Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Enjoy a delicious and affordable bowl of Pho at local eateries. The friendly hospitality and unique decor add to the experience. (2:10)
- Tip 2Budget-friendly travel: A bowl of Pho costs around 40,000 Vietnamese Dong, which is very reasonable. (5:48)
- Tip 3Take advantage of roadside cafes for rest stops and refreshments, especially in hot weather. (8:14)
- Tip 4Affordable accommodation options are available in rural areas of Vietnam, offering basic yet functional amenities. (11:45)
- Tip 5Be prepared for long distances between destinations and plan accordingly, considering overnight stops. (14:30)
Two Mad Explorers' latest adventure takes them to the Vietnam-China border, specifically Lang Son province. Their journey is filled with unexpected encounters, from a warm welcome at a roadside pho shop to a surprising conversation with locals who couldn't believe foreigners were visiting their remote village. The video captures the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside, the challenges of cycling through rural areas, and the heartwarming hospitality of the people they meet along the way. This episode promises a unique glimpse into a lesser-known part of Southeast Asia, highlighting cultural exchange and the spirit of adventure.
Next travel video: ( 60 / 81 )
![Meanwhile on the Border of China [EP.29]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/btLajT8BodQ/sddefault.webp "China Border Exploration: Unexpected Journey")
More about the current video:( 59 / 81 )
In episode 28 of their cycling journey from Bangkok to Shanghai, Two Mad Explorers head towards the Vietnam-China border, aiming for Lang Son province. Their trip begins with a description of Lang Son's rich history as a strategic battleground and cultural crossroads. Despite not booking accommodation beforehand, they find a welcoming guest house in a rural area. The journey is marked by light rain and stunning views, with the travelers highlighting the unique blend of Vietnamese and Chinese culture as they approach the border.
They start their day with a delicious and affordable bowl of pho at a local eatery, noting the friendly hospitality and interesting decor. The noodles, a staple in Northern Vietnam, are described as delicious. The ride continues with encounters with massive trucks, a stark contrast to the peaceful water buffalo calmly walking down the road. The landscape shifts to rolling hills and mountains, showcasing the beauty of Northern Vietnam, even amidst some environmental concerns like deforestation and burning.
Their destination is a guest house in Chi Lang, where they reflect on the day's challenges and the beauty of their surroundings. The guest house, though basic, offers unexpected amenities like AC, exceeding their expectations for the price. The travelers then explore the town of Chi Lang, describing its strategic location and the lack of Western tourists. They have a memorable interaction at a local cafe, where the owner and other patrons express their astonishment at seeing Westerners in their town. This interaction highlights the cultural exchange and the unique experiences that make this journey special. The episode concludes with the travelers looking forward to crossing into China, choosing between exploring the rural mountains or coastal roads on their journey towards Shanghai.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most memorable interaction with locals?
- A: Definitely meeting the people at the cafe in Lang Son who were so surprised to see Westerners there. It was a really unique cultural exchange.
- Q: What was the accommodation like?
- A: The guest house was basic but clean and surprisingly had AC, which was a bonus for the price. The bed was quite hard, which is pretty standard in Vietnam.
- Q: What was the food like?
- A: The Pho was delicious and a highlight of the trip. It was a great way to start the day and experience local cuisine.
![The Journey to the Chinese Border Begins [EP.27]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/2b8Ym4GxZRU/sddefault.webp "China Border Trip: Bac Giang Adventure")