Can Your Average Dad Handle an Off-Road Tour in Vietnam?
Testing the limits with Dirt Bike Academy on a 4-day adventure through Northern Vietnam
I had a crazy idea: take my dad on one of Vietnam's most challenging off-road motorcycle tours. The catch? He hasn't ridden a dirt bike in about 10 years. Sure, I grew up watching him do motocross, and he's kept active with mountain biking, but would that be enough for the demanding trails of Northern Vietnam?
I ride several times a week and know these trails intimately through Dirt Bike Academy. But my dad? He was about to face typhoon-damaged landslides, narrow cliff edges, and technical hill climbs on unfamiliar terrain. This would be the ultimate test of whether an "average dad" could handle a serious off-road Vietnam adventure.
The Landslide Challenge
Our first major obstacle appeared early in the day. A massive landslide had completely transformed the trail. The path ahead was blocked by fallen debris, with only one possible route: through rushing water and over treacherous rocks.
"I don't think we can jump across that," I said, surveying the damage. "But there is a really tricky way through the water and over the rocks. We're going to try and if not, we'll turn back."
My dad's voice came through: "I think I might need help now."
Looking back, I realize that might have been his polite way of saying, "Let's turn around. Why are we going through this stupid landslide?" But my hearing apparently wasn't very good that day, or maybe I just wanted to push forward. Either way, I kept riding ahead to scout the rest of the trail.
The situation didn't improve. Fallen trees blocked the path at multiple points, and when I finally reached what should have been a passable gate, I found it screwed shut. No way through. We'd have to turn back and navigate that difficult landslide section all over again.
Understanding Vietnam's Trail Conditions
Northern Vietnam had been hit hard by three or four typhoons in September and October, and we were seeing the aftermath firsthand. This particular landslide was technically passable, but countless fallen trees and deep ditches made the terrain extremely challenging. Great for hardcore enduro riding, but not ideal when you're trying to make it back to the hotel before dark.
The irony wasn't lost on me as I struggled to get my bike back down the same treacherous landslide we'd just climbed. Eventually, we had to admit defeat on this particular route and take the road alternative instead.
Fortunately, Vietnam's road routes are stunning in their own right. The locals always seem excited to see a unusually tall foreigner on a dirt bike, and the scenery never disappoints.
When Dad Shows He's Still Got It
There's an unwritten rule at our parking area: you have to wheelie in. I tried explaining this to dad, though he quickly pointed out, "I can't wheelie."
As we continued along the easier sections, I gave him some advice: "Just really keep your speed up. Don't get overtaken by a moped."
That's when I discovered something surprising. Despite all his time off the bike, dad was still incredibly fast. I found myself struggling to keep up as he confidently navigated the terrain. He was doing remarkably well.
Feeling emboldened by his performance, I decided to take him on a more challenging alternative route. My foolproof plan? I'd beep my horn if he went the wrong way. The problem? He didn't hear my horn at all.
Technical Trail Sections
After about 20 minutes on relatively easy fire roads, we arrived at the more demanding part of the trail. This is where the real off-road Vietnam experience begins.
"This is another one of those situations where the camera flattens out the trail a lot," I explained. "This is a lot steeper than it looks."
Dad was already feeling it. "That's hard work," he said, catching his breath.
I could see him struggling with the technique, particularly on the steep, rutted sections. We stopped to discuss riding strategies.
"I sit down quite a lot in the corners," he admitted.
"Yeah, when you're in those little ruts, I sometimes put my leg out just to kind of balance," I suggested. "I did one wheelie turn. I didn't mean to, but you kind of have to."
Dad had a good point about our advantage: "I think you cope with the turns a lot better than the customers can because we're used to hitting berms, right? But they get confused when their front wheel goes up higher than their rear wheel."
"You get used to keeping the bike pushed down," I agreed.
The Cliff Edge Section
Then came the moment that separates casual riders from serious adventurers: the cliff edge trail.
"It's the left one," I pointed out. "You want me to go first or you want to go first?"
"Yeah, go first," dad replied without hesitation.
I gave him the critical safety briefing: "It's nothing difficult, but just remember if you hit neutral or you catch a rock funny, fall to the right."
This is serious advice. The trail here is incredibly narrow with a massive drop on the left side. If you're going to make a mistake, you absolutely need to fall to the right. The camera doesn't capture just how exposed this section really is.
"I don't know if it gets worse or if it's just not as bad as I remember," I said, "but if you were worried about that edge, it would be bad."
I explained that the first time I rode this trail, I went this way and remembered being pretty scared. But every other time since, I've given riders the option, and they've been so exhausted that they've always chosen the alternative route. I hadn't ridden this particular section in two years.
The Hill Climb Decision
Then we reached the hill climb. Looking up at the rocky, steep ascent with a significant drop on one side, this was the moment of truth.
