Common Mistakes on the First Journey to Explore East - Northwest

Not planning the itinerary, speeding, or traveling just for Facebook check-ins are common mistakes many young travelers make on their journey.

Common Mistakes on the First Journey to Explore East - Northwest

Each person has their own way of experiencing the beauty of the northern mountains, but many fall into very common mistakes on their first trip here.

Not planning the itinerary

For any trip, to save costs and maximize time, we should plan and have a specific itinerary. The East and Northwest loop has many attractive destinations, such as Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) – Moc Chau – Ta Xua (Son La) – Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) – Sapa – O Quy Ho (Lao Cai) – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang City – Dong Van – Meo Vac (Ha Giang) – Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang) – Bac Son (Lang Son),…

Exploring the Northern mountainous region is a unique journey that demands a dedicated span of time. To conquer the entire Northern mountainous region, allocating at least 10 days is essential. Plan your itinerary wisely to traverse and immerse yourself in various destinations along the way.

The Northern mountains are a piece of land that deserves more than just a single visit. Ideally, it's better to break down your schedule and conquer each short arc in different seasons. For instance, from now until early October is a beautiful time to spend 3 days on a thrilling journey from Hanoi to Mù Cang Chải to Nghĩa Lộ, marveling at the ripe rice terraces in Mù Cang Chải.

The twisting and perilous Dong – Northwest pass should be avoided at night. Without thorough research on the schedule to choose the most suitable route, you might return with quite a few disappointments.

Neglecting pre-trip vehicle maintenance

A common and critical mistake made by many first-time adventurers in the Northern mountainous region is being lax with their 'travel buddy.' Remember, the mountainous terrain is entirely different from the flat roads, and if your motorcycle is not given an oil change or checked for tire pressure, headlights, brakes, and horn, it can pose serious dangers for the rider.

It's not coincidental that rental services in highland provinces cost twice as much as in other tourist destinations like Da Nang or Phu Yen. The manual bikes often have to endure numerous steep slopes or landslide-prone roads in Bac Yen or Ha Giang. Therefore, one thing no one should overlook is treating your vehicle well before embarking on a challenging journey with it.

Keep in mind that repair shops in remote areas are scarce, so don't forget to prepare a toolkit and keep it in the trunk.

Exceeding the permitted speed limit

Many inexperienced long-distance riders often have encounters with traffic police. Some speed through sparsely populated mountainous roads, overlooking signs indicating densely populated areas. Many bikers get fined for basic mistakes due to their negligence. Traffic checkpoints, especially stringent ones, are common, and many riders face traffic police encounters in Ham Yen (Tuyen Quang).

Therefore, pay attention to road signs and reduce speed to avoid unnecessary troubles.

Wearing a dress and high heels

Many girls have dreamed of capturing beautiful moments amidst fields of pink and white triangular buckwheat flowers or lush green grass, as seen on the internet.

However, when in the mountainous region, one thing to avoid is wearing cumbersome attire that hinders movement. Instead, opt for a bold and robust style with comfortable pants and soft shoes to protect your feet. Additionally, if possible, prepare leg and arm armor to avoid strong collisions with unfamiliar objects, protective eyewear, a 3/4 head-covering helmet, gloves, and a full-face mask.

Traveling just for Facebook check-ins

In the midst of the booming trend of adventure travel, many young enthusiasts have forsaken the essence of exploration and real experiences for their journeys. Instead, some invest their time, energy, and money solely for check-in photos and territorial markers. The Northwest is beautiful and rich in the diverse cultures of various ethnic groups. Therefore, based on the experience of those who have gone before, the time spent at each destination should not be less than a day; otherwise, it becomes a one-time visit without return.

Or there are those who, due to time constraints, want to travel quickly and cover a lot of ground. However, attempting to do too much on a trip can ruin the entire experience and the desired outcome. You'll end the journey feeling dissatisfied and exhausted.

Turn your travels into doors opening to a new world rather than locks closing you in after each return.

Source: Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour