Remote mountain villages like Tà Xùa can only be fully experienced on two-wheels - Photo courtesy of Alex Reeves

By Alex Reeves - @afreeves23

For some, the daily commute is nothing but a chore, for me it’s a welcome start to the day, an opportunity to clear my head and switch off before the working day begins - as long as I beat the 7am rush. I don’t have a chauffeur, no fancy SUV to boost my social status, not even a nicely air-conditioned car for that matter. In fact, if it were up to me I’d throw every single non-essential four-wheeled vehicle off Nhật Tân Bridge.

Of course, I’m talking about the thrill of a motorcycle. Be it an automatic scooter or a gas-guzzling adventure bike, the world moving beside me and the challenge of navigating the city is as connecting as a fresh bowl of noodles on the side of the road. It’s a quintessential part of life here, the city is built for it and with the right mindset it can be a truly freeing experience.

Navigating Hà Nội’s heartbeat on two wheels has not only revolutionised my daily routine; it's boosted my confidence. Back home, the thought of owning a vehicle never appealed to me. While my friends were getting their first cars and my petrolhead uncle was telling me about his latest project, I drifted out of the conversation. Partly scared by a childhood quad bike crash and mostly unimpressed by the experience of driving, even lessons did nothing to increase my intrigue.

That was until Việt Nam. Motorcycles were no longer 'two-wheeled death machines' but a ticket to freedom. Back home, my sense of direction was laughable. Any motorist pulling up to ask me for directions was destined only for disappointment. Now, I understand the feeling of knowing somewhere like the back of your hand, it’s empowering.

Venturing beyond the city on my bike has deepened my connection with Việt Nam. From the winding mountain paths in the north and cool climates through the highlands to the sun-kissed southern coasts. Road trips where you pull into a town for an indefinite number of days and leave when you wish. They feel like they are the main characters in an unfolding adventure, far removed from the routine of the office.

The process of maintaining a bike, from tracking down parts to finding the right mechanic, has become part of the fun. Not to mention the feeling of being one with the city as you move with the current of the traffic as though you are but one in a school of mechanical fish.

For those still contemplating whether to ride, go for it. Start small, perhaps with a lesson or a quiet night ride. What seemed unattainable at best and financial suicide at worst back home, is surprisingly affordable, another privilege of life here that’s not to be missed.

Converting a licence from home is relatively pain-free compared to other bureaucratic hurdles and leaves you fully insured in case of an accident. Follow the laws of the land and the rules of the road - immerse yourself in Việt Nam. Riding a motorbike here isn’t just about transportation; it’s about discovering a deeper layer of this fascinating country. VNS