One Motorbike. No Plan. 700km Through Vietnam

The only plan was, shall we head north The only plan was, shall we head north or shall we head south? >> I won't be going down that road ever >> I won't be going down that road ever again. It was the first time we had no real It was the first time we had no real plan. The night before we [music] plan. The night before we [music] plan. The night before we [music] decided to drive south, picked a village decided to drive south, picked a village decided to drive south, picked a village on the map, and headed towards it. No on the map, and headed towards it. No on the map, and headed towards it. No hotels booked. We'll figure it out as we hotels booked. We'll figure it out as we hotels booked. We'll figure it out as we ride. It [music] was so exciting to have ride. It [music] was so exciting to have ride. It [music] was so exciting to have four days ahead of us without knowing four days ahead of us without knowing four days ahead of us without knowing what each day would [music] look like.

We've only been driving for an hour and We've only been driving for an hour and that's the state of us. that's the state of us. that's the state of us. >> I've been carrying this milkshake ever >> I've been carrying this milkshake ever >> I've been carrying this milkshake ever since we left home. Tastes like [ __ ] since we left home. Tastes like [ __ ] since we left home. Tastes like [ __ ] You know, if you just want a normal You know, if you just want a normal You know, if you just want a normal smoothie in Vietnam, [music] think smoothie in Vietnam, [music] think smoothie in Vietnam, [music] think again. Cuz I put about 20 gram of sugar again. Cuz I put about 20 gram of sugar again. Cuz I put about 20 gram of sugar in. in. in. When you visit the popular places, you When you visit the popular places, you When you visit the popular places, you often end up hearing the same stories, often end up hearing the same stories, often end up hearing the same stories, [music] seeing the same views, or [music] seeing the same views, or [music] seeing the same views, or standing in the same spot for a picture. standing in the same spot for a picture. standing in the same spot for a picture. You probably will have a great time, but You probably will have a great time, but You probably will have a great time, but it wasn't your experience. It had pretty it wasn't your experience. It had pretty it wasn't your experience. It had pretty [music] much been curated for you by [music] much been curated for you by [music] much been curated for you by what other people deem interesting. So what other people deem interesting. So what other people deem interesting. So this time we wanted to curate our own this time we wanted to curate our own this time we wanted to curate our own little adventure, our own story. Maybe little adventure, our own story. Maybe little adventure, our own story. Maybe take a road that wasn't quite finished take a road that wasn't quite finished take a road that wasn't quite finished yet, which we did, or talk to people we yet, which we did, or talk to people we yet, which we did, or talk to people we wouldn't have met on a [music] guided wouldn't have met on a [music] guided wouldn't have met on a [music] guided tour, which after all is kind of the tour, which after all is kind of the tour, which after all is kind of the point of exploring. And [music] I'm so point of exploring. And [music] I'm so point of exploring. And [music] I'm so glad we did this with no plan because glad we did this with no plan because glad we did this with no plan because this ended up as one of the most this ended up as one of the most this ended up as one of the most immersive trips I've ever had in immersive trips I've ever had in immersive trips I've ever had in Vietnam. Vietnam. Vietnam. Every place that I messaged on Zalo last Every place that I messaged on Zalo last Every place that I messaged on Zalo last night that's in Mangan is fully booked.

night that's in Mangan is fully booked. night that's in Mangan is fully booked. Might have to think of another plan. Might have to think of another plan. Might have to think of another plan. >> First two, >> what are you doing? >> what are you doing? [laughter] >> This is H toasting his [music] cold >> This is H toasting his [music] cold pizza. >> We're taking H on a little detour. >> We're taking H on a little detour. He doesn't know why, He doesn't know why, He doesn't know why, but we just saw some very smiley kids. but we just saw some very smiley kids. but we just saw some very smiley kids. very excited pointing us in this very excited pointing us in this very excited pointing us in this direction. So, I think it's gonna be direction. So, I think it's gonna be direction. So, I think it's gonna be pretty. pretty. pretty. And my ass needs a break if I'm honest.

I think there's some information I I think there's some information I should probably mention. We knew Matt should probably mention. We knew Matt should probably mention. We knew Matt said the drive was [music] 6 and 1/2 said the drive was [music] 6 and 1/2 said the drive was [music] 6 and 1/2 hours, but with all the detours, we hours, but with all the detours, we hours, but with all the detours, we ended up riding for nearly 8 hours on ended up riding for nearly 8 hours on ended up riding for nearly 8 hours on day one. Man, did my bum pay the price. day one. Man, did my bum pay the price. day one. Man, did my bum pay the price. The Yamaha PG1 is not exactly built for The Yamaha PG1 is not exactly built for The Yamaha PG1 is not exactly built for long-distance touring. It's a bike long-distance touring. It's a bike long-distance touring. It's a bike designed to look cool, and it does that designed to look cool, and it does that designed to look cool, and it does that pretty well, but the seat is tiny, pretty well, but the seat is tiny, pretty well, but the seat is tiny, [music] [music] [music] the vibrations are relentless, and we the vibrations are relentless, and we the vibrations are relentless, and we were climbing a lot of elevation on some were climbing a lot of elevation on some were climbing a lot of elevation on some pretty [music] questionable roads. Then pretty [music] questionable roads. Then pretty [music] questionable roads. Then add 92 kilos of H, 55 kilos of me, two add 92 kilos of H, 55 kilos of me, two add 92 kilos of H, 55 kilos of me, two laptops, camera equipment, and our laptops, camera equipment, and our laptops, camera equipment, and our luggage, [music] and I've got a feeling luggage, [music] and I've got a feeling luggage, [music] and I've got a feeling we were slightly over what this little we were slightly over what this little we were slightly over what this little bike was designed to carry. We're bike was designed to carry. We're bike was designed to carry. We're bouncing over unfinished roads, covering bouncing over unfinished roads, covering bouncing over unfinished roads, covering about 3,000 m in elevation [music] gain about 3,000 m in elevation [music] gain about 3,000 m in elevation [music] gain in total. But what kept us going was the in total. But what kept us going was the in total. But what kept us going was the stunning landscape, plus multiple stunning landscape, plus multiple stunning landscape, plus multiple breaks. And another element [music] that breaks. And another element [music] that breaks. And another element [music] that added to the adventure was the constant added to the adventure was the constant added to the adventure was the constant change in weather. Summer in [music] change in weather. Summer in [music] change in weather. Summer in [music] Daang is so hot that we welcome the Daang is so hot that we welcome the Daang is so hot that we welcome the rain, the breeze, and the cooler air.

