Southeast Asia countries are becoming a tourism paradise for backpackers, especially those who love to enjoy their adventures on a motorbike – “motopackers”. With Thailand is one of the top destinations and Vietnam also is also getting attention for its beauties and distinctiveness along with peaceful Laos and Cambodia full of wonders to discover, Indo-china is the best choice for budget travel. This article will show you how to travel around the Indo-china on a motorbike without any trouble.
Border-crossing with a motorbike is legally possible. In recent years, the laws have been loosening for tourists to go back and forth between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; especially when visa on arrival into Cambodia or Laos is available and very easy to obtain at the border checkpoints. Crossing from Vietnam into Thailand or from Cambodia to Laos is possible but difficult to do so.
Things to know:
- Visa on arrival into Laos or Cambodia from Vietnam and Thailand is available at the border crossings. However, travellers crossing from Laos, Cambodia and Thailand into Vietnam are required to obtain a visa in advance; there is no VOA at Vietnamese border checkpoints.
- It is best to arrive in Vietnam first, and you buy a Vietnamese registered bike. You can cross into Laos and Cambodia with a Vietnamese bike and back. Laos-plated bikes are only allowed into Vietnam if you are the registered owner of the bike. With a Cambodian bike it’s not guaranteed if it can be crossed into Vietnam; please update us if you have real experience on this.
- Prior to 01/01/2015, you can only be allowed to drive/ride legally in Vietnam if you have a Vietnamese driving license. The law now accepts IDL (International Driving License). So technically you can drive/ride in Vietnam when you have IDL and your driving license issued at your home country. If you don’t have the DL, your IDL is in no use.
- At the crossings, in easy cases, they might not even ask for the blue card, you just need then fill customs papers, pay for the bike, and visa on arrival. However, the crossing procedure’s result depends very much on the officials and their mood, so in some cases, it might be more hassle. And it would be ultimately impossible if they ask for carnet de passage – a document that is not normally required – or they ask you to go back to the capital to have “permission”. We suggest you call your embassy in the country to ask them for help.
Crossing procedure:
- First, do Immigration, then Customs (mostly filling forms)
- You can skip the health check
- The price for visa on arrival for Laos and Cambodia varies for each national and at each border crossing. Officially, it’s mostly $30 or $35. They might inflate it to $45, but you can pull some trick to haggle it down
- $20 for the bike
- There is a stamp fee at both sides which will cost you $1-$2. This fee is unofficial but very hard to not pay. You can challenge them by requiring for a receipt. They might waive the fee or, if you are unlucky, tell you to go back
- The whole process normally takes you about 1 hour
Required Documents:
- International Driving License (IDL): this document which is issued by your National Automobile Association allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country that recognises IDLs. To be valid, the IDL must be accompanied by a valid driving licence.
- Driving License: an official document or card which shows that you have the legal right to drive a vehicle
- Blue Vietnamese Registration Card: this is the registration card of the bike and proof of ownership. This is the most important document of the bike. Technically, when you buy the motorbike from a local, you have to show up with the person at an authorized office to change the name on the card into your name. Practically, names aren’t really important as long as you have the card matching the license plate and identification numbers on the bike. Except for some countries that require you to be the real owner of the bike, like Thailand.
This blue card is the proof of registration and ownership
Vietnam has 19 official international border crossings, about half of which are crossable with a Vietnamese motorbike.
