701265_4104485_n.jpg

 

168032_487956262551_676382551_5701279_4553222_n.jpg

 

165097_487957732551_676382551_5701313_160126_n.jpg

 

168372_489553777551_676382551_5734635_7083366_n.jpg

 

165710_488144412551_676382551_5704906_5204925_n.jpg

 

Halong Bay, being one of nature's wonders of the world is swarmed with many tourists, thus being an expensive place. Quite a turn off but those limestones are magic.

 

Day 11 Halong - Yen Bai, 250km

 

We decided to put on our thermals from here on. From Halong, we rode to Bac Ninh to meet our Northern guide. He will then take us for our homestay in Yen Bai with one of the minority ethnic. Warm up the bike to see the floor full of fluid. Discovered that the front left fork seal was broken. Decided to continue.

 

168418_488163657551_676382551_5705205_1324196_n.jpg

 

168418_488163667551_676382551_5705207_4890128_n.jpg

 

165759_488166772551_676382551_5705231_6827585_n.jpg

 

Our Northern guide. He's got quite a bit of character.

 

168503_488170887551_676382551_5705282_5152980_n.jpg

 

The bulls get bigger and more grouchy.

 

164775_488174902551_676382551_5705322_2213704_n.jpg

 

164775_488174892551_676382551_5705320_4252930_n.jpg

 

164849_488185812551_676382551_5705388_59213_n.jpg

 

164775_488174907551_676382551_5705323_2636065_n.jpg

 

164775_488174912551_676382551_5705324_2419401_n.jpg

 

166567_488192477551_676382551_5705446_480333_n.jpg

 

165644_488201062551_676382551_5705560_1023822_n.jpg

 

162788_488201792551_676382551_5705576_4742074_n.jpg

 

165761_488201982551_676382551_5705581_1402240_n.jpg

 

Day 12 Yen Bai - Sapa, 280km

 

Leaving the home stay, we took some of the best twisties in Vietnam to the top of the mountain of Sapa. Weather was unforgiving but the interesting life of the tribe along the hills was an eye opener.

 

163632_488207797551_676382551_5705719_2954972_n.jpg

 

165774_488204032551_676382551_5705615_1921938_n.jpg

 

The 3rd one one my rear tire. This was spotted by one of the son from the host after days of failing to spot it. The tire went completely flat and initially I was contemplating to tow the bike to Hanoi instead. Got it fixed and continued with the ride. I was glad I didn't miss Sapa.

 

163082_488209652551_676382551_5705744_1222517_n.jpg

 

167142_489561337551_676382551_5734796_2807912_n.jpg

 

165590_489572257551_676382551_5734993_981515_n.jpg

 

The road to Sapa

 

167482_488223842551_676382551_5706326_4981098_n.jpg

 

168103_488227342551_676382551_5706390_833841_n.jpg

 

168083_488227662551_676382551_5706395_2138633_n.jpg

 

163850_488231612551_676382551_5706444_4335131_n.jpg

 

Road block. Fallen tree.

 

168775_488231772551_676382551_5706445_4287837_n.jpg

 

165590_489572267551_676382551_5734995_6752441_n.jpg

 

168237_488234052551_676382551_5706472_7915273_n.jpg

 

165590_489572277551_676382551_5734996_6593611_n.jpg

 

165590_489572282551_676382551_5734997_4121898_n.jpg

 

167357_488235757551_676382551_5706529_564584_n.jpg

 

167884_488236932551_676382551_5706582_5789674_n.jpg

 

35611_488237202551_676382551_5706587_798515_n.jpg

 

China border.

 

163887_488233867551_676382551_5706467_1999885_n.jpg

 

164013_488306072551_676382551_5707739_4424803_n.jpg

 

165150_488307472551_676382551_5707743_4618604_n.jpg

 

166143_488307697551_676382551_5707744_1963325_n.jpg

 

168600_488313007551_676382551_5707786_3485459_n.jpg

 

168600_488313017551_676382551_5707788_7598690_n.jpg

 

168600_488313022551_676382551_5707789_1786874_n.jpg

 

165528_488318972551_676382551_5707833_7837081_n.jpg

 

Link to comment

Arriving Sapa

 

163163_488321722551_676382551_5707850_4242484_n.jpg

 

166682_488317872551_676382551_5707812_3038888_n.jpg

 

168778_488326357551_676382551_5707877_620840_n.jpg

 

166325_488330982551_676382551_5707942_1225450_n.jpg

 

166572_488332187551_676382551_5707962_4469316_n.jpg

 

167203_488334302551_676382551_5707994_332064_n.jpg

 

166325_488330992551_676382551_5707943_3579949_n.jpg

 

167203_488334297551_676382551_5707993_1525778_n.jpg

 

167203_488334317551_676382551_5707997_7752772_n.jpg

 

Personal parking.

