In contrast to the infamous Hồ Chí Minh Trail during the Vietnam War, the passageway today is well upgraded into a perfectly straight asphaltic concrete road, which brings a race-like feeling to your South-North Vietnam motorbike tour. Crossing the infinite greenery, the vast tea plantations, the shady tropical rainforests, and the roaming Mã River makes it one of the best adventure scooter tours you have ever taken by far. Without further ado, the list below reveals five spectacular experiences when beating the Hồ Chí Minh Trail on your two wheels.
Primitive gigantic mountain ranges
Apart from the high quality mentioned above, there are several segments along the road that are filled with potholes and winding curves. However, putting aside all these obstacles, the view given from the surrounding has only one word to describe, FANTASTIC. Those can be counted as the massive pristine rainforests as well as little green bushes on both sides. In addition, every time reaching the peak or hitting the top of a hill, the view below now becomes such a rewarding gift.
Cúc Phương National Park (Source: Google)
Captivating passes and routes
Our second candidate for this very list goes beside the greenish jungles above. Endless saffron-color rice paddies filled with the tempting aroma of ripening rice, a huge collection of both vintage and cutting-edge bridges and the poetic serene rivers all make it an eye-catching dream-like landscape beyond your wheels.
Hải Vân Pass (Source: Google)
Phong Nha Cave (Source: Google)
Live on with the mighty historical milestones of a war-torn country
As you may beware, the sensational Hồ Chí Minh Trail was born as a lifeblood connecting South and North Vietnam during its infamous civil war. As a consequence, reaching several mass graveyards would be living up such a solemn moment throughout your trip on the path. Having a guide as your buddy through each of these steps could be more than just ideal when getting to dive into the untold stories of a war-torn nation like Vietnam.
Hồ Chí Minh Trail in the past (Source: Google)
Given such a good condition as of now, beating the Hồ Chí Minh Trail with challenges waiting at some points ahead may walk you to a deep understanding on how harsh the soldiers and fighters had to deal with back in the war. Trường Sơn Grave Yard is where you can make a short stopover, firstly for a short rest, and secondly to get back to your hidden silent corner in the soul. Do not forget to reach Milestone Number 0 (Cột Mốc Số 0), which marks the beginning of the legendary Hồ Chí Minh Trail.
Trường Sơn Graveyard (Source: Google)
Contemplate the serene ambiance when the Sun is about to leave the horizon
In the middle of the quiet scenario, you may get to catch a clear sound of the moving gust of wind, the songs of the night birds, the flapping of dragonflies or even the giggles of yourself when successfully conquering a huge part of the Trail. Nevertheless, there would be some sections where there are no houses or dwellers living along. Hence, remember not to cross these thoroughfares when darkness falls.
Sunset (Source: Google)
Yet, is that such a creep that makes you give up on the plan? Obviously, it is a big NO. Another great thing to beat the Trail is a chance to enjoy an authentic mountainous meal with the locals amid a heaven-like Sunset. What is better than consuming a set of grilled meat when the cold wind if flowing up and down? To reach the best local bistro in town, ask for a favor from a trusted Vietnam motorbike tour operator.
Winding curves (Source: Google)
Eat with the Thai, drink with the Mường and sleep with the Cơ Tu.
The Thai, Mường, and Cơ Tu are three different ethnic communities living across the path of the Hồ Chí Minh Trail. Accordingly, getting to interact and live with these ethnic native citizens could bring a long-lasting memory apart from a deep understanding and a great life lesson. Friendliness, shyness and an authentic way of life are what make your excursion even more exceptional and interesting. Stilt-house is a unique type of accommodation that has lived with the locals for ages.
Innocent beauty (Source: Google)
What ends your trip on this lengthy Hồ Chí Minh Trail is the wide pure eyes and the innocent smiles of ethnic children living across the path. Given such needy standard of life, those jade-like laughter seem to chase all of the harshnesses away.
If you have been such a die-hard fan of adventurous journeys, then make a visit to Vietnam and conquer its Hồ Chí Minh Trail. Those words above are never enough compared to your actual contemplation on the road. Do not forget to sign up for a trustworthy Vietnam motorbike tour for the best preparation as well as a good local companion.
Yennie Nguyen