X: impossible to cross
<–>: crossable with Vietnamese motorbike
?: unclear information
| From Vietnam | Crossing with motorbike | To | Province in Vietnam | Nations |
| Mong Cai | X | DongHung/DongXing | Quang Ninh | Vietnam/China |
| Huu Nghi | X | BangTuong/Ping Xian | Lang Son | Vietnam/China |
| Lao Cai | X | Ha Khau/Hekou | Lao Cai | Vietnam/China |
| Tay Trang | ? | Pang Hok | Dien Bien | Vietnam/Laos |
| Na Meo | <–> | Nam Xoi | ThanhHoa | Vietnam/Laos |
| Nam Can | <–> | Nam Khan | Nghe An | Vietnam/Laos |
| Cau Treo | ? | Nam Phao | Ha Tinh | Vietnam/Laos |
| Cha Lo | ? | Na Phao | Quang Binh | Vietnam/Laos |
| Lao Bao | <–> | DanSavanh | Quang Tri | Vietnam/Laos |
| Bo Y | <–> | PhouKeua | Kon Tum | Vietnam/Laos |
| Le Thanh | <–> | AndongPech | Gia Lai | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| Hoa Lu | <–> | TrapeangSre | Binh Phuoc | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| Xa Mat | ? | TrapeangPhlongPir | Tay Ninh | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| MocBai | <–> | Bavet | Tay Ninh | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| Dinh Ba | ? | Bon Tia Chak Cray | Dong Thap | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| ThuongPhuoc | ? | Kaoh Roka | Dong Thap | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| VinhXuong | ? | KhaormSamnor | An Giang | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| Tinh Bien | <–> | Phnom Den | An Giang | Vietnam/Cambodia |
| Ha Tien | <–> | Prek Chak | Kien Giang | Vietnam/Cambodia |
VIETNAM/LAOS CROSSINGS
Two countries share 6 international border crossings in total. You are allowed to take a Vietnamese-plated motorbike into Laos and back. You can also take Lao-plated bike into Vietnam only if you are the registered owner of the bike. Do not forget the BLUE REGISTRATION CARD because you will need to show it to the officers.
Na Meo/Nam Xoi
This crossing has the fastest and most convenient procedure. You can easily bring your motorbike into Laos and back without any problem. At the crossing, Vietnamese officers will have you pay them $20 for an “import from”. You will have to hand this paperback when you leave Laos with your bike. The price for a Laos visa on arrival is inflated to $45 (while it’s officially $30) but we aren’t recommending you to try haggling on that. Be careful of the roads.
Nam Can/Nam Khan
Located near Phonsavan in Laos and Vinh in Vietnam, the two crossings are open to tourists. There shouldn’t be any problem with crossing with your motorbike as well.
Cau Treo/Nam Phao
Cau Treo and Nam Phao are quite near to Vinh, Nghe An and Lax Xao in Laos. There are reports that Laos side no longer takes in Vietnamese-plated motorbikes.
Lao Bao/Dansavanh
Lao Bao is definitely crossable with your bike. This crossing is not too far from Hue city and the roads are in good condition and convenient for travelling.
Bo Y/PhouKeua
Located between Attapeu, Laos and Kontum, Vietnam. There are no issues at these two crossings. The border officials in Laos and Vietnam did not ask for any bribes, fees or extra money to cross. Absolutely hassle-free.
Tay Trang/Pang Hok
We have conflicting reports on this border post. It’s hard to cross with a motorbike at Tay Trang border gate, Dien Bien Phu province. Until 2016, only the motorbikes with local plate number (27) are allowed to cross here. If you rent a local motorbike with a blue card, you might have a chance (rental motorbike from other provinces just don’t work).
VIETNAM/CAMBODIA CROSSINGS
Taking Vietnamese-plated motorbikes into Vietnam is possible but there isn’t credible information on the other way. Vietnam and Cambodia share 4 international crossings now which are crossable with the bike out of the total 9.
MocBai/Bavet
This is probably the busiest crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia. Buses running through from Vietnam to Cambodia regularly choose this border gate. MocBai is the best choice if you start at HCMC wanting to go to Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. Bringing bikes into Cambodia is possible although you might be asked for a bribe or extra fees.
Le Thanh/AndongPech
The two gates link Banlung, Cambodia and Pleiku, Vietnam. The crossing with motorbike should be expected to be easy with no problem. Especially, the officials don’t overcharge you the visa on arrival fee, fixed $30.
Tinh Bien/Phnom Den
Tinh Bien gate is close to the famous tourist town Chau Doc while Phnom Den is next to Kep and Kampot. No problem with crossing border with the bike.
Ha Tien/Pre Chak
The Ha Tien crossing is not located in a remote region and there are signs to guide you to the gate. The roads are also in very good condition. The procedure takes you about one hour, no hassle at all.
Hoa Lu/TrapeangSre
Thank Joel’s information (comment section), now we know Hoa Lu border crossing at Binh Phuoc is an easy one. The visa on arrival into Cambodia is charged at $30 and the motorbike was free.
Of other Vietnam/Cambodia crossings, we don’t have the official information or real experience on the possibility of crossing with a motorbike. If you have any credible information or stories with these crossings, please update us at the comment section.
