Explore Indochina

19/09/2026

Riding Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh Trail
Published: 27th July, 2011
Author: Kit Gillet
Publication: The Guardian

Explore Indochina was featured in The Guardian, where writer Kit Gillet recounted his 2011 journey along Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh Trail. Guided by Explore Indochina, the trip offered a glimpse into the trail's historical significance and striking rural landscapes, accessible only by motorbike or on foot.

Read the full article 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/press/the-guardian/

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17/09/2026

Vietnam Border to Beaches: guided motorcycle tour
📍 Lao Cai to Hoi An
📅 11 days, 11 nights
🛣️ 1,790 km
🏍️ Honda CRF250

🧭 Designed for experienced road riders
🏔️ Ride karst mountains, forested hills, coastal tarmac

Embark on the Vietnam Border to Beaches tour, navigating the jungle roads of northern and central Vietnam. Experience the renowned Hai Van Pass, a route immortalised by the Top Gear Vietnam Special, over an immersive 11-day journey.

Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Mu Cang Chai - Phu Yen - Pu Luong - Vinh - Phong Nha - Khe Sanh - Hue - Hoi An

Book now 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/tour/vietnam-border-to-beaches-11-day-motorcycle-tour/

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16/09/2026

Tours coming up at the end of 2026. Get in touch to book.

14/09/2026

Digby's Journal: Nakhon Phanom
From: The History of the Ho Chi Minh Trail by Digby Greenhalgh

Nakhon Phanom, an airbase in Thailand, played a crucial role in the U.S. air war against the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Located near the Mekong River, the base was a strategic point for launching operations targeting the trail's essential regions. It was home to various U.S. units, including Special Operations tactical squadrons, Air Commando, and Search and Rescue teams, conducting missions across Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam.

Operation Igloo White, one of the most significant programs, was managed from Nakhon Phanom, utilising seismic detectors and large computers to track and attack enemy trucks. The base also featured a comprehensive communications system, including the Channel 89 tactical air navigation station, which supported USAF missions throughout Southeast Asia.

Learn more on our website 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/nakhon-phanom/

More from this collection 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/category/the-ho-chi-minh-trail-by-digby-greenhalgh/

12/09/2026

12/09/2026

💬 Rider Stories

"I've just returned from the Himalayan trip with Explore Indochina.

The trip seriously exceeded all of my expectations. The itinerary was perfect with some long rides mixed in with shorter rides and we all acclimatised to being at altitude with ease. The landscape changes daily as does your acceptance for the ever-changing hazards! Digby and the local support crew kept us all going through some very challenging conditions (including two passes through deep snow).

The accommodation was great as was the food (if you don't like Indian food, pack some snacks, for me though, I loved it).

The only disappointing thing was the trip coming to an end, I felt like I could just continue on. Big shout out to our group of riders - Adrian, Ben, Brett, Edu, Joel, Matt, Ted and Tony. You guys made it even better!

Next stop Mongolia? Sign me up!"

– Cam Alcorn, Australia

Rode with Explore Indochina in India, 2025

Our full tour calendar 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/calendar/

10/09/2026

📺 BBC: World's Most Dangerous Roads

While guiding the BBC production team for "World's Most Dangerous Roads" along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Digby faced a unique challenge. His task wasn't just to share his expertise on the Trail's history and dangers, but also to manage the comfort of presenters Sue Perkins and Liza Tarbuck. Accommodation on the Trail was notably sparse, requiring Digby to prepare their rooms ahead of time. This involved practical solutions such as using bleach to handle odours and setting up fresh sheets to ensure the presenters had a satisfactory experience.

Amidst the logistical demands, the crew navigated the Trail's complex landscape, flanked by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and intense heat. One notable stop was Ban Phanop Village, where the presence of live bombs highlighted the enduring risks of the area. Such encounters underscored the importance of Digby’s local knowledge and expertise in safely guiding the team.

The production not only captured the Trail’s challenging environment but also showcased interviews with UXO de-mining teams and local villagers. These interactions brought to light the ongoing impact of history on the region, adding depth to the visual narrative. As a result, the show provided a compelling insight into the realities of travelling the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Read the full article 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/the-worlds-most-dangerous-roads/

More Explore Indochina TV Appearances 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/category/tv-appearances/

09/09/2026

Imagine 10 days of riding history. Dense jungle, UXO, insane trails.

We've only ever had 5 ⭐ reviews of our Ho Chi Minh Trail tour, and it's not hard to see why.

BOOK NOW.

exploreindochina.com/tour/ho-chi-minh-trail-laos-10-day-motorcycle-adventure/

08/09/2026

Do you think you can conquer the Ho Chi Minh Trail?

07/09/2026

Digby's Journal: Dieter Dengler's Miraculous Escape
From: The History of the Ho Chi Minh Trail by Digby Greenhalgh

On 1 February 1966, Lt. Dieter Dengler's Navy A-1 Skyraider was shot down south of the Nape Pass while attacking a road intersection. Captured by Pathet Lao troops, he endured severe torture and was force-marched to a prison camp. In June, Dengler and six other prisoners executed a daring escape, overcoming their guards and fleeing into hostile terrain. For 23 days, Dengler navigated the wilderness, evading recapture, until he was spotted by a passing aircraft, narrowly avoiding starvation.

Dengler's escape made him one of only two U.S. airmen to escape captivity during the Vietnam War. Despite enduring significant hardship, he managed to survive encounters with hostile locals, consuming raw snake and worms to sustain himself. His story later inspired the film "Rescue Dawn." Dengler revisited the area years later, locating his aircraft's engine, although no remains of the prison camp were found. The nearby village, however, still stands.

Learn more on our website 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/dieter-dengler-escape/

More from this collection 👇
https://exploreindochina.com/category/the-ho-chi-minh-trail-by-digby-greenhalgh/