rain, the breeze, and the cooler air. rain, the breeze, and the cooler air. It's so fun to take the weather [music] It's so fun to take the weather [music] It's so fun to take the weather [music] in your stride and just keep on carrying in your stride and just keep on carrying in your stride and just keep on carrying on. And then sometimes the [music] sun on. And then sometimes the [music] sun on. And then sometimes the [music] sun will poke through and it's flipping will poke through and it's flipping will poke through and it's flipping glorious. There were so many highs on glorious. There were so many highs on glorious. There were so many highs on day one that muffled the pain of this day one that muffled the pain of this day one that muffled the pain of this motorbike seat. But once you stop, you motorbike seat. But once you stop, you motorbike seat. But once you stop, you don't want to get back on. I feel like I need an ass replacement, I feel like I need an ass replacement, but it was an adventure. But I'm but it was an adventure. But I'm but it was an adventure. But I'm actually on zero energy for the first actually on zero energy for the first actually on zero energy for the first time ever. time ever. time ever. These home stays can be pretty sketchy, These home stays can be pretty sketchy, These home stays can be pretty sketchy, hence why we've never undertook a night hence why we've never undertook a night hence why we've never undertook a night at one. So, um, I've not got high at one. So, um, I've not got high at one. So, um, I've not got high expectations if I'm honest. God, I get expectations if I'm honest. God, I get expectations if I'm honest. God, I get really negative when I'm like this, really negative when I'm like this, really negative when I'm like this, don't I? Oh my days. don't I? Oh my days. don't I? Oh my days. What a peculiar smell. Wow. Ladies and What a peculiar smell. Wow. Ladies and What a peculiar smell. Wow. Ladies and gents, that is the room. gents, that is the room. gents, that is the room. >> Yeah. Um, >> Yeah. Um, >> Yeah. Um, we could be moving.

we could be moving. we could be moving. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> No, I'm not getting on that bike again. >> No, I'm not getting on that bike again. >> No, I'm not getting on that bike again. There's no chance. It is what it is. I There's no chance. It is what it is. I There's no chance. It is what it is. I am plopping my little face on that am plopping my little face on that am plopping my little face on that fluffy little semi clean pillow. And fluffy little semi clean pillow. And fluffy little semi clean pillow. And this is exactly where you're going to this is exactly where you're going to this is exactly where you're going to find me in 8 hours time. find me in 8 hours time. find me in 8 hours time. Oh my god. That's the shower. Oh my god. That's the shower. Oh my god. That's the shower. Okay. [snorts] H. We might not be Okay. [snorts] H. We might not be Okay. [snorts] H. We might not be staying here. staying here. staying here. Have to shower in that. Have to shower in that. Have to shower in that. I've changed my mind, guys. Changed my I've changed my mind, guys. Changed my I've changed my mind, guys. Changed my mind. I cannot shower. Look, it's an mind. I cannot shower. Look, it's an mind. I cannot shower. Look, it's an adventure, but don't judge me for where adventure, but don't judge me for where adventure, but don't judge me for where I like to. Hello. I like to. Hello. I like to. Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. You have a room available >> Hello. You have a room available >> Hello. You have a room available tonight? tonight? tonight? >> Yeah. Tonight? >> Yeah. Tonight? >> Yeah. Tonight? >> Yes. Available? >> Yes. Available? >> Yes. Available? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You have room? >> You have room? >> You have room? >> Yeah. No. Have >> Yeah. No. Have >> Yeah. No. Have >> Yes. No. Have or you? Yes, you have. >> Yes. No. Have or you? Yes, you have. >> Yes. No. Have or you? Yes, you have. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much as well. Don't judge.

>> Thank you so much as well. Don't judge. >> Thank you so much as well. Don't judge. I'm all up for adventure in that and I'm all up for adventure in that and I'm all up for adventure in that and camping and whatnot, camping and whatnot, camping and whatnot, but I mean, if you're not going to camp but I mean, if you're not going to camp but I mean, if you're not going to camp and you're going to stay in a room, you and you're going to stay in a room, you and you're going to stay in a room, you might as well stay in a nice room, if might as well stay in a nice room, if might as well stay in a nice room, if you know what I mean. you know what I mean. you know what I mean. Here we go, folks. Arriving at the Here we go, folks. Arriving at the Here we go, folks. Arriving at the second place. second place. second place. Beggars can't be choosers, so no matter Beggars can't be choosers, so no matter Beggars can't be choosers, so no matter what it's like, what it's like, what it's like, this is it. this is it. this is it. Oh, we've got a cubicle. Shower cubicle. Oh, we've got a cubicle. Shower cubicle. Oh, we've got a cubicle. Shower cubicle. That will do. That will do me. Let's get the [ __ ] out of [music] here. Let's get the [ __ ] out of [music] here. There's something really freeing about There's something really freeing about There's something really freeing about planning as you go. You don't have planning as you go. You don't have planning as you go. You don't have [music] time to disappear down a rabbit [music] time to disappear down a rabbit [music] time to disappear down a rabbit hole researching everything. You just hole researching everything. You just hole researching everything. You just pick [music] something and make a move. pick [music] something and make a move. pick [music] something and make a move. And without a schedule, there's this And without a schedule, there's this And without a schedule, there's this weird sense of relief because you're not weird sense of relief because you're not weird sense of relief because you're not late for anything.

Start in the morning with a coffee Start in the morning with a coffee at uh a cool little coffee shop with a at uh a cool little coffee shop with a at uh a cool little coffee shop with a little bit of architectural little bit of architectural little bit of architectural significance. Not a lot. Um, it was only significance. Not a lot. Um, it was only significance. Not a lot. Um, it was only built in 2013, but those uh sort of built in 2013, but those uh sort of built in 2013, but those uh sort of inverted cones are made out of treated inverted cones are made out of treated inverted cones are made out of treated bamboo and inspired by Vietnamese bamboo and inspired by Vietnamese bamboo and inspired by Vietnamese fishing nets. fishing nets. fishing nets. After a bit of exploring, we realized After a bit of exploring, we realized After a bit of exploring, we realized this place was [music] pretty built up. this place was [music] pretty built up. this place was [music] pretty built up. We knew where our next destination was, We knew where our next destination was, We knew where our next destination was, but it felt a bit premature to just but it felt a bit premature to just but it felt a bit premature to just leave straight away. So, [music] we kept leave straight away. So, [music] we kept leave straight away. So, [music] we kept driving driving driving and just 7 km further inland, almost by and just 7 km further inland, almost by and just 7 km further inland, almost by accident, we [music] found a road rich accident, we [music] found a road rich accident, we [music] found a road rich in history. The further we went, the in history. The further we went, the in history. The further we went, the more it felt like we weren't just more it felt like we weren't just more it felt like we weren't just discovering another place [music] in discovering another place [music] in discovering another place [music] in Vietnam, but a piece of its history that Vietnam, but a piece of its history that Vietnam, but a piece of its history that we never [singing] even knew existed. we never [singing] even knew existed. we never [singing] even knew existed. We'd gone from [music] a very builtup We'd gone from [music] a very builtup We'd gone from [music] a very builtup part of the region to a community that part of the region to a community that part of the region to a community that had been here for generations with had been here for generations with had been here for generations with traditions and a way of life that had traditions and a way of life that had traditions and a way of life that had survived [music] centuries.

survived [music] centuries. survived [music] centuries. This community dates back 300 years and This community dates back 300 years and This community dates back 300 years and it's still centered [music] around its it's still centered [music] around its it's still centered [music] around its wrong house. This huge traditional wrong house. This huge traditional wrong house. This huge traditional building in the middle of the [music] building in the middle of the [music] building in the middle of the [music] village where people gather, celebrate, village where people gather, celebrate, village where people gather, celebrate, and hold ceremonies to pass down and hold ceremonies to pass down and hold ceremonies to pass down traditions. The more we found out, the traditions. The more we found out, the traditions. The more we found out, the more fascinating it became. They had more fascinating it became. They had more fascinating it became. They had their own language, [music] their own their own language, [music] their own their own language, [music] their own customs, their own way of life. We' customs, their own way of life. We' customs, their own way of life. We' stumbled across one of the central stumbled across one of the central stumbled across one of the central highlands oldest indigenous [music] highlands oldest indigenous [music] highlands oldest indigenous [music] communities, the Bahanar people. Can you hear that natural soundtrack? Can you hear that natural soundtrack? Probably the most beautiful natural Probably the most beautiful natural Probably the most beautiful natural soundtrack I've heard in my whole one soundtrack I've heard in my whole one soundtrack I've heard in my whole one year and 8 months in Vietnam. year and 8 months in Vietnam. year and 8 months in Vietnam. It's really hard to get away from It's really hard to get away from It's really hard to get away from motorbikes, karaoke. The theme of motorbikes, karaoke. The theme of motorbikes, karaoke. The theme of agriculture continues. agriculture continues. agriculture continues. So hopefully we should walk past lots of So hopefully we should walk past lots of So hopefully we should walk past lots of plantations. Banana plantations, sugar plantations. Banana plantations, sugar plantations. Banana plantations, sugar cane, corn. I'll have no idea what I'm cane, corn. I'll have no idea what I'm cane, corn. I'll have no idea what I'm looking at, by the way. So, if you know, looking at, by the way. So, if you know, looking at, by the way. So, if you know, please drop it in the comments. Now, please drop it in the comments. Now, please drop it in the comments. Now, I've got to jump over.

Not that I'm too interested, but Not that I'm too interested, but apparently this area in the central apparently this area in the central apparently this area in the central highlands is like a bird watchers highlands is like a bird watchers highlands is like a bird watchers paradise. Just seen something down here. Might be Just seen something down here. Might be nothing. nothing. nothing. Wow. Another house on stilts with one of Wow. Another house on stilts with one of Wow. Another house on stilts with one of the largest thatched roofs [music] I've the largest thatched roofs [music] I've the largest thatched roofs [music] I've ever seen. ever seen. ever seen. >> Hello >> Hello >> Hello folks. If you've been a part of the folks. If you've been a part of the folks. If you've been a part of the channel long enough, you'll probably channel long enough, you'll probably channel long enough, you'll probably know by now that me and the Vietnamese know by now that me and the Vietnamese know by now that me and the Vietnamese language are not friends. [music] language are not friends. [music] language are not friends. [music] So, every Vietnamese word that I say in So, every Vietnamese word that I say in So, every Vietnamese word that I say in this video is [music] probably this video is [music] probably this video is [music] probably inaccurate. We've just arrived at the inaccurate. We've just arrived at the inaccurate. We've just arrived at the village. It's called, I [music] think, village. It's called, I [music] think, village. It's called, I [music] think, >> Konatu. >> And this >> And this uh uh uh she's got uh noodles she's got uh noodles she's got uh noodles with I don't know what else.

