Riding the Backroads of Dien Bien Phu

A Journey Beyond the Beaten Path

Over four days we travelled by motorbike through the upland plateaus and quiet valleys west of Sapa. The route led us ast calm lakes, terraced hillsides and small farming communities where life follows the rhythm of the seasons. It was a journey into the heart of the mountains, where every bend in the road revealed something new and beautiful.

Learning from the Land

Our local hosts guided us with warmth and patience, stopping often to walk, share food and talk about the land. They showed us how to forage for wild herbs, edible shoots and mountain mushrooms. Each stop uncovered another layer of local knowledge, passed down through generations and shaped by a deep relationship with the forest and fields.

Evenings by the Fire

When the day’s riding was done, we gathered beside small fires to share bowls of rice and stories. Conversations flowed in a gentle mix of Hmong, Vietnamese and English. The nights were filled with laughter, soft music and the quiet comfort of companionship under a sky full of stars.

Through the Backroads of Dien Bien Phu

These photographs capture the beginning of that journey through the backroads of Dien Bien Phu. Each image tells a part of the story — of movement, discovery and connection with a landscape that holds both history and peace.

A Lan Tien woman smiling while wearing traditional clothing and a sun hat in the countryside of Dien Bien Phu
A wide view of mountains surrounding a calm lake in Dien Bien Phu under phuunder dramatic cloudy skies.
A traditional Hmong family-style meal served on a round tray with shared dishes and bowls.
A young Lan Tien girl walking happily through dense green vegetation, wearing traditional clothing in northern Vietnam.
Travellers walking along a rural backroad in Dien Bien Phu with local woman, surrounded by mountains and greenery.
A person standing on a grassy ridge looking out over dramatic mountain peaks in Dien Bien Phu region.
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Last Chance to See: A Century of Hmong Clothing in Northern Vietnam