Kiwi Mates and Big Dreams

It all started over beers in Queenstown. Five of us—Josh, Reuben, Mikaela, Big Dave, and I (Kurt)—chucked around the idea of “doing Vietnam proper.” Not the usual beach-and-bahn-mi tour. We wanted mud, mountain passes, backroad banter, and some solid riding.

Enter Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure. A mate’s cousin had done a loop with them and raved about it. Said it was “epic as” and that we’d see parts of Vietnam few ever do—off-road tracks, hill tribe villages, and ridgelines that drop into China. We were sold.

Flights booked. Gear packed. Spirits high. Vietnam, let’s ‘av it!

Meet Cuong and the Iron Horses

Cuong’s base in Hanoi feels more like a biker’s clubhouse than a tour office. Posters of dusty riders and vintage bikes line the walls. Out back, rows of dirt-ready Honda XR 150s and CRF 250s gleam with potential—and maybe a bit of mischief.

Cuong himself? Absolute legend. Rode with Top Gear back in the day. He greeted us with a big grin, firm handshake, and a cheeky sparkle in his eye. “You ready for adventure?” he asked. We were.

After a quick rundown on the bikes, gear fitting, and a route brief, we kicked the engines into life. The ride was on.

Hanoi Chaos and the Road Out

Getting out of Hanoi on a motorbike is like trying to escape a mosh pit on wheels. Scooters, honks, and street vendors everywhere. But once you get the hang of the rhythm, it’s oddly thrilling.

We rode northwest through the Red River Delta, weaving past rice paddies, water buffalo, and roadside pho stalls. By lunchtime, the chaos gave way to calm. The air got cooler. The hills started to rise.

That night, we crashed in a quiet village homestay—rice wine with the hosts, stories around the fire, and a chorus of frogs to lull us to sleep.

Into the Wild: Ba Be Lake

Ba Be is a stunner. The lake’s deep green waters are ringed by limestone cliffs and thick jungle. We chucked our bikes onto a wooden raft for a lake cruise—just us, the still water, and mist rising off the hills.

The riding around Ba Be was some of the best—steep inclines, rocky paths, and muddy single tracks. Mikaela went down in a puddle the size of a cow. She got up laughing, plastered in muck. “Guess I’m properly initiated now,” she grinned.

That night’s stay was in a Tay ethnic village. Bamboo houses on stilts. A firepit dinner. Local corn wine that hit harder than expected.

Ha Giang: Beyond the Loop

Most tourists do the Ha Giang Loop. Cuong took us beyond it.

We hit trails that wound above clouds, passed through remote villages where kids ran out barefoot to high-five us, and dodged herds of goats with more confidence than road rules.

The Ma Pi Leng Pass? Mate, words don’t do it justice. Think cliffs on one side, a vertical drop to the Nho Que River on the other, and a road like a dragon’s spine weaving between them. It’s heart-thumping stuff.

We pulled over at the top, soaked in the view, and just let out a collective, “Bloody hell.”

Borderline Madness: The China Edge

Riding along the China border was surreal. There were checkpoints, military posts, and locals who eyed us like curious spirits from another land.

Cuong knew everyone. “Wave and smile,” he said. We followed.

Some trails were so narrow and steep, we wondered if they were meant for bikes or mountain goats. But the payoff? Views that stretched into forever. Terraced rice fields like stairways to the sky. Villages with no names on Google Maps. Kids with slingshots and gap-toothed grins.

At one point, Reuben’s rear tire popped. No problem. One of Cuong’s crew pulled out a fix kit, patched it roadside in 15 minutes, and we were back on.

Hill Tribe Hospitality and Muddy Tracks

Northern Vietnam isn’t just about scenery. It’s about people. We shared tea with Hmong elders, helped stir a pot of buffalo stew with a Dao family, and danced (badly) at a harvest festival we stumbled upon near Dong Van.

The off-road riding here? Next level. Slippery climbs, creek crossings, and mud pits that tested every bit of throttle control we had. Big Dave took a dive and emerged like the Swamp Thing. We laughed till our faces hurt.

We were sore, dusty, and loving every second.

Last Stretch, Reflections, and Cold Bia Hoi

As we looped back toward Hanoi, the landscape flattened and the mountains receded. The ride felt slower. Or maybe we were just soaking in every last turn.

We made one final stop near The Border crossing into China and had beers at the border looking into China. Ate grilled fish. Laughed about Dave’s epic fall in the mud.

Waiting for the train back to Hanoi Back in Hanoi, handing the bikes back was oddly emotional. We’d formed a gang, taken a wild ride, and seen a slice of Vietnam most never do.

We sat on tiny stools, clinking glasses of bia hoi, and toasted to Cuong, to the road, and to whatever adventure came next.

Why You Should Ride with Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure

• Local Knowledge: Cuong and his team know the roads, the people, and the stories. You’ll see more than you ever could solo.

• Well-Maintained Bikes: Trusty steeds for all levels—XR150s, CRFs, and more.

• Unique Routes: Off the tourist trail. Into the real heart of Vietnam.

• All-Inclusive Vibes: Meals, fuel, gear, guides—sorted. Just ride.

• Cultural Connection: Authentic homestays, shared meals, genuine moments.

10. FAQs and Tips for Your Own Ride

What bike should I ride?
If you’re experienced, go for the CRF 250. If not, the XR150 is comfy and capable.

Is it beginner-friendly?
You’ll need basic bike skills, but Cuong’s team adjusts the route to suit the group.

What should I pack?
Light layers, rain gear, decent gloves, and a GoPro. Leave the jeans at home.

When’s the best time to go?
March–May and September–November. Dry but lush.

Can I go solo?
You can, but why would you? Riding with Cuong’s crew is half the fun.

They say the best trips change you. This one did. Northern Vietnam got into our bones—the mud, the mist, the mountain smiles. We came for adventure and left with a story that’ll get retold over many cold beers.

Next time you’re itching for a real ride, don’t just tour Vietnam. Live it—off-road, wild, and full throttle—with Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure.