Sarah Brown – London, United Kingdom

“Exploring Vietnam’s far north — Hà Giang and Cao Bằng, full of adventure!” Hà Giang and Cao Bằng, with cloud curling around the high country and villages half-hidden in mist, made for a spellbinding adventure. Riding the Mã Pí Lèng pass, Đồng Văn, Lũng Cú and Bản Giốc waterfall left me feeling small against that vast landscape. The bikes were smooth, the off-road sections gentle, and the guides were enthusiastic, professional and deeply knowledgeable about the region. The meals were strongly local — thắng cố and thắng dền above all. A perfect combination of nature, culture and the thrill of discovery.