Members of the Business Executive Network reveal why being “on the road” in Vietnam is more about the journey than the destination.
Do you remember your first ride in Vietnam? Can you describe it?
Sam Conroy, Managing Director at CEA Project Logistics Vietnam
“My first multi day trip was with a school friend and his father-in-law. We traveled to Dalat, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau and then to Can Tho on 125 scooters. We packed very light and had no digital maps, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.”
Matt Millard, Founder and CEO Purple Asia
“In 2014, Harley-Davidson launched in Vietnam and my friend Lawson invited me on one of the first rides. I’d not ridden anything bigger than a Honda Lead, and I rode a 1300cc Softtail Deluxe in convoy with a police escort to Sihanoukville in a day, returning the following day. I learned a lot! Not least that convoy riding is not my scene and I prefer an adventure bike to a Harley, but it definitely got me hooked.”
David Archibald, General Manager Al Naboodah Group Vietnam
“My first ride in Vietnam was the Christmas Charity Ride 2017 heading to Lam Dong province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The Christmas Charity Ride is Al Naboodah Vietnam’s annual event. Usually, we visit various charity locations, including orphanages, SOS Villages, and kindergartens in remote areas to deliver Christmas gifts and spread joy to underprivileged children in these regions. A total of 100 bikers, including myself, participated in this two-day ride. During this journey, I had the pleasure of riding my favorite touring bike from Harley-Davidson, the Ultra Limited. As I was not yet acquainted with the roads and the ways of riding in Vietnam, it was really helpful riding alongside such a large group. I am not a stranger to long rides, but it felt incredible to ride in the middle of the majestic highlands of Vietnam, knowing you were bringing joy to the children in need. We’ll be organizing the 8th Christmas Charity Ride this year and I can’t wait to live those moments again.”
What was your best trip or happiest day on a bike?
Sam Conroy
“Riding the HCMC trail on my own in 3 days from Hanoi to HCMC is something I enjoyed and am also proud of. Not only do very few people get to do the trip, but to do it in such a short time is unique.”
Matt Millard
“Riding in the remote Central Highlands with a good mate on crappy Honda Master 150’s that we rented in Nha Trang was a truly wonderful trip. The towns had names that sounded like they were in Klingon, the people lived lives seemingly unchanged in millennia, and the scenery was breathtaking. Now I try to take the route through those towns whenever I head north.”
Image by Matt Millard
David Archibald
“For me, it must be the 6th Christmas Charity Ride in 2021. At that time, the pandemic really took a toll on the disadvantaged. Many children lost their parents and were taken into the orphanages, which were already running out of funds due to economic difficulties. With safety precautions, we managed to organize a ride to Khanh Hoa province and brought 5 tons of food supplies, essential goods, school stationery and electronics to children at Phat Buu Shelter – Ninh Hoa and SOS Children’s Village Nha Trang. It was incredible to see the happiness in the eyes of those children when we brought them gifts. It was a long, difficult and emotional ride, but was also the best and most memorable trip for me.”
Some people are nervous about riding in Vietnam, and the road traffic statistics are terrifying, what do you do to stay safe on the road and what advice would you give to people considering taking up riding?
Sam Conroy
“Understand a few common rules:
Matt Millard
“There is no doubt that riding (and driving) in Vietnam is dangerous, and truth be told I am riding less often these days after hearing of the deaths of some good friends. That said, there is a lot one can do to mitigate the dangers. Stay off Highway 1, never ever ride at night, ride on the assumption that every other road user is out to kill you and use the power of your bike to get out of trouble rather than get into it!”
David Archibald
“I would strongly recommend sticking to riding in larger groups, as your fellow riders can prove to be your saviors in times of need. Should any bad situations arise, your ride mates can be relied upon to lend you a helping hand. Also, make sure you check your bikes carefully, equip yourself with decent riding gear, and practice regularly.”
What makes Vietnam a special place to ride? What benefits do you feel you get as a busy executive from riding here?
Sam Conroy
“Vietnam has some of the most amazing mountain and coast roads to ride. Riding outside the major cities reminds me that most of Vietnam is very different to the life we live. Some for the good, some for the bad, but without experiencing it, you don’t really understand the country or where most of the people come from.”
Image by Matt Millard
Matt Millard
Vietnam’s backroads are some of the world’s best and most challenging for bikers. Riding over Ma Pi Leng Pass in the far north just makes you want to turn around and ride it again, and then again! The Ho Chi Minh Road is hundreds of kms of traffic-free twists and turns through virgin rainforest with wonderful side trips, stopovers and destinations like Phong Nha Khe Bang National Park. “Keeping the rubber side down” on a bike requires 100% focus, and you reach a zen-like calm as you aim for your apexes and guide your steed through the many and varied obstacles of the Vietnamese countryside. There’s no better way to leave the stresses of the office behind and clear your mind for a return to work.
Image by Sam Conroy
David Archibald
“In my opinion, Vietnam is definitely a unique place for bikers to explore. This stunning country boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape, ranging from awe-inspiring mountain passes to serene coastal roads. Riding can be a wonderful stress reliever, and it also provides an opportunity to connect with other fellow bikers who are often successful business owners or executives like you.”
What was your most unusual/embarrassing/entertaining moment on a bike trip in Viet Nam?
Sam Conroy
“Ride the QL55 and QL 725 from Lagi to Dalat. If that doesn’t make you smile, nothing will.”
David Archibald
“If you get in trouble with the police, just pretend you don’t understand Vietnamese. It is likely they will let you go.”
What’s in the garage? What is/was your favourite bike to ride in VN?
Sam Conroy
“A Ducati Multistrada 1200. Depends on the ride but have enjoyed everything from a chopped Cub 50 to the Ducati. I recommend people buy a mid-size adventure bike to get the best of the country.”
Matt Millard
“The best bike I had in Vietnam was a little café racer I had built by Mr Tu, the craziest motorcycle mechanic I have ever met (he has massive pistons tattooed across his back above the legend “life begins at 100mph. ”) It was an old, tatty orange ex Hanoi police bike and Mr Tu turned it into a thing of astonishing beauty!”
Image by Matt Millard
David Archibald
“I’m riding a Road Glide Special.”
What style of riding do you prefer (open road cruising/offroad/enduro etc.)?
Sam Conroy
“Have moved from Enduro to entirely road as I get older. Multi day tours of around 300 to 450km a day, all on the hard stuff.”
Location: Cam Kim, Hoi An, Quang Nam
David Archibald
“I love the open road, so Harley-Davidson touring bikes have always been my favorite. However, if off-road riding is more your cup of tea, I would highly recommend checking out the Pan America 1250 Special.”
