MTB'ing in Northern Vietnam [Season's Greetings]

Seasons greetings from Northern Vietnam!

We managed to fit in some MTB'ing while having some time off from a local Hanoi-based project ...and went to a rare and beautiful spot in Northern Vietnam....Mai Chau.

We drove for 3 hrs into the limestone country west of Hanoi and rented some local (Merida) hard tails to check out the local amazing scenery and village life....

The local tribes people are of a ethnic minority (White Thai) and are extremly friendly and very hospitable. They invite you to sleep in their traditional stilt houses (for $US 3) and feed you some amazing food and local rice wine!

P.S. No helmets available ...the silly cowboy hat was the only sun cover available...

Our base - a little hamlet in Mai Chau

Typical stilt houses - our accommodation

Roadside encounter

Tucker time! (or roadblock?)

Local pet - Water buffalo baby

LBS: Local Bike Shop - Featuring SPECIALIZED service!

More pics here: http://nobmob.com/image/tid/848

I look forward to catching up with all in the New Year!

Rgds, and a merry Xmas to all,

Hans

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Happiness is a warm shock.