with I don't know what else. with I don't know what else. >> Yeah, I think Okay. >> Yeah, I think Okay. >> Yeah, I think Okay. Gam. Yeah. Yeah. >> This is the oldest village in the entire >> This is the oldest village in the entire >> This is the oldest village in the entire central Highland area. Look at that central Highland area. Look at that central Highland area. Look at that flipping roof. This sturdy. Wow. This thatched roof is insane. All Wow. This thatched roof is insane. All made from bamboo. And I wonder why they made from bamboo. And I wonder why they made from bamboo. And I wonder why they make them so tall. Another traditional make them so tall. Another traditional make them so tall. Another traditional house on stilts made from [music] clay house on stilts made from [music] clay house on stilts made from [music] clay and it's like bits of um straw mixed and it's like bits of um straw mixed and it's like bits of um straw mixed into the [music] clay. I wonder why they into the [music] clay. I wonder why they into the [music] clay. I wonder why they were on stilts. Maybe there was a lot of were on stilts. Maybe there was a lot of were on stilts. Maybe there was a lot of flooding from the river. Honestly, I've flooding from the river. Honestly, I've flooding from the river. Honestly, I've I've never seen anything like this in I've never seen anything like this in I've never seen anything like this in Vietnam. I've cycled through so many Vietnam. I've cycled through so many Vietnam. I've cycled through so many rural places around Daang [music] and rural places around Daang [music] and rural places around Daang [music] and Hui, but these people look completely Hui, but these people look completely Hui, but these people look completely different. It's so fascinating, isn't different. It's so fascinating, isn't different. It's so fascinating, isn't it? in the [music] same country. Just it? in the [music] same country. Just it? in the [music] same country. Just travel 300 km in a different direction travel 300 km in a different direction travel 300 km in a different direction and you'll find different tribes, and you'll find different tribes, and you'll find different tribes, [music] different communities, different [music] different communities, different [music] different communities, different way of life. It's so bizarre to see way of life. It's so bizarre to see way of life. It's so bizarre to see modernism in these communities. There's modernism in these communities. There's modernism in these communities. There's like a lampost right [music] next to like a lampost right [music] next to like a lampost right [music] next to thatched roof with a solar panel on top.

house on stilts, but someone's actually house on stilts, but someone's actually living there. Go be living there. Go be living there. Go be lasara. >> Auntie is [music] showing me how she >> Auntie is [music] showing me how she cleans her clothes. Detergent goes in. cleans her clothes. Detergent goes in. cleans her clothes. Detergent goes in. Pop it in the bucket. Bit of water. Here Pop it in the bucket. Bit of water. Here Pop it in the bucket. Bit of water. Here comes the technique. comes the technique. comes the technique. Just squish it all about. Got to make Just squish it all about. Got to make Just squish it all about. Got to make sure you haven't got any socks on. sure you haven't got any socks on. sure you haven't got any socks on. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Tiny. Tiny. Tiny. So different. So [music] smiley. >> I'm not going to film inside the house >> I'm not going to film inside the house cuz I think that's disrespectful. I'm cuz I think that's disrespectful. I'm cuz I think that's disrespectful. I'm just going to take my leave. just going to take my leave. just going to take my leave. Yeah. >> Crazy man. Absolutely >> Crazy man. Absolutely wild would have not seen this in Vietnam wild would have not seen this in Vietnam wild would have not seen this in Vietnam [music] at all. [music] at all. [music] at all. It's really clean inside though, but I It's really clean inside though, but I It's really clean inside though, but I think Mr. Uncle was [music] sleeping and think Mr. Uncle was [music] sleeping and think Mr. Uncle was [music] sleeping and it's like all their private possessions.

it's like all their private possessions. it's like all their private possessions. So, she did like usher me inside. But I So, she did like usher me inside. But I So, she did like usher me inside. But I don't think it's good with my dirty don't think it's good with my dirty don't think it's good with my dirty shoes [music] shoes [music] shoes [music] and with the camera. Just best not to, and with the camera. Just best not to, and with the camera. Just best not to, isn't it? His name's uh his name's J. isn't it? His name's uh his name's J. isn't it? His name's uh his name's J. >> J. >> J. >> J. Got to love this innovative ladder Got to love this innovative ladder Got to love this innovative ladder design, don't you? >> Whoa, she's 60. >> Whoa, she's 60. >> M uh >> M uh >> M uh ba ba ba nuke an daughter. You have a daughter? Yeah. daughter. You have a daughter? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Auntie's got a daughter Yeah. Yeah. Auntie's got a daughter Yeah. Yeah. Auntie's got a daughter that's 33 years old. that's 33 years old. that's 33 years old. >> Me? Yep. Just told her I'm from England. >> Me? Yep. Just told her I'm from England. >> Me? Yep. Just told her I'm from England. [music] [music] [music] >> I think I got all of that without >> I think I got all of that without >> I think I got all of that without translator. I got no idea what this is. translator. I got no idea what this is. translator. I got no idea what this is. Mang. Mang. Mang. >> Mang. >> Mang. >> Mang. >> Mang. She's shredding. Mang sugar cane.

>> Mang. She's shredding. Mang sugar cane. >> Mang. She's shredding. Mang sugar cane. Do you want to taste it? Do you want to taste it? Do you want to taste it? >> You try it there. >> You try it there. >> You try it there. >> Why don't you try it first? Go. >> Oh my days. There's another auntie over >> Oh my days. There's another auntie over there. What's she doing? Why are all there. What's she doing? Why are all there. What's she doing? Why are all these aunties always working? Jao, where are the men at? Where are the men where are the men at? Where are the men in the Vietnamese community? Men in the Vietnamese community? Men in the Vietnamese community? Men >> having beers. >> having beers. >> having beers. >> Having beers. I bet that I bet that >> Having beers. I bet that I bet that >> Having beers. I bet that I bet that comment's going to get a lot of hate. This was one of those moments that This was one of those moments that [music] reminded me why I love [music] reminded me why I love [music] reminded me why I love traveling. meeting people who look, traveling. meeting people who look, traveling. meeting people who look, [music] sound, and live completely [music] sound, and live completely [music] sound, and live completely differently to you and getting a tiny differently to you and getting a tiny differently to you and getting a tiny glimpse into a way of life you would glimpse into a way of life you would glimpse into a way of life you would [music] otherwise never understand. With [music] otherwise never understand. With [music] otherwise never understand. With everything going on in the world, I everything going on in the world, I everything going on in the world, I think it's easy to forget that think it's easy to forget that think it's easy to forget that underneath all the borders, cultures, underneath all the borders, cultures, underneath all the borders, cultures, and beliefs, we're all just human. If and beliefs, we're all just human. If and beliefs, we're all just human. If more people traveled beyond touristy more people traveled beyond touristy more people traveled beyond touristy places, maybe we'd have a better places, maybe we'd have a better places, maybe we'd have a better understanding [music] of each other. And understanding [music] of each other. And understanding [music] of each other. And earlier I made a joke about not seeing earlier I made a joke about not seeing earlier I made a joke about not seeing the men working, but I learned that it's the men working, but I learned that it's the men working, but I learned that it's actually a part of [music] their actually a part of [music] their actually a part of [music] their matrinal culture. Even with the French matrinal culture. Even with the French matrinal culture. Even with the French and Christian influence coming into the and Christian influence coming into the and Christian influence coming into the region, the Bahan people held on to many region, the Bahan people held on to many region, the Bahan people held on to many of their traditional beliefs and of their traditional beliefs and of their traditional beliefs and connection to nature, spirits, [music] connection to nature, spirits, [music] connection to nature, spirits, [music] and fire. Farming, fishing, gathering and fire. Farming, fishing, gathering and fire. Farming, fishing, gathering from the forest, and using [music] what from the forest, and using [music] what from the forest, and using [music] what the land and river provide aren't only the land and river provide aren't only the land and river provide aren't only ways of making a living for them.

