22 days to write the story of summer.

"Making the dream of traveling across Vietnam a reality"

In 2022, harboring a dream of exploring Vietnam, Duong The Hien's family took their first trip to Quang Binh for just four short days. Despite the limited time, the trip left him with beautiful memories of the stunning natural scenery and friendly people. However, due to not being accustomed to the intense heat, his young daughter unfortunately fell ill.

In 2023, when his passion for travel resurfaced, Mr. Hien planned a longer journey to conquer the Hanoi - Hue - Mang Den - Kon Tum - Nha Trang route. However, due to the unstable situation in the Central Highlands, his family was forced to change their itinerary, traveling along the coast to Nha Trang and then back.

The unfinished trip ignited in Hien a determination to conquer all of Vietnam. And so, in June 2024, after officially leaving his teaching job and dedicating his time entirely to himself, he and his family began a promising cross-Vietnam journey with the goal of conquering Ca Mau - the southernmost land of the country.

“Ever since my motorbike trip across Vietnam in 2017, seeing the beautiful scenery of my country with my own eyes, I've been harboring the intention of taking my family on a tour of Vietnam. After getting a motorbike, I took my family to famous destinations in the North and then suggested trips to the South. However, because these trips are long and require a lot of time, I decided to take things gradually to avoid being too burdensome and to gain more experience,” Mr. Hien said.

22 days of exploring the S-shaped land of Vietnam.

Mr. Hien's family's cross-Vietnam journey was "drawn up" from dreams of exploration, experience, and a desire to conquer the S-shaped land. The route he chose was: Hanoi - Hue - Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot - Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City - An Giang - Ha Tien - Ca Mau - Vung Tau - Mui Ne - Nha Trang - Quy Nhon - Hoi An - Da Nang - Quang Binh - Hanoi.

The trip was not simply about escaping the sweltering heat of summer, but also an opportunity for members to bond, share loving moments, and explore the captivating beauty of Vietnam together.

The 22-day journey offered a myriad of emotions: from excitement and anticipation upon setting foot in each new place to awe at the majestic and poetic natural landscapes, and unique and distinctive cultural experiences.

“What impresses me most is the scenery of Vietnam. Every day, I get to see a new landscape in a new place. My country is so beautiful, so I hope the government and the people will know how to exploit tourism properly so that it can develop while still preserving the natural beauty we have,” Mr. Hien shared.

Hiển's family's road trip was not only a journey of discovery in Vietnam but also a journey of self-discovery. They challenged their courage, strengthened their willpower, and further appreciated the simple values ​​of life.

Drawing on his extensive experience from previous trips, Mr. Hien pursues a minimalist style, prioritizing compactness and flexibility. Therefore, preparations for this cross-Vietnam journey focused on only two key elements: transportation and the route.

Mr. Hien meticulously planned his itinerary about a month before departure to ensure he covered all desired destinations and fit within the travel time. Next, 15 days before the trip, he spent time maintaining his vehicles, preparing all necessary spare parts and repair tools, as well as purchasing essential items for the journey. Clothing was prepared last, prioritizing lightweight, easy-to-match outfits suitable for the weather conditions of each region.

Mr. Hien's family frequently takes independent trips. During their recent cross-Vietnam trip, he also applied the principles of smart and cost-effective travel. Their average daily expenditure was 1.5 million VND, excluding fuel costs.

Regarding accommodation, due to constant travel, Mr. Hien's criteria are cleanliness and ventilation to ensure good health and energy recovery for the next day. Because he carries a lot of luggage and travels frequently, he minimizes the need to prepare personal items, making the most of what's already available in the vehicle.

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If your family is planning a road trip to explore Vietnam, Mr. Hien wholeheartedly advises you to boldly embark on this journey and prepare for amazing experiences. The cross-Vietnam route is much easier than conquering the rugged mountains of Northwest Vietnam. Thanks to the increasingly developed highway system, travel time is significantly shortened, opening up opportunities for you to fully admire the beauty of the country.

Before setting off, you should take your car to a reputable garage for a thorough inspection and replacement of any critical parts that could affect its performance. Each car model has its own potential problems, so consult a mechanic or join car clubs to get a list of necessary parts.

You should carry some basic spare parts such as inner tubes, tires, fuses, wiring harnesses, etc., to prepare for breakdowns in remote areas where replacement parts are hard to find. Consult groups dedicated to your vehicle model for a list of compatible parts.

It's crucial to plan your route, destinations, accommodation, and attractions in detail. Check the weather forecast to choose the right time to travel, avoiding areas with heavy rain or dangerous landslides. Utilize Google Maps to find information about reputable accommodations and restaurants based on traveler reviews. Book your rooms in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season. Additionally, start with shorter trips to get used to long-distance driving, build stamina, and gain experience for your cross-Vietnam journey.

Each family and individual has their own preferences and needs, so be flexible in adjusting your plans and preparing accordingly. Mr. Hien's shared experience is for reference only; you should research further and improve your driving skills for the safest and most fulfilling journey possible.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai