Buôi sáng Vietnam!
I began my journey around Asia in Vietnam at the tail end of 2015.
Moreover, first time in Asia for me. And how do many travels start? Well, large indefinite quantity of time sitting on one's butt 10,000 metres up in the air, squeezed together with others in one room, all surrender to be at the mercy of this situation.
That photo above was made in the evening.
Though, the flight started in the morning, which was also the time the photo below was taken. Both times above the oceans of clouds.
A long, windy travel... from Berlin to Hanoi.
It's not that I favour this kind of travelling. Quite the opposite is my preference for travelling. Easygoing and conscious moves through the environment. By bus, train, car or on water. Walking is a wonderful way to get more details of the surroundings. My favourite choice is the bicycle. Riding a bicycle may take one far and still allows finding great little things.
Now that I had revealed my preferred way of travelling. Cycling through Vietnam was a very impulsive decision that we soon abandoned. Not that it's bad to travel there by bicycle. No, we were simply not prepared for a bike tour in this country.
It requires a plan, suitable bikes, and equipment. Again, nothing excessive here either. Less is more. I met a Dutch who travelled all the way from The Netherlands to Lao through Russia and China with a very humble bike. Solid and old but nothing fancy.
Nevertheless! Attaching a typical large travel backpack, to a medium-sized women's bike with just a little light luggage rack is indeed a solution, but not a suitable one.
Side story; Do you see these red shoes attached to a dark bag pack? I found them a few weeks before this journey in my home town's park, abandoned next to a bin.
It didn't take long until the realisation of cycling with those bicycles and the roads, in combination with the adventurous unique traffic and driving style, was no way. Either better bicycles and a road map for cycling. However, we went for the “xe máy”, which means motorcycles in Vietnamese.
We swapped to superb local motorcycles, Honda.
The way of a simplicity.
Imagine you are going through the roads of north Vietnam by motorcycle.
Let's start from Hanoi to Hạ Long with a little detour north.
Northern Vietnam is like a wild rollercoaster ride — thrilling and a little scary all at once. The roads are like a box of chocolates — some are smooth and sweet, while others are potholed nightmares and full of surprises. You’ve got everything from cosy, gentle countryside lanes to steep, winding mountain passes that seem to stretch forever.
If you’re not accustomed to riding in these conditions, it can feel like a clumsy dance, a bit arduous, and honestly, a real workout for your nerves! But it’s like finding a hidden treasure.
Get ready to explore hidden landscapes that most tourists overlook, dive into the real Vietnam without any filters, and by the end, you might just be the coolest cat on the block.
Cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks seem to have a secret handshake that says, “Who needs lanes or rules?”. It's like a chaotic dance party on the road where everyone forgot the steps.
Honking isn’t being mean. It’s like a friendly nudge, a little shout-out saying, “Hey there, I’m here, and I’m zooming by whether you’re ready or not.”
In cities like Hanoi, you’ll be squeezed between swarms of motorbikes that flow like a living river, with no clear distinction between where the road ends and the sidewalk begins. Out in the countryside, it’s a mix — sometimes peaceful, with rice paddies stretching out on either side, and sometimes heart-stopping when a bus comes barrelling around a blind curve at full speed.
Which mountain roads are more fun: Ha Giang or Sapa? Gorgeous, yet fierce. The climbs just keep coming, the descents have your heart racing, and the road quality? Well, it's like a surprise party for your tyres. Potholes, loose gravel, and the occasional wandering water buffalo keep things interesting.
Would I give it a thumbs up? If you can handle a bit of mayhem and have a sprinkle of stubbornness — why not go for it.
I won't take more of your precious time and give you some of my highlights of Hanoi and our tour to Hạ Long.
Stepping outside the aeroplane and breath in the first taste of Vietnam was, well, different...
Welcome to Hanoi...
Everything, everywhere all at once. Temples are all over the city, and even trees are blessed and converted into small shrines to show gratitude.
So many Bonsais! That's one city I call tree friendly. You find Bonsais in any corner of the city.
Areas which look ready to have a combat and proof that you went through at least one of the 36 chambers of the Shaolin.
Nature is taking over.
Temples and trees have a place in Hanoi.
Perfectionists in parking.
The markets never sleep.
Engineering next level.
Food around the clock. From street food to any kind of location, small and large portions, always great in taste. Phở in all varieties for the win.
That's it folks.
The next stop is Sa Pa.
V for Vietnam!!!
Tạm biệt!
