VN North East loop in December

[Sims]

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Hi, I am coming to Hanoi this December 2011 and want to do a motorbike trip up to the North East (Ha Giang, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Cao Bang, etc). Probably will depart Hanoi around 20-21 December and will travel for a week or so around the North East. Would be great to have a kool riding buddy. If anyone is interested in coming along, let me know and we can chat about the details.

[katalyst]

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I'll be arriving in Vietnam on 19 December, albeit in HCMC, to then head to Hanoi over the course of December/January. If you're heading south, there could be a chance for us to meet up somewhere in the middle, or (if you're going on to other countries) ride together at some later stage. I don't seem to be able to send PMs, but let me know if that could work for you, and we can get in touch via e-mail.

[Sims]

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Hey mate, thanks for your interest. I probably wont be heading south this time. Will only have limited time so will attempt to do the north east loop starting from Hanoi (around 21/12). If think you can make it, drop me a line at sam.lenurg@gmail.com

Cheers

[Rod Page]

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So what happened????????????????????

[Sims]

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It was really good and incredibly beautiful

Hired a bike in Hanoi and went for 7 days with a local Hanoian friend as a pillion.

Here are some snapshots :



Early 5:30 am start in Hanoi



On the way to Don Van from Ha Giang town



On the way to Lung Cu peak - to the most northerly post in Vietnam



Road conditions



Local ethnic minority women - hardworking and colourful




Beautiful scenery between Don Van and Meo Vac (Ma Pe Leng pass)





Leafy mountains of Northern Cao Bang province



Ban Giaoc waterfalls - not easy to find but spectacular

[Rod Page]

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A nice report garnished with enticing photos - the forum is the richer for it.

Looks like you rented a Yamaha YBR125 - how did it handle the rockier roads out around Ha Giang & Cao Bang?

Did you get permits for entry into the above areas?

You've wet my apetite for when I'm up that way in March/April.

[Sims]

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Thanks mate!

Might have used a bit more power than the YBR 125 - especially with a pillion, but it did the job ok! Might consider something bigger next time, especially if there is rain....

Yes you legally need a permit to visit the frontier areas of Ha Giang provice. I got one in the emigration office of Ha Giang town.

Didnt need a permit in Ban Gioc waterfall - its a really remote place with dusty roads under construct most of the way there.

Good luck with your trip - take care and you will much enjoy it!

[2wheels]

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Sims, very nice report and enticing pics (as most VN pics are!).
Thanks for sharing.