Rider Testimonials

We have to thank you Digby, for two days that we will never forget in our lives.

You did a fantastic job, and we enjoyed every minute.

The fucking people at the airport took my pipe, they said it is a weapon. Remember, first think, then marry!!!!

On behalf of the crew, I wanted to thank you, Digby, for such a fantastic time last week. We expected it to be a good trip; however, you exceeded our expectations well and truly.

The bikes and equipment were first-rate, and the support couldn’t have been better. You clearly went out of your way to fit as much into our trip as possible, and for that, I thank you.

I would appreciate it if you could forward me a copy of the video footage, particularly Jon’s circus antics.

Hey Digby, we got stuck in Hue with the typhoon, but as it turned out, the hotel was excellent, and we sat it out with gin and tonic.

The bike trip was fantastic. Long live the Minsk. I’ve attached a few photos. We’ve got so many. There were so many great things. Try this:

the food
the scenery
staying with the Dam family
10 am drinking zeal with the old soldier
chasing the raft back into China
the markets
the day on the lake
the karaoke I can take or leave

Got say though, the best thing was just riding around looking at the world go by.

The Google thing is great. You’ve got some talent with the video. Look out, Tarantino.

Good luck to you and Johnny, and make sure you look us up if you’re in town.

Thanks for looking after us!

It’s been over a month since we Aussies visited and commenced the Border Crawl 12-day mega ride.

First, I must thank Digby for putting together such a great ride.

It was truly the ride you promised. You ticked all the boxes we asked for in our original email, to ‘experience the culture, rugged terrain, landscape and scenery of Vietnam’. I’m even impressed with how you managed to arrange the weather to fit into that experience.

All the guys are still talking about it over here. The good thing is all the talk is positive. So far, everyone I’ve spoken to is now talking about doing a trip. I only hope they are not just talking, and they do do it.

We all did survive the 42 recorded crashes for the 12 days. Now that we have had a chance to look back over some of the photos, we see that Michael rode off the edge of the track at least twice, I think he kept that to himself. Therefore, I believe the tally might be a little higher than what was recorded.

We all have a new respect for the little 125 scooters the locals ride. But most of all, those Minsk are fantastic bike to that ride. They made it what it was: an awesome ride. There must also be a big thanks go’s out to the mechanic. He always had a smile on his face, and we know why, and he kept the poor little Minsk plodding along. He also had the right amount of bread rolls every day for lunch. He is a great member of your team and fit in with us all on the trip. I’m sure some of the translations between you and him may not have been what was translated to us at the time. That’s a big thumps up to the Explore Indochina team and yourself.

We have over 2000 awesome photos of the trip and hours and hours of helmet cam video. I just don’t know where to start to put together some type of movie. (which, when put together, I’ll send you a copy)

I’ve attached a couple of photos I thought you might enjoy. The pink nighty lives on.

We had a fantastic time, and I can only thank you for that. Thank you.

I will recommend you and your team to everyone considering making a bike trip.

Hello Digby, I was going to email you to say thanks for a great trip.

Sorry I missed you at Highway 4 that night. I was on my way to meet you and was a few blocks South of the lake when it absolutely pissed it down I got soaked, so ended up taking refuge in the nearest pub till the rain died down, then one pint led to another heheheh.

I really enjoyed the trip – I had a great time. The schedule was perfect, a good amount of riding hours in the day to get you back early enough to relax and enjoy the extracurricular activities without worrying that you had to be up at the crack of dawn every morning.

With some fantastic scenery (including the beautiful H’mong girls) satisfying pace, just what I wanted, really.

Glenn was a top bloke – fantastic and did a great job, so please send my thanks to him when you see him. I am struggling to think of even constructive criticism, which is a testament to your company, but If anything springs to mind, I’ll let you know.

It’s not often I would use the same tour company twice, as there are so many out there to choose from, and I’m all for trying new experiences. But there is no doubt in my mind that when I take another trip to Vietnam, a tour with Explore Indochina will be first on my list.

Enjoy the adventure!

My trip was incredible.  I still can’t believe I made it back with all my body parts intact.

Glenn did a great job of taking care of me.

I may come back next year and do a Northern Loop trip.

Thanks for putting it together, Digby.

We wanted to ride Vietnam from Hanoi to the Chinese border but not on Minsks. We all ride bikes and the thought of riding a Minsk (my parents used them in Indonesia) did not really appeal to us however, a friend of ours, an expat in Hanoi, said he knew of an outfit that deals in Urals. A Ural is a 670cc Russian version of a 1958 BMW (post-war, nothing is different about these, and nothing has changed since then).

So we contacted Digby at Explore Indochina, who provided some ideas and routes. We did not want to go where the tourists gathered, so we agreed to go north to the Chinese border, see the top end and train it back to Hanoi.

On the first day we rode to Ba Be, a beautiful ride with a large natural lake. Day 2 we rode to Ha Giang, then onto Dong Van. We stayed a day touring around Dong Van, going to a Hmong hill-tribe market, and to the most northern tip of Vietnam, Lung Co.

The next day, we rode to the Pan Hou Eco Resort, in Hoang Su Phi—a really top spot in Vietnam. We rested and took it easy with another visit to a local market. A short ride that afternoon to Xin Man. The last day was a ride to Lao Cai to catch a 9.30 pm train back to Hanoi.

Digby had the timing right, and we made every stop without fuss or panic.

The scenery was out of this world, hilly, some places rough, green.

Our bikes broke sometimes, and I must admit that was part of the experience. Repairing flat tyres, replacing clutch cables, and electrical problems were just par for the course.

I must admit when something went wrong, the mechanic seemed to appear from nowhere to help. When we fell over in the mud at landslides, he was there to pick up the bikes with us, when a motor would not start, he was there to start it for us. He was everywhere, and he was always there with a smile. I now find out/understand that the Vietnamese people don’t really get angry.

In conclusion, I recommend Explore Indochina.

We had the greatest time with these people, and I would recommend this trip to anyone who can ride a bike. (The Urals are very easy to ride.)

Being under constant pressure as a professional, this trip was such a release for us, it was unbelievable, a real highlight. I am sure you would also enjoy it.

If you like the taste of adventure and want to veer off the tourist-beaten track to experience the authentic Vietnamese culture and country, this five-day bike tour through the Northern mountains with Explore Indochina is a must!

As a team of seven largely inexperienced bikers, we arrived somewhat nervous in Hanoi to embark on our 5-day adventure. All anxieties were quickly forgotten, and without fail, we all hugely enjoyed an exhilarating journey to Sapa – negotiating landslides, dodging all manner of animal life both day and night, crossing rivers by bamboo raft or nothing less than an Indiana Jones-style bridge as well as some excellent offroading. The evenings were just as enjoyable, with copious amounts of local lager, rice wine and delicious Vietnamese food!

It is true that the guides either make or break a holiday of this nature, and Digby was first class. He was fluent in Vietnamese and had a huge personality when we were invited into homes, and we shared unique moments with many ethnic minorities. This write-up wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the breathtaking scenery. A motorbike is the only way to get a genuine sense of this truly beautiful country, not to mention its remarkably friendly people.

Overall, it’s an awesome feeling of freedom compared to office/city life and a unique opportunity to venture off the tourist trails. Paying up front and not worrying about cash for five days is a pleasant change, too! Provided you are not too precious over dirt, sweat and basic accommodation, I guarantee this will be the best of your holidays.