Rider Testimonials
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Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation is a Hanoi-based charity. It helps children escape slavery and forced labour, and provides housing, employment and education.
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Rider Tour Experiences
Sonja and Jaymi
We took a three-day bike ride from 6 Feb. to 8 Feb. 2004. Jaymi and I were joined by Chance and Gamble. Apparently, we made the first all-female tour to hit the roads.
And quite literally, we did!
It was cold and rained for two of the three days. The tour took us from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong Park, Mai Chau, then over the awesome Thung Nhuoi and Thung Khe Pass (at least I think that were the names) and then back to Hanoi.
The roads became so slick from the wet clay that everything changed colour……red! And trying to push up a bike that had fallen over was almost next to impossible!
But it was definitely worth the cold, wet, muddied feet, hands, face and clothes! I wouldn’t have changed a thing……except for ordering a bit more sunshine. The food and lodging were wonderful, and Glen, the guide who could speak Vietnamese, was a precious asset. We learned a lot about the culture that benefited us during the remainder of our holiday.
This trip was a natural highlight of the month spent in Vietnam, and I recommend and hope to travel again with Explore Indochina one day.
Thank you for Everything!
It was a wonderful experience!
And quite literally, we did!
It was cold and rained for two of the three days. The tour took us from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong Park, Mai Chau, then over the awesome Thung Nhuoi and Thung Khe Pass (at least I think that were the names) and then back to Hanoi.
The roads became so slick from the wet clay that everything changed colour……red! And trying to push up a bike that had fallen over was almost next to impossible!
But it was definitely worth the cold, wet, muddied feet, hands, face and clothes! I wouldn’t have changed a thing……except for ordering a bit more sunshine. The food and lodging were wonderful, and Glen, the guide who could speak Vietnamese, was a precious asset. We learned a lot about the culture that benefited us during the remainder of our holiday.
This trip was a natural highlight of the month spent in Vietnam, and I recommend and hope to travel again with Explore Indochina one day.
Thank you for Everything!
It was a wonderful experience!
Richard Cole
I just want to say a big thank you to you, Digby, for a great trip in the North East of Vietnam.
It was very well organised, and it was ace meeting you all.
It was very well organised, and it was ace meeting you all.
Tim
If you like the taste of adventure and want to veer off the tourist-beaten track to experience the authentic Vietnamese culture and country, this five-day bike tour through the Northern mountains with Explore Indochina is a must!
As a team of seven largely inexperienced bikers, we arrived somewhat nervous in Hanoi to embark on our 5-day adventure. All anxieties were quickly forgotten, and without fail, we all hugely enjoyed an exhilarating journey to Sapa – negotiating landslides, dodging all manner of animal life both day and night, crossing rivers by bamboo raft or nothing less than an Indiana Jones-style bridge as well as some excellent offroading. The evenings were just as enjoyable, with copious amounts of local lager, rice wine and delicious Vietnamese food!
It is true that the guides either make or break a holiday of this nature, and Digby was first class. He was fluent in Vietnamese and had a huge personality when we were invited into homes, and we shared unique moments with many ethnic minorities. This write-up wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the breathtaking scenery. A motorbike is the only way to get a genuine sense of this truly beautiful country, not to mention its remarkably friendly people.
Overall, it’s an awesome feeling of freedom compared to office/city life and a unique opportunity to venture off the tourist trails. Paying up front and not worrying about cash for five days is a pleasant change, too! Provided you are not too precious over dirt, sweat and basic accommodation, I guarantee this will be the best of your holidays.
As a team of seven largely inexperienced bikers, we arrived somewhat nervous in Hanoi to embark on our 5-day adventure. All anxieties were quickly forgotten, and without fail, we all hugely enjoyed an exhilarating journey to Sapa – negotiating landslides, dodging all manner of animal life both day and night, crossing rivers by bamboo raft or nothing less than an Indiana Jones-style bridge as well as some excellent offroading. The evenings were just as enjoyable, with copious amounts of local lager, rice wine and delicious Vietnamese food!
It is true that the guides either make or break a holiday of this nature, and Digby was first class. He was fluent in Vietnamese and had a huge personality when we were invited into homes, and we shared unique moments with many ethnic minorities. This write-up wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the breathtaking scenery. A motorbike is the only way to get a genuine sense of this truly beautiful country, not to mention its remarkably friendly people.
Overall, it’s an awesome feeling of freedom compared to office/city life and a unique opportunity to venture off the tourist trails. Paying up front and not worrying about cash for five days is a pleasant change, too! Provided you are not too precious over dirt, sweat and basic accommodation, I guarantee this will be the best of your holidays.
Brian
Well, we made it back to the States. I just wanted to thank you both again for putting together such an amazing tour. It was by far one of the most amazing experiences I have had to date.
To Glenn goes a big thanks for showing us some kick-ass areas and for getting my ass through all that damn mud!
Everyone at school has been asking us about the trip, and our stories blow everyone away. Hopefully, we will be able to reunite on another ride one day. Until then, all the best to all of you.
To Glenn goes a big thanks for showing us some kick-ass areas and for getting my ass through all that damn mud!
Everyone at school has been asking us about the trip, and our stories blow everyone away. Hopefully, we will be able to reunite on another ride one day. Until then, all the best to all of you.
Aidan Trend
Just a quick note to say thanks for organising our trip, we all had a fantastic time.
Your guides all did a great job.
It’s a shame we didn’t get to meet you but judging by how much the boys enjoyed the trip I’m pretty sure we will be back within the next year or two to do another one.
Your guides all did a great job.
It’s a shame we didn’t get to meet you but judging by how much the boys enjoyed the trip I’m pretty sure we will be back within the next year or two to do another one.
Justin Parry
Thanks Diggers for an awesome ride, I really enjoyed it.
The eye is fine. Looking forward to the next ride.
Take it easy.
The eye is fine. Looking forward to the next ride.
Take it easy.
Ryan
Digby went out of his way to act as a translator and assist with bike repairs. He stands out in his ability to relate to and develop relationships with the local people in these areas.
While on our trip, he took photos that he had taken on other expeditions to give to the local people. The relationships that he has cultivated through his multiple contacts with local people clearly paid dividends for me while on my trip.
Digby is an asset to your organisation and an ambassador of Vietnamese culture.
While on our trip, he took photos that he had taken on other expeditions to give to the local people. The relationships that he has cultivated through his multiple contacts with local people clearly paid dividends for me while on my trip.
Digby is an asset to your organisation and an ambassador of Vietnamese culture.
Dieter Nuhr
Nice way to explore Hanoi! Thanks!