Laos/Cambodia Crossings
According to the laws, no statement is found on crossing Laos/Cambodia borders with a motorbike is illegal. Recently, it’s has been more difficult for foreign travellers due to corruption. The only legal border crossings between 2 countries are Veun Kham/Dom Kralor. However, nothing very nice is going on here. There are stories about if you cross one country into the other, they let you cross Laos or Cam but stop you at the other country’s border checkpoint. There they say you can’t cross the border with a foreign motorbike, making it harder by asking you for carnet de passage document. Eventually, they will advise you to sell your bike on the other side and catch a bus to continue or accept to let your bike through but with a very high charge.
Crossing border into Thailand with a motorbike
It’s hard but it’s possible. You are allowed to cross into Thailand with a Cambodian or Vietnamese motorbike. Unlike crossing with a Vietnamese bike into Laos or Cam, Thailand requires you to be the correct registered owner of the bike which means your name has to be on the blue card. Documents that need to be filled:
- Immigration: Information of Conveyance, Crew List, Passenger List if you have a pillion
- Customs: Temporary Import / Export Form
You have 30 days to exit and you have to inform which border you will exit at.
Note:
- Do not attempt to hide your motorbike, or cross the border illegally (hiring locals transferring your bike through another way, etc.)
- HOWEVER, you shouldn’t mention your motorbike first unless the officials ask you
Fiona
[…] Cambodia, Laos and China are welcomed at 13 international border gates from north to south. Check here to know how to cross borders with a motorbike in […]
[…] Check out more information on how to cross borders into Laos and Cambodia with a motorbike! […]
Can you take a british registered bike across borders in the area? I was hoping to ride most of the way & finish in either Japan or China before shipping the bike to Hanoi to continue to ride the area. I know that you can ride in China but you require a guide etc so I am looking to skirt around but is it only worth it if I can take the bike through Vietnamese / Thai / Cambodian / Laos borders.
Would I need to change the rego to a local rego?
Dear Fiona,
Technically you don’t have to change your bike’s registration into a local one. This is what is said about how you can enter a foreign vehicle across a Vietnamese border according to this link http://www.customs.gov.vn/Lists/EnglishSupports/Details.aspx?ID=2156&language=en-US:
For foreign motorbikes and mopeds on entry (temporary import), customs declarants shall submit or produce the following papers:
– A competent agency’s written permission (except temporary admission of motorbikes and mopeds for sale at border gates): to submit a copy;
– The motor vehicle registration paper: to produce the original;
– The declaration of road motor vehicles temporarily imported for reexport (made according to form No. 51/PTVTDB/TX-TN/2013, Appendix III to Circular 128/2013/TT-BTC), printed by the customs office.
* For foreign motorbikes and mopeds on exit (re-export), customs declarants shall submit and produce the following papers:
– The declaration of road motor vehicles temporarily imported for reexport, with temporary admission certified by the border-gate customs office carrying out temporary admission procedures: to submit the original;
– The document on temporary admission extension (if any): to submit a copy and produce the original.
You can enter without a tour guide.
Please contact to Vietnam Customs for help and more information.
[…] Recently, it has become easier to get through all the borders hassle-free. Particularly with a Vietnamese registered bike, you can get through almost all borders into Laos and Cambodia. But sometimes it’s a matter of luck of the border officer’s mood. In some cases, there’s a fee you need to pay for the bike, and a lot of paperwork. At some borders, they just don’t care and let you through without asking any bribe money or extra fees. Laos & Cambodia provide a visa-on-arrival service for $30-$35. To get back into Vietnam through a border however, you’ll need a visa in your passport before arriving at the border. Getting into Thailand is possible but this is a lot more hassle, and you’ll need lots of paperwork. For more information about where the good borders are, click here. […]
Hello @ all,
is it also possible to cross the borders between Vietnam Laos with a rental motorbike if i get the Blue card from the rental company?
Trip planned is Hanoi-Sapa-North Laos-Pakse-Dong-Hoi-Hanoi.
As far as i can read the border Crossing in the north (near Sapa) isnt possible with motorbike, is this still latest information?
Thanks
Marius
Dear Marius,
It is possible to cross a RENTAL Vietnamese-plated motorbike into Laos with a blue card at Na Meo border crossing. NOT possible at Tay Trang (Dien Bien Phu). To make sure, you should cross through Na Meo gate only so we recommend you to change your plan.
Good luck with your trip and if you want, please share your experience with us here!
