Rider Testimonials

It’s a rare thing indeed to have already high expectations so completely blown away, as mine were on the 5-day South West Vietnam trip. The ride, Digby the guide, the people we met, and the beautiful country were all so much better than I could have hoped. From the moment we departed through the hair-raising traffic in downtown Hanoi until the afternoon of our return I was having the time of my life.

The food, accommodations, and scenery were all fantastic, and the Minsks were a revelation. It’s hard to imagine having more fun on two wheels. The five days I spent learning the “rules of the road” in Vietnam helped me greatly when I set off later to ride the length of the country down to Ho Chi Minh City, and Digby gave me valuable insights and information to aid me in planning that ride. I’m itching to return for another tour.

So there you have it. I hope all is well with you guys. And here’s hoping I make it back over there someday.

At first, we want to say: Thank you very much!

We hope you have a good time without us !!! In sunny feelings in cold Vietnam!!!

It was a great organized tour! Digby was an amazing guide!

What a shame – it was the coldest winter in over 50 years for South East Asia!

But Vietnam was an unbelievable adventure!. The Minsk 125 was the best bike for the whole tour!!!

Thanks, Digby and to the Explore Indochina guys.

Your operation is first-class all the way. You guys know all the best routes, best food, best accommodation.

It was a trip of a lifetime.

The guide “Brad”, as in Brad Pitt, is a great guide.

I will definitely do the Laos Ho Trail ride soon.

Thanks and best wishes guys!

Our ride in August 2004 was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my 58 years. The week we spent in the northeast was beyond my expectations. The scenery was breathtaking; the bikes were real reliable, comfortable and workhorses.

Our guide, Glenn, was so accommodating and knowledgeable about the region. His ability to speak the language allowed us to have conversations with people in the area we would have missed on our own. He paid attention to every detail along the way, from rooms to lunches to petrol – you name it, he was on it.

You guys have it down to a science. The accommodations were the best available along the way. The lunches each day were fun and relaxing, and dinners each night were always first-rate. And plenty of beer!!!

I will be returning in April 2005 to do the “middle road” through the northwest with a group of friends from northern California who have seen my pictures and heard my stories. Then I will be back for the HCM Trail and then . . .

Just thought I would touch base Digby and let you know that we had a great time in Vietnam.

The bike trip was brilliant, I’m glad you never told us how bad the roads were — I may never have got Kerrie on the back if we had known!

The whole group agreed it was the best biking experiences they have had. Well done to you and your staff.

Thomas and I wanted to say thank you so much for our trip. It was incredible. Digby, you are a great guy and the layout was perfect. The further I get away from it with time, the more I miss it!

Next time we come back, I think the North would be pretty cool.

Here is what Thomas and I want to say:

Our trip was superb! EI and their crew run a hassle-free operation and know how to show their guests a great time. Our guide was great. They really know how to take you off the beaten path and show you the true Vietnam.

I checked out other operations online, and Explore Indochina really stood out with their speedy responses to emails and customer service. Trust me, THIS is the company to go with!!!

We want to make sure that business keeps coming your way because we were really happy with everything.

You’ve got a great thing going on there.

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.

Many thanks for the incredible trip. The experience ranks right up there in the ‘Top Five Coolest Things I’ve Ever Done’ list. I took the Northeast Vietnam tour through some of the most spectacular scenery of my life.

I was a little apprehensive before the trip since, although I had a motorcycle license, I had never been outside a car park on a bike. Although my first introduction to non-car park riding was in busy Hanoi traffic, everything went smoothly.

The Minsks are a piece of cake to ride (even if a little smoky). Digby was superbly prepared, conscientious and thorough. He also was funny as hell!

My favourite aspect of the tour was the human interaction along the road. I stopped in a small village to take a picture. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by friendly locals inviting me into their house for a drink and politely inquiring about my marriage status (lol!). It was one of many touching interactions with the friendly Vietnamese people.

Keep up the good work. I’ll be back, oh yes…