ways of making a living for them. ways of making a living for them. They're part of a much deeper They're part of a much deeper They're part of a much deeper relationship with a place they call relationship with a place they call relationship with a place they call [music] [music] [music] home. home. home. Found a bit of a spot, Found a bit of a spot, Found a bit of a spot, bit of a lunch spot. As you saw, we [music] just drove down As you saw, we [music] just drove down the main road. And there's loads of home the main road. And there's loads of home the main road. And there's loads of home stays on the main road, but then this stays on the main road, but then this stays on the main road, but then this one is tucked away down a little one is tucked away down a little one is tucked away down a little offshoot. I'm really hoping this one offshoot. I'm really hoping this one offshoot. I'm really hoping this one actually looks like it's photos in actually looks like it's photos in actually looks like it's photos in reality. H agrees it looks stunning, but reality. H agrees it looks stunning, but reality. H agrees it looks stunning, but he knows that Vietnam goes by vanity he knows that Vietnam goes by vanity he knows that Vietnam goes by vanity metrics and not actual metrics and not actual metrics and not actual build quality. This is going to be the build quality. This is going to be the build quality. This is going to be the most unique homeay you've ever stayed most unique homeay you've ever stayed most unique homeay you've ever stayed in. H. All right. Uh tonight you can go in. H. All right. Uh tonight you can go in. H. All right. Uh tonight you can go this and uh sing and uh Yes, we have a this and uh sing and uh Yes, we have a this and uh sing and uh Yes, we have a sweet potato.

sweet potato. sweet potato. >> And this was meant to be the big >> And this was meant to be the big >> And this was meant to be the big surprise. surprise. surprise. >> Oh wow. Yes. [laughter] >> Oh wow. Yes. [laughter] >> Oh wow. Yes. [laughter] >> Is it good? >> Is it good? >> Is it good? >> Yeah. I need a I need a hot bath. It's >> Yeah. I need a I need a hot bath. It's >> Yeah. I need a I need a hot bath. It's so cold. so cold. so cold. >> Is this the best home stay? >> Is this the best home stay? >> Is this the best home stay? >> I'll stay in a home still like this. >> I'll stay in a home still like this. >> I'll stay in a home still like this. This is amazing. This is like something This is amazing. This is like something This is amazing. This is like something I would booked. You you you booked your I would booked. You you you booked your I would booked. You you you booked your level. I've influenced you in the right level. I've influenced you in the right level. I've influenced you in the right way. way. way. >> Thank you. Please make yourself at home. >> Thank you. Please make yourself at home. >> Thank you. Please make yourself at home. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> I've got some friends that won't >> I've got some friends that won't >> I've got some friends that won't adventure around Vietnam purely because adventure around Vietnam purely because adventure around Vietnam purely because of what happened last night. So for of what happened last night. So for of what happened last night. So for those of you, this is a homeay. [snorts] those of you, this is a homeay. [snorts] those of you, this is a homeay. [snorts] There are also homeays like this where There are also homeays like this where There are also homeays like this where it still feels authentic, wooden, real it still feels authentic, wooden, real it still feels authentic, wooden, real in the forest. Like look at the floor. in the forest. Like look at the floor. in the forest. Like look at the floor. >> Most importantly, it's clean. It might >> Most importantly, it's clean. It might >> Most importantly, it's clean. It might look rugged. A lot of wood and there's look rugged. A lot of wood and there's look rugged. A lot of wood and there's brick work, but it's all clean. There's brick work, but it's all clean. There's brick work, but it's all clean. There's no mold smell. no mold smell. no mold smell. >> Smells fresh. Smells clean. >> Smells fresh. Smells clean. >> Smells fresh. Smells clean. >> Can you check the bed? I switched it on. >> Can you check the bed? I switched it on. >> Can you check the bed? I switched it on. Before the lady left, she said that Before the lady left, she said that Before the lady left, she said that there's a heater in the bed. So, there's a heater in the bed. So, there's a heater in the bed. So, apparently the bed's going to be warm.

apparently the bed's going to be warm. apparently the bed's going to be warm. >> Yeah, he heated heated uh mattress. >> Yeah, he heated heated uh mattress. >> Yeah, he heated heated uh mattress. >> Oh, you're having a laugh. >> Oh, you're having a laugh. >> Oh, you're having a laugh. They provide you with a mosquito net as They provide you with a mosquito net as They provide you with a mosquito net as well, so you can drape it around the well, so you can drape it around the well, so you can drape it around the poster bed if you want and sleep with poster bed if you want and sleep with poster bed if you want and sleep with the door open if you are as a crazy. But the door open if you are as a crazy. But the door open if you are as a crazy. But uh right now it's very cold, so we shall uh right now it's very cold, so we shall uh right now it's very cold, so we shall not be doing that. But in the summer not be doing that. But in the summer not be doing that. But in the summer that would be lovely. that would be lovely. that would be lovely. Lovely little porch out at the front. Lovely little porch out at the front. Lovely little porch out at the front. Everything at the homeay is like really Everything at the homeay is like really Everything at the homeay is like really cohesive as well. Bamboo forest vibes. >> Check out that worktop bar thing in the >> Check out that worktop bar thing in the restaurant.

