Comments on: The Motorbike Diaries – Vol. 8

By: admin

admin — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:10:45 +0000

Thanks Leo! I could have used you a year ago!!! I actually lived there from 2008 to end 2009. I can imagine how much it has changed in a year since I left! I actually miss my motorbike quite a bit….and of course the food!

By: Leo

Leo — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:09:15 +0000

Hi if your new to Vietnam and need some advice or help with anything please email me, I know what its like to be new in a foriegn country with laws that are so unpredictable!
I live in Ho Chi Minh city.
you can email me at allvintagecollections@gmail.com

Leo

By: Chinh

Chinh — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:38:07 +0000

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am vacationing here in Bien Hoa and today was my second time riding a bike. My wrists still hurt I guess from holding the handlebars the wrong way. I think I will keep to small streets this time around. Still too scared to go out onto the major roads. I agree about the curb thing… it’s very easy to throttle too much and end up in somebody’s shop.

By: ian

ian — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:54:12 +0000

hi,I like your blog, it says everything i want to say about riding a scooter in hcmc, but more eloquently than I can put it.
It’s crazy (compared to what we know) but it works, somehow it just works well. The only negative thing I think is the stench of 2 stroke fuel and the headache it gives you if yo spend too long in the traffic!
I have gone through the whole getting a licence thing alone, with only google translate pre written questions to get me by, taken 3 days and many taxis and photocopying and visits to “departments” but I finally have a test booked and will get my licence shortly after that assuming i pass!
I heard plenty stories about bribes and impounded bikes, I do use my scooter low key, but waiting till I am ligit to use everywhere, then I will enjoy being pulled over and producoing all the right docs which they wont expect!
good luck, if ur still in hcmc, feel free to give me a shout, I just arrived, planning 2 yrs here, just about to start vietnamese lessons, need few more people, its Ian – ianrburl@gmail.com

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:49:29 +0000

Hi, I am new to VN & am very keen to get a proper licence & be on the road ASAP. I’m kind of clueless where to start …suggestion?

By: Brian Bowling

Brian Bowling — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:03:04 +0000

Yes thats true. Its all about bribes here. I learned that on my first trip here. Anything to do with the government or police is all about giving them some money. You try to do that back home in america and they will arrest you on the spot. Different world here with different rules. You are a brave person Sherry. Out there driving in that madness. I think I will probably cause an accident because I like to stop at red lights, and signal before I turn, and stop and check before I just pull out onto the street. But not here boy. That can get you killed. Hang in there.

By: admin

admin — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:14:19 +0000

It took about 4 to 5 weeks – and it was all ‘under the table’. If you don’t get a license – just be prepared that they may take your motorbike and impound it for a month – or you may be ‘forced’ to pay a bribe…it’s all a gamble!

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:40:16 +0000

How long did it take to get a license? I’m in Saigon for the summer but not sure it’s worth the hassle. I’m bummed. Never before when I was here was the topic of a license even discussed.

By: Carlye

Carlye — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:01:12 +0000

I’m so proud of you, Sherry! Next stop – driving the wrong way on your street to avoid having to go around the block!

By: Jenjen Furer

Jenjen Furer — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:28 +0000

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By: Colin

Colin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:11:01 +0000

the main reason I even moved here is the motorbike driving, I just find it so invigorating, it makes every day seem fresh and makes me feel alive, I just bought my first bike, the Honda Click 2008, it was expensive, but omg, it is so amazing, I just love riding, but I am 26 year old boy, so I tend to drive way too fast and reckless :~)

my advice is always just take it like a school of fish, never make any abrupt moves and you’ll always be fine, and just trust that you can always make the turn, people don’t want to hit you, they’ll stop, I have had to make tough left hand turns with cement trucks coming from one side and cars from the other, but as long as you flow, just trust, it will always work out, seriously, the traffic just flows so great here, everyone just has no road rage, and like you said, just pay attention to your front and you’re fine

By: Dad

Dad — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:55:52 +0000

This sounds a little different than going around on our Koerner Rd. driveway like you use to do when you were first learning the bike, maybe about 4 or 5 years old. All of that practice must have got you ready for this motorbikeing. Good luck and keep it upright!!

Dad

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:30:10 +0000

Sherry I am SO Proud of you! I cannot imagine driving a motorbike in Vietnam – crossing the street was terrifying in itself!

I was at a nail salon last week. I always tell the manicurist (invariably Vietnamese) that I’ve been to Vietnam. After they get over their disapointment that I’ve “only” been to Hanoi and not Saigon they are happy to meet a Westerner that knows a little about their country. I told her about you and that you were learning to ride a motorbike. She was VERY impressed. She was like me; it was enough just to cross the street!

–Lynn