Ngoc
Hi
just wanted to let you know we crossed at trapeang srea, Vietnam to Cambodia with a Vietnamese plated bike. All they charged was the $30 for the visa and the bike was free. They didn’t ask for the blue card or any other documents. . They were very helpful and even asked us about our travels ( I don’t think they get many tourist that way)
Dear Joel,
Thank you so much for the information. And we are glad you had a great experience crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Stay safe and enjoy!
Ngoc
Can also verify as of Dec 2018 Hoa Lu trapensream border crossing was easy, with no issues whatsoever. The border guards chatted about the bike and our plans in Cambodia. They also advised that Thailand would not allow us to cross with our bike. It was 30 mins of jovial good natured chat whilst we applied for our $30 visa.
I have heard that Chiềng Khơưng in Sơn La Province is now an International Border Post. Do you know if this is true?
Dear Martin,
This is true. Chiềng Khương border crossing at Sơn La province is now an international border post, linking with Ban Dan border post of Houaphan, Laos.
Ngọc
Hi
I’m planning on going to Laos from Vietnam at Na Meo. I read about the import/export papers. Do you have to write any personal info on the papers? I want to go to Laos with my Vietnamese bike and sell it in Laos, and then taking a plane to Bangkok. Is this possible or do I have to take the bike back to Vietnam first (I bought it in Vietnam)?
Thanks
Martijn
Dear Martijn,
The import/export papers are something like entry-exit form NA1 and there may be some paperwork for the bike. You can sell your bike in Laos no problem, no need to take it back to VN, though.
Ngọc
Actually, it is possible to cross Tay Trang. We did it in 2012 without a single problem. The officials were friendly and welcomed us. The bike was not registered under our names.
Dear Anhzan,
Thank you for sharing, it’s much appreciated. Sorry for the misinformation.
Tay Trang post is not impossible but it’s so difficult to cross with a motorbike. Your name isn’t necessary on the blue card but I heard the bike must be plated with DBP’s number (27) to cross. Rental motorbikes or big motorbikes are also very hard to get through. May be there were some lucky stories or the policy back then was different. To not waste time, we think this border post should be avoided.
Ngoc
It is not a story nor information. It is a fact. We crossed the border ourselves. Do you want me to send a picture?
Also, the bike had a Saigon license plate. In 2012 we crossed it with our bike to Laos and then back to Vietnam. 2014 we rented a car and drove across the border ourselves too. It is easy to cross that border.
Dear Anhzan,
Thank you again for your comments, we appreciate it so much. However, we have come across many accounts of travelers trying to cross Tay Trang and were denied starting from 2014/2015. It is a high chance that before that time, the policy of Tay Trang post related to border crossing with a motorbike was still easy then they changed few years later.
Accord to this link http://wikitravel.org/en/Laos and this link https://nomadasaurus.com/crossing-the-border-motorbike-southeast-asia/, you can see border crossing at Tay Trang was “easy and straight forward” before 2014 but there were issues reported by travelers who were denied after that time. In 2015, many said it was “impossible”.
Due to the corruption of the officers, the procedure at border crossings can be very different to different travelers, even at crossings which are supposed to be “easy”.
Best Regards
Ngọc
Just like any other border crossings, some people aren’t able to cross with their motorbikes while others are able to cross. It’s hit or miss at all the border crossings. From the nomadasaurus, there were 5 people commented on their experience crossing the border and 3 of them were able to cross successfully. Since they were able to cross successfully, in past recent months if I may add, it does not make the border crossing impossible. Just because a few weren’t able to cross while others are able, it does not make the crossing impossible.
Corruption happens everywhere in Asia. Like I said, everything is a dice roll Asia, but it does not mean impossible.
One other thing I noticed incorrect on this page is that you don’t need to be the registered owner for the bike you are crossing with. I was able to cross into Thailand on two different occasions and two different bikes. I was not the registered owner on neither of the bikes. On both occasions, the border I crossed was near Vientiane, which is a major crossing between Laos/Thailand. No problems in both occasions. Leaving Thailand was also not a problem as well. I left Thailand at Nakhon Phanom to Laos on my first trip and Krong Poi Pet to Cambodia on the other trip.
