The short answer is no, you can not. Shipping by buses and trains used to be very common for tourists prior to COVID-19. However, after COVID-19, the laws changed for bus companies, and the train line as an operation significantly changed as well. There will be plenty of out of date articles on the internet suggesting you can easily ship motorbikes by buses and train.
It is possible to ship motorbikes by train from one location to another. However, the motorbike does not go with you on the same train. The motorbike will show up anytime from 4 days to around 10 days after the shipping date. There is no way to know the duration of travel and no guarantee that they will keep the shipping times they may give.
From our perspective, when a client starts to inquire about shipping a motorbike, we consider the contract is coming to a close. We will advise you to return the motorbike to the nearest Tigit office and book another motorbike from a different office. This is due to the quantity of time it may take for the motorbike to arrive at your final destination.
Trains that the motorbike will go with you
There are trains such as the HCM to Mui Ne train and the Hanoi to Lao Cai train where the motorbike will go with you on the same train. However, using these services requires booking the motorbike physically at the train station in advance. Overall, the system is out of date and not worth using. So yes, it is possible, but no, it isn’t of any interest!
Motorbikes on buses
Putting motorbikes on buses is illegal but very common. Because of this, the companies operating these services pop up and collapse regularly, meaning we can not recommend any particular service. It would be best if you inquired in the town directly that you wish to ship from.
A very common section of the country where people skip using a bus is Phong Nha to Hanoi. You can arrange this through your hotel.
A quick disclaimer on buses: They can do a lot of damage to motorbikes. They will not be responsible for the motorbike damage. Use these services knowing the risks involved!
Breakdown Guarantee for long-distance travel!
Tigit will not sell or rent any motorbike that we think won’t survive a journey without a breakdown. To see our list of models, please go to our travel page.
Tigit Motorbikes has a guarantee to refund any maintenance costs that occurred throughout the journey. (this excludes oil changes and flat tires).
To have the motorbike covered from crashes, please read the Tigit Motorbikes Damage Waiver.
To use this Guarantee
The customer must change the oil every 1000km and provide evidence of a motorbike receipt or photo having an oil change. Motorbikes above 150cc (apart from RE Himalayan) do not require this 1000km oil change.
Customers must use genuine Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki stores and phone us before any maintenance. We must understand the situation and be allowed to speak with the mechanic before any work.
What we do not cover
Crashes – this is the customer’s responsibility. See the damage waiver.
Flat tires/replacing tires – We have experience judging the age of a tire and replacing old tires that we feel are not fit for another journey. If a customer points out that a tire is not suitable, we will gladly replace it before the motorbike begins a journey.
We do not cover customers listening to random Vietnamese people claiming everything on the motorbike is broken.
Crashes
Crashes are subjective – we try and judge this on what we feel a future customer can potentially complain about. We try and take a relaxed approach to crashes – and if a customer does not trust our report, we are happy to use 3rd party Honda / Yamaha / Suzuki receipts.
Tigit will deduct the damage report from the deposit. Unlike traditional car rentals, we do not charge for the time the motorbike is not operational.
On most models, each piece of bodywork is worth around $10. No customer driving a locally supported motorbike has experienced a crash more significant than $250 of damage. Motorbikes are always fixable in Vietnam.
The Tigit Damage Waiver removes all responsibility of the customer from damages to the rental motorbike. Tigit will pay all damages that occur to the bike during the rental duration.
The Tigit Damage Waiver covers all damages to the Motorbike in the result of a crash. 1. Go to a mechanic shop.
2. Call Tigit Support for translation.
3. Keep the receipt. This will be refunded upon return of the motorbike.
Note: To use the Tigit Damage Waiver please inform us of any damages to the motorbike in advance to Jon@TigitMotorbikes.com (include as many pictures as possible). We don’t mind clients crashing our motorbikes, but giving us time to order parts in vitally important for our logistics. The damage Waiver will be void if the client fails to notify us of part damage before return.
Disclaimers
For Per Day Rentals, the customer must select to upgrade all days of their motorbike rental, this includes returning late or extensions.
For Long Distance Travel Packets, returning the motorbike late without damage waiver extension will void any damage cover.
The Damage Waiver is non-refundable. but if you return early, we will calculate the damage waiver refund along with the rent.
Swapping motorbikes > the second bike will not come with Damage Waiver.
