CHAUCHAU EASYRIDERS

Jacquetta's adventures. Bird Attack. Central Vietnam. Written 13th April 08, in Galle, Sri Lanka.

2011-10-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

Source: here

After almost two and a half weeks in Vietnam, I must admit that I was not in love with the country yet. I was in Hoi An, which is beautiful, but I was starting to get a little tired of being hassled the whole time, and constantly having to beware of being ripped off, whether for a room or for a pack of
cigarettes. I was missing the Laos people. However, I felt an urge to get off the beaten track. I needed to check that there wasn’t more to the Vietnamese than the ones I’d come across so far in the relatively touristy parts of the country. I was desperate to get on a motorbike and head off into the Central highlands but I needed someone / some others to do this with. I quite desperately networked the Hoi An social scene each evening trying to find other travelers who'd be interested in doing the trip from Hoi An to Pleiku, to no avail. It turned out I was traveling against the flow… anyone motorbike friendly had already done the trip but in the opposite direction, or, they were on a budget, and couldn't afford the extravagance.

Finally though, I met a dutch guy who told me about the 'Easy Riders,' a group of wise old Vietnamese men who take people off on excursions into the highlands on the back of their motorbikes, and guide them through tribal villages along the way. Well, I thought - fuck it... if no one will come with me, I'm going to do it on my own! I spent a morning investigating, to find a real Easy Rider (i.e. not one of the hundreds of men in the city who own a bike and pose as one). I found my man. He was called Mr Chau (pronounced Mr Chow), a 51 year old, skinny man with kind eyes and a face that creased up brilliantly when he smiled. I sat with him on the side of a road and I got a good vibe from him immediately. He spoke good English, and his character was gentle and witty. So the next afternoon, off we went; it was the best decision I made during my whole trip.

As we left the city of Hoi An and headed into the mountains, I felt an amazing sense of freedom… we drove into the night, into the unknown… I felt as free as a bird as we passed through stunning landscapes, and smelled the jungle that passed us by (occasionally I put on a bit of Leftfield on my i-pod to enhance the experience even more!). I get a real high off mystery; not knowing where you’re going and seizing every moment as yours and yours alone. Some could say I’m a little crazy to go heading off into the mountains with a Vietnamese man I’d only met the day before!... But hey, I’d been traveling for 2.5 months, and I felt my instincts by this time were trustworthy. They told me Mr Chau was a good man, and they were right.

At the beginning of our trip, I had the most extraordinary experience. Mr. Chau and I stopped at a road side cafe to get a bite to eat. As I entered the cafe, there was a flurrying at my feet. I looked down to see a bird flapping and hopping around. Well, my first thought was that the poor little creature must be crippled or blind but anyway it was in a panic and trying to get outside. So I stepped aside, but as I did so, I felt a sharp peck on the middle toe of my left foot. It then became apparent that the thing was intentionally going for me. After a few seconds of panicky squealing action, I looked up to find myself back on the pavement, and the bird perched at the back of the cafe on top of the wall (no ceiling) looking rather pleased with himself. It was about the size of a large sparrow, dark brown, with a white marking around its neck, and a large yellow beak. Mr Chau and the locals were laughing at me and ushering me back into the cafe, telling me it was ok, the bird is over there now.. all ok. I was bewildered. I couldn't believe that the bird had actually just attacked me... I told myself, Jax, its a bird... not a dog, a bird. Don’t be so silly.. go back inside the cafe.. the bird has nothing against you.. Well, it turned out it did.

For each step I cautiously took back into the cafe, the bird took a hop from one table to another in my direction. And then, before I knew what was going on, my arms and legs were flailing in all sorts of directions... it was War. With my helmet in one hand, I frantically lashed out at the most evil creature I have ever come across in my life. I was ready to kill, and so was he it seemed. He had very fast wings that enabled him to hover like a helicopter above me and then take diving sweeps towards my vulnerable body and feet. I must have looked a real sight, kicking, squealing, spinning around, lashing out... a few seconds later I found myself back on the pavement again. Believe it or not, this happened once more before Mr Chau finally agreed it might be a good idea to go somewhere else to eat. I walked away feeling utterly defeated and totally bewildered... still am!

