Accommodation in smaller towns

Just look for "nhà nghỉ" on Google Maps

Not all places are online, so keep your eyes out for signs along the road: Look for "nhà nghỉ", "nhà trọ" or "khách sạn".

Or point at the word on your phone and ask locals....

Some places are lovely. Some are not so lovely. Some are pretty grim.

Thanx for that--they definetly vary in Thailand as well---I guess what Im getting at is whether we have a good chance at finding something in between the main areas ..like between Hanoi and Halong if we are going by motorbike...while its doable at 168k,we often like to break up the trip into easy leasurly rides ...cheers

in North Vietnam, there are so many must- see places to visit such as : Cao Bang, Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, Sapa, Ha Giang, etc. the best way to travel to those is riding a motorbike.
firstly, don't worry about your driving license, you won't have any troubles with Vietnamese police, why? cuz if you got caught by police, there would be no way them talking to you in English. They tend to not catch foreigners, at least, from my view, i have not seen any one having trouble with police whilst they are foreigners.
How to buy a bike? you can ask a local people at your hostel/ hotel you would stay, i highly recommend a manual bike due to it is stronger and more durable for a long trip. the regular price is around 250 bucks, maybe less, but don't pay over 250 bucks for a bike.
if you want to know further information or you want to have an advice, this is my facebook account : https://www.facebook.com/ducvietdz . i am online quite often, so i would like to help you out even in case you would have some language barriers of misunderstanding communication with local people.
good luck and have a nice day

in North Vietnam, there are so many must- see places to visit such as : Cao Bang, Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, Sapa, Ha Giang, etc. the best way to travel to those is riding a motorbike.
firstly, don't worry about your driving license, you won't have any troubles with Vietnamese police, why? cuz if you got caught by police, there would be no way them talking to you in English. They tend to not catch foreigners, at least, from my view, i have not seen any one having trouble with police whilst they are foreigners.
How to buy a bike? you can ask a local people at your hostel/ hotel you would stay, i highly recommend a manual bike due to it is stronger and more durable for a long trip. the regular price is around 250 bucks, maybe less, but don't pay over 250 bucks for a bike.
if you want to know further information or you want to have an advice, this is my facebook account : https://www.facebook.com/ducvietdz . i am online quite often, so i would like to help you out even in case you would have some language barriers of misunderstanding communication with local people.
good luck and have a nice day

Thanks--We will try to go to all those places--Ill learn to recognize the signs for Hotels /guest houses as we often stop in smaller places on our way.

Id like to get my hands on a wave or dream 125cc -i know there are less around than the 110cc but Ill have a look--any suggestions?

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.