Motorcycling FAQ
Practical Motorcycle Touring Info
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General Questions
Planning Your Adventure
What level of riding experience is required?
All our rides require you to be confident, responsible and experienced. The Ho Chi Minh Trail ride requires off-road experience as there are plenty of single tracks, sand, and muddy sections. Mongolia tours also have a lot of off-road riding, but it’s not nearly as demanding. A person with only street riding under their belt will quickly become used to riding there because, apart from stream crossings, the tours involve riding on open grass steppes or along simple dirt trails. The Himalayan ride is mainly on the tarmac, but it is often exposed to very high altitudes with huge drop-offs while riding on the sides of cliffs. The altitude will tire you out, so you need to have the experience to know your limits. Vietnam rides have the most options because there are so many types of roads, so any tour can be tailor-made to what the group wants and is capable of.
Do I need to be in good physical condition?
Endurance, strength, and focus are essential for maintaining control and enjoying the experience. Riders should have a reasonable level of physical fitness, as our motorcycle tours are on the challenging end of the spectrum. Our rides are not ‘temple tours’, but rather focus on getting as much time in the saddle each day as appropriate. Only the Himalayan ride specifically requires you to have no lung-related illnesses. The Himalayan ride also has what might seem like short days in terms of distance. The reality, however, is that these shorter distances allow you to take in the scenery at your own pace and slowly become acclimatised to the altitude.
Are there any age restrictions?
No, people from 18 to 80 have ridden with us. That said, we prefer to ride with responsible riders, so we are not too keen on 18-25-year-old riders unless a responsible family member accompanies them.
What time of the year is best for your tours?
It all depends on the destination. In Mongolia, we like to ride at the beginning and end of summer to avoid the rush of tourists. Mid-May through mid-June and early September are the times we like to ride. In the Himalayas, we avoid the Indian school holidays and monsoon weather and ride from late July to the end of August. The Ho Chi Minh Trail ride can only be ridden in the dry season from early December to late March. Vietnam, on the other hand, can be ridden all year round.
Are group sizes limited?
Our group sizes are usually capped to ensure safety, manage logistics, and provide a more personalised experience. Depending on the tour type and destination, groups typically range from 6 to 18 riders. Mongolian and Ho Chi Minh Trail rides are limited to 10 people per tour, while the Himalayan and Vietnam rides can have up to 18 people. Large groups are possible because we provide detailed route booklets and GPS-assisted navigation apps that allow people to ride at their own pace, so you don’t need to worry about riding in a huge pack. It also makes for a great party each night!
Can I bring my own motorcycle?
No, all our tours have set bikes that we hire from our local tour company partners. In Laos and Vietnam, we ride 250cc Honda CRFs; in Mongolia, we ride 400cc Suzuki DRZs; and in the Himalayas, we ride 410cc Royal Enfield Himalayans.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes. If you have a group of at least eight people, we can arrange a private tour for you and your friends in Laos, Mongolia and India. Vietnam, on the other hand, only requires a group of at least three riders to set up a private tour.
Can non-riders join your tours?
Yes, non-riders are usually welcome. Experienced pillions can join the Himalayan ride, but going in the support vehicle is not recommended. The Ho Chi Minh Trail and Mongolia adventures are strictly one rider, one bike, but it’s possible to arrange self-drive jeeps for Mongolian tours. Non-riders are not an option for Ho Chi Minh Trail rides because much of the trip is on single tracks, which the support jeep can’t drive. In Vietnam, arranging a vehicle to follow the bikers and carry non-riders is easy.
Can I customise the motorcycle tour?
Vietnam is the easiest country to custom-make tours because there are so many different types of roads from one point to another. In Mongolia and the Himalayas, the route is pretty much fixed, while in Laos, some of the more challenging days can be bypassed should the group’s riding ability not be up to scratch.
Tour Logistics
On the Road
How is the group managed while riding?
We do not like packs of riders all following each other. We encourage people to spread out and ride at a pace they are comfortable with. There will always be a lead rider at the front and a sweep mechanic at the back. In India and Mongolia, we provide routes that can be uploaded onto your phone, while in Vietnam and Laos, we use the ‘corner man’ system to keep everyone on the right road. We’ll explain this system to you before the ride.
How is luggage carried?
A support vehicle follows all our tours and carries your luggage, food, first aid equipment, spare parts and water. We recommend you bring a rucksack, bum bag or small duffel bag to carry things like rain gear, snacks, sunscreen, toiletries, cameras, etc.
What is the average daily distance covered?
The daily distance varies by tour but typically ranges from 150 to 250 km. We like to get an early start each morning and be in bed by 9 pm. Some days involve longer rides, while others focus on sightseeing with shorter distances. The specific itineraries for each tour provide details on riding times.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Our guiding principle is prioritising rider safety and providing leadership when faced with adverse conditions. In most circumstances, we brave the weather and stick to the itinerary. The Himalayan ride is by far the most prone tour to be affected by landslides and avalanches, which can have severe implications on the itinerary. Such extreme events may lead to route changes, delays, or cancellations for safety reasons. We make all possible efforts to get the money back from hotels we cannot use but require participants to chip in to help pay for hotels we are forced to use due to road closures.
Are there rest days?
Only the Himalayan ride has a specific rest day. On the Ho Chi Minh Trail ride, there is one location where we spend two nights, so participants can opt for a day off. Mongolia and Vietnam rides do not have rest days.
Can I arrive in the country earlier or leave later after the tour?
Yes. Arriving a little early is a great idea for getting over jetlag, assuming you have the time, while a rest day after the ride is always a great way to unwind after your adventure. Ulaanbaatar, Hanoi, Vientiane, Delhi, and Leh are all fascinating destinations worth an extra look at, time permitting. You can arrange accommodation yourself or ask us to book rooms at the hotels used during the tour.
Will I have access to Wi-Fi during the tour?
It is essential you arrange a roaming service from home or buy a specific local SIM card, which we will tell you how to get. All accommodations in Vietnam have fast and free Wi-Fi. Accommodation in Laos, Mongolia and India, on the other hand, has slow or non-existent WI-FI. All countries have reasonably widespread cell phone coverage, including small towns and along main roads. Mongolia is the least developed country, and there are two nights when there will be no internet.
Local Information
Where You Ride
Do I need a visa?
You must arrange an online visa for Laos, Vietnam and India. We will guide you through the process. Mongolia is basically visa-free; all you have to do is arrive, and they give you a 30-day visa for free.
How much local money will I have to carry?
Typically, you will need around US$150-200 worth of local currency to cover things like petrol, alcohol and souvenirs. In India, it’s best to get all your local currency at Delhi airport, while in Vietnam, Mongolia and Laos, ATMs and debit card payments are extensively available.
Are there specific traffic rules or customs I must follow while riding on your tours?
Yes, each country has its own traffic rules, speed limits, and road customs. We will give you a ‘riding tips’ document to study before and arrange a meeting before the ride to explain all the details specific to that country. Each morning, your guide will outline the day’s ride and provide additional advice on how to stay safe.
What languages do your guides speak?
The lead Western guide speaks English, while the local guides speak English and either Mongolian, Laotian, Hindi or Vietnamese. They will be on hand to help you enjoy talking with locals. We suggest you download Google Translate onto your phone with the appropriate language and keyboard data.
Accommodation and Meals
Authentic Experiences
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We are at the high end of the spectrum and pride ourselves on using outstanding accommodation on all tours. That said, some areas are so remote that standards naturally fall. In such cases, we will always use the best accommodation available. This is especially the case in Laos, where we have no choice but to stay at simple yet clean motels for three nights.
Are there vegetarian or other dietary options available?
It is easy to accommodate vegetarians in India, Laos and Vietnam. Mongolia also has vegetarian food, but it’s more limited. Kosher, halal and gluten-free options are challenging. When booking, notify us of your dietary needs to ensure we can provide suitable meals.
Safety and Preparedness
Safety Is Our Priority
Do you provide motorcycle equipment?
