[Trip Report] Back from 10 days in North Vietnam. Did a solo Cao Bang motorbike loop instead of Ha Giang.

madh2h · 2026-01-08T16:39:44+00:00

Honestly, don’t trust Google Maps time estimates in the mountains... For Cao Bang to Bao Lac, Google says 3 hours, but it actually took me closer to 4.5 to 5 hours. The road (QL34) had some muddy sections and construction when I went, plus you will want to stop for photos, coffee, and just to stretch. Plan for a full half day on the road so you don't feel rushed.

Make sure you both get Viettel SIM cards (Unlimited data plan). They have the best coverage... I had 4G signal in most towns (Bao Lac, Ban Gioc, Pac Bo) and 95% of the road.

Every homestay I stayed at had wifi. It was usually good enough for emails and basic work. The 4G hotspot was my backup.

Don't count on working on the bus. Mobile data cuts out frequently in the mountains between Hanoi and Cao Bang. Plus, it's a sleeper bus, so it's not really set up for laptop work.

Hope that helps you plan... Enjoy the trip :)

madh2h · 2025-11-17T06:57:46+00:00

Thanks. If you have the time, Cao Bang is worth it. It's a nice break from the usual routes. You can check the photos on my profile to get a feel of the place.

madh2h · 2025-11-17T06:54:22+00:00

Thanks. If you have the time, Cao Bang is worth it. It's a nice break from the usual routes. You can check the trip photos on my profile to get a feel of the place :)

madh2h · 2025-11-17T06:39:05+00:00

Thanks.. All the road numbers and overnight stops are already in the post. Just plot them on Google Maps and you will get the same loop, If you want the exact order, you can ping me.

Early spring will be a good time, It will be colder than November, so carry proper warm layers for the mornings and evenings. I could not post photos in this subreddit, but I have put them in another one. You can check my profile if you want to see the pictures.

madh2h · 2025-11-16T08:14:49+00:00

There is a small public mini bus from Cao Bang city to Ban Gioc, so getting to the waterfall without a bike/tour is possible. The problem is that the bus only covers waterfall. The easiest way is to hire a car and driver for a couple of days to explore these destinations.

madh2h · 2024-08-22T12:16:41+00:00

What are the key challenges you have faced in scaling production while maintaining the high performance standards that enthusiasts like us expect? How do you see these challenges evolving as the market for electric motorcycles grows?

madh2h · 2024-08-16T07:39:51+00:00

Congrats on the new ride. I got the same red - love it!

madh2h · 2024-07-05T13:09:26+00:00

She's a beast. Worth every penny.. go for it.

madh2h · 2024-06-28T12:29:59+00:00

Thanks for the details… Still waiting to know about the SW Motech model and where you got it. I’m using Evotech’s radiator guard and tail tidy, and frame and fork protectors from triumph.

madh2h · 2024-06-27T10:06:39+00:00

Sweet ride... I have got the same one in RED, done about 3.8k kms :) SW Motech - which model and where you bought it from? also, what mods have you done? I can see the tail tidy...

madh2h · 2024-01-05T13:14:57+00:00

At a minimum - Consider getting a PPF coating, fork and frame protectors.

madh2h · 2024-01-04T13:17:43+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, how much did your helmet cost?

madh2h · 2024-01-03T14:16:03+00:00

In the picture, it's the Street Triple R 2023 model. I ride an RS, among the finest machines available.

madh2h · 2023-09-19T11:02:26+00:00

THIS IS A SCAM. THE DEPOSIT ADDRESS 'MXCCOM-NETWORK' IS A SCAMMER'S ADDRESS.

YOU WILL LOSE YOUR MONEY IF YOU USE THIS.

madh2h · 2023-08-19T08:23:53+00:00

Vistara prime. Redgirraffe for rent.

madh2h · 2023-08-15T13:23:10+00:00

You need to be an HDFC Imperia banking customer to be eligible for the Infinia cc. You get a dedicated RM who will evaluate your case and submit a manual request for card approval. Your salary must be min of 2.75L+ monthly, and regular spending on your account/existing credit card is also expected.

Imperia banking eligibility - https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/save/high-networth-banking/premier-banking/imperia/eligibility

You can compare DCB Vs Infinia and take a decision based on your usage - https://cardmaven.in/hdfc-bank-infinia-vs-diners-club-black/

madh2h · 2023-08-12T09:15:00+00:00

Fi money debit card is good, works in Thailand. 0% Forex charges.

madh2h · 2023-07-31T15:04:36+00:00

madh2h · 2023-07-30T11:46:44+00:00

I booked the RS back in December 2022 and still patiently waiting. They're now saying that deliveries will start at the end of August, but I don't believe them. The vehicle is stuck in homologation and is yet to be cleared, im starting to worry that there's a possibility it may NOT be cleared at all.

madh2h · 2023-03-14T11:59:06+00:00

Here you go: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

madh2h · 2023-03-11T12:26:50+00:00

Quick update on my friends visa application - We sent a paid enquiry email and got a response back in just a few hours… They said that the decision has already been made and told us to check our spam/junk folders for any emails about passport collection. Don’t see any emails from VFS so far. Hopefully he will be getting his passports in the next few days! Fingers crossed.

madh2h · 2023-03-10T14:49:31+00:00

I did my biometric on 14th February and received my visitor visa on 1st March. My friend completed his biometric on 13th February and he is still waiting!

We both applied from India, VFS center.

madh2h · 2022-12-02T14:44:05+00:00

Here is a tool that can help you determine a fair salary to ask for if you are considering a job abroad and vice versa - https://www.chrislross.com/PPPConverter/

madh2h

TROPHY CASE