by dean » Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:24 am
George,
buying in Cambo is really easy, you find a bike, give them money, they give you an invoice, you both put your fingerprint on it (no kidding) and you get the ownership card. Selling is the same, 10min process.
However... this is not a "formal" change of ownership, which needs to be done somewhere more official, and takes time and money, but the invoice with stamp is enough for r4c. In terms of crossing a border though - i don't know if it would be enough, probably depends on the official you get on the day.
If your paperwork is in order (i.e. ownership card with your name on it), crossing from thai/laos/cambo is really straightforward. no planning needed, just get to the border and do the temporary import forms. it's not hard. both dave and i have done these borders multiple times on our own bikes. I even skipped in and out of laos without declaring the bike at all!
Vietnam is notoriously difficult to get into or out of on a bigger bike, but i dont know about the little ones. No one crossed any borders last year.
You might also consider renting in Vietnam. I rode much of northern vietnam on a newish honda 125cc scooter this year for $8/day including panniers (2 up!). Much nicer ride than the Dailem too, and you'll need the extra power in the mountains and highways of vietnam.
hope this helps.
Dean