No. On our Mongolian, Himalayan and Ho Chi Minh tours, you must bring your complete riding kit, including a good helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. Our rides are serious undertakings, so we want you to be comfortable in your gear. In Vietnam, we provide the option of using our extensive range of open-face helmets, jackets and rain gear.
What safety measures are in place during the tour?
We prioritise safety over everything, using well-planned routes, experienced guides with first aid experience, and pre-ride briefings. Support vehicles, first-aid kits, oxygen in India, and emergency contact procedures are all provided. Most importantly, our local tour operators are all at the top of their game with emergency contacts and experience in getting people out of trouble. We naturally require riders to wear protective gear always.
Are medical facilities easily accessible on your tours?
Our rides are to remote locations where there are typically only simple health stations for on-site first aid. Laos and Mongolia are particularly short of medical facilities, while India and especially Vietnam are well endowed. Guides are trained to handle emergencies and will arrange transport to the nearest hospital. In all but the worst cases, the best practice is to arrange a comfortable vehicle to get the injured person back to Hanoi, Ulaanbaatar or Delhi. Emergencies in Laos are best handled by crossing the border into Thailand and taking advantage of the modern hospital facilities there. We have solid experience organising helicopter evacuations
Are travel insurance and motorbike licenses mandatory?
Yes, we require all participants to have travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, evacuation, and personal liability. We also require riders to bring a full motorcycle license from their home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). People with only learner licenses cannot join our tours.
What happens if I miss a scheduled flight and don’t make it to the start of the tour in time?
We will arrange transportation so you can catch up with the group. We will also arrange for lost luggage to be delivered to the group. You are responsible for paying for such services on a strictly cost-price basis. If catching up with the group is not feasible, we will not refund you, so planning your arrival with extra time is advised. We will provide you with an official signed and sealed document to present to your insurance provider for a refund.
Will I get a refund if I leave the tour early due to an accident or illness?
No, that is your travel insurance provider’s responsibility. However, we don’t like to profit from anyone’s misfortune, so we will refund all the money set aside to pay for your food, accommodation (assuming we can cancel it without charge) and your bike’s rental charge, assuming we can get a refund. We will also provide you with an official signed and sealed document to present to your insurance provider for a refund.
Payments and Legal
All-Inclusive Motorcycle Tours
What does the motorcycle tour’s cost price cover?
All accommodation, meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included in our tours, including the night’s accommodation before and after the ride. Some rides have rest days, where lunch is typically not included on purpose so that ride participants can have some time for themselves. The base price for the Himalaya, Mongolia and Vietnam tours assumes you share a room with someone else. You’ll have a room for yourself if you pay for a single supplement. In Laos, however, the base price gives you a private room for the entire tour. The base price also covers the motorbike’s rental, permits, bus rides, entrance tickets, and performances. You are only responsible for your inbound and outbound flights, visa, travel insurance, massages, laundry, alcohol, tips to support staff should you wish, and petrol. In India, you are also responsible for paying for the domestic flight from Leh back to Delhi.
Who pays for mechanical problems?
We cover all standard wear and tear problems for the motorbikes, such as flat tyres, snapped cables and electrical issues. Riders are responsible for replacing any part broken during a crash. We are responsible for stolen motorbikes. Fortunately, this has never happened. We take spare backup motorbikes on the Mongolian and Ho Chi Minh Trail tours, while in India and Vietnam, the motorbikes can always be repaired because facilities and spare parts are readily available.
How do I pay for the motorcycle tour?
We will send you our banking details so you can pay us with a simple bank transfer.
What are your legal terms and conditions?
We require you to sign a limitation of liability document, specific for each ride, at the beginning of the tour. Contact us in advance, and we’ll send you a copy for your appraisal.
What are your payment and cancellation policies?
To secure a place on any of our adventures, you must send a refundable deposit of US$500. We will not keep your money should something unforeseen happen that forces you to cancel your tour. We refund all money except for funds already paid to hotels and motorbike rental agencies. We refund nothing when you cancel seven days or less before the tour.