Mr Chau and I sped through lush green mountains along the Ho Chi Min trail and he taught me about the war and what happened in various places that we visited along the way. It was really haunting, but amazing at the same time. Mr Chau explained to me that most of the villages that we visited didn’t exist during the war; the various tribes we came across would have been tucked away in the mountains at that time, only moving inland and taking advantage of the new road, the Ho Chi Min trail, in the mid 70’s.

We visited several villages each day where - finally - people wanted nothing from me but a wave or a smile. Mr Chau taught me enough Vietnamese for me to be able to introduce myself and engage on a basic level. Their faces lit up as soon as I said hello, I am from England, I am 26… One woman gave me a bracelet as a gift followed by a big smile and a hug. She didn't want anything in return, which was very rewarding indeed considering how corrupted by tourism most of the Vietnam I’d seen so far was. I had many magical moments, whether sipping rice wine with chiefs or eating pineapple from a farm lady’s back yard.

One encounter though was not quite so peaceful. As I tentatively approached one village, that flanked a large river and was surrounded by green fields, an old man came rushing up to me out of nowhere. As he got closer I saw that he was missing a hand. He hailed himself into a dramatic sign language explanation of how the war had lost him his hand, all the while accusingly pointing at me and asking,
“You?... America?”
“Neung Ang! Neung Ang!” I replied in my best Vietnamese, “I’m from England!” And I must say I’ve never been quite so glad to be able to say that in my life! He angrily pointed to the sky and then enacted bombs falling from planes. Then he’d point at his stubbed arm, at the ground, and then enact the bombs exploding, shouting America… America! He also did gun shots, getting hit, and falling to the ground. I wasn’t sure by which means he’d lost his hand until Mr Chau appeared after about 25 minutes and was able to translate. He’d walked into a left over land mine in 1980.

Vietnam has forgiven America for the atrocities it caused, and for the most part, the people there are looking into their exciting future rather than dwelling on their tragic past. However, that afternoon resentment towards America and the effect that she had had on this man’s homeland was right there, staring me in the face. In the markets of Hoi An I had felt it; the older men and women wouldn’t look you in the eye, but here in the highlands, where tourists didn’t make anyone wealthier, where there was no beneficial reason to keep your mouth shut, feelings and expressions were honest. Just as every smile was real, so was this man’s sorrow.

Maureen from Italy

2009-07-24T01:08:00.000-07:00

21/06/2009

HoiAn – Mui Ne (5 days)

Traveling with easyrider is a great experience I would really suggest to travellers. I have been travelling Asia alone for 6 months and easy riding was a lot of fun and very new way of seeing things, inspiring for next trips. In HoiAn I was lucky enough to meet Mr Chau, a real and experiened easy driver. Things I really like

• Mr Chau is a great company, knowledged and speaks good English.
• Mr Chau is a real professinal Easy Rider, a safe driver and he takes care for everything. (No worry about rain).
• My trip was great, I saw many different landscape (rice, paddies, jungle, river, lakes, waterfalls, sand dunes, sea; etc).
• And very importand….Mr Chau bike is super comfortable! Even after 750 km my back never hurt nor my bum.
I met some owner travellers going with Easy Rider and they were au compusing about their pain….Not with Mr Chau’s great mortobike.

Enjoy your trip!

Metti from Danmark

2009-07-24T01:04:00.001-07:00

Gabi, Jorg from Germany

2009-07-24T00:58:00.000-07:00

Debbie, Bunbury from Australia

2009-07-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

5th March 2009

Thank you for a great 2 days

Mr Chau

Awe inspiring landscape between the beautiful any characteristic town of HoiAn and Hue.

Very enjoyable ride of Mr Chau’s Honda mortobike and also no doubting the safety of his driving. I felt very confident sitting behind him

Mr Chau was a pleasure to travel with over the two days journey along the Ho Chi Minh trail

Very knowledgeable in regards to locations, history of the region. I recommend an easy rider trip with Mr Chau to get off the beaten track + enjoy the stunning.

Country side of VietNamese

Cathy from Canada

2009-07-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

19/02/09

Dear Chau

I want to thank you for these amazing 6 days we spent in Central Highlands. I really had a good time, I saw the most beautiful landscapes I had never seen before in my life

The people were so friendly with us. I really got to experiencied the real VietNam, no tourist, just VietNamese people. I also ate very good food and slept at nice hotels.

This is definitely the highlight of my 2 months trip to Asia.
Thank you Mr Chau for everything. You were very kind respectful, funny, easygoing and a good information about VietNam.

When I come back to VietNam, I will do the north with you!!

Gabby, Chris from Australia

2009-07-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

6-02-09

Thank you so much for a fantastic time! It was well worth the trip! The Ho Chi Minh trail took my breath away. I’ve learnt and seen much – that I wouldn’t have on a normal train or a bus trip! You’ve both been great ‘tour guide’!!

Treking through the jungle, drinking strong VietNamese coffee, watching Chau climb waterfall etc. It has been very entertaining!!!

All the best

What an adventure!!! Thank you so much Mr Chau&Duc. Every stop was an education and eye opening experience from two of the coolest easyriders going around. Your 5 star service along the Ho Chi Minh trail

Will not be forgotten

Jesper and Carha from Denmark

2009-07-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

Astrid and Dalibor from Holland

2009-07-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

14-01-2009

Dear Chau & Duc

Beautiful! We had a great time with the two of you! Chau with his monkey business and Duc with this great time laugh.

Thank you for introducing us to the beautiful and friendly VietNam, the jungle vegetable, the smiling kids, the wonderful views and the rain…just kidding…

If we are ever to be back in VietNam, we will come and visit you both!

Thank you once again

Regards

Peter and Eveline from Germany

2009-07-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

26/12/08

Dear Mr Chau and Mr Duc

Thank you for showing us the real VietNam. It was very nice to see, feel, smell everything on your motorbikes.

It’s really good to learn (coffee, rice, paper, bun, silk), see nice views and meet VietNamese people who never saw foreigners before. It’s a great experience, we loved eating (whole chicken) at the Lak lake (very, very nice people), swimming at the waterfall and many, many more.

And we are lucky that we had the two of you as our knowledge about many things, the jokes and all the laughs we had

Thank you!!!

Peter & Eveline

Noorije from Holland

2009-07-23T20:42:00.001-07:00

Dear VietNam father

Thank you so much for the wonderfull days. I enjoyed every minute of it and I’m so happy that I saw the real VietNam.

Thank you soooooo much for everything. No words can describe how thankful I am…

Finally, I wish you and your family all the best.

VietNamese father

Good luck

Kind regards

Noorije

John-My friend from Canada

2009-07-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

To my friend Mr Chau

Thank you for showing me:

• How the sunrises in VietNam.
• How children smile and play.
• How friends laugh and also care for one another.
• How beautiful VietNamese are.
• How to be a great friend!

May your days be long and healthy, your rides full of sun and warm rain, and your life be full of happiness.

May we ride again together soon!

Please come to Canada!

Your friend

John

Foxy and Ficke from Australia, Holland

2009-07-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

17 November 2008

Dear Mr Chau

Thank for an amazing trip. You are the best easy rider knowing all the beautiful places and best place to eat.

The Central Highland are really beautiful and we have learnt and seen alot about VietNam Culture.

We felt very comfortable and safe on the back at your motorbike and it was the best way to see the amazing landscape.

You are real monkey! Climbing high in the trees and waterfalls.

Thanks again for this unforgetable experience.

Love

From HoiAn to the North

2009-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Description:

Our tour will give you a different perspective VietNam its people and its attraction at amazing places.

View great Hai Van pass, Zakcuzi waterfall, DMZ, Vinh Moc tunnel, Hamberger hill, Khe Sanh, Cua Tung beach, Phong Nha Cave and other interesting places...

You have the opportunity to get in touch with the ethenic minority people (Kotu, Paco, Van Kieu) along the road, get know their habits and custom of living, live together with them.

Itinerary:

1 day trip: Tour on Highway 1

HoiAn - HaiVan pass - Hue. Book now...

