Below is a list of items that riders can consider bringing for their motorcycle trip. Many of the items will depend on your own personal circumstances, the time of year and your destination.

• Spare inner tube
• Tire patch kit
• Portable tire pump
• Spare clutch cable
• Spark plug
• Chain links
• Chain oil
• Bottle of engine oil
• Bottle of spare petrol
• Small tool kit (key metric wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers etc)
• Rain gear (Rain coats, Ponchos)
• Helmet, gloves and body armour
• Trash bags (For waterproofing and dustproofing)
• Long sleeved shirts and long pants
• Bungee cords / bike hooks
• Sun screen and mosquito repellent
• Compass
• Watch
• Jackknife
• Tapes
• First aid kit ( plasters, paracetamols, aspirins, charcoal pills etc)
• Contact details of motorcycle rental company
• Passport (or a photocopy if your passport is surrendered to the motorcycle rental shop)
• Driver’s license
• International Driving Permit
• Insurance papers
• Travel guide(s)
• Maps
• GPS receiver
• Camera
• Torch Light with spare batteries
• Matches / Lighter
• Mobile phone
• Chargers for the various electronic equipments
• Power adapters
• Phone list
• Papers and pens
• Hammock and camping equipment
• Cooking equipment
• Toilet papers
• Water and food
• Cash and credit cards

If you feel that anything important is missing from the motorcycle trip packing checklist, please leave a comment and I will add them in.

You see things differently on a motorcycle. You are no longer a passive observer watching the scenes go by, instead you are in the scene. The acrid smell of burning logs tickles your nose and the cold mountain air tingles your skin. You raise your arms for the low hanging tree branches, and the leaves brush by your fingers.

An adventure travel on a motorcycle is one of the best ways to see a country, especially in countries with challenging road infrastructure. Compared to its more glamorous counterpart, it is easier for a motorcycle to edge pass potholes and bomb craters. A motorcycle also makes it easier to go off the beaten track and explore narrow dirt roads.

And there are a lot to explore in countries like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The mighty Angkor Wat in Cambodia, mysterious Plain of Jars in Laos and picturesque Sapa in Vietnam are but some of the famous attractions. There are plenty of waterfalls, lakes, rivers, hot springs, caves, mountains, jungles and temples to keep the traveller occupied. These South East Asian countries are also blessed with deep history and rich culture.

Because of the cultural and language barriers, it might seem difficult enough just to visit the countries, let alone renting a motorcycle and travelling cross-country. But many foreigners, including me, have made the same trips without much problems. Sure, the motorcycles do break down and we do lose our way once in a while. But, these are just part of the adventures and you can always depend on the friendly locals, who are armed with an uncanny ability to repair motorcycles and are always willing to point you out to the right direction.