Jaw-dropping everywhere you looked
For years I looked for a truly “ out there adventure ” with Vietnam ultimately bubbling to the top of the list . Vietnam is unique with its abrupt geography and the network of motorcycle paths . Most of these are navigable only on two wheels . It ’ s motorcycle heaven , free from larger vehicles . This was to be the setting for an unforgettable trip , full of challenge and reward . So , I booked a 12-day small group adventure covering about 1800km in July from Hanoi and through the mountains , along the Chinese border and ending in Ha Long Bay . This journey encompassed all environments — from highways
to jungle tracks — and everything in between . I paid the extra for the truck to carry our gear .
STARTING IN HANOI The trip began in Hanoi , a bustling city where navigating the swarm of scooters and motorcycles is an adventure in itself . We took secondary roads , which were surprisingly wellmaintained bar the occasional pallet load of bricks deposited in the slow lane . Leaving the city behind , we headed west to the mountains and into the countryside . It wasn ’ t long before we encountered the concrete bike paths , typical of Vietnam , which are about two meters wide and wind through stunning scenery .
Typical paths were very challenging with cliffs and rivers wanting to take you out