Kevin in Vietnam

In June 2005, Kevin spent 5 days riding north from Hanoi towards the Chinese border with an American and an Englishman. The journey was a fun filled ride through scenic mountain roads, muddy tracks and remote villages.

The bikes were Belarusian manufactured 'Minsks', which were primitive but simple to repair. They presented no real problems on the trip, having been well maintained previously by Cuong, an expert mechanic in Hanoi.



Northern Vietnam is a great place to explore by bike, with undulating roads weaving their way between stunning mountains and decending into rich valleys. They also have quirky little crossings and friendly local folk along the way.

River crossing in the remote North-West.
June saw the beginning of the wet season, and some river crossings were a bit a challenge for the bikes which were unladen here before being carried across with the aid of some friendly hilltribe people. Most ethnic minority people, or 'Montagnards', in the north were dressed in very traditional clothing. They seemed mystified with the presence of three filthy westerners in their neck of the woods, but proved to be very friendly and helpful.