2 days trip: Tour on the Ho Chi Minh trail

HoiAn - TayGiang - A Luoi - Hue. Book now...

4 days trip: Tour on the Ho Chi Minh tra il

HoiAn - TayGiang - A Luoi - Khe Sanh - Cua Tung - Hue. Book now...

5 days trip: Tour on the Ho Chi Minh trail

HoiAn - TayGiang - A Luoi - Hue - Cua Tung - Vinh Moc - Phong Nha - Dong Hoi. Book now...

The price:

65 USD/day/person.

Thank you

2009-07-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you for booking my tour. I'll reply as soon as possible

Chau

Booking tour

2009-07-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Add: C73/23A Ly Thuong Kiet str, HoiAn, VietNam.
Email: EasyRiderChau@gmail.com
Mobile:

Inter:(+084)977-195-748.
VN: 0977-195-748.
The price: 65USD/1 day/person

Booking:

Full name *
Tour name *
Country
E-mail Address: *
Start day (dd/mm/yy)
Number of pax *
Request


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From HoiAn to the South

2009-07-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

Tour guide on the HoChiMinh trail:

Description:

Our tour will give you a different perspective VietNam its people and its attraction at central highlands

View vast coffee and rubber tree plantations as thick rain forest.

You have the opportunity to get in touch with the ethenic minority people along the road, get know their habits and custom of living, live together with them.

Itinerary:

HoiAn (Chien Dan tower or My Son holyland).
KonTum (taking the nation road 24 visiting the villages of the ethenic minory people).
Pleiku (visiting Bien Ho volcano).
BuonMeThuot (Visiting Dray sap waterfall No 1 & 2 and Ban Don an ethenic minority village nation road 14).
DaLat (enjoy beautiful views of rain forest on th way there).
NhaTrang, PhanThiet (Mui Ne beach) ...(The last destination).

2 days trip: HoiAn - HoiAn

HoiAn - MySon - PhuocSon - Daklei - HoiAn. Book now...

3 days trip: HoiAn - KonTum

HoiAn - MySon - PhuocSon - KonTum. Book now...

4 days trip: HoiAn - QuyNhon

HoiAn - MySon - PhuocSon - KonTum - Pleiku - AnKhe - QuyNhon. Book now...

5 days trip: HoiAn - DaLat (or NhaTrang)

HoiAn - MySon - PhuocSon - KonTum - Pleiku - BuonMeThuot - Lak lake - DaLat (or NhaTrang). Book now...

6 days trip: HoiAn - MuiNe

HoiAn - MySon - PhuocSon - KonTum - Pleiku - BuonMeThuot - Lak lake - DaLat - MuiNe. Book now...

The price:

65 USD/day/person.

About us

2009-07-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Vietnam is one of the most beautiful and charming places in the world to visit. Please come with me to discover and understand more about the culture, tradition and history of my homeland.

If you come to Vietnam and expect to do something special with a lifetime memory for your trip, the best way is on a motorcycle with my tours.

What’s the difference from my tours? I always try to offer tourists and travelers the tours that they get to see the spectacular views of the Central Highland, countrysides, Ho Chi Minh trails through Vietnam and all about the local life of people that we meet on the road. This is the only way to get off the beaten tracks.

With many advices from travelers who travelled with me that I should have a my blog for tourists to know more information about my tours.

Because of tourism is catching up in Vietnam , therefore many people, tour offices and hotels also use my reputation to sell the tours with my name. For all of those reasons, I decided to build this blog and would like to confirm again with travellers around the world.

Jacquetta from UK

2009-07-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

HoiAn to Pleiku

I’d been to VietNam for two weeks, had a great time, but still feel like. I’d seen “the real thing”. With just three days left of my travels, I was lucky enough to meet Mr Chau. Having read a couple of the previous logs in this book, I felt comfortable enough to jump on the back of his bike and ride into the highlands – the best decision.

I made during my whole trip and I’ve made a few good ones in the last three months! I’ve had the most amazing three days …just wish I had longer. I could keep going with Mr Chau for weeks!