Damage Waiver does not cover:
⊗ 3rd party damages
⊗ Personal injury
⊗ Loss/theft
⊗ Loss of bluecard / bluecard package we give clients
⊗ Loss of spare parts such as clutch plates and inner-tubes
⊗ Damages through flooding, fire damage, vandalism
⊗Transport of motorbike to a Tigit office
⊗ Flat tires and oil change
⊗ Luggage racks, phone mount (holder)
How to claim:
Providing the motorbike is returned to Tigit we will honor the Damage Waiver. If the bike is lost / not returned the motorbike is considered “stolen” and the client owes the value of the stolen motorbike.
Major crashes
If Tigit opts to replace a motorbike that has had a major crash with a replacement motorbike, then the customer is responsible for paying for another damage waiver on the replacement motorbike.
If Tigit manages to fix a major crash (we will let you know if we think the damages are major), then we may ask you to pay for another damage waiver or return the rental motorbike to end the rental.
For a full breakdown of the tires we use on all our models please read our tire article.
We refund early returns, so please book for the maximum length of time that you might use the bike. When you return early, we will refund the remaining days.
We link returns to bookings closely, so trying to “extend your rental” may not be possible, and if you extend without notifying us, it may cause another traveler to not have a bike waiting. Don’t be the person who destroys someone else’s holiday.
Returning a motorbike early at Tigit is free, and we will refund all the remaining days if you return in the correct location.
We will charge a minimum of 3 days of rent. (For example, if you book a motorbike for 1 month, then return after 1 day, we will charge for 3 days).
Returning in a location that is not a Tigit location (such as a train station) will be charged as three days from the drop-off date plus $10 USD pickup fee if we need to send staff to collect the bike from the train station.
Please be respectful and notify Tigit in advance if you are not going to make it to your return destination. It may cause another traveler to miss their booking. This is an adventure holiday, and you must book with the intent to complete your journey.
Tigit Refund calculation
Tigit prices are based on an algorithm, the full price list can be seen on our prices page. Note, that the price gets cheaper over time, it is not based on “per day”. The refund amount might be less than you expect!
Returning late
Extensions are usually possible with five days of notice in advance. However, with our early return policy of refunding early returns, we encourage you to book the maximum possible time that you might need the motorbike. This avoids issues with us overbooking motorbikes.
Bookings at Tigit are taken seriously. Returning late or to a city not on the original contract can cause us to miss bookings. We charge $100 or more for returning late if it causes us to miss a booking.
Please be respectful to Tigit and to future clients and let us know when plans are changing.
Email us: bookings@TigitMotorbikes.com for extensions.
Book the maximum duration possible
We have flexible early returns, and so encourage travelers to book for the maximum duration possible, and then to return early for a refund. This is better than booking the minimum duration and then trying to extend.
If you do wish to extend, please email in advance and we will let you know if the motorbike is still available for an extension.
Pricing calculator for refunds
Update post covid
From November 20th 2022 we no longer accept border crossing bookings for rentals.
To make this trip possible, travelers can inquire about purchasing a Honda XR 150 for $1800 at 40,000km and a Honda Blade 110cc for $700 at 40,000km.
We will buy back the motorbike for the sale value “less” what the rent would have been. Go to this page to view our rent prices.
Tigit provides a 1 month warranty or 1,000km. Keep in mind that it is very hard for us to help you if you go outside of Vietnam.
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
A Vietnamese motorbike can go into both Cambodia and Laos, and get back into Vietnam again. (Update 2024, Laos might not be possible anymore, or is now very difficult, please read the Laos section below.)
A Cambodian or Laos motorbike (or any motorbike outside Vietnam) cannot enter in Vietnam.
For a full loop of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos a traveler must have a Vietnamese motorbike.
At Tigit we believe Thailand is no longer possible to enter on a Vietnamese motorbike. We do not know why, in the old days it was possible! (Update 2024, we think Thailand is possible now)
Vietnam is casual, Laos and Cambodia are much more volatile!
Vietnam Cambodia Borders
Vietnam to Cambodia both the Moc Bai border (2 hours from HCM) and Ha Tien border (near Phu Quoc) are commonly used. (Update 2024: Ha Tien Border is being difficult, but reports of Cửa khẩu Quốc tế Tịnh Biên working have been given to Tigit)
Less known is the Cửa khẩu Lệ Thanh Border to Pleiku. Any major border will work to Cambodia.
