Visitors to the Tien Dat Resort in Mui Ne region expecting to see only romantic views of the sea will be surprised to encounter an extensive collection of vintage vehicles as well.
In order to build such an extensive collection, Do Loc, the owner of Tien Dat Resort, spent 10 years searching for motorbikes around the world.
The oldest of the bunch is France's Mobylette; which has been in Vietnam for over 60 years. The vehicle is regarded as the world's first two-wheel motorbike with two pedals.
Stylish Peugeot motorbikes are also a part of the collection.
Not nearly as streamlined and elegant as the French vehicles, the German-made Goebel appears sturdy in black and grey. The Whell-Prive and Motobecane models from England and America resemble wild animals prancing.
Visitors will be unable to find Japanese makes like Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki in the collection because Eastern European-made motorbikes were more popular during the 80's and 90's.
The Bebetta motorbike from Turkey, the two engine-stroke MTZ from Eastern Germany and the Minks from Russia are among the Eastern European models on display.
The motorbikes' license plates signal their origin and previous glory. To maintain the value of his collection, Loc has a mechanic on staff that cleans, lubricates and cares for each motorbike, which are all able to run smoothly.
In addition to collecting motorbikes, Loc, a native Saigonese, also enjoys organizing vintage motorbike tours for members of the vintage bike club. The club has visited the dunes of Mui Ne, and the Mobylette and Peugeot motorbikes have traveled to Phan Thiet. Recently, the club traveled on two engine-stroke motorbikes to Thay Thim Palace for the 2007 festival.
Although Loc has received many requests from both foreign and domestic travelers to rent his motorbikes, Loc chooses to exhibit his collection only for tourists relaxing at the Tien Dat Resort.
The collection is expected to grow in the future because Loc's passion for motorbikes is undying. In fact, a four-wheel vehicle from Russia that was used to serve Vietnam's Head of State was recently added to his collection.©2012 SkyDoor - The travel information network of Vietnam
