No Saddle, No Fear: The Spectacular Horse Races of Bac Ha (Vietnam)

In this new mini-documentary, we travel to the breathtaking highlands of Northern Vietnam. In the mountainous region of Bắc Hà, we witness a unique and ancient tradition: the weekly horse races of the local mountain tribes.The participants are not professional jockeys, but young, local farmers from the surrounding mountain villages. During the week, these hardy working horses labor in the fields, transporting goods and corn across steep mountain paths. But on Saturday afternoons, these loyal companions transform into true athletes on the racetrack.What makes these races so spectacular is that they are ridden entirely bareback—without saddles or stirrups. Relying purely on balance, grit, and the deep trust between the young farmer and his horse, they sprint across the track. This is a beautiful piece of living heritage and culture in Vietnam, far away from mass tourism.As a 74-year-old traveler, I love taking you along on these special encounters and disappearing traditions across Asia.Did you enjoy this mini-documentary? Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more travel stories filled with culture and nostalgia.