Transport - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1056

MOTORCYCLE TIPS
Most Asians are so adept at driving and riding on motorcycles that they can balance the whole family
on the front bumper, or even take a quick nap as a passenger. Foreigners unaccustomed to motorcycles
are not as graceful. If you're riding on the back of a motorcycle remember to relax. For balance hold
on to the back bar, not the driver's waist. Tall people should keep their long legs tucked in as most
drivers are used to shorter passengers. Women (or men) wearing skirts should always ride side-saddle
and collect longer skirts so that they don't catch in the wheel or drive chain. Enjoy the ride.
Driving Licence
If you are planning to drive a car, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local automobile as-
sociation before you leave your home country; IDPs are inexpensive and valid for one year.
Hiring a smaller motorbike generally doesn't require a licence.
Hiring 250cc or larger bikes may require a licence, especially in Thailand.
Hire
» Self-drive car hire is mainly an option in Thailand, plus a few places hire out vehicles in Cambodia and
Laos.
» Cars with drivers are available at very reasonable rates in all countries of the region.
» Guesthouses rent motorcycles cheaply throughout the region, usually for around US$5 to US$10 a day.
» 250cc dirt bikes are also widely available in the region and are a lot of fun if you know how to handle
them.
MOTORBIKE CHECKLIST
Before taking a hired motorbike out on the road, perform the following routine safety checks:
» Look at the tyres for treads.
» Check for oil leaks.
» Test the brakes.
» Make sure the headlights and tail lights work and that you know how to turn them on.
A decent helmet that fits is highly recommended. These can be hard to come by on the ground, so consider
bringing your own if you are going to be doing a lot of two-wheeling.
Other gear-related tips to improve both safety and comfort during those long days in the saddle:
» If your helmet doesn't have a visor, then wear goggles, glasses or sunglasses to keep bugs, dust and other
debris out of your eyes.