Living Your Dream, Bike Touring Asia

Ask most people why they don't head off on that big motorcycle trip they've always talked about doing, and the answer often boils down to kids, mortgage and a full-time job.

But luckily there are people who don't let things like working full-time get in the way of their dream of riding the remote unexplored regions of Asia.

If you ever wondered what the attraction of bike touring is. Aside from riding a bike all day for days on end. How about putting yourself in touch with the world, feel the freedom and enjoy discovering new places.

For motorcycle touring in Asia you need the following paper work.

Before you leave, photocopy all the documents and keep the copies at home. Also keep a set of copies in with you, separated from the originals.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is effectively an international driver's license, as it is recognized all over the world and proves that you have a valid license at home. Just to underline the validity of this wonderful document, it is printed in 10 languages, including Chinese and other languages useful in Asia.

In some countries you will get the feeling you not need a IDP, for example a Thai police officer is happy with a regular European Driving License, the problem only starts when you are involved in a accident. And it is therefore a good idea to carry an IDP anyway, also some police forces are unfamiliar with old paper drivers licenses. And most countries in Asia, do insist that you carry a International Driving Permit.

Registration Document

If you get stopped by the police, they will want some sort of proof that you own the bike you are riding, or at least that you have permission to do so. So you'll need the bike's registration documents as well. If the bike isn't yours, you'll need written confirmation from the owner that you are entitled to be riding it – that applies whether the owner is a leasing company or your best friend. And please check this with the embassy of the country you plan to visit, as some countries do not accept you taking a motorcycle into the country without being the owner.