Asia Motorcycle Tour Pioneers Since 1999
Ride Explore
Asia Motorcycle Tours
Laos. Vietnam. The Himalayas.
Explore some of the world’s most exciting roads to a host of awesome locations.
Explore Indochina is one of Asia’s longest running motorcycle tour companies. We pioneered motorcycle tours in Vietnam and were the first to chart the original Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos.
We’ve raised over US$320,000 through our annual Vietnam charity ride, Rally Indochina, been featured in a host of publications, and have assisted the production of a number of TV features, including the BBC’s Top Gear Vietnam Special.
Years in Operation
Tours Conducted
Raised For Charity
Ride With Us
Guided Motorcycle Tours
Ho Chi Minh Trail Laos
Part battlefield tour, part dirt-bike expedition, this journey is led by Digby Greenhalgh — a passionate historian of the Vietnam War who has written a definitive history book of the Trail and explored its length more extensively than anyone alive.
Digby has guided a BBC film crew along its rugged paths, been featured in major publications in Australia and Canada, uncovered the site of a downed fighter jet, and created a striking visual archive that brings the past and present of the Trail vividly to life.
- southern Laos
- 10 days, 11 nights
- 2,150 km
-
price from US$3,300
Himalayan High
- far north India
- 11 Days, 12 Nights
- 1,590 km
-
price from US$4,200
Mongolia Magic
- Mongolia
- 10 days, 11 nights
- 2,175 km
-
price from US$4,900
Will go with him again!
Mongolia is a beautiful country. The trip was very well organized, with a perfect mix of adventure and chill. Digby is an outstanding trip leader and overall great guy. It was a pleasure getting to know him and the others.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a proper motorcycle adventure trip in exotic locations, you've come to the right spot!
"Generations to come, will scarce believe, that such a man as this one, ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth" Said Edu about Digby ... (fine ..fine... it was Einstein about Ghandi) ... but had Albert been on the recent Himalayan trip he'd have said the same.
It was more than anyone signed up for, unseasonal rain, early snow, challenging riding conditions. A journey that tested all of us, kudos to the crew who met every single challenge thrown their way.
The accommodation, route, food, mechanical support, altitude management, pre-ride briefings, post-ride group hugs were all well sorted even when the snow threatened to de-rail things.
Hemmingway said "courage is grace under pressure" so don your finest finest threads and get out there and slay those mountains with conviction, you'll be in fine company in the most amazing of landscapes
If you are lucky like me you may even stumble into an amazing crew of fellow travellers, what a great bunch of ratbags I've met.
It definitely more fun than free-falling with a dud parachute .. but that's another tale ... Thanks Mr Digby for a most memorable trip!
The trip seriously exceeded all of my expectations. The itinerary was perfect with some long rides mixed in with shorter rides and we all acclimatised to being at altitude with ease.
The landscape changes daily as does your acceptance for the ever-changing hazards!
Digby and the local support crew kept us all going through some very challenging conditions (including two passes through deep snow).
The accommodation was great as was the food (if you don't like Indian food, pack some snacks, for me though, I loved it).
The only disappointing thing was the trip coming to an end, I felt like I could just continue on.
Big shout out to our group of riders - Adrian, Ben, Brett, Edu, Joel, Matt, Ted and Tony. You guys made it even better!
Next stop Mongolia? Sign me up!
Also a note that our RE Bullet 500s were perfect for the conditions- All together, a fabulous experience!
Experience
With years of trusted experience, we deliver unforgettable tours, outstanding service, and authentic adventures. Join us for the ride of a lifetime.
Motorcycles
Our motorcycles are in excellent condition and meticulously maintained by professional mechanics. We use only reliable, well-cared-for bikes exclusively for our tours.
Food + Accommodation
Enjoy fine local dining and excellent accommodation while immersing yourself in the rich cultures of Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia and India.
No Hidden Costs
Transparent pricing displayed on-site: what you see is what you pay. We don’t have any surprises or extra fees on our motorbike tours.
Beautiful Places
From breathtaking landscapes to secret routes, ride off the beaten path and fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Group Size
We limit our motorcycle tours to 06-12 riders for a safer, more personal experience. Smaller groups promote camaraderie, offering a closer-knit adventure with fellow riders.
Safety
Our teams know what to do in case of an accident and are closely connected with the necessary hospitals and emergency vehicles.
