A 5 month journey comes to a close in Hanoi but not before I ride towards the spiritual peak of SaPa, conquer the legendary Ha Giang Loop twice and find myself in rural guesthouses surrounded by buffalo. Vietnam, I’ll miss you.
Central Vietnam is mostly known for Hoi An, a cute an charming town with thousands of lanterns. But there is so much more. Caves, rivers and the first real mountains. I cycle on lonely roads where only buffalo roam and make my way slowly towards the North.
Cambodia might have been the smallest country of the trip but definitely left the most impact on me. A country with blistering heat and dusty dirt roads, temples and the remains of a monstrous civil war. It’s has been intense but I’m grateful to have experienced this country.
The rain stopped and off we went again. I cycled north with another cyclist and spend Christmas with some Dutches. Buddha’s, temples, and the best hospitality. Thailand has it all.
Thailand is very different than Malaysia. The food is more distinct and the people are even friendlier. Everywhere I go I’m greeted and welcomed with smiles. Small roads through jungle and along beaches make for a perfect start.
Northern Malaysia was really something else than Kuala Lumpur. Days in rice fields, super spice noodles in someone’s house and meeting fellow cyclists made it a unforgettable experience.
My route through South East Asia starts in the busy city of Kuala Lumpur. No maps, heat, busy roads and a jetlag make it a very rough start but in the end a warm shower host reminds me how good bikepacking really is.