Road Trips & Motorbike Tours in Southeast Asia
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Road Trips & Motorbike Tours – There are so many fantastic road trips and tours in southeast asia, here are my tips, favourite destinations and travel guides
Using a motorbike is probably the most cost effiecient way of touring around Southeast Asia.
When I first started venturing off the beaten track locations in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, I quickly figured out that instead of relying on unreliable and time consuming local transport, the best way of getting about was to rent a motorbike for a few days. That way you can set your own schedule and timings.
The way I do it is to use a particular location as a base, then rent a motorbike in that location, and make single day tours, or extended trips from that base. In certain locations around Southeast Asia, motorbike loop tours are a popular way of seeing larger areas of a region. This is normally a 3 – 4 day scenario where you’d rent a motorbike at a base location (start point), then do an extended tour which takes in several sightseeing attractions, on a circuit which eventually brings you back to the start point. A good example of this is the HA GIANG MOTORBIKE LOOP in Northern Vietnam.
Megaworld Asia’s Top 5 Road Trips / Destinations
These are my top 5 Road Trips in Southeast Asia, trips that I have personally taken by motorbike. Below you will find my own youtube videos following me on some of my favourite loops. There are also road trip travel guides below for you to download and keep with lots of valuable information including, maps, tips, suggested hotels and more so you can start planning your own road trip.
The THAKHEK LOOP, Laos
The BOLAVEN LOOP, Laos
The HA GIANG LOOP, Vietnam
The MAE HONG SON LOOP, Thailand
The PREAH VIHEAR LOOP, Cambodia
Megaworld Asia’s Tips, Must Haves & Recommended Equipment for Motorbike Tours & Road Trips
Recommended equipment:
Waterproof poncho – incase of wet weather.
Solid footwear – to protect the feet and for riding over rough terrain.
Water bottle, compression shirt and a cargo pants.
A good quality helmet – head protection is especially essential for inexperienced riders.
Polarised sunglasses – the road glare is intense in Southeast Asia in the dry season.
Shin guards, elbow guards, and gloves – extra level of protection for inexperienced riders.
Medium sized backpack – for storing essential items on extended trips.
A local sim card with a data plan – some remote areas don’t have readily available wifi.
A headlamp – if you’re still on the road at night and there’s no street lighting.
Dust masks – some areas of Laos (dirt roads) have choking levels of dust during the dry season.
A strong lock – some remote areas of Laos are prone to motorbike theft. Always lock the wheels when the bike is left unattended.
A basic first aid kit which includes band aids, bandages, cotton buds, and betadine for dealing with gravel rash.
Best Times Of Year To Go Motorbike Touring In Asia
Northern Vietnam – October and November. It’s the end of the rainy season. The roads are dry and there’s less risk of an accident.
Laos – November to February. It’s the dry season. The sealed roads are dry and the dirt roads are free of mud.
Northern Thailand – November to February. It’s the dry season. The roads are dry and there’s less risk of an accident.
Waterproof Poncho
Hiking boots
High Quality Helmet
Polarised sunglasses
Shin Guards
Elbow Guards
Dry bag backpack
Dust Mask
First aid kit
Strong Security Lock
Rechargeable Headlamp
Caving gloves
Compression Shirt
Water Bottle
Hiking Longs Cargo
Downloadable Road Trip Guides for Southeast Asia
I’ve written many travel guides specifically for some of my favourite loops and destinations in Southeast Asia following my own personal road trips, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Myanmay. The Interactive PDF guides below contain lots of info to enable you to plan your trip including direct links to google maps, travel and accommodation, activities, videos and more.
Please enjoy them and I hope they help make your road trips and tours even more satisfying.
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NEW Laos – Vang Vieng & Vientiane
$3.00 -
NEW Laos – Luang Prabang
$3.00 -
NEW Vietnam – Vung Tau
$3.00 -
NEW Singapore – WW2 Historical Sites
$3.00 -
NEW Laos – Attapeu Loop
$3.00 -
NEW Cambodia – Ancient Khmer Ruins
$3.00 -
Myanmar – The Mandalay Loop
$3.00 -
Vietnam – Ha Giang Loop
$3.00 -
Laos – Thakhek Loop
$3.00 -
Laos – The Pakse Loop
$3.00 -
Cambodia – Preah Vihear Province
$3.00 -
Thailand – Mae Hong Son Loop
$3.00
Megaworld Asia’s Road Trips & Motorbike Tours Do’s & Don’ts
Here’s a few tips I have picked up along the way…
Do hire an off road bike (manual gears): If you’re an experienced rider, off road bikes provide better ground clearance and increased stability on rough roads.
Do have travel insurance: Have a policy which includes motorbike accident coverage.
Do have a general plan: Additionally, before setting out, inform someone of when you expect to be back.
Do go on an organised tour: Use locaL guides if you’re an inexperienced rider, or going into an area you’re not familiar with.
Don’t rent a bike with a capacity over your experience level: To avoid potential for an accident.
Don’t set out without a helmet: To avoid the potential for head injuries in the event of an accident.
Will I need a guide?
If you’re an experienced rider and traveller, no. For inexperienced riders, try to go with a group of people, or on a guided tour.
Are there entrance fees?
There can be entrance fees for the various sightseeing attractions enroute.
Will internet / phone service be available?
In remote areas, possibly not. To avoid issues with local wifi (Guesthouses) buy a local SIM with a data plan.
What type of supplies should I take?
For a single day trip: Drinking water, and snacks such as biscuits and chocolate bars. Something which is high energy but lightweight.
For extended trips (overnight): The trek tour companies will provide food and drinking water. However, you can still take the high energy snacks mentioned above.
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