Dear Anhzan,
Regarding border crossing into Thailand (and SEA in general) with a motorbike AS OF 2016, for more info please read this here:
http://www.gt-rider.com/motorcycles-in-thailand/importing-motorcycles-into-thailand
http://www.gt-rider.com/touring-information-overview/s-e-asian-border-crossings
http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/threads/8051-Foreign-registered-motorcycles-likely-to-be-banned-from-entering-Thailand-soon
http://www.thephuketnews.com/foreign-tourists-face-strict-curbs-on-driving-into-thailand-56605.php
There are many Vietnamese travelers who traveled to Cambodia then Thailand by motorbikes were required to be the correct owners of their bikes. They will compare name in the passport and name in the bike’s registration paper to know if you are the owner.
Ngoc
You have stated crossing the boarder from ho chi minh through to phnom penh is no problem but what about getting back across the boarder. I plan to start in hochi minh and head to phnom penh to visit a friend. Id then like to get back into vietnam and head up to hanoi.
Will it be just as easy?
Dear Brenton,
On the way to Phnom Penh, you can apply for a visa on arrival at the border post in Cambodian side. If your Vietnam visa is multiple entry and still valid, you have no problem getting back. However, if your visa is single entry, you will have to come to Vietnam embassy at 436 Preah Monivong Blvd (93), Phnom Penh to apply anew, no Vietnam visa on arrival at Vietnam border posts.
Ngọc
Hey, today (sunday 30-04/2017) we crossed the trapaing srae border to go to Cambodia with our Vietnamese motorbikes without any problems. We parked the bikes in the front of the office, only had to pay the visa ($30 each) and fill in the forms with a really nice policeman helping us. Walked over the border and then we drove on to Kratie. Didn’t have to pay for the bikes or anything. So to everyone planning this: happy travels and the Cambodia roads are nice to roadtrip so far!
Hi,
do they ask for the drivers license at the border crossing from laos to vietnam in Nam Can? Vietnamese bike, but only have the bluecard as document. Cheers
Hi Valentin,
The answer is yes, you do need to have DL and ILD to drive and cross borders between Vietnam and Laos. Please read more on the required documents part of this article.
Ngoc
Hello,
the answer is NO, crossed the border today and not only did they not care about any sort of drivers license, they barely even looked at the bluecard. I am glad I didn’t listen to you and just tried for myself ;-D
Cheers
Hi Valentin,
I’m glad you crossed the border successfully. However, crossing and driving motorbike without any sort of driving license is illegal. Anyway, please stay safe and enjoy your trip.
Ngoc
As Ngọc has a business here, so he’s obliged to tell the official rules. In my experience, application of rules in developing countries is haphazard.
Hi,
I’m planning a motorcycle trip across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Could you tell me in which of the four countries it is best to rent a bike ? My original plan was to rent a bike in Thailand and then go to Laos, then from Laos to Vietnam, then from Vietnam to Cambodia and finally back to Thailand. Could you tell me if this is possible, because it seems rather difficult after reading a lot of articles on the internet.
Thanks in advance for an answer 🙂 !
Hi Roy,
Thai and Vietnam are the easiest to rent a motorbike. But to be able to travel and cross border from/to Thailand, you are required to be the owner of the bike or have bike’s owner permission. If you start from Vietnam, it’s easier with a rent motorbike at some border crossings as long as you have the blue card. Vietnamese bikes have no problem crossing into Laos and Cambodia.
Ngoc
Thanks for the advice!
Looking forward to the trip !
Roy
Dear Ngoc
Could you please elaborate with what you mean wiith “having the owner’s permission”? What should the owner wright exactly to make the document valid?
Your help would be truly apreciated.
Carlo
Xin chào. I am in Điện Biên. I spoke to some people yesterday about the crossing nearby.
One person had tried to cross into Laos. She confirmed that it’s only possible with a #27 numberplate. A couple came from Laos on a ?? moto with a #86 plate. No problem.
Chúc may mắn!
Hi Dave,
Thank you so much for your very valuable insight. We wish you a safe and interesting trip in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Ngoc
Hey,
2 questions:
1) Is it possible to take the motorbike from Vietnam to Laos at Lao Bao border crossing point?
2) Can I leave Vietnam at Lao Bao with my evisa?
Thanks!
Hi Timur,
1. You can cross border with a motorbike through Lao Bao, please check the table above
2. If you want to enter Laos, you’ll have to apply for a visa on arrival at the crossing point on the Laos side.
Ngoc
Is this still the same, trying to cross tommorow.
