On our last day in Phong Nha, we tried the famous AVT Riding. I’d only ever ridden an ATV once before—on sand dunes in Western Australia—so I figured this would be a fun, easy way to explore the countryside. I was wrong. What started as an exciting adventure quickly turned into one of the most intense and exhausting activities I’ve ever done!
Despite the struggles (and a few moments of sheer terror), it was an unforgettable experience—one that truly cemented Phong Nha’s reputation as the Adventure Capital of Vietnam.
Waking up that morning, I felt groggy. The night before, we had enjoyed plenty of “happy water”—Vietnamese rice wine—along with beer at the only pub in the village. It had been an amazing night, but I definitely felt it in the morning. Thankfully, the fresh air and beautiful scenery of Phong Nha helped clear my head.
Our accommodation was fantastic. We were staying in what was called a “rural homestay,” but it felt more like a luxury hotel. It was a separate little house, almost like an Airbnb, with heating, hot water, and even a laundry service. After a quick breakfast, we were ready for the day’s big activity—ATV riding.
The Reality of ATV Riding
I had only ridden an ATV once before, in Western Australia on the sand dunes. This was going to be completely different. The terrain in Phong Nha was muddy, uneven, and full of surprises. Within seconds of starting, I realized how tough it was going to be. The deep mud made it difficult to control the bike, and I instantly regretted not asking more questions beforehand.
I struggled a lot. The ATV was hard to steer, and the tracks were rough. At one point, I genuinely thought we were going to tip over. My arms ached, and my nerves were shot. Meanwhile, Adrie made it look easy. She had experience with off-roading in a Jeep, and it definitely showed. Eventually, we switched, and I sat on the back while she drove. To no one’s surprise, she handled it way better than I did.
What I Learned from ATV Riding in Phong Nha
- The terrain is rougher than you think – I expected some bumps and mud, but I didn’t realize just how deep and difficult the tracks would be. It wasn’t a smooth ride at all, and at times, I felt like we were going to tip over. If you’re new to ATV riding, be ready for some serious challenges.
- You’re going to get dirty—very dirty – I asked beforehand if we’d get covered in mud, and the answer was a bit cagey. Now I know why. The mud was everywhere. If I were to do it again, I’d wear older clothes and shoes I didn’t mind ruining.
- It’s more tiring than it looks – My arms were burning from gripping the handles and trying to control the bike. I didn’t expect it to be so physically demanding. If you’re not used to off-roading, be prepared for a serious workout.
- Experience makes a difference – Adrie absolutely crushed it because she used to drive a Jeep off-road. Meanwhile, I struggled. If you have experience with four-wheel driving, you’ll probably pick it up faster. If not, expect a steep learning curve.
- If you’re struggling, switch drivers – I wasn’t having the best time behind the wheel, so when Adrie took over, things went a lot smoother. If you’re with someone more confident, don’t be afraid to swap places. It might make the ride a lot more fun (and less terrifying).
- Phong Nha takes adventure seriously – I had no idea Phong Nha was branding itself as “The Adventure Capital of Vietnam,” but after this experience, I get it. This wasn’t some easy, scenic ride through the countryside—it was full-on, muddy, and intense. If you’re looking for an extreme adventure, this is the place.
Tourism and Phong Nha’s Identity
The night before, I had spoken with a local, Hien, about tourism in Phong Nha. I asked him if he wanted more tourists in the area, and he immediately said yes. He explained that tourism was changing lives for people in the village. When I asked if he was worried about losing their culture, he confidently said no. The village still played traditional folk games like tug-of-war, and he believed their traditions would remain strong no matter how many tourists came.
Phong Nha is branding itself as “The Adventure Capital of Vietnam,” and after this experience, I could see why. The area is full of extreme activities—caving, trekking, and, of course, ATV riding. Companies like Exalis are helping to push this image forward, and I have to admit that they are doing a great job.
The End of an Exhausting but Amazing Day
By the time we finished, I was completely exhausted. My whole body ached, and I was covered in mud. Despite the struggles, it had been an unforgettable experience.
Back at our accommodation, we had another surprise waiting for us. Ben Mitchell, who runs Phong Nha Farmstay, had arranged an upgrade to one of their beautiful villas. The place was incredible—spacious rooms, a lounge area, a private pool, and even an outdoor bathtub. After a rough day on the ATVs, it was the perfect place to relax.
Phong Nha had proven to be an amazing destination, full of adventure, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. Even though ATV riding had pushed me out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was just another reminder of why I love traveling—stepping into the unknown, facing challenges, and coming out the other side with stories to tell.
Final Thoughts
TV riding in Phong Nha had pushed me way out of my comfort zone, but looking back, it was an incredible experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the adventure was intense, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for just how rugged and wild this part of Vietnam can be.
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