Buzz
When embarking on an adventurous journey, in addition to exploring famous tourist spots in major cities, many young Vietnamese also spend time wandering on the windy roads of the Northern mountainous provinces on scooters.
If you're interested in this type of travel, let's explore the following tips!
Reasons to Choose a Scooter as Your Mode of Transportation
Scooters are considered the best and most convenient means of transportation in various terrains, making them an ideal choice for traveling to mountainous areas. Choosing a scooter for your journey allows you to take control of your itinerary. With a scooter, you have the freedom to go anywhere you like. You can stop anytime on the road to relax and take photos, instead of relying on the travel itinerary provided by tour guides. Riding a scooter brings you closer to the fresh natural air of the mountains, and most importantly, you will never fear motion sickness.
If you travel by car, you may waste time sleeping on uncomfortable passenger seats with stuffy air, not to mention the possibility of getting tired due to the bumpy ride uphill. Meanwhile, riding a scooter allows you to fully experience every mile of your journey. Moreover, you can travel on any type of terrain, and scooters are easy to repair if unfortunately, they break down along the way.
Choosing the Right Bike and Departure Time
Motorcycles with engines around 100cc or gear bikes are suitable for the traffic conditions in the Northern mountainous region. The key criteria for choosing these types of bikes are strong engines, fuel efficiency, and easy maneuverability.
Weather is a crucial factor when planning a motorcycle trip. The best time to conquer the Northern mountainous routes is from late September to early December or after the Lunar New Year. During this period, there is usually less rain, and the temperature is pleasantly cool. If you travel at other times, you may encounter spring rains and summer heat, impacting your health and safety.
Essential Items You Need to Prepare
There are basic items everyone must prepare when traveling to remote places, such as clothing, footwear, personal hygiene items, maps, contact information, and a medical kit. However, traveling on a scooter requires additional preparations. Firstly, ensure you have a good-quality helmet and a motorcycle repair kit. Also, equip yourself with basic mechanical skills, especially in engine repair. Remember to carry a spare spark plug for replacement whenever needed. Before the journey, take your scooter for warranty service, check the entire system, change the oil, inspect the tires, brakes, mirrors, and horn. Additionally, gather information about gas stations along the route.
On the Move
Traveling in a Group of Scooters
For a better experience, it's recommended to travel in a group of two to three scooters, led by experienced guides. All members should agree on following the same route to avoid any lost vehicles. Riding side by side and chatting while driving should be avoided. If necessary, stop the scooters to have a conversation and exchange thoughts.
Key Points to Remember
• Avoid riding when feeling tired or sleepy.
• Absolutely avoid driving after consuming alcohol.
• Refrain from excessive speeding and sudden stops without prior notice.
• Exercise careful observation and pay attention to traffic road signs.
• Remember to carry personal documents, driver's license, etc., in case of unexpected police checks.
• Be cautious when crossing streams; ensure water depth before crossing.
• Respect the cultures of ethnic minorities.
• Protect the environment, and always remember: Your safety is paramount.
Source: VietnamOnline
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Source: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourJune 3, 2014
