Tours provided by all-terrain, high-capacity motorbike taxi riders, or ‘easy riders,’ based in Quang Nam Province's Hoi An City, have delighted an increasing number of tourists, particularly foreign backpackers, in recent years.

Apart from their safe driving skills, the ‘easy riders,’ most of whom are natives in Hoi An, also impress their clients with their first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of their hometown’s landscapes and customs.

Hoi An prides itself on the UNESCO-recognised Hoi An Ancient Town.

The drivers have their hands full catering to the demand among trekkers and foreign backpackers, who prefer unique and authentic experiences amongst the mountains over casual sightseeing bus tours.

Among the easy riders is Do Van Thong, 50, a resident of Tan An Ward in Hoi An City, who had just returned weary, yet satisfied from a five-day trek with a tourist between Hoi An and Da Lat, a beloved resort town in Lam Dong Province. Riding his high-capacity Minsk, Thong has offered free service for over 13 years now.

The weather-beaten driver and his client sped up treacherous roads that snake through the resplendent Truong Son Range, which runs parallel to the Vietnamese coast.

Seasoned ‘easy rider’ Do Van Thong (front) and his client are getting ready for a ride. (Photo: Tuoi Tre)

“Escorting foreign backpackers gives me ample chance to explore more of our country’s nooks and crannies and learn more about my own customs, while earning an income at the same time,” he said.

Thong used to be a farmer before offering ‘xe om’ (motorbike taxi) service around Hoi An Ancient Town for an additional income.

It was during that time that many foreign vacationers suggested he carry them for a few days to mountainous areas within the province and across the Central Highlands.

Thong began his first ride on his old Minsk in 2003.

Thong’s usual destinations include villages of the Co Tu ethnic minority group, secluded to the west of Quang Nam Province, and hamlets of Ba Na and Xe Dang ethnic communities scattered throughout the Central Highlands.

He recently launched his own website to offer his potential clients easy access to his services.

According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters’ investigation, Hoi An is currently home to more than 100 such easy riders, who come from different walks of life and a wide age range.

Idyllic hamlets of mountainous ethnic minority groups in Quang Nam Province are the ideal destinations of ‘easy riders’ and their clients. (Photo: Tuoi Tre)

Many have found the job taxing, as it involves regular treks to the forest, but also financially rewarding.   

Several have set up their own websites to allow backpackers speedy access to detailed information and booking.

Apart from Thong, Son, or Nguyen Hong Son, is also a sought-after ‘easy rider’ in Hoi An City.

The 51-year-old, who has been involved in the trade for more than seven years, worked in a tea plantation in Dong Giang District until 1990.

During the time he stayed in Hoi An, he also earned extra money by driving ‘xe om’ after harvest, prior to offering his easy riding services along with some fellow farmers seven years ago.

His team is currently made up of more than five members around his age, who quickly gather as soon as tourists book a ride.

Son has also armed his team with high-capacity motorbikes and run his own website.

He noted that easy riding, which is a form of adventure tour, is exclusive to those interested and varies in prices depending on distances and localities.

An excursion to the rugged areas in Tay Giang District, also in Quang Nam, fetches at least US$50, Son added.

Delighted foreign trekkers pose for a photo during their ride. (Photo courtesy of Do Van Thong)

(Source: Tuoi Tre News)