Annie and Rhys knew they wanted an adventure — but they didn’t expect Vietnam to completely sweep them off their feet. Over the course of three weeks, they rode 2,225 kilometers from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh on Honda XR150s, winding through mountains, slipping into misty valleys, dodging scooters in chaotic traffic, and discovering the kind of off-the-map magic you can only find from the back of a motorbike.
Here are the highlights from their unforgettable ride:
Bamboo Boats & Bungalow Nights in Tam Coc
Their journey began in the lush north, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from shimmering rice paddies. In Tam Coc, Annie and Rhys found themselves drifting through caves on bamboo boats, watching the stillness ripple beneath them. Nights were spent in tiny, shed-like bungalows that felt cozy and special — and cost next to nothing. It was a dreamy and peaceful entry point to a trip that would soon get wilder.
Tea Island Karaoke at Gio Lao Eco Lodge
One of the most memorable stops was deep in the countryside at Gio Lao Eco Lodge, nestled in a working tea plantation. The only other guests? A busload of Vietnamese tourists who didn’t speak a word of English — but that didn’t stop them from sharing homemade moonshine, belting karaoke, and dancing late into the night. Annie and Rhys communicated with nothing but Google Translate and hand gestures. The connection was real, joyful, and totally unexpected.
Into the Earth at Phóng Nha
The caves of Phóng Nha are some of the largest in the world, and Annie and Rhys timed their visit perfectly — walking into Paradise Cave at dusk as the park was closing. They found themselves completely alone except for a single staff member. "It felt like being in another world," Annie said. The cool air, ancient rock formations, and underground silence left them both speechless.
Riding into the Clouds: Nha Trang to Dalat
Not everything on the trip was serene. Vietnam's roads are wild, packed with scooters and unpredictable traffic. But high in the mountains, the chaos faded. The road from Nha Trang to Dalat took them above the clouds, winding through misty mountain passes with jaw-dropping views at every turn. Annie remembers flying past Rhys on the uphill sections (he was carrying more gear), laughing as they climbed higher and higher into the sky.
Unexpected Surprises & Cultural Twists
Not everything went as expected — and that was part of the fun. In Nha Trang, Russian signage replaced English, and they learned the coastal town was a longtime Russian holiday hotspot due to a nearby military base. In the north, Annie, who has dietary restrictions, was amazed by how easy and delicious eating was: “Way easier than the UK,” she said. From tiny mountain towns to roadside snack breaks where schoolkids stopped to practice their English, the moments of human connection were everywhere.
Pro Tips from the Road
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Ride Smart: Predictable movements are key. If a car flashes its lights, it means they’re coming through, not that they’re letting you go.
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Rent from the Right Company: Annie & Rhys highly recommend Rent a Bike Vietnam — they provided excellent bikes (Honda XR150s), mid-trip servicing in Dalat, and even picked the bikes up from their Ho Chi Minh hotel.
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Plan with Scenic: Rhys used the Scenic app and advice from Rent a Bike Vietnam’s website to map their route.
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Cash Tips: Use TP Bank ATMs — no fees, and they worked great with their Wise travel cards.
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Say Yes: Karaoke with strangers, homemade hooch, incense workshops — say yes to the weird and wonderful.
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Laundry Hack: Don’t bother with in-shower handwashing. Cheap local services will wash & deliver fresh clothes right to your hotel.
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Hightail for Humidity Hair Care: Annie kept her lovely golden locks secure and protected using a buff plus her Hightail for full coverage. She said it was helpful having her Hightail to keep her hair off her neck given the humid climate.
Annie and Rhys are already dreaming about going back — this time, to explore Central and Northern Vietnam in even more depth. As Annie put it, “It’s just such a stunning country. We barely scratched the surface.”
Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram at: @annie_jowett and @rhyslawrey
Check out their Hightail Rides Worldwide Feature Reel to see them in action.
Want to plan your own Vietnam ride? Start with a curious heart, a decent map, and the willingness to say yes to the unexpected.
2,225 km | 3 weeks | 45 hours of riding | 100% unforgettable