restaurant. restaurant. This is beautiful. fireplace, which we've thoroughly been fireplace, which we've thoroughly been enjoying, a piano. enjoying, a piano. enjoying, a piano. Unfortunately, there's no bloody dinner Unfortunately, there's no bloody dinner Unfortunately, there's no bloody dinner here. So, we need to go find a here. So, we need to go find a here. So, we need to go find a restaurant and make it back in time restaurant and make it back in time restaurant and make it back in time [music] [music] [music] for the sing song around a campfire cuz for the sing song around a campfire cuz for the sing song around a campfire cuz that's a little bit of me that that's that's a little bit of me that that's that's a little bit of me that that's the spot right there. Or so I think the spot right there. Or so I think the spot right there. Or so I think anyway, if it doesn't rain. But look at anyway, if it doesn't rain. But look at anyway, if it doesn't rain. But look at the rest of this place. the rest of this place. the rest of this place. It's like it's embedded into the It's like it's embedded into the It's like it's embedded into the landscape so beautifully. I'm still landscape so beautifully. I'm still landscape so beautifully. I'm still honestly just in shock that I'm I'm in honestly just in shock that I'm I'm in honestly just in shock that I'm I'm in Vietnam right now wearing a jacket. Vietnam right now wearing a jacket. Vietnam right now wearing a jacket. Perfect temperature. Perfect temperature. Perfect temperature. Sat by a fire warming myself up with a Sat by a fire warming myself up with a Sat by a fire warming myself up with a hot coffee in hand. Complete silence. No hot coffee in hand. Complete silence. No hot coffee in hand. Complete silence. No karaoke. Couple of screaming kids, but karaoke. Couple of screaming kids, but karaoke. Couple of screaming kids, but can't get away from them. This is can't get away from them. This is can't get away from them. This is beautiful. Like I'm already thinking beautiful. Like I'm already thinking beautiful. Like I'm already thinking about all the times that I would come about all the times that I would come about all the times that I would come here next year. Maybe even later on this here next year. Maybe even later on this here next year. Maybe even later on this year as well. Like Christmas here.

year as well. Like Christmas here. year as well. Like Christmas here. It's crazy. It's beautiful. It really is It's crazy. It's beautiful. It really is It's crazy. It's beautiful. It really is taking me back to my childhood. >> [music] >> [music] >> We've arrived at Mangen Night Market >> We've arrived at Mangen Night Market >> We've arrived at Mangen Night Market and uh it's [music] a bit of a different and uh it's [music] a bit of a different and uh it's [music] a bit of a different vibe. vibe. vibe. We just want a bit of food, but it seems We just want a bit of food, but it seems We just want a bit of food, but it seems like it's the [music] like it's the [music] like it's the [music] flipping nightclub. flipping nightclub. flipping nightclub. I reckon this place is going to turn I reckon this place is going to turn I reckon this place is going to turn into a party at night. [music] into a party at night. [music] into a party at night. [music] I do want to check it out, but I also I do want to check it out, but I also I do want to check it out, but I also want like the quiet. Well, not quiet, want like the quiet. Well, not quiet, want like the quiet. Well, not quiet, but the coffee and dance at your own but the coffee and dance at your own but the coffee and dance at your own campfire at the homeay. Sorry guys, got carried away a little Sorry guys, got carried away a little bit and forgot to film. Beef pizza and bit and forgot to film. Beef pizza and bit and forgot to film. Beef pizza and this amazing spicy salad. Probably the this amazing spicy salad. Probably the this amazing spicy salad. Probably the best salad I've had in the whole of best salad I've had in the whole of best salad I've had in the whole of Vietnam.

Vietnam. Vietnam. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> The diva says it's good, which means >> The diva says it's good, which means >> The diva says it's good, which means it's good. it's good. it's good. >> It's like peggies. >> It's like peggies. >> It's like peggies. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's a bit wild, guys. So, we're heading It's a bit wild, guys. So, we're heading out. Too wild for us. We've hit another out. Too wild for us. We've hit another out. Too wild for us. We've hit another night market, guys. You can't really get away from the You can't really get away from the music, but it's a lot more calmer here. music, but it's a lot more calmer here. music, but it's a lot more calmer here. And at least it's Vietnamese music. So, And at least it's Vietnamese music. So, And at least it's Vietnamese music. So, a blasting English music at the other a blasting English music at the other a blasting English music at the other place, but this is like a cool little place, but this is like a cool little place, but this is like a cool little night market with lots of things and night market with lots of things and night market with lots of things and more than just food. Got some treats. Got some treats. >> I love them. >> I love them. >> I love them. >> That really suits you. >> That really suits you. >> That really suits you. >> And got myself a bag. >> And got myself a bag. >> And got myself a bag. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> And there's also so many cute outfits >> And there's also so many cute outfits >> And there's also so many cute outfits for kids. So, I'm not going to go crazy. for kids. So, I'm not going to go crazy. for kids. So, I'm not going to go crazy. Thinking of all my friends in England, Thinking of all my friends in England, Thinking of all my friends in England, but then I realized the guys the kids but then I realized the guys the kids but then I realized the guys the kids will be like a year older by the time we will be like a year older by the time we will be like a year older by the time we go back. >> Oh my god. Snails. Massive one.

