Vietnam

January 2026 Current

Ho Chi Minh (The Father of the Nation) most famous quote:

"Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,"

 

Why Vietnam?

We debated various options during our cycle through China. You know, like, "if we make it through to a border alive where should we go next"!?!

Laos was the other option for us. But having looked at the mountain ranges and terrain that link China with Laos and Vietnam it was decided to head for the easier option of Dongxing Port (South Coast of China) and cross into Mong Cai, Vietnam. 

Plus the weather should be warmer !!

And we both enjoy the sunshine ☀️☀️

 

 

Our Journey 

Having entered Vietnam in the north we are hoping to cycle south to Ho Chi Minh City.

Having the 90 day visa also gives us time to explore on route. 

So it's a bit 'make it up as you cycle along'! 

 

Above:- Molly pushes her trusty steed out of China towards the Border checks.

 

Above: looking back one last time to China from 'Friendship Bridge' 

The crossing point for people walking or with pushbikes is up the ramp/steps, going through China's border control/security checks.

Then walk over 'Friendship Bridge' and into the Vietnam border control building as per photo above. 

 

The whole process for us was very quick and straightforward - in fact it took much longer to aquire a SIM card for Charlie's phone (due to security checks!) than it did to leave China and enter Vietnam! 

 

Below - Coffee and biscuits break on our way from Mong Cai to Quang Ha. 

Above and below:- sunny pedalling towards Nam Cam Pha 

 

Below :- A very sunny relaxing cycling day to Phuong Dong.

On the QL18. Good roads, with far less 'truck traffic' than we have experienced for the last 3 months in China. 

Beautiful wide roads into this area where you can start to see the spectacular Halong Bay scenery.

Although Phuong Dong is a bit surreal, massive road systems, a few hotels, but seemingly deserted!

Our hotel here looked great on Agoda but was only partly finished! And finding somewhere to eat was a challenge! Luckily a local shop come home, also cooked up rice, veggies etc for locals. 👍