22 days to write a summer story

"Realizing" the dream of traveling across Vietnam

In 2022, with the dream of exploring the S-shaped strip of land, Duong The Hien's family made their first trip to Quang Binh for four short days. Despite the limited time, the trip gave him beautiful memories of the natural scenery and friendly people. However, due to not being used to the harsh hot weather, his little daughter unfortunately fell ill.

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

The unfinished trip ignited in Mr. Hien the determination to conquer Vietnam completely. And so in June 2024, after officially quitting his teaching job at school and devoting all his time to himself, he and his family began a promising journey across Vietnam with the goal of conquering Ca Mau - the southernmost land of the Fatherland.

“Since the trip across Vietnam by motorbike in 2017, when I was able to see the beautiful scenery of my country with my own eyes, I had the intention of taking my family on a trip around Vietnam. After having a motorbike, I took my family to famous places in the North and directed my family to trips to the South. However, because these trips were far and required a lot of time, I decided to do it gradually so that it was not too heavy and also to gain more experience,” said Mr. Hien.

22 days to enjoy the S-shaped land

Mr. Hien's family's journey across Vietnam was "drawn" from dreams of discovery, experience and the desire to conquer the S-shaped strip of 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 only an escape from the hot summer heat, but also an opportunity for members to bond, share loving moments and explore together the enchanting beauty of the S-shaped strip of land.

The 22-day journey brought a myriad of emotions: from excitement and excitement when setting foot on each new land to being overwhelmed by the majestic, poetic natural scenery and unique, distinctive cultural experiences.

“What impresses me most is the landscape of Vietnam. Every day, I see a new scene in a new land. Our country is very beautiful, so I hope the government and people know how to exploit tourism properly to develop it while still preserving the natural beauty that exists,” Mr. Hien shared.

The trip of Mr. Hien’s family was not only a journey of discovery of Vietnam but also a journey of self-discovery. They were challenged with courage, trained their will and appreciated the simple values ​​of life.

With extensive experience from previous trips, Mr. Hien pursues a minimalist style, emphasizing compactness and flexibility. Therefore, the preparation for this cross-Vietnam journey also focuses on two key factors: vehicle and route.

The itinerary was carefully planned by Mr. Hien about a month before departure to ensure that it covered the desired destinations and was suitable for the travel time. Next, 15 days before the trip, he spent time maintaining the vehicle, preparing all necessary spare parts and repair tools as well as purchasing essential items for the trip. The preparation of clothes was done last, prioritizing lightweight, easy-to-coordinate outfits that were suitable for the weather conditions of each area.

Mr. Hien's family often goes on self-guided tours. During his recent trip across Vietnam, he also applied the motto of smart and cost-saving travel. The average spending is 1.5 million VND/day for all expenses except gas.

Regarding accommodation, due to constant travel, Mr. Hien's criteria are cleanliness and ventilation to ensure health and restore energy for the next day. Due to carrying a lot of belongings and frequent travel, he minimizes the preparation of personal belongings, making the most of the available items in the car.

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Pocket tips for traveling across Vietnam by self-driving car

If your family is planning a trip to explore Vietnam by car, Mr. Hien does not hesitate to advise you to boldly set off and get ready for great experiences. Because the trans-Vietnam route is much easier than conquering the rugged Northwest mountains. 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 you set off, take your car to a reputable garage for a thorough inspection and replacement of any major components that could affect its performance. Each car model has its own potential problems, so consult a mechanic or join a car-related group to get a list of necessary parts.

You should bring some basic spare parts such as inner tubes, tires, fuses, wires... in case of damage in remote places where spare parts are hard to find. Consult groups about your vehicle model for a list of suitable spare parts.

It is extremely important to have a specific plan for the route, destination, accommodation, sightseeing places... Refer to the weather forecast to choose the right time to travel, avoiding areas with heavy rain or dangerous landslides. Take advantage of Google Maps to search for information about reputable accommodation and dining places based on tourist reviews. Contact to book in advance to avoid being out of room, especially during peak season. In addition, start with short trips first to get used to driving long distances, train your endurance and gain experience for the journey across Vietnam.

Each family and individual has their own preferences and needs, so be flexible in adjusting your plans and preparing appropriate items. Mr. Hien's shared experience is for reference only, you should research more information and improve your driving skills to have the safest and most complete journey.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai