“The journey is the destination.”— Dan Eldon
I still feel the rumble of my motorcycle beneath me, the winding roads stretching endlessly before my eyes. It all began in Hanoi, a city buzzing with life and energy. But beyond the urban chaos, the call of the mountains whispered my name. I packed my bags, kick-started my bike, and set off towards the misty highlands of Pu Luong.
Pu Luong was a dream. The mountain air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Terraced rice fields cascaded down the hillsides, shimmering under the golden sun. I rode through winding paths that hugged the mountains, every turn revealing a new vista more breathtaking than the last. At night, the sky was a canopy of stars, unmarred by city lights. It was pure, untouched beauty.
Crossing into Laos was like stepping into another world. The roads became quieter, the landscapes even more rugged. I found myself in the Plain of Jars – a place shrouded in mystery. Massive stone jars lay scattered across the plains, remnants of an ancient civilization. Standing among them, I felt a chill run down my spine, a whisper of history echoing through the ages.
Luang Prabang was a contrast – vibrant yet serene. Its old town felt like stepping back in time. The streets were lined with colonial architecture, and the scent of frangipani hung in the air. I spent hours wandering through temples, watching saffron-robed monks move gracefully amidst golden stupas. In the evenings, the Mekong River glistened under the setting sun, reflecting hues of orange and pink.
From Laos, I rode towards the remote border crossing into Thailand. The road was long, winding through dense jungles and remote villages. Then came the Mae Hong Son loop – a motorcyclist’s paradise. With over 1,800 curves, it was a thrilling ride that demanded focus and rewarded with panoramic views of misty mountains. I felt truly alive, dancing with my bike along those serpentine roads.
The Golden Triangle was a place of legends. Standing at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, I gazed at the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all at once. It was a humbling reminder of how interconnected our world is, despite the lines drawn on maps.
We crossed back into Laos through Chiang Khong and continued our journey on the twisted mountain roads from Dien Bien Phu to Moc Chau. The road was wild, unpredictable, with sharp turns and steep climbs. But every struggle was rewarded with majestic landscapes – mist-covered valleys, winding rivers, and lush green mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.
Finally, we made our way back to Hanoi, completing the loop. My heart was full, my spirit free. This journey wasn’t just about the places we visited but the roads we traveled, the people we met, and the stories we created.
I left Hanoi seeking adventure, but I returned with so much more – memories etched into my soul, landscapes imprinted on my mind, and a yearning to chase the horizon once again.
A blog by ADV Ride Vietnam's tour leader - Tuyen Tran
