I had a fantastic experience doing the motorbike loop with North Viet Hostel and Travel Agency. My driver Tran, was an expert driver and his knowledge of the area made me feel like a local. One of the highlights was Tran's knowledge of various viewpoints and unique places that were off the beaten path, away from the crowds. I really appreciated that aspect of the tour.
The team at the office in Ha Giang was exceptional. They were professional and on top of everything, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily and quickly I was able to get into my room early in the morning and they had breakfast ready for me before we set off on the loop. When we returned on day three, they had beverages and snacks, and they even offered the option to take a shower before the bus back to Hanoi. Their attention to detail and hospitality were greatly appreciated.
In terms of accommodations, the homestay on the first night had a rustic charm. The homestay offered a picturesque view of the town, and the family hosting was very kind. The food served was delicious, adding to the overall experience. The second night's homestay was in a traditional stilted house. It also provided a breathtaking view, and the family was incredibly friendly. They even organized a cultural activity for us, where the children performed folk songs and encouraged everyone to participate in jumping over bamboo poles. Additionally, both families hosted karaoke sessions, which added a fun and lively atmosphere to the evenings.
On the last day of the trip, we had the opportunity to visit a library initiated by North Viet Hostel and Travel Agency to support the children in one of the villages. It was a unique and heartwarming experience to learn about how the tour company is making a positive impact in the area. This added element of community engagement added depth and significance to the overall trip.
Overall, my motorbike trip in Vietnam was an exceptional experience. Tran's expertise, the professionalism of the office team, the varied and interesting accommodations, and the meaningful interactions with the local communities all contributed to a memorable journey. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an adventurous and culturally rich...
Read moreNo words, the loop was really over my expectations.
I think this was the part of my trip in Vietnam I was looking forward to the most and I was not disappointed. Breathtaking views, visits to ethnic minority villages, a real human experience sharing time with drivers and travellers. We choose that company for the small groups and the social project. No regrets, I will remember that amazing experience 🫶🏻 I really take my time to write this review because they really deserve it :
THE LOOP : No word to describe the landscape and we really loved driving out the main road which can be very busy with the biggest groups of the loop. I think, on the 4 days, we drove half of the time beside the main road, to go in more remote village. That way you can stop in some view point where you will be quite alone with the group. I had the feeling that we were driving the other way round than most of the other companies, which was nice (but maybe it's just an impression).
SAFETY : I felt very safe with my driver (as everyone in my group). You feel that they are experienced ones. They don't ride too fast, and they have perfect control of their bikes. They don't drink too much in the evening and have good rest (unfortunately this is not the case everywhere). On top of that, they were all really lovely. 🥰 You'll also get arm and leg “shields” (free in that company). Personally, I took them off quickly, but it's up to you!
ORGANISATION : Really smalls groups, we were 6 bikes only and that was perfect. Our guide was always with us to explain everything we want to know about local people. Everything was really smooth during the 4 days and even before with the boss (he arrange everything for you, always available if you have questions). You will stop every day to have a swim or little walk to see waterfall, river, cave or do bamboo rafting.
HOMESTAYS AND FOOD : We stoped in human size homestays with other little groups with us. That’s was really nice because the mood was not a party one but not a too quiet one neither. Happy water and Karakoe every night, you have dinner with yours drivers. Always very comfortable, we even had private room twice without paying for it. The food was also very tasty for lunch and dinner. We really enjoyed it, especially the last night...
Read moreHere is an honest account of all those looking to plan the next great adventure, planning on doing the loop with Infinity or any other bigger hostel/group tour.
The biggest concern I felt was lack of clarity in terms of communication with respect to the itinerary and day plans.
The first day we had was a bit of a rushed itinerary with around 135 kms of winding roads. We were encouraged to ride faster along the route by the group and eventually met with a minor accident.
Following which we were asking to pay for damages when the package usually has insurance for the vehicles.
We chose the easy rider option post lunch to get some respite from the hassle of dealing with it all.
Notable misses on the loop the Flag tower close to china border which most groups usually do on day 2 first half.
Lung Cu Flag Tower Nho Que River Boating Du Gia waterfall.
Second night we did halted at the Du Gia town and the communication would have been better regarding whether or not we want to do it.
We were doing the loop clockwise although a small group felt rushed and decided to cut short the trip to 3D2N from the originally planned 4D3N.
Biggest take always have the itinerary very very clearly laid out. These 3 were I think quite prominent sites along the loop.
Coordination issues between the easyriders and office were glaring.
Veg options and vegan options very few and we pretty much had to shove down the same meal for 5 square meals in a row and in the end were happy that it came to an end. We were all for trying local flavour but it does get very repetitive in nature.
Stopping at random view points seems fun on the first day or two but it does get monotonous soon only to be ushered along 5-10 mins later to the next one.
Lastly, it did not feel like an emersive experience as most of the homestays were comfortable yet commercial in nature, I really do not think how true giving back to community part is!
Never got a T-shirt or any souvenir or memorabilia as part of the group.
All in all please double check triple check when booking. Because it might seem a little affordable than other groups but there are compromises...
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