I’ve seen stunning landscapes interacted with beautiful people, and have had wonderful moments. That wouldn’t have been possible without Mr Chau charm and wisdom – a truly remarkable man and guide.

Don’t hesitate – get on the bike! Go

Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you Mr Chau

Good luck to you and hope to see you again one day!

Love

Jax

Martin Svenssion from Sweden

2009-07-07T02:46:00.000-07:00

I just spent 6 days with Mr Chau and his motorbike, riding from HoiAn to HaNoi. I really believe this is the most memorable part of my entire 2 months in Asia.

Mr Chau will take you to places and people, you would only dream of seeing! He knows all the spots, whether it is about having dinner or a great view.

Most of all, Mr Chau is an extremely friendly and trust worthy person, I would trust him with my life if I had to!

Make a trip with Mr Chau and you are guaranteed to have a great memory for life!

Ak, bara ak!!! (Med Chau)

Martin Svenssion (Sweden)

Johan from Sweden, Askind from Germany

2009-07-07T02:44:00.000-07:00

HoiAn to Nha Trang

Great motorbike tour!

Go with Mr Chau and you ride easy, meet friendly people, have great coffee, bread, get strong in the moutains and always get fair price for food and drive in hotel

Let’s go – Đi thôi ! Avfgehts! – AK!

Johan – Swe

Askind – Ger

Manja from Munich (Germany)

2009-07-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

HoiAn to DaLat

Dear Mr Chau

I’m so happy to travel with you the last 5 days. It was a very very great time for me. We drove along a beautiful landscape and you show me a lot of interesting places. Especially the different minority villages – this was so impressive to see how they live there. So I could take a lot of pictures with children.

Thanks a lot for all and I wish you at any time a good trip

Best wishes from Manja (Munich)

Krista from Denmark, Victoria from Norway

2009-07-07T02:41:00.001-07:00

HoiAn to Nha Trang

Mr Chau, you are great. Loy has for the last four days transport vs through the fantastic and beautiful central highland. It’s the only way to rally grasp the amazing scenary that you can find all around in this special country.

Thank you for showing vs something this great and thank you for sawing my life at the water falls Mr Chau. You also gave me a new celebration on my way which I will never forget

Thank you!

Lots of love from Krista (Denmark) and Victoria (Norway)

Ben.debono

2009-07-07T02:38:00.000-07:00

HoiAn to DaLat

Its been a good 5 days spending time travelling through VietNam

Chau is a wealth of knowledge and a shark cards, look out. Recommend his services and the HoiAn to DaLat is a loverly scene trip, must be done over 5 days don’t rush

Enjoy

Matt from UK

2009-07-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

HoiAn to DaLat

The last 5 days we have spent with Chau riding through the beautiful central highlands. We rode our own bike & Chau made sure we were safe and happy every step of the way. Riding through rain or shine he followed led the way felling us everything about history & culture of the area. A true gentlement, the nicest guy we have met in VietNam.

The best 5 days here with him

VietNam Ho Chi Minh

VietNam Ho Chi Minh

Renata from Holland

2009-07-07T02:33:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed my trip together with Chau from Hoi An to DaLat. Beautiful scenery, only friendly people.

Chau is an excellent and careful driver who did everything for me. I enjoyed the journey. We visited many great places and people’s houses. Accomodation, food, price were good. The only bad thing is that this trip has come to an end. I would immediately go again and can just say if you have the opportunity. Go for it!!!

Thanks Chau and hope I see you again

PS: Ask him how high he can climb or what he did to save my camera and believe what he says because it’s true.

Ker and Lorrain from Ireland

2009-07-07T02:31:00.001-07:00

Myselt & boyriend just finished trip 6 days & 5 nights from Hoi An to Nha Trang. It has been the highlight of our stay in VietNam. We saw so much that we never would have seen if on our own.

We ate the nicest food (different every night) and met such nice people. We highly recommend anyone do this trip if you want to see real Viet Nam.

We will never forget this and will come back again to do North West VietNam.

Ha Noi Jan 5th 2007

2009-07-07T02:29:00.000-07:00

Mr Chau – what a guy!

