It is about the feeling of total freedom, of really immersing yourself in the scenery around you, about the sun warming your face, a cool breeze blowing through your hair and all those kind people you meet on the road. It is one of the best ways to really explore a place and we can recommend everyone to at least give it a try. Here is the reasons why
1. You are in the scene
The difference with motorbike travel and all other forms is that you are in the scene, rather than being a passive watcher through a window. When you ride a bus, a jeep or a van, you are confined to this little space, almost like in a cage looking outside from the inside. When you are riding a motorbike, you are right there, in the middle of it all. You become part of the whole picture; you are not only passing by.
2. Freedom and Flexibility
The freedom of traveling by motorbike is unmatched. You can do whatever you want and you are not confined to anyone’s schedule but your own. You can just take that interesting side road you just passed, you can have a snack at that unique road stop which you’d otherwise whip right past or stop to say hello to that group of smiling children who have been happily waving at you. You can eat where and when you want, you can stop as often as you want and you can pee when you want to pee. Once you have arrived at your destination or overnight stop, you can easily go and explore that new town and its surroundings on your own.
3. The views
The vantage point from a motorbike gives an unobstructed 180 degree view wherever you go. You can see the road in front of you and the beautiful scenery to your left and right. The view through the window of a bus or train just doesn’t compare to this.
4. Take better photos
Everyone probably knows this situation. You are riding on a bus and you pass this amazing photo opportunity – a crystal clear lake, a gushing river or an incredible viewpoint on top of high road pass. You are trying to snap some shots out of the window, feeling already lucky if you can open the window. If you are on a bike, you can just stop, get off, take out your gear and take your sweet time to get that amazing photograph your friends will later talk about.
5. Getting off the beaten track
As you might know by now, almost riders love venturing off the beaten track. Traveling by motorbike makes this very easy. You will pass side roads which you can go down, you will spot signs pointing to an interesting site not mentioned in your guide book or you will pass interesting little villages where you can just hang out a bit. Some of the best off the beaten track experiences were only made possible because you are traveling by motorbike.
6. Meet the locals
Traveling by motorbike enables you to interact with locals. You can ask for directions, chat with people at a local road stop or you might even get stranded at a local repair shop because of a flat tire. That actually happened to any one countless times. You will also be able to observe how people go about their daily lives. I have seen peasants farming their fields, roamed around busy markets or coffee farmers drying their produce on the side of the road. Traveling by motorbike will give you the chance to really immerse yourself into the local cultures.
7. It’s cheap
Taking a guided motorbike with the typical 125cc bikes, found everywhere around Vietnam is usually from 115US$ per day plus gasoline. I think that’s a good deal for all the benefits that come with it. If you ride in groups, even better, the more the merrier. The money on motorbike tours is usually always worth it.
8. Explore and discover
Traveling by motorbike enables you to discover places which you most probably would have missed otherwise. Tour buses mostly visit the well-established sites and also stick to the main paths. With a bike you are free to roam around and you can visit those lesser known places that no tour company will head for. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden gem that no one else has ever been to.
9. Adventure Experiences
Traveling by motorbike is all about the adventure. You will sometimes have to sort out a lot more things on your own. You have to find your guide in the busy traffic or in the dark, you might get lost or you might end up with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Unluckily the engine is broken down. But it never posed a real problem that I couldn’t fix. And in the end, it will make you end up with many colorful tales to tell when you’re done. As I always say, adventure might be just around the corner. And by motorbike, it is a lot easier to discover.
10. Indochina Motorbike Tours for those riding in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
Just read what the previous riders reviewed:
A word about risks
Motor biking can be dangerous, especially if you are very inexperienced. But if you act smart, don’t push too hard and use common sense, then you can minimize the risk.
And if you want to find any crossing border motorbike tour in between Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia, please visit at Cross-Border Motorbike Tours