 

Day 13 Sapa - Hanoi, 370km

 

Finally, heading back South for the capital city of Hanoi. The Fazer was having coolant leakage problem and we couln't find any suitable bike shop to rectify this. We decided to constantly top up until we reach Hanoi.

 

167203_488334307551_676382551_5707995_1393604_n.jpg

 

167203_488334312551_676382551_5707996_1569242_n.jpg

 

165394_488334912551_676382551_5708000_770210_n.jpg

 

165309_488337172551_676382551_5708013_7839554_n.jpg

 

165309_488337187551_676382551_5708016_4817084_n.jpg

 

167593_489945017551_676382551_5742811_7126527_n.jpg

 

164311_488367492551_676382551_5708360_7366129_n.jpg

 

167170_488379497551_676382551_5708651_5195579_n.jpg

 

163910_488383017551_676382551_5708732_1265022_n.jpg

 

168455_489973237551_676382551_5743118_7224577_n.jpg

 

167931_488397807551_676382551_5708904_392299_n.jpg

 

167768_489974157551_676382551_5743128_1936307_n.jpg

 

The road back down was super due to the absence of rain. It was fun seeing the FZ1 gliding through the curves and inviting corners. The super highway into Hanoi was crowded but the traffic not as bad as Saigon. Checked in and headed for a restaurant recommended by HRC Saigon ambassador.

 

163037_488450357551_676382551_5709541_2536892_n.jpg

 

163892_488412972551_676382551_5709122_2810605_n.jpg

 

167363_488413997551_676382551_5709125_2299507_n.jpg

 

Day 14 Hanoi

 

Got the Fazer to check into a mechanic to rectify the leak problem. Visited Dong Xuan market for some bargains. Got some Vietnamese coffee and North Face jacket there. Afternoon was spent walking around the old French quarters.

 

165069_488414767551_676382551_5709128_2835907_n.jpg

 

163114_488419302551_676382551_5709167_5905798_n.jpg

 

163779_489976922551_676382551_5743152_5838352_n.jpg

 

163779_489976917551_676382551_5743151_3274333_n.jpg

 

The owner of this is a brother of one of the ACE MotoSaigon members. He showed up early at the hotel to bring the Fazer to the mechanic shop.

 

163779_489976927551_676382551_5743153_4865746_n.jpg

 

163114_488419317551_676382551_5709170_19924_n.jpg

 

Fabrication of gasket plus flushing the coolant system and fresh top only costs him USD$5. And he gets to hop on this too.

 

163114_488419322551_676382551_5709171_1463375_n.jpg

 

163114_488419307551_676382551_5709168_2016850_n.jpg

 

Then a walk to Dong Xuan market.

 

168067_488424877551_676382551_5709219_4293949_n.jpg

 

165161_488429277551_676382551_5709286_7742867_n.jpg

 

167371_488432407551_676382551_5709345_4476303_n.jpg

 

168491_488438657551_676382551_5709424_108018_n.jpg

 

163679_489982707551_676382551_5743180_583741_n.jpg

 

168491_488438667551_676382551_5709426_2603516_n.jpg

 

168491_488438672551_676382551_5709427_8193525_n.jpg

 

168491_488438677551_676382551_5709428_3702937_n.jpg

 

163679_489982727551_676382551_5743183_3309721_n.jpg

 

166427_488448232551_676382551_5709508_3487317_n.jpg

 

The bike was begging for a body scrub. USD$1.50 per bike. Where to findddd.

 

164302_488447607551_676382551_5709499_958117_n.jpg

 

163455_489978462551_676382551_5743164_7926458_n.jpg

 

I find Hanoi is interesting by night. The people there love to dress up, maybe because it's the cold season and you'll find roadsides strewn with people with all walks of life just hanging out. The massage in Hanoi was worth every dollar spent. Next stop, Vinh.

 

Link to comment

Day 15 Hanoi - Vinh, 300km.

 

Wife left to catch the morning flight to Singapore carrying with her half the luggage i brought from home. This is the longest time she has left the kids behind for so long. But we have made substantial arrangements to ensure they are constantly occupied.

 

The day's ride was to head south for town of Vinh. This time we ventured into Ho Chin Minh highway which offers far better riding conditions. This time there was almost non bus drivers, less cars, less road users. The tarmac was in good condition. This road also connects from South to North and my judgement will be that it will take lesser time from Saigon to Hanoi if you use this path. The view was no less spectacular either. Later part of the ride, the guide decided to venture through minor village road for shorter distance. And we were glad he did. We were exposed to daily normal routine of the Vietnamese villagers. Stopped by a place for a drink and was greeted with pleasant hospitality from them.

 

163429_488466772551_676382551_5709859_6238442_n.jpg

 

Leaving Hanoi

 

168657_488469182551_676382551_5709889_3809407_n.jpg

 

165592_490857457551_676382551_5757545_6604187_n.jpg

 

168480_488469437551_676382551_5709893_40481_n.jpg

 

163622_488469667551_676382551_5709897_5824887_n.jpg

 

163801_488511522551_676382551_5710531_3522792_n.jpg

 

163434_490858897551_676382551_5757568_4578457_n.jpg

 

166324_490832182551_676382551_5757024_2907813_n.jpg

 

162680_488511957551_676382551_5710539_4731272_n.jpg

 

163857_490859537551_676382551_5757582_4850701_n.jpg

 

167175_490832937551_676382551_5757035_3579037_n.jpg

 

Last night in Vietnam

 

Day 15 Hanoi - Vinh, 300km.

 

Wife left to catch the morning flight to Singapore carrying with her half the luggage i brought from home. This is the longest time she has left the kids behind for so long. But we have made substantial arrangements to ensure they are constantly occupied.

 

The day's ride was to head south for town of Vinh. This time we ventured into Ho Chin Minh highway which offers far better riding conditions. This time there was almost non bus drivers, less cars, less road users. The tarmac was in good condition. This road also connects from South to North and my judgement will be that it will take lesser time from Saigon to Hanoi if you use this path. The view was no less spectacular either. Later part of the ride, the guide decided to venture through minor village road for shorter distance. And we were glad he did. We were exposed to daily normal routine of the Vietnamese villagers. Stopped by a place for a drink and was greeted with pleasant hospitality from them.

 

163429_488466772551_676382551_5709859_6238442_n.jpg

 

Leaving Hanoi

 

168657_488469182551_676382551_5709889_3809407_n.jpg

 

165592_490857457551_676382551_5757545_6604187_n.jpg

 

168480_488469437551_676382551_5709893_40481_n.jpg

 

163622_488469667551_676382551_5709897_5824887_n.jpg

 

163801_488511522551_676382551_5710531_3522792_n.jpg

 

163434_490858897551_676382551_5757568_4578457_n.jpg

 

166324_490832182551_676382551_5757024_2907813_n.jpg

 

162680_488511957551_676382551_5710539_4731272_n.jpg

 

163857_490859537551_676382551_5757582_4850701_n.jpg

 

167175_490832937551_676382551_5757035_3579037_n.jpg

 

Last night in Vietnam

 

Day 16 Vinh - Vientianne, 467km

 

Woke up early knowing that any hold ups at the border will drag until dusk. How right we were. The border of Cau Treo, Vietnam - Nam Phao, Laos is situated on top of a mountain with some nice twisties to it. The road to Pak Kading from Laos boundaries was really breathtaking. But with 150km to Vietianne, the dusk settled and I really hated riding at night.

 

167424_488511012551_676382551_5710522_3440203_n.jpg

 

Morning in Vinh

 

167961_488542657551_676382551_5711107_6624711_n.jpg

 

Hit and Run incident.

 

167698_490837802551_676382551_5757127_333924_n.jpg

 

166410_490872772551_676382551_5757733_6737373_n.jpg

 

Aren't they cute.

 

168145_488514897551_676382551_5710569_666226_n.jpg

 

168409_490876602551_676382551_5757798_5356650_n.jpg

 

164136_490876062551_676382551_5757787_180395_n.jpg

 

It's really worth admiring.

 

167698_490837817551_676382551_5757130_1833012_n.jpg

 

Cau Treo border, covered in clouds.

 

168069_488515122551_676382551_5710570_2094485_n.jpg

 

167879_488515312551_676382551_5710571_87164_n.jpg

 

168299_488515502551_676382551_5710574_5595593_n.jpg

 

So long Vietnam.

 

168381_490840507551_676382551_5757172_1576199_n.jpg

 

168304_488522777551_676382551_5710701_7831821_n.jpg

 

168304_488522797551_676382551_5710705_6869308_n.jpg

 

Nam Phao boundary post.

 

162626_490844897551_676382551_5757262_8361661_n.jpg

 

We spent 2 hours here because the staff has gone for lunch. And we arrived at 1130hours. What luck.

 

168304_488522787551_676382551_5710703_371056_n.jpg

 

168304_488522792551_676382551_5710704_7949740_n.jpg

 

168723_488541522551_676382551_5711068_2899939_n.jpg

 

164393_488541987551_676382551_5711082_2221488_n.jpg

 

162626_490844907551_676382551_5757264_1206126_n.jpg

 

Laos, in my opinion has got one of the most spectacular landscape in South East Asia. Very impressive.

 

33803_488542862551_676382551_5711112_5295601_n.jpg

 

162626_490844912551_676382551_5757265_7940855_n.jpg

 

162936_488543297551_676382551_5711119_5177363_n.jpg

 

163729_490869967551_676382551_5757693_1307422_n.jpg

 

164531_488541147551_676382551_5711057_3242152_n.jpg

 

162756_490884832551_676382551_5757834_2519712_n.jpg

 

Accident between a Thai trailer and a Laos SUV. 1 hour hold up. We knew reaching Vientianne before dark is impossible.

167658_488546557551_676382551_5711184_5303092_n.jpg

 

 

165792_488547262551_676382551_5711207_7446744_n.jpg

 

Link to comment

162756_490884847551_676382551_5757837_5894160_n.jpg

 

164339_488548982551_676382551_5711231_2008116_n.jpg

 

The tarmac in Laos is certainly much better than Vietnam.

 

168631_490891302551_676382551_5757871_6243682_n.jpg

 

162756_490884852551_676382551_5757838_2382909_n.jpg

 

164117_488549817551_676382551_5711236_4439061_n.jpg

 

As expected, arrived Vientianne at night.

 

165555_490891907551_676382551_5757880_2052086_n.jpg

 

Dinner by the Mekong

 

167420_490848737551_676382551_5757388_5014755_n.jpg

 

168098_488731502551_676382551_5714104_6177089_n.jpg

 

Broken fork seal. Can't wait to get to Bangkok to fix it.

 

 

Day 18 Vientianne - Bangkok, 640km

 

Agenda was to get to Bangkok and get my fork seal replaced. Was realistic that we couldn't get to Bangkok before they closes. Even if we do, they won't be able to get it done immediately and the next day being Sunday, I know i have to spend more days in Bangkok.

 

165678_488731637551_676382551_5714107_7137663_n.jpg

 

167451_490892927551_676382551_5757895_2017270_n.jpg

 

163615_490896897551_676382551_5757951_4520197_n.jpg

 

164349_488731752551_676382551_5714113_1817715_n.jpg

 

35593_488731852551_676382551_5714117_7166497_n.jpg

 

168422_490849412551_676382551_5757415_6826121_n.jpg

 

168405_488731972551_676382551_5714119_6755334_n.jpg

 

167068_490897492551_676382551_5757958_3677430_n.jpg

 

162955_488733842551_676382551_5714154_3615745_n.jpg

 

Time for some luxury. Checked in Asia Hotel. The next few days in Bangkok were spent doing some shopping, good food and good massage. Got the bike into Barcelona Motors to get the fork seal done. But not in time to catch the train to Hatyai. So left me all alone for another night in Bangkok.

 

164696_488733992551_676382551_5714159_6021990_n.jpg

 

167612_490899192551_676382551_5757970_4627198_n.jpg

 

166856_490890572551_676382551_5757862_3825921_n.jpg

 

167707_490899627551_676382551_5757974_6946363_n.jpg

 

167350_490898002551_676382551_5757960_2072264_n.jpg

 

All tickets are fully booked. Want 3 black market tickets?? Look for Phoe. Not the same price tho.

 

167483_488734237551_676382551_5714162_3484186_n.jpg

 

163042_488738197551_676382551_5714263_1877928_n.jpg

 

After sending them off to train station, back to Barcelona Motors to pick up the bike.

 

166430_488738302551_676382551_5714266_4497587_n.jpg

 

Probably the next one.

 

168664_488733682551_676382551_5714153_4350027_n.jpg

 

That's mine. No hiccups. Train left as per schedule.

 

168057_488737972551_676382551_5714256_2696946_n.jpg

 

167229_488737667551_676382551_5714247_4357145_n.jpg

 

Day 22 Hatyai - Singapore

 

167415_488741272551_676382551_5714374_527874_n.jpg

 

165275_488741412551_676382551_5714382_3416171_n.jpg

 

Arrived in Hatyai with heavy rain. Contemplated whether to stay a night in Hatyai. Dragged myself out and made my way to the border. All the way raining up till Dengkil Highway.

 

165221_488740812551_676382551_5714352_827853_n.jpg

 

And was screaming with joy when I finally arrived here.

 

167588_490853402551_676382551_5757480_6652992_n.jpg

 

A total of 6900km of riding from Singapore to Hanoi and back. Plus another 1890km spend on board of train.

 

3 riders and my wife as my pillion. She joined me in HCM and flew back from Hanoi.

 

Routes taken

 

Singapore-Hatyai

Hatyai-Bangkok

Bangkok- Battambang

Battambang-Bavet

Bavet-Saigon

Saigon-Nha Trang

Nha Trang-Hoi An

Hoi An - Hue

Hue-Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa-Halong

Halong-Yen Bai

Yen Bai-Sapa

Sapa-Hanoi

Hanoi-Vinh

Vinh-Vientianne

Vientianne-Bangkok

Bangkok-Hatyai

Hatyai-Singapore

 

It is the Vietnamese authorities requirement for any foreign vehicles entering Vietnam to get a local guide tagged along. If you show up at their borders without any arrangements, you will be turned away. Just like China. The Southern guide only brings us from Saigon to Nha Trang. From there, we were on our own for 5 days until the Northern guide catched up with us in Yen Bai. No escort vehicles, just the guide on the back of our bikes. Riding in big cities of Saigon and Hanoi, you'll face with volume problems but riding on their National Highway, you risked being pushed out of the road by big bullies. Some minor problems like broken fork seal, coolant problem, cosmetic damages, hit and run in Vinh, haunted looking accomodation in Thanh Hoa, raging bulls and parking problem in Halong.

 

But with sweet memories, being able to witness the daily life of normal Vietnamese, their cultures, awesome sceneries, good Pho, children smiling and making many friends, the trip will be one difficult to forget.

 

Link to comment
BeniciaRT_GT

Simply amazing! I know ow much work it is to post a ride tail that big and I can't express how grateful I am that you went to the trouble! Yet another place I now feel even more yearning to visit!

 

Thanks for posting an amazing trip!

Link to comment

quite amazing and captivating from a readers standpoint. the logistics alone are incredible.

 

makes travel at home seem insignificant.

 

 

Link to comment
Wow, what a trip!! Thanks for sharing. You might have the record for the number of pics posted on a Ride Tale.

 

+ 1....

 

Again Thanks for sharing....

Link to comment

Amazing voyage--thanks for putting all this together.

 

Nice to see Colonel Bucket's Chicken Blasphemy is alive and well in VN.

 

Um..what was in those pipes yall were smoking..?

Link to comment
Amazing voyage--thanks for putting all this together.

 

Nice to see Colonel Bucket's Chicken Blasphemy is alive and well in VN.

 

Um..what was in those pipes yall were smoking..?

 

That's Vietnamese traditional way of smoking tobacco ...

 

And sorry if those pictures are too much

 

 

Link to comment

Outstanding!

 

No, pictures aren't too much, I just brought my dinner to the computer.

 

Was language a problem?

 

Thanks again,

 

MB>

Link to comment
Outstanding!

 

Was language a problem?

 

MB>

 

On big cities, no. But on those remote places, language was certainly a big barrier up to a point that it can cause frustration on both sides. But still manageable. Hand signals was the way to go ...

Link to comment
Thanks for the report! Also great to see a non-GS BMW on a big adventure trip!

 

Russ

 

Russ

 

There were times when I thought a GS would have done much better. Especially when travelling on gravels, potholes and mud. But it did not occur too often. We took the route where I find that the GS wouldn't have done much better either.

 

I'm starting to love this beast more and more. It has brought me to exotic places.

 

The only regret was, I should have invested in a better camera. Any suggestions?

Link to comment

Awesome simply awesome, thanks for sharing. Yet another destination to add to the ever growing list of moto adventures.

especially enjoy photo of the harley hauler.

harleyhauler.jpg:rofl:

Link to comment
Poster: mbelectric

Subject: Re: Dec 2010.Indo China Expedition. Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand-Cambodia-La

 

Outstanding!

 

No, pictures aren't too much, I just brought my dinner to the computer.

 

I agree. I've gone through the pictures 3 or 4 times already. Each time I pick up something new.

 

What did you use for a tire plug kit? Did you have any trouble finding fuel?

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...