Tours
Why I’m Leaving Vietnam (temporarily)
My knowledge of Vietnam goes far beyond a map!! I don’t just know the route; I know the experience. I can guide you to the smoothest roads, the strongest coffee, and the most authentic homestays tucked away in the countryside. Vietnam is my home and my paradise, and sharing that knowledge is why I built AZ Motorbikes.”
But in the world of adventure motorcycling, comfort is a dangerous thing. When you stop being a little bit afraid, you stop growing. That is why, in May 2026, I am trading the tropical rice terraces for high-altitude glaciers. I am going to ride the “Everest of Motorcycling”: The Karakoram Highway in Northern Pakistan.
This isn’t just a holiday; it’s a mission to build the ultimate guide for you. Here is the plan.
The “Why” – Escaping Paradise
Why would a man living in a biker’s paradise decide to leave? It comes down to the need for friction.
- The Comfort Trap
Living in Vietnam is easy. The riding is spectacular, but after years of doing it, the challenge fades. I realized I was cruising, not exploring. To stay sharp as a rider and a business owner, I needed to shock the system. - Chasing the “Old Vietnam” Vibe
People talk about Vietnam 20 years ago—raw, unpaved, and wild. That version of Vietnam is disappearing as infrastructure improves. I am chasing that specific feeling of the “wild frontier” where the map is just a suggestion. - The Altitude Variable
Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest peak at 3,143m. On this trip, the road itself goes higher than that. Dealing with altitude sickness while piloting a motorcycle is a variable I have never had to manage before. - Re-learning to be a Beginner
I’m an expert in Vietnam. In Pakistan, I’m a nobody. I don’t speak the language, I don’t know the traffic flow, and I don’t know the customs. Being a beginner again is the only way to truly learn.
The Destination – The Roof of the World
This isn’t a casual Sunday ride. The geography of Northern Pakistan is on a scale that is hard to comprehend.
- The Eighth Wonder
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects Pakistan and China, cutting through the most savage mountain ranges on earth. It is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World due to the sheer impossibility of its construction. - The Khunjerab Pass Goal
The mission objective is clear: Reach the Khunjerab Pass. At 4,693 meters (15,397 ft), it is the highest paved international border crossing in the world. - Visual Contrast
I am used to lush green and 90% humidity. Pakistan offers the stark opposite: grey granite, white snow, and bone-dry air. Visually, it is the most dramatic contrast I could possibly find to my daily life in Hanoi. - The Security Reality
Pakistan has a complex reputation. Part of this trip is to ground-truth the reality. From checkpoints to Tourist Police, I will be documenting what it’s actually like on the ground versus what we see on the news.
The Machine & The Gear
I can’t bring my own bike. I have to rent locally. This brings up the great debate: Honda vs. Suzuki.
- The Rental Dilemma
Similar to Vietnam’s more diverse market, Pakistan is dominated by small-displacement bikes. The budget choice comes down to the Suzuki GS150 (better suspension/power) vs. the Honda CG125 (unkillable reliability). I’m currently leaning toward the Suzuki. - Dressing for Two Climates
Temperatures will range from 35°C in Islamabad to -5°C at the pass. My gear strategy is a full mesh jacket for the heat, with a heavy-duty rain shell to block the wind at altitude. - Soft Luggage Strategy
Hard panniers are a liability on rocky trails—they break ankles. I’ll be using a soft luggage system (saddlebags and a duffle) to keep the weight low and tight to the bike.
The Strategy – Building in Public
I’m not just taking a trip; I’m building a product. Here is how I plan to document the journey.
- Documentation vs. Vacation
This is a working trip. My goal is to film, photograph, and note-take every aspect. I am sacrificing the flow of a holiday to ensure I capture the data you might need for your own trip. - The YouTube Series: Karakoram Project
Starting in January, I will release bi-weekly videos covering the prep. From the visa application to the gear packing, you will see the “Mission Prep” before the ride even starts. - The “Guide to Northern Pakistan”
I am compiling my research into a downloadable PDF guide. It will be the manual I wish I had right now—comprehensive, honest, and logistical.
What This Means for AZ Motorbikes
I may be leaving, but the shop stays open. Here is what this means for my customers in Vietnam.
- Contact AZ Motorbikes to confirm motorcycle availability, pickup and return arrangements, included equipment and support for your intended rental.
- The Team is Ready
My staff has been running the day-to-day operations for years. They are more than capable of handling bookings, maintenance, and customer service without me looking over their shoulders. - Bringing Knowledge Home
Every time I travel, I learn something new about hospitality or logistics. I plan to bring the best practices from Pakistan back to Hanoi to upgrade our own services.
FAQ
When does the trip actually start?
I fly out on May 15, 2026. The preparation content starts now (December 2025), and the guide launches in late April.
Can I join you on this trip?
Yes, there will be one tour(dates to be announced) that a select few riders can join. This will be a media tour where we explore and also create media for future promotion of tours and more in depth guide books. I have already made Pakistan Tour Pages here, but nothing is concrete, yet.
Is Pakistan actually safe for tourists?
Statistically, yes, especially in the North. However, a huge part of my mission is to answer this question honestly based on on-the-ground experience.
What happens to my booking with AZ Motorbikes in May?
Absolutely nothing changes. Your bike will be ready, and my team will take excellent care of you.
Where can I get the guide you are writing?
I will be launching a pre-order page in February. Join the email list to get notified first.
Final Thoughts
This trip is about more than just mileage. It is about proving that even when you have found paradise, you still need to seek out the unknown. I am trading the rice terraces for the glaciers, not because I don’t love Vietnam, but because I love the spirit of adventure that brought me here in the first place.
I’m terrified, I’m excited, and I’m ready to work. I hope you’ll subscribe to the channel and follow the build. Let’s ride to the roof of the world.