>> Oh my god. Snails. Massive one. >> Does that look familiar? Yeah, that's >> Does that look familiar? Yeah, that's >> Does that look familiar? Yeah, that's the uh street cake, isn't it? the uh street cake, isn't it? the uh street cake, isn't it? >> No, no, no. Donuts. >> So, another thing, the people over here >> So, another thing, the people over here have small heads. have small heads. have small heads. >> Yeah, really small heads, >> Yeah, really small heads, >> Yeah, really small heads, >> which is great. Great for us. >> which is great. Great for us. >> which is great. Great for us. >> No, sit sit down there. >> No, sit sit down there. >> No, sit sit down there. >> He's grilling some meat. I did not bring the correct gear. So, I did not bring the correct gear. So, I'm in H's jacket. H bought three I'm in H's jacket. H bought three I'm in H's jacket. H bought three jackets and we're on a very wet stroll jackets and we're on a very wet stroll jackets and we're on a very wet stroll at the moment around this lake. And then at the moment around this lake. And then at the moment around this lake. And then we'll grab a coffee. Walking around this we'll grab a coffee. Walking around this we'll grab a coffee. Walking around this morning has made us realize how much morning has made us realize how much morning has made us realize how much Mangen is about to boom. like there's Mangen is about to boom. like there's Mangen is about to boom. like there's construction everywhere. I think there's construction everywhere. I think there's construction everywhere. I think there's potentially a theme park being built and potentially a theme park being built and potentially a theme park being built and it's on the cusp of being completely it's on the cusp of being completely it's on the cusp of being completely [ __ ] ruined in true Vietnamese [ __ ] ruined in true Vietnamese [ __ ] ruined in true Vietnamese fashion. And the reason I say it now fashion. And the reason I say it now fashion. And the reason I say it now with no empathy is because all the other with no empathy is because all the other with no empathy is because all the other theme parks and buildings and things for theme parks and buildings and things for theme parks and buildings and things for tourism that were built, fair enough, tourism that were built, fair enough, tourism that were built, fair enough, they were built 10 years ago, like there they were built 10 years ago, like there they were built 10 years ago, like there was lack of care for preservation, not was lack of care for preservation, not was lack of care for preservation, not much control. But now it's 2026 and just much control. But now it's 2026 and just much control. But now it's 2026 and just seeing the effect the construction has seeing the effect the construction has seeing the effect the construction has had in their rivers, in their lakes, had in their rivers, in their lakes, had in their rivers, in their lakes, their traffic, the pollution, the air their traffic, the pollution, the air their traffic, the pollution, the air quality. I just would have thought that quality. I just would have thought that quality. I just would have thought that Vietnam government by now would have

Vietnam government by now would have Vietnam government by now would have some [ __ ] regulation in place. Apologies for the [music] rant. I was a Apologies for the [music] rant. I was a tad disappointed to say the least. This tad disappointed to say the least. This tad disappointed to say the least. This place is beautiful. I think I mentioned place is beautiful. I think I mentioned place is beautiful. I think I mentioned that enough yesterday. a contrasting that enough yesterday. a contrasting that enough yesterday. a contrasting side to the normal Vietnam [music] you side to the normal Vietnam [music] you side to the normal Vietnam [music] you usually think of. The pine trees, the usually think of. The pine trees, the usually think of. The pine trees, the forests, the cabin, even the night forests, the cabin, even the night forests, the cabin, even the night market. It's all [music] a bit magical, market. It's all [music] a bit magical, market. It's all [music] a bit magical, and I hate to see places as stunning as and I hate to see places as stunning as and I hate to see places as stunning as this on the way to ruin. Anyway, we're this on the way to ruin. Anyway, we're this on the way to ruin. Anyway, we're back on the road to enjoy some more back on the road to enjoy some more back on the road to enjoy some more incredible landscapes. We decided to incredible landscapes. We decided to incredible landscapes. We decided to leave despite the rain, but this time we leave despite the rain, but this time we leave despite the rain, but this time we stuck [music] some music on and really stuck [music] some music on and really stuck [music] some music on and really embraced the weather. It sounds a bit embraced the weather. It sounds a bit embraced the weather. It sounds a bit silly to say, but it feels so good to be silly to say, but it feels so good to be silly to say, but it feels so good to be free [music] to move from A to B with free [music] to move from A to B with free [music] to move from A to B with all your gear come rain or shine. And all your gear come rain or shine. And all your gear come rain or shine. And this road was by far the best [music] on this road was by far the best [music] on this road was by far the best [music] on the trip.

>> That was an epic drive, guys. The whole >> That was an epic drive, guys. The whole journey was one straight road from journey was one straight road from journey was one straight road from Mangen to this spot. And Hate just kept Mangen to this spot. And Hate just kept Mangen to this spot. And Hate just kept stopping the motorbike. Couldn't stop stopping the motorbike. Couldn't stop stopping the motorbike. Couldn't stop turning his head. We loved it that much turning his head. We loved it that much turning his head. We loved it that much that I think next time we'll go to that I think next time we'll go to that I think next time we'll go to Mangen along this route instead of the Mangen along this route instead of the Mangen along this route instead of the route we took a couple of days ago. route we took a couple of days ago. route we took a couple of days ago. Plus, the road was way better. Even Plus, the road was way better. Even Plus, the road was way better. Even though it's another overcast or rainy though it's another overcast or rainy though it's another overcast or rainy day, no blue skies, not seen the sun for day, no blue skies, not seen the sun for day, no blue skies, not seen the sun for long, it still feels so good to just be long, it still feels so good to just be long, it still feels so good to just be outdoors. Wasn't cold at all on the outdoors. Wasn't cold at all on the outdoors. Wasn't cold at all on the motorbike. Wore H's jacket. H was motorbike. Wore H's jacket. H was motorbike. Wore H's jacket. H was finally warm today as well. Once you've finally warm today as well. Once you've finally warm today as well. Once you've got the helmet on, you're not feeling got the helmet on, you're not feeling got the helmet on, you're not feeling the rain. We put a music on on this the rain. We put a music on on this the rain. We put a music on on this drive. So, we had one ear pod in each. drive. So, we had one ear pod in each. drive. So, we had one ear pod in each. Got the same track on and it was just an Got the same track on and it was just an Got the same track on and it was just an epic drive. I honestly can't believe epic drive. I honestly can't believe epic drive. I honestly can't believe it's taken us this long to do a road it's taken us this long to do a road it's taken us this long to do a road trip. Going to do them more often now. trip. Going to do them more often now. trip. Going to do them more often now. [music] >> ladies and gents. The third hotel home

