"You discover everything you want by bike. It's easier."

Niall Mackay sits down with Mihai Constantinescu, a long-time expat and passionate motorbike enthusiast known for his YouTube channel "The Vietnam Rider". With 16 years of experience living in Vietnam and fluency in Vietnamese, Mihai shares invaluable insights into the world of motorbiking in Vietnam.

The conversation covers everything from choosing the right bike and essential safety tips to navigating the bustling city traffic and embarking on epic cross-country journeys. Mihai and Niall discuss the freedom and adventure that comes with exploring Vietnam by motorbike, as well as the cultural experiences and interactions with locals that make such trips unforgettable. They also delve into the practicalities of motorbiking in Vietnam, including licensing laws, bike maintenance, and how to stay safe on the roads.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose a common bike model for easy repairs and parts availability 
• Always wear a properly fitted and securely fastened helmet 
• Stay away from trucks and buses for safety 
• Take smaller, less crowded roads for a better experience 
• Familiarize yourself with your bike before embarking on long trips 

Chapters and Timestamps:
 
01:40 Getting into motorbiking in Vietnam 
04:40 First motorbiking experiences 
09:10 The appeal of motorbiking in Vietnam 
15:40 Choosing the right bike 
22:10 Electric bikes in Vietnam 
29:40 Traffic safety in Vietnam 
35:50 Final tips for motorbiking in Vietnam 
38:20 Where to find Mihai's content

Quotes:

1. "You discover everything you want by bike. It's easier." [09:40]
2. "The ride is the destination." [32:30]
3. "It really annoys me when you see people wearing a helmet and they don't clip it. Do these people go home and have sex with a partner and just hold the condom?" [33:50]
4. "The speed that you're at always seems less dangerous than it actually is." [36:20]
5. "20's plenty." [37:30]

"Send me a message!"

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Try Descript for free here!

The full list of winners is here. 

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!