"Benjamin, you don't have to go up there if you don't want to," dad said, though I was already committed.
"Why does that look like death if you get that wrong?" he asked, eyeing the drop.
I rode it first to show him it was doable. "Easy," I said after completing it, though my heart was definitely racing.
"I'm guessing that's like a hundred-foot drop on the other side of that?" dad observed.
"Well, it drops down to the path and then there's probably a hundred-foot drop after that," I clarified. "So you're going up the snaky one, where all the big rocks are. Watch me do it and then decide if you want to try it or not."
I made my attempt, struggling a bit on the rock ledge without enough speed. Dad watched carefully.
"How much grip was on that bit?" he asked.
"A fair amount. It's not slippery. It was just to get up the rock ledge, I didn't have enough speed."
His concern was practical: "Problem is, if I get stuck halfway, where do I turn?"
"You just have to roll the bike down while walking," I admitted.
After some consideration, dad decided: "I think I reckon I can get up that."
I was definitely trying to talk him into doing the hill climb, and he went for it. Watching him commit to the ascent was both terrifying and exhilarating.
Afterward, I asked him: "Did it feel scary going up?"
"When I got about halfway up, I noticed that little cliff, it's only like three feet, but I didn't notice that bit. Then I was like, 'Oh shit.' But then it was too late."
He made an excellent point about the mental game: "You've also got to just trust the bikes to get up there, that they can get up there, haven't you?"
"Yeah, as long as you don't stop, the bike kind of just keeps tractoring," I confirmed.
The Dinosaur Backbone Trail
Our final major challenge was the infamous "dinosaur backbone" trail, a steep, rocky descent and climb that tests both bike and rider.
"Holy hell, we've got to come back up this," dad realized as we descended.
The climb back up was intense. "Don't feel like you need to go fast because I'm behind you," I told him. "Just go your speed."
"I'm not going to go fast up there. I want to get there," he replied sensibly.
But then his competitive spirit kicked in: "Is there a Strava segment going up there?"
"You can make one," I suggested.
What followed was an impromptu race that definitely wasn't a race. Dad's speed was impressive, and I found myself thinking it might actually be quite fun to create a proper Strava segment there, though it might "end in death."
As dad philosophically noted: "There's worse things than death, but not winning."
The Verdict: Can Your Average Dad Do It?
After four days of challenging off-road riding through Northern Vietnam's most demanding terrain, the answer is a resounding yes, but with some important caveats.
My dad proved that even after a decade away from dirt bikes, previous riding experience combined with current fitness (thanks to his mountain biking) was enough to handle these trails. His motocross background gave him the fundamental skills and bike control needed for technical sections, even if the specific terrain was unfamiliar.
What made the difference:
Previous Experience: Growing up with motocross gave him the essential skills. These don't disappear completely, even after years off the bike.
Physical Fitness: His regular mountain biking kept him in good cardiovascular shape, which is crucial for the physical demands of off-road riding.
Mental Approach: He trusted the bike, made smart decisions about when to push and when to take alternatives, and maintained focus even in intimidating situations.
Proper Guidance: Having someone experienced to scout ahead, provide route options, and offer technique advice made challenging sections manageable rather than dangerous.
Is an Off-Road Vietnam Tour Right for You?
If you're considering a dirt bike Vietnam adventure, here's what you should know:
The trails can be genuinely challenging, especially after weather events like typhoons. You'll face technical terrain including river crossings, steep climbs, narrow cliff-edge paths, and constantly changing conditions.
However, good tour operators like Dirt Bike Academy provide:
Route flexibility based on conditions and rider ability
Experienced guides who know alternative routes
Well-maintained bikes capable of handling the terrain
Safety briefings for technical sections
The option to take easier alternatives when needed
You don't need to be riding weekly to enjoy these tours, but you should have:
Basic dirt bike riding experience
Reasonable physical fitness
Confidence in your ability to control a bike in challenging conditions
Respect for the terrain and willingness to listen to guides
Final Thoughts
Watching dad navigate everything from typhoon-damaged landslides to cliff-edge trails and steep hill climbs proved that an off-road tour in Vietnam is achievable for riders with the right background and approach. It's not a casual Sunday ride, but it's also not exclusively for professional enduro racers.
The combination of challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and the satisfaction of conquering difficult trails makes Vietnam one of the world's premier off-road motorcycle destinations. Whether you haven't ridden in ten years or you ride every week, there's a route and pace that can work for you.
Just remember: trust the bike, fall to the right, and if someone says there's an unwritten rule about wheelies in the parking lot, they might be messing with you.
Interested in your own off-road Vietnam adventure? Contact Dirt Bike Academy to learn more about multi-day tours through Northern Vietnam's most spectacular terrain.