Airport to Airport
Airport pickup and drop-off are included as standard, as are hotel stays before and after your tour.
Everything Included
All-inclusive Asia motorcycle tours. Bike, permits, accommodation and pretty much everything else are taken care of.
Founder
Digby Greenhalgh
All motorcycle tours are designed and led by Digby Greenhalgh.
Explore Indochina evolved from the Hanoi Minsk Motorcycle Club, which Digby started in 1998. He was one of the first foreigners to explore north Vietnam.
A passionate historian, Digby is an expert on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He recently led an expedition to uncover the crash site of a USAF jet that had been piloted by Forest Fenn, the art dealer who became famous for hiding the Fenn Treasure, a cache of gold and jewels, in America’s Rocky Mountains.
Digby's Journal
Gasoline, Grit and the Great Escape
Top Gear Vietnam Special: Behind the Scenes
One of the world’s most popular shows teamed up with Explore Indochina to make TV magic. Top Gear: Vietnam Special was absolutely legendary.
Gordon Ramsay: Gordon’s Great Escape
For Gordon’s Great Escape, great Gordon Ramsay cooked up a storm, was polite as a bluebell, and wanted to buy our 650cc Ural motorcycle.
Charley Boorman: By Any Means
This is Charley Boorman: By Any Means. The man with the diamond blue eyes rode one of Explore Indochina’s 125cc Minsks from the Chinese border
BBC: Without Limits
We modified three bikes and one jeep so that a group with different physical disabilities could embark on an ambitious adventure for BBC: Without Limits.
How We Ride
Motorcycle Tour FAQ
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We are at the high end of the spectrum and pride ourselves on using outstanding accommodation on all tours. That said, some areas are so remote that standards naturally fall. In such cases, we will always use the best accommodation available. This is especially the case in Laos, where we have no choice but to stay at simple yet clean motels for three nights.
Are group sizes limited?
Our group sizes are usually capped to ensure safety, manage logistics, and provide a more personalised experience. Depending on the tour type and destination, groups typically range from 6 to 18 riders. Mongolian and Ho Chi Minh Trail rides are limited to 10 people per tour, while the Himalayan and Vietnam rides can have up to 18 people. Large groups are possible because we provide detailed route booklets and GPS-assisted navigation apps that allow people to ride at their own pace, so you don’t need to worry about riding in a huge pack. It also makes for a great party each night!
Can I customise the motorcycle tour?
Vietnam is the easiest country to custom-make tours because there are so many different types of roads from one point to another. In Mongolia and the Himalayas, the route is pretty much fixed, while in Laos, some of the more challenging days can be bypassed should the group’s riding ability not be up to scratch.
Can non-riders join your tours?
Yes, non-riders are usually welcome. Experienced pillions can join the Himalayan ride, but going in the support vehicle is not recommended. The Ho Chi Minh Trail and Mongolia adventures are strictly one rider, one bike, but it’s possible to arrange self-drive jeeps for Mongolian tours. Non-riders are not an option for Ho Chi Minh Trail rides because much of the trip is on single tracks, which the support jeep can’t drive. In Vietnam, arranging a vehicle to follow the bikers and carry non-riders is easy.
What is the average daily distance covered?
The daily distance varies by tour but typically ranges from 150 to 250 km. We like to get an early start each morning and be in bed by 9 pm. Some days involve longer rides, while others focus on sightseeing with shorter distances. The specific itineraries for each tour provide details on riding times.
Are there rest days?
Only the Himalayan ride has a specific rest day. On the Ho Chi Minh Trail ride, there is one location where we spend two nights, so participants can opt for a day off. Mongolia and Vietnam rides do not have rest days.
Do you provide motorcycle equipment?
No. On our Mongolian, Himalayan and Ho Chi Minh tours, you must bring your complete riding kit, including a good helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. Our rides are serious undertakings, so we want you to be comfortable in your gear. In Vietnam, we provide the option of using our extensive range of open-face helmets, jackets and rain gear.
Can I bring my own motorcycle?
No, all our tours have set bikes that we hire from our local tour company partners. In Laos and Vietnam, we ride 250cc Honda CRFs; in Mongolia, we ride 400cc Suzuki DRZs; and in the Himalayas, we ride 410cc Royal Enfield Himalayans.