Transport - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1057

» Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, gloves and shoes are highly recommended as protection against sun-
burn and as a second skin if you fall.
» Pack wet weather gear, especially in the rainy season.
Insurance
Purchasing insurance is highly recommended when you hire a motorcycle. The more reputable motorcycle-
hire places will always offer insurance.
Without insurance you are responsible for anything that happens to the bike. To be absolutely clear about
your liability, ask for a written estimate of the replacement cost for a similar bike.
Insurance for a hired car is also necessary. Be sure to ask the car-hire agent about liability and damage
coverage.
Road Rules
Basically, there aren't many, and arguably none. Drive cautiously. An incredible number of lives are lost on
roads in this region every year, particularly around major holidays. Your odds of surviving are better if you
heed the following rules:
» Size matters and the biggest vehicle wins by default, regardless of circumstances - might makes right on
the road.
» The middle of the road is typically used as an invisible third lane, even if there is oncoming traffic.
» The horn is used to notify other vehicles that you intend to pass them.
» Be particularly careful about children on the road, as they often live and play on the sides of even the
busiest highways.
» Slow down if you see livestock near the road; hit a cow on a motorbike and you'll both be hamburger.
Hitching
Hitching is never entirely safe in any country in the world and we do not recommend it. Travellers who de-
cide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk. People who do
choose to hitch will be safer if they travel in pairs and let someone know where they are planning to go.
Locals do flag down private and public vehicles for a lift, but some sort of payment is usually expected.
Local Transport
In the Mekong region, anything motorised is often modified to carry passengers.