You really made trip to northern Viet Nam something special.

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh trail – DMZ – Phong Nha – Ha Noi – Moc Chau – Tuan Giao – Lai Chau – Tam Duong – Sapa – Yen Bai then back to Ha Noi

12 days!!!

I am a photographer & Mr Chau introduced me to many people in many small villages for me to photograph.

He is a great conversation list and so has a good way of introducing you to many villages, rice fields, factories, etc. That you would never otherwise get to visit on your own.

I had a great time.

Fern and Carlos from Australia

2009-07-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

Mr Chau was an awesome rider! He is great fun (don’t let the grey hair fool you, he is super fit and agile) but also very responsible and an extremely safe rider.

We did a five day trip from Hoi An to DaLat and its been the the part of our four weeks in VietNam. All the stops were interesting, including all different agricultural crops, villages and roadside coffee!

I would strongly advice anyone to let Mr Chau organise everything. The hotels were all great – especially Lak Lake resort – and all the food was FANTASTIC! Best VietNamese food we’ve had all trip

Thank you very much !

Zees and Dikla Ramat Bon from Israel

2009-07-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

To all travellers

We would like to recommend Mr Chau’s 4 days motorbike tour to the central highlands, which we took with him. We went from HoiAn to DaLat, on a good journey. We saw amazing view, visited minority house, had local food and had great time. The guide and driving of Mr Chau and his assistant were great!

Bridget from Newzeeland

2009-07-07T02:19:00.001-07:00

Excellent trip – If you get opprotunity to ride with Mr Chau

Lonely planet book take the motobike trip!

Hoi An – DaLat – Mui Ne – 6 days

Excellent driver – always felt safe especially being a single female travelling – Mr Chau is very trust working & will take good care of you.

- Excellent food.
- Great Accomodation.
- Great driving.
- Smelt the coffee, the pepper, corns.
- Beautiful scenery too!

Thank you

Anna "puppet", Espoo from Finland

2009-07-07T02:12:00.001-07:00

Dear Mr Chau & Hoang

Our VietNamese fathers!

Soon 5 milion people from Finland will call you and follow you through the central Highlands, because we had the time of our lives!

Sharon and Alex Forsyth from Ireland and Scotland

2009-07-07T02:07:00.001-07:00

We travelled with Mr Chau and Hoang from Hoi An to Kon Tum. What can I say it really was a wonderful + amazing experience. San coffee, pineapple + rubber trees! Also the took us through ethnic minority villages to see moutain people who could not have been any friendlier! It will be so hard to ever get on a bus again. You stop for pienty of smoke + bottom breaks! Recommend this trip to everyone – worth every penny

Jois from Germany

2009-07-07T02:03:00.000-07:00

Hello traveller!

I’ll recommend you a trip with Mr Chau. Just do it! You’ll have the best time on your VietNam trip!

I’ve had 4 really wonderful days with Mr Chau and his motorbike – far up from tourist with beautiful landscape and friendly people. I’ve seen the real side of VietNam – it was great and Mr Chau is a very friendly nice man!

Lee Starnes from USA

2009-07-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

I’m not quite sure how to express how amazing time the 5 days spent with Mr Chau. Not only did I see a part VietNam speeded in history, full of beautiful scenery and wonderful people, but I met an absolutely warming friend in Mr Chau knowledgeable, sincere, and really funny at that, it was an absolute pleasure to wind through the central highlands.

I’m sure Mr Chau found it funny seeing. My continually propped saw at the experience.

Throw your Lonely Planet Vnder the open tour bus and go…

“We abandoned all nonsened behind and we had one noble purpose in life and that was to move and we moved!”

Audrey Lacasse from Motreal, Canada

2009-07-07T01:52:00.000-07:00

I stayed in VietNam for 6 weeks and travelling with Mr Chau was difinitly the # (the highlight of my trip!! Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Real VietNam!! I booked a 6 days trip, and I loved it so much.

I stayed with him for 12 days!

If you want to travel “off the tourist track”. Chau is your man! More than a guide, he was a friend, a teacher, a nurse, a Vietnamese father!

Thank you Mr Chau

I will never forget you!