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.