>> ladies and gents. The third hotel home stay isn't too shabby, right? stay isn't too shabby, right? stay isn't too shabby, right? >> I can't afford the penthouse. Okay, here >> I can't afford the penthouse. Okay, here >> I can't afford the penthouse. Okay, here we go, guys. Moment of truth. Third we go, guys. Moment of truth. Third we go, guys. Moment of truth. Third accommodation. Maybe the final accommodation. Maybe the final accommodation. Maybe the final accommodation. accommodation. accommodation. >> I get home. >> I get home. >> I get home. >> Ooh, >> Ooh, >> Ooh, it's an apartment. it's an apartment. it's an apartment. >> Lovely. >> Lovely. >> Lovely. >> Got a stove. I think the last two nights >> Got a stove. I think the last two nights >> Got a stove. I think the last two nights we've smashed it with homeay we've smashed it with homeay we've smashed it with homeay accommodations. accommodations. accommodations. Look at me. Look like I need a good old Look at me. Look like I need a good old Look at me. Look like I need a good old shower, don't I? Poor blimey. We've done shower, don't I? Poor blimey. We've done shower, don't I? Poor blimey. We've done well here. H got a little balcony. Back well here. H got a little balcony. Back well here. H got a little balcony. Back to 30°. It's a small town this, but the to 30°. It's a small town this, but the to 30°. It's a small town this, but the busiest thing we've seen for the last busiest thing we've seen for the last busiest thing we've seen for the last three days. Also, the reason I booked three days. Also, the reason I booked three days. Also, the reason I booked this for tonight and we didn't drive this for tonight and we didn't drive this for tonight and we didn't drive back to Daang. One, because I don't want back to Daang. One, because I don't want back to Daang. One, because I don't want the road trip to end, but two, because the road trip to end, but two, because the road trip to end, but two, because we've actually got meetings and work we've actually got meetings and work we've actually got meetings and work tonight. We had three days off cuz it tonight. We had three days off cuz it tonight. We had three days off cuz it was a bank holiday in England, but now was a bank holiday in England, but now was a bank holiday in England, but now it's Tuesday. So, back to work.

Jawang. Uh, our tire. Jawang. Uh, our tire. >> Yeah. Is it okay? We've got our first flat tire, folks. It We've got our first flat tire, folks. It wasn't even us that noticed it. A lovely wasn't even us that noticed it. A lovely wasn't even us that noticed it. A lovely guy riding past on a motorbike beeped at guy riding past on a motorbike beeped at guy riding past on a motorbike beeped at us several times and pointed to the back us several times and pointed to the back us several times and pointed to the back tire. tire. tire. There's one thing that always proves to There's one thing that always proves to There's one thing that always proves to be true in Vietnam. You're never alone. be true in Vietnam. You're never alone. be true in Vietnam. You're never alone. No matter how remote you think you're No matter how remote you think you're No matter how remote you think you're driving, there will always be driving, there will always be driving, there will always be residential houses, residential houses, residential houses, um, attire shop, commercial shops either um, attire shop, commercial shops either um, attire shop, commercial shops either side of the road. It's not like driving side of the road. It's not like driving side of the road. It's not like driving on a motorway in Europe. Vietnam never fails to [music] surprise Vietnam never fails to [music] surprise me. Google petrol station me. Google petrol station me. Google petrol station and there's literally no petrol station and there's literally no petrol station and there's literally no petrol station on this [music] very small road. I mean, on this [music] very small road. I mean, on this [music] very small road. I mean, you you would know that there wasn't as you you would know that there wasn't as you you would know that there wasn't as you were driving down it, but there are you were driving down it, but there are you were driving down it, but there are signs everywhere saying gasoline, signs everywhere saying gasoline, signs everywhere saying gasoline, petroleum, and they've just got it in petroleum, and they've just got it in petroleum, and they've just got it in bottles and they'll fill you up. That's bottles and they'll fill you up. That's bottles and they'll fill you up. That's something super important that I have something super important that I have something super important that I have realized. You can underprepare so much realized. You can underprepare so much realized. You can underprepare so much in Vietnam.

Four days [music] over 700 kilometers, Four days [music] over 700 kilometers, temperatures from 10° to 35. Rain, temperatures from 10° to 35. Rain, temperatures from 10° to 35. Rain, sunshine, and enough humidity to oil my sunshine, and enough humidity to oil my sunshine, and enough humidity to oil my hair. We spent most of the trip not hair. We spent most of the trip not hair. We spent most of the trip not knowing what we'd find around [music] knowing what we'd find around [music] knowing what we'd find around [music] the next corner. And that's exactly why the next corner. And that's exactly why the next corner. And that's exactly why I loved it. Creating your own path I loved it. Creating your own path I loved it. Creating your own path [music] allows you to see the bits that [music] allows you to see the bits that [music] allows you to see the bits that haven't been all packaged up. You meet haven't been all packaged up. You meet haven't been all packaged up. You meet people where they live and work, see people where they live and work, see people where they live and work, see what they eat and what they value. I've what they eat and what they value. I've what they eat and what they value. I've been thinking about that a lot lately. been thinking about that a lot lately. been thinking about that a lot lately. The further away we are from people, The further away we are from people, The further away we are from people, [music] [music] [music] the easier it is to turn them into an the easier it is to turn them into an the easier it is to turn them into an idea, a nationality, a religion, [music] idea, a nationality, a religion, [music] idea, a nationality, a religion, [music] or a statistic. It's much harder to do or a statistic. It's much harder to do or a statistic. It's much harder to do that after you've sat in someone's home that after you've sat in someone's home that after you've sat in someone's home and shared a meal or a laugh. So, I and shared a meal or a laugh. So, I and shared a meal or a laugh. So, I encourage you to get out of the little encourage you to get out of the little encourage you to get out of the little bubble we create for ourselves. [music] bubble we create for ourselves. [music] bubble we create for ourselves. [music] See its country and its people before we See its country and its people before we See its country and its people before we decide what we think about them. I only decide what we think about them. I only decide what we think about them. I only gave you a highly edited snippet [music] gave you a highly edited snippet [music] gave you a highly edited snippet [music] of our exposure to the Bahanar tribe, of our exposure to the Bahanar tribe, of our exposure to the Bahanar tribe, but we spent hours there. The views on but we spent hours there. The views on but we spent hours there. The views on this trip were stunning, but I didn't this trip were stunning, but I didn't this trip were stunning, but I didn't expect my favorite part to be a bunch of expect my favorite part to be a bunch of expect my favorite part to be a bunch of Bahanar aunties and this one little girl Bahanar aunties and this one little girl Bahanar aunties and this one little girl I can't [music] quite get out of my I can't [music] quite get out of my I can't [music] quite get out of my head.

Hey, Hey, hey,