Vietnam
Vietnam
Minh runs Freebird Adventure Tours, which can take from 3 days or more around scenic spots of Vietnam.
- Based in Hanoi, there are numerous flights from HK with flights usually up to HK$2k return.
- Bikes are either 150cc or 250cc off road bikes.
- Typical 3 day 2 night tour Bush, mountain, river, lake, off road 60%, on-road 40%
- FreeBird can supply all body armour etc, however best to bring at least your own boots and gloves and dirtbike helmet if you have.
- Typical 3 day off road tour video
- Prices For 3 day 2 night all inclusive (excluding flights)
- 4 Person Group:
- 6 Person Group: US$360 Honda XR150cc, US$430 for Honda CRF250cc
- Based in Hanoi, similar to the above
- Have good English speaking guides. Tel +84 97 988 4588
Trip Report: Hanoi Off-road (HKMR Facebook Post )
While HK may have relatively few roads to explore compared to other countries; we are lucky to be living within just a few hours travel to many great biking destinations. This gives us access to a wide range of varied roads, terrain, food and cultures in countries where hiring motorbikes is relatively cost effective.
I know many of us have done rides overseas, however for those yet to ride outside of HK, here is a recap of a recent off-road ride I went on with a group of HK riders.
Our group of 7 booked a 3day 2 night package tour operated by Freebird Adventures based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Minh is the owner operator of Freebird Adventures and has been running his own motorcycle adventure business for 5 years.
We flew out on Friday afternoon and Minh was at Hanoi Intl airport to greet us, and take us to our hotel accommodation. After taking a quick look around Hanoi that night, we were keen to get going on Saturday morning.
Minh picked us up and we got the bikes ready and packed for the 3 day ride south of Hanoi. Minh prefers to lead groups of 4 riders, however for group of 7, he added his brother as a sweeper rider to help with keeping the group together.
After escaping the traffic of Hanoi, we travelled south and quickly got into some muddy terrain alongside some fields. With limited signage on roads, it was quickly apparent that a tour guide is highly recommend, as there are many hidden alleyways that lead to beautiful country side and views that would be difficult to find even with GPS and waypoints.. Minh obviously knew the area well, with places to stop along the way.
Minh's philosophy is to support local industry and show his tour groups the non-touristy side of Vietnam. We stayed in different homestay accommodation for the two nights, where the host family cooked meals for us after exploring the countryside earlier in the day.
The photo's give a pretty good feel of what to expect from the country over our 3 day tour. We travelled over a variety of terrain... Based on time travelled (rather than distance) would be 40% tarmac, 30% concrete path, 30% off-road (mud, gravel, rock etc). There would have been more off road terrain, however we needed to detour due to a landslide blocking the road (common in the rainy season).
Minh offers XR150cc and CRF250cc off-road bikes for the trip. I rode the XR150 which in hindsight, should have gone with the CRF250. Minh is a funny guy, and went out of his way to help arrange everything for us. Needless to say, we had a great time.
For this tour, the riding was more off-road than MX, so no one brought full-on bulky MX boots, however a MX helmet with goggles helped for added ventilation in the hot weather. Knee and upper body armour was worn by some, and while the MX riding was not highly challenging, you'll still need to ride in urban Hanoi traffic for a bit, so depends on your comfort level on what protection you take.
Total cost including: Flights, homestay accommodation, meals, airport transfers, bike rental and guide for the 3 day, 2 night trip was around HKD4,500.
With several budget airlines flying out of HK into some fantastic riding destinations; hope this article motivates some of you to get outside of HK and explore the region 🤟