Hi
Im trying to plan a motorbike trip starting in Thailand, through Laos, into Vietnam, back through Laos then into Thailand. How can i make this possible if i have a Thai plated motorbike. Reading other articles and forums it sounds very difficult/impossible. Most recommend having a vietnamese plated bike as its the easiest but it would be preferred to start and finish in Thailand if possible. Would having the bike registered in my name help? Any other recommendations would be appreciated.
Cheers
Hi Gordon,
Thai Land has just enforced new rules on crossing borders. Bikes registered in Thailand try to enter Vietnam might need to be pre-approved via a travel company (we are not very sure about this). Thai bike into Laos has no problem.
You should be the owner of the bike for convenience by that I mean you will have to obtain the green book to show your ownership. If you drive a bike that is not yours (not recommended), you will need to show a written permit from the owner. With your plan, the only tricky part is when you cross border from Laos into Vietnam with a Thai bike. Pls notice that you have to obtain visa grant at a Vietnam embassy in the country you are in before heading to the border. Meanwhile VOA is available at Laos and Thailand border crossings.
To save time and effort, only choose the easiest border crossings into Vietnam (check article above). More info here: http://www.gt-rider.com/touring-information-overview/s-e-asian-border-crossings
Ngoc
I crossed today with a bike at the most southern point (pre chak) it was called. My bike was in plain view and they did not ask for any card or info from me. On the entrance slip I wrote the vehicle registration number and all was well. I tried to pay in dong, and one official told me to go get American money. As I was leaving I asked another official and he said they would accept it. So if one seems to be grumpy talk to another they were quite nice actually
Hi Ryan Richards,
Thank you very much for sharing your stories. It will be very helpful to motopackers reading this post.
Hi,
Is it possible to cross a Vietnamese bike with a fake blue card from Vietnam to Cambodia ? I mean that the bike is mine I bought it in Vietnam but the blue card is not genuine . Will they check or just glance at the blue card ?
Hi Francis,
We’re not encouraging you to cross the border with fake documents. You can come to police station to get the card in your name.
Ngoc
Hi!
If i go to the police statio. Asking for a new blue card with my name. Than am I able to cross the laos-thai border?
Hi Viktor,
Yes. That’s correct.
I am from Malaysia and planning to ride from malaysia to vietnam with my own bike. I will enter vietnam from cambodia. May i know which border with the easiest procedure to cross by motorbike from cambodia to vietnam and is it possible to cross to vietnam without permit and tour guide since i am riding solo not in a group and my motorbike is only 135cc.
Hi Mohd Fadzli,
You don’t need a tour guide for crossing border with motorbikes into Vietnam. You don’t have to have advance permit either as long as the bike is under your ownership. The easiest border crossings from Cam to Vie are MocBai/Bavet, Le Thanh/AndongPech, Tinh Bien/Phnom Den, Ha Tien/Pre Chak, Hoa Lu/TrapeangSre. AND, remember to get a visa at a Vietnamese embassy in advance because there is no VOA available at Vietnamese crossings.
Ngoc
Hello Ngọc !
Thank you so much for this really good article, i’m sure it will help a lot of motopackers to travel in south asia.
I planned to travel from Hanoi to Bali this summer, I want to join Ho chi minh first so I will probably take the Moc bai border to cross Cambodge. However I still have few questions :
1- What paper do I need to go to Thai from Cambodge (except blue card and IDL + DL)
2- Is it fine to cross the Malaysian border from Thai with a Vietnamese bike ? Again what paper do I need ?
3- Am I allowed to sell vietnamese bike in Bali (Malaysia)
4- Any advises for this kind of trip ?
Thanks you so much,
Looking forward to hearing from you !
Tanguy??
Hi Tanguy,
1. Except for IDL and DL, you must show the motorbike registration and the visa.
2. It’s possible to enter Malaysia from Thailand with a Vietnamese bike as long as you can prove you are the owner of the bike. Aside from the listed papers, please search information from other sources about the procedure as we are not very familiar with Malaysian requirements.
3. Sorry. We are not sure about it.
4. Drive safe and obey the laws of each country, you will be fine.
Enjoy the trip.
Not true. Vietnamese bikes need pre-authorization to enter Thailand since 2016. They need a guide and lead vehicle. Can’t just show up at the border.
I would suggest using a Vietnamese bike only in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and selling it in one of these places but preferably only in Vietnam. For Thailand and Malaysia, you should consider buying a Thai registered bike and for Indonesia just rent. It’s far too complicated and expensive to take a bike from Malaysia to Indonesia and will require a carnet too.
Hi Jimmy,
Thanks very much for your update. I will keep it in mind.
Hi guys! I would like to ask you for advice. I’m planning a trip now. I would like to see the whole Vietnam /from south to north/, then back from north Vietnam through part of Thailand, Laos and part Cambodia back to Vietnam. I will be flying to SEA mid January 2018, and stay until mid April. 3 months. Right now I am deciding if I should start my trip in Ho Chi Minh City or better maybe in Bangkok? The reason is, I am not sure if it’s better to buy a motorcycle in Bangkok and do the whole trip from there or if to buy and start in Vietnam. It looks like price and selection for motorcycle buying is better in Bangkok than in Ho Chi Minh?? And what about tge papers? If I buy and register on my name in Thailand vs Vietnam… What is better for this travel itinerary of tgese 4 countries?? I want to do this all on a motorbike.
If you were about to buy and later sell and do this trip, would you do this from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam or Bangkok?? My first week after landing, I will be looking for a motorcycle, then leaving immediately. Please give me an advice this.
Thanks very much!!!
Tomas
Hi Tomas,
We suggest you start with Laos then Thailand before crossing into Vietnam and end in Cambodia. This route is more convenient and time saving. You should spend one week in Laos and buy a motorbike after you arrive in Thailand. From here you can do the trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. About the papers, you will need your passport, DL and IDL to buy the motorbike.
Regards,
Fiona
hey,we just wanted to cross to laos at cau treo. it is not possible with a mbike. greetings
I have a Cambodia plated motorcycle with my name on the registration and ownership papers. Can I cross into Vietnam from Cambodia with my motorcycle?
I already have a visa. Which border crossings are best?
Thank you.
Hi Scott. As mentioned in our post, we have no source about bringing Cambodia bike into Vietnam so we cannot give you the exact answer. If you could provide required papers, plus a little luck, you could be able to cross into Vietnam with that bike. It’s said that the officers in Moc Bai border gate are the nicest.
Hello ! We just tried to pass through Cau Treo with our vietnamiese motorbikes and the LAO border told us it is impossible because of the law, and that’s it! And… I just realize now someone comment the same on 27th of November. Should have read before….!
We might try in Lao Bao, it’s seems they don’t have the same law 😉
Hi Marlene,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience here. We do hope the other readers will read your comment and learn from your story.
We look forward to know what happened in Lao Bao. 🙂
Fiona
Hi, I am driving toward near the 4,000islands, the most south part of Laos with vietnam no plate. I came from hanoi. Na Meo border worked perfectly. However, I want to go to Hochmin through the cambodia or even through Thailand and Cambodia wherever the immigration allow me with motorbike. Could you anyone advise me which border to get cross?
1. I see the map the southest border between Laos and Cambodia. Is it possible to cross?
2. I also see two borders between Laos and Thailand at the western part of Pakse and Champasak. Is it worth to try going south way of crossing to Cambodia border and again to Vietnam border to reach HCMC?
3. Or, just go to east border between Laos and VN from Pakse?
Hi Seong,
You should select Moc Bai border to enter into Vietnam with your bike from Cambodia. That is the most easiest border.
Hi,
I’m a Malaysian and is planning a trip from KL to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam (Dong Dang or Mong Cai) into China on a Malaysia registered motorbike. Possible to do this without a Vietnam registered bike? Any prerequisite to obtain in my home country?
Hi Zagary Pua,
You are not allowed to bring your motorbike into Vietnam. And be aware that it’s impossible to enter China via Mong Cai border by a motorbike. This information can be found in our post.
Is it possible for me to cross in to Vietnam from Cambodia on a Singapore registered motorbike(1000cc), and exit from Vietnam to cross into Laos. And could you help me out if from Siem Reap, which is the nearest border to Vietnam as I want to ride to Hanoi (Halong Bay). And which is the nearest border to cross into Laos from Hanoi.
Hi Rudee,
You cannot enter Vietnam by Singapore registered motorbike.. The border that connects Siem Reap and Vietnam is Sa Mat. The nearest border to cross into Laos from Hanoi is Tay Trang. Hope this help.
Hey just wondering if anyone has bought bikes in Cambodia and crossed in to Vietnam lately any info would be great thanks
(Vietnamese plates and blue cards)
Thailand does NOT allow Vietnamese motorcycles into it’s territory without going on an expensive tour. Since June 27, 2016 new rules apply. Cambodian bikes can be taken into Thailand, but only directly from Cambodia and to be safe only 2 border crossings should be used for entry: Koh Kong/Hat Lek and O’Smach/Chong Chom. Conflicting reports about Prum/Ban Pakkard, which is a maybe. All other crossings, no.
Lao bikes I have never seen in Thailand. If they are allowed across, only 2 crossings may be used: Vientiane/Nong Khai and Huay Xai/Chiang Khong and bikes need to be 250cc or above.
It’s so kind of you to share the information. It will be very helpful to readers.
Hello
I heard that due to a new regulation it’s not possible to enter Thailand with a Vietnamese bike also if you have the real owner’s permission.
Is this true?
Thanks!
Hi Carlo,
It is not possible, just the procedure is more strict that makes it almost impossible. As being shared by some other travelers, Vietnamese bikes need pre-authorization to enter Thailand since 2016. They need a guide and lead vehicle.
Fiona
Currently at the Cambodian-Lao land border (Veun Kham/ Dom Kralor) with a Vietnamese plated bike. Got through Cambodian customs with no issue. However at Lao customs, was told that it is not possible to being my bike in. Two others had the same issue and stayed around trying to negotiate for 4hrs. Was told that bringing a bike to a third country (i.e., Vietnam->Cambodia->Lao) was not allowed. But it is ok to go back to Vietnam and then enter Lao.
Hi Matthew,
Thanks a lot for your valuable information.
Hi everyone,
Today I tried to cross at nam phao, Vietnam to Laos, and after hours of confusion we were refused access to Laos with the bikes. Before we start the ride to nam can, has anyone tried this border crossing recently and have any further information as another refusal would be a real setback!
Any information would be much appreciated!
Thank you,
Marcus
Hey I tried today cross from vietnam to laos at nam can ans it is not possible.
I did the border of Na Phao – Cha Lo today 28/05/2018 with my motorbike with Vietnamese plate without any problem. I just did the normal immigration stuff and keep on with my bike without any trouble.
Thanks for all the info in your page anyway 🙂
Kevin
Hey everyone!
My friend and I tried to cross some borders from Vietnam to Laos.
Na Meo:
It’s possible with motorbike BUT if you have an E-Visa you are not allowed to exit the country here. But with a normal one there shouldn’t be any problems. The border officers recommended us Cau Treo so we tried there .
Cau Treo: it’s not possible to cross there with the motorbike because the Lao side does not allow the motorbikes. It seems like Nam Can is the same problem. The officers at Cau Treo border recommended us Lao Bao.
Lao Bao: we were allowed to cross the border with the motorbikes. They didn’t ask for the blue card or drivers license. We even didn’t have to pay anything for the Motorbikes. It was really easy. We would recommend to go there!
Is there any possible way to ride a vietnamese registered bike into China at all? i know all the ports you mentioned are not allowed but surely there must be some way to bring the bike in if you prove you will take the bike out of China again with some type of forms.
Big bike with Cambodian plates allowed into Vietnam ?
Hi all,
I just did the Na Meo crossing to Laos with a Vietnamese plate rental motorbike (Honda XR150). There were no problems on both sides.
Had to pay 200.000 VND on Vietnamese side for the temporary export of the bike. I have a multiple entry visa for Vietnam, which I organised at home from the embassy at Bern.
Another 40 USD for the Visa on arrival on Laos side plus 1 USD for culture fund.(It’s new since 1th of October 2018 and there is also a big sign at the Visa desk).
Furthermore, I had to pay 100.000 VND on Laos side to import the bike. That’s all.
The road on the Laos side is in a quite bad state until Vieng Xai.
Best regards,
Benjamin
I’ve seen some varied information about crossing Laos Cambodia with a Vietnamese registered bike. I’m flying into Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with the idea of going to Laos and Cambodia on the bike, selling it and trying to get to Thailand or Indonesia.
What advice do you have on crossing these borders with a Vietnamese bike? It looks like people had some issues in April 2018. Is this still the case? Should I plan to have a multiple entry Vietnamese visa in case they won’t let me cross?
Is it better to go from Cambodia to Laos, or vice versa?
What country would be easiest to sell the bike in, that isn’t Vietnam?
Hi Janelle,
The multiple entry visa is needed only when you would like to re-enter Vietnam.
hello. its 100 diffrent answers in internet! can i drive my thai registred 500cc bike thats in my name into vietnam or not?