Swiss on wheels: Exploring Việt Nam's off-road potential

Quỳnh Anh

Originally from Switzerland, Michael Gerber has called Việt Nam home since 2018, captivated not only by its stunning landscapes but also by its promising terrain for sport tourism lovers, leading him to run a motorbike tour community for foreigners when they are in Việt Nam.

Micheal and his friends have cooperated to run bi-yearly motorcycle events with up to 100 participants. Photos courtesy of Michael Gerber

Joining Namduro, a prominent motorbiking community in Hà Nội four years ago, Michael has since embarked on countless adventures exploring Việt Nam on two wheels.

With extensive experience navigating Việt Nam's diverse landscapes on motorcycles, he is in the process of setting up guided motorcycle tours and creating their merchandise.

“I moved to Việt Nam in early 2018 and have been working as an English teacher but also as a guide for motorbike tours,” he told Việt Nam News. “The low cost of living compared to my home country, allows me to experience a lifestyle I wouldn’t be able to back home and affords me the luxury of being able to regularly go on trips to explore the beautiful country and surrounding ones.

“After living here for a while, I have formed some incredible lifelong friendships and a great relationship, which played a big part in my decision to stay here for so long.

“I have many years of experience travelling Việt Nam by motorcycle and have organised and run many tours myself, as well as helped a lot with running and organising the previous Namduro events.”

When the founders of Namduro decided to leave Việt Nam, they entrusted him with taking over due to his deep passion for riding motorcycles and organising events firsthand.

"I have decided to continue what they started with the goal of turning it into a profitable business while sharing Việt Nam's hidden gems with other motorcycle enthusiasts, " he said.

“With the knowledge I have gained through that, I believe that I can provide unforgettable experiences to my customers with the highest quality standard."

Michael Gerber (left) shares his passion with his lover (right). Photos courtesy of Michael Gerber

After six years as an expat in Việt Nam, this place has left Michael with a deep appreciation. Through his lens, Việt Nam has incredible landscapes that are amazing to explore by motorcycle.

"The country's beautiful landscapes are truly captivating, and the hospitality of the people is heartwarming. Plus, the delicious food is a major highlight for me.

"Travelling by motorcycle is the most common way for Vietnamese people to get around. Therefore, the country is set up very well for motorcycle travel, as there are mechanics and petrol stations even in the most remote locations.

"Travelling by motorcycle allows tourists to reach destinations they couldn't reach by other means of transport which ensures an incredibly unique travel experience."

Each route of Michael's tours is meticulously planned to showcase the country's natural splendour and cultural richness. Photos courtesy of Michael Gerber

He believes Việt Nam has tremendous potential to become an attractive and safer destination for foreign tourists with a few key improvements.

One area that could make a big difference is simplifying the visa process.

"If Việt Nam could offer more affordable visas and a smoother application process, perhaps even introducing a visa on arrival option, it would significantly boost its appeal to international visitors," Micheal said.

"Additionally, many tourists might not realise that a one-month visa isn't enough to fully explore all that Việt Nam has to offer.

"Making it easier to extend visas would encourage longer stays, allowing visitors to enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes at a more relaxed pace."

He is excited to enjoy all the incredible things Việt Nam has to offer for a few more years while building his business with his partner. Photos courtesy of Michael Gerber

He sees traffic safety as another area where improvements can have a positive impact.

"With the recent increase in cars, the streets have become more congested, affecting the overall experience of walking around cities. However, it's encouraging to see the government actively working on various projects to address this issue."

As he prepares to relocate to Hội An for the next chapter of his journey, he said: "I am looking forward to living near the beach and in a quieter place with less air pollution. I still have a lot of love for Hà Nội and I'm looking forward to visiting it regularly in the future."

As Michael continues to weave his love for adventure with his admiration for Việt Nam, his tours stand as a testament to the country's allure and the endless possibilities it holds for those willing to venture off-road.

If you're an off-road motorbike travel lover, come to Việt Nam for rolling now. VNS