There are no difficulties crossing into Cambodia and out of Cambodia. It is a good idea to have the blue card of the motorbike, although in our experience, a border agent has never asked for it!
Cambodian Visas are all “on arrival” and from what we know the process is very simple.
Hardcore experienced adventure seekers found in Cambodia
Vietnam Laos Border Crossings
Updates 6th Dec 2024
From our understanding, the previously “easy” border of Na Meo border (near Hanoi) is no longer working.
We have now had reports that the Phou Keua International Border is working (this is located near Quy Nhon).
Taking a motorbike into Laos appears to create controversial debates and mixed results on the internet blogs. Backpackers on Chinese motorbikes are commonly rejected into Laos and this causes misinformation about the known and successful Na Meo border.
We have found Tigit customers succeed where others fail.
Regardless, if you manage to cross a border on a motorbike, please do email us. The situation is always changing!
Terrain is rugged outside of Vietnam
Cambodia to Laos or vice versa
There are reports around the internet that this border can reject travelers. Tigit customers seem to succeed but sometimes difficulties occur in needing to pay up to $100 in bribes to get through. There are also reports of an illegal “ferry” nearby that takes the motorbikes over the river allowing the traveler to cross the border motorbike free! Customers of Tigit have reported that this works, but obviously we can not recommend this and we take no responsibility in the safety of it. We simply know that it exists!
One way or another, travelers will get through this border. Worst case scenario a traveler can come back into Vietnam and pop around through a different border.
expect the unexpected
Maintenance and breakdowns in Cambodia and Laos
The Tigit contracts all state that customers must change oil and service the motorbikes in genuine Honda Head mechanic shops. Honda Head are also found in both Cambodia and Laos and the service remains to be professional.
Cambodia in particular has excellent mechanics and breakdowns or problems are usually fixed quickly, professionally and cost efficiently. Even the backstreet mechanics seem to be vastly superior to the Vietnamese when it comes to mechanical skills and stocking quality parts!
Laos also has a continuation of Honda Head but not many of them! In Laos, travelers must use backstreet mechanics, but as with Cambodia the mechanics seem skillful and stock high quality parts.
Fixing motorbikes in both Cambodia and Laos is not a problem!
Vietnam suffers from high taxes on imported components which creates this thriving market of Chinese garbage such as Honda Win motorbikes. It also creates a Chinese garbage market of replacement parts which means a high quality motorbike can quickly be ruined with low quality replacements. Tigit likes customers replacing parts in both Cambodia and Laos, and we often encourage it!
Keep receipts and Tigit will refund replacement parts at the end of the journey.
Who can complain with sunsets like this!
The XR 150cc is the best motorbike for all three countries
Tigit has disclaimers about the Honda XR 150cc being difficult to fix in Vietnam in comparison to other models. When it comes to all three countries combined then the Honda XR 150cc becomes the most internationally recognised motorbike out of our stock, and as a result becomes the easiest to maintain over long distances and across borders.
Parts for the XR 150 will always eventually be located in all three countries.
The XR 150cc is also the best suited for variable terrains and Laos in particular can get very mountainous with a lot of pot holes!
For those on a budget, then the Honda Blade Semi Automatic is the best choice. These can also be fixed everywhere, but the Honda Blade never breaks down anyway. Statistically the Honda Blade remains to be our most reliable motorbike over distance despite being the cheapest.
Remote places on motorbikes
Have motorbike skills and an adventurous attitude
The big loop of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos takes around 2.3 to 3 months to complete. It is a long way, and when done properly is around a 10,000km journey.
Usually a Tigit Motorbike will be serviced and checked after every rental. Most “long” rentals will be 3 to 4,000km. A traveler hitting a 3 month holiday and 10,000km of road must be aware that wear and tear on components is going to happen and that they must be able to detect and check their own motorbike.
Tigit will gladly co-corporate and refund parts that need replacing on a journey providing the customers use our support channels to discuss and send pictures of old components.
Tigit can not translate in Cambodia and Laos and so travelers must fend for themselves when it comes to diagnosing problems and getting the right price. We can help with ideas, potential quotes and provide general support.
Mechanics in both Laos and Cambodia appear to be both skillful and honest!
Theft, crashes and major breakdowns
Travelers venturing off into both Laos and Cambodia should understand that Tigit has no control outside of Vietnam. We are unable to translate to police or deal with motorbike losses and crashes. Within Vietnam we have emergency contacts and a very large country wide coverage for dealing with dire situations.
When bad situations occur outside of Vietnam, it is the travelers responsibility to find a way back for the motorbike. If it is not returned to Tigit we consider it lost or stolen and will charge accordingly.
get a good motorbike
Crossing borders on a motorbike is an amazing thing to do!
Travelling across borders is an amazing feeling and not commonly done on a motorbike. With the right amount of time and an adventurous attitude this Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos loop is a once in a lifetime experience!
Vietnam having a lovely mix of mountain and coastal roads. Commonly driven by backpackers with both the famous Hai Van Pass and Ho Chi Minh road thrown into the mix. Tigit routes and maps for Vietnam.
Cambodia is hot, dusty and desert style driving, The famous Angkor wat temples (which can be viewed with a motorbike), and some extreme offroading for the thrill seeker.
Laos is mountainous and reports of travelers suggest that Laos is the most beautiful of the three countries!
Suzuki Raider customised for Cambodia
Travelers must finish back in Vietnam if using Tigit
It is not possible to send a motorbike from Laos or Cambodia back to Vietnam. Travelers with plans of finishing in a different country may use our buy and buy-back program where we sell off older rental motorbikes at a lower price. When you buy the motorbike from Tigit we will buy it back for the sale value “less” what the rent would have been. You can also choose to sell it onward and not to Tigit.
To view our rent prices please go here.
open motorbike roads
Tigit Motorbikes has offices in Ho Chi Minh, Dalat, Danang and Hanoi. Pickup from one office and returning at another. It is an easy and fluid process.
It takes Tigit around 10 days to move a motorbike from one office to another. Failing to return to your contracted city can be a logistics disaster for the company.
It takes Tigit around 10 days to move a motorbike from one office to another. Failing to return to your contracted city can be a logistics disaster for the company.
Tigit charges $50 for returning in the wrong city with 7 days prior notification
Tigit charges $100 for returning in the wrong citywithout notification.
The fees will be waived if you request a motorbike rental extension and it is approved by a member of staff.
The fees will be waived if a member of staff feels your change of plans is causing no additional logistics or transport costs to the company. This usually applies to scenarios related to a change from a small city to a big city. For example, changing from returning in Dalat to Ho Chi Minh is unlikely to cause the company transport costs. A staff will waive the “wrong city return fee“.
Returning in a location that is not a Tigit location (such as a train station) will be charged as three days from the drop-off date.
Plan the holiday carefully, using rest days (recommended at least once every four days of driving). If you are not going to reach the return city please let us know so we can try and build a contingency plan.
Returning in a location that is not a Tigit location (such as a train station) will be charged as three days from the drop-off date.
Plan the holiday carefully, using rest days (recommended at least once every four days of driving). If you are not going to reach the return city please let us know so we can try and build a contingency plan.
HCM to Danang, or Hanoi to Danang usually takes 7-10 days.
HCM to Hanoi usually takes 15-25 days.
HCM to Hanoi is possible in 10 days, but very few clients successfully do this.
Tigit has an optional service where you can send a bag from one Tigit office to another
The bag will be waiting for you at your final returning Tigit office
The cost of this service is $20 (USD) per bag
Key things to note
The shipping cost is not about the size or the weight of the bag. It is “per bag”. Put small bags into big bags, and try to combine everything as much as possible.
Is it safe?
The short answer is yes, it is safe! The longer answer is that around two cases are going wrong annually. Unfortunately, theft can occur by the shipping operators, and they do not have a warranty. Theft can occur, for example, by a knife being taken to the bag to open it up and steal what is inside. Ultimately, this is completely out of our control
The frequency of cases that go wrong is not large enough to justify extra paperwork and disclaimers by Tigit as a company. (Jon’s opinion). Therefore, we do not have waivers or contracts for this shipping service. Pay the $20 (USD) per bag when you pick up the bike, and we will ship it to your final destination. No extra paperwork.
We have talked about the service being reliable, however we do not want to be made responsible for many thousand dollar laptops and jewelly going missing. We advise not shipping costly items. If you need to ship an expensive item, Tigit can do overnight priority shipping through a service called NASCO, but we charge a relatively large custom fee for this. NASCO is very expensive, and it also requires extra special attention from Tigit administration to not lose the package of value!
