VI
EN
"If not now, then when?" – that was the first thing Nhung thought of when she stood at Kilometer Zero in Cao Bang. Driven by a sudden but determined idea, the young woman decided to embark on a journey across Vietnam, traversing long stretches of road from the far north to the far south, and then returning to her beloved central region.
The familiar Honda Lead scooter accompanied the young woman from Kilometer Zero in Cao Bang all the way to the southernmost tip of Ca Mau.
Youth is the time to dare to live and dare to go.
Having studied tourism in Russia, Hong Nhung's passion for travel runs through her veins, from flights to Thailand and road trips through Laos to days wandering across the vast Russian landscape. But then she realized there's a Vietnam right here, waiting to be explored and loved.
Nhung shared: "A cross-Vietnam journey is one of the things I've always wanted to do on my 'To Do List'. Youth is when you have enough health, enough energy, and sometimes even the recklessness to try the unknown." For her, this is not just a trip, but also a way to live life to the fullest, to enjoy every moment and share valuable experiences.
Traveling across Vietnam is one of the things Nhung has always wanted to do on her "To Do List".
Unexpected destinations and memorable people.
Not every destination on the trip was part of the original plan. One of the unexpected places that left a deep impression on Nhung was Da Lat, where she returned after 7 years. This time, she chose Cau Dat for her vacation and was guided by the owner of the homestay "Dream Garden Cau Dat" – Mr. Tuyen – to explore the Seven-Tier Waterfall.
Discover the Seven-Tier Waterfall during your visit to Da Lat.
"The road from Cau Dat to the waterfall truly amazed me; it was breathtakingly beautiful. But the best part was being able to cook and have lunch right next to the waterfall, amidst the peaceful and majestic scenery," Nhung recounted. This was not only a nature experience but also an opportunity for her to connect with new friends, unexpected yet familiar companions.
Small amidst the grandeur and vastness of nature, this young woman in her 20s understands more than ever the meaning of a solo journey.
During her 25-day journey, Nhung met many wonderful people. She said, "What I remember most isn't the majestic scenery, but the kindness of strangers. Sometimes it was just a driver stopping to give directions, a vendor offering an encouraging smile, or a fellow traveler appearing at the right moment – all of these things made the journey more meaningful than ever."
Conquer the impressive routes.
Every route has its own unique beauty, but if Nhung had to choose one place that impressed her the most, it would be the Bau Trang route in Binh Thuan. "I've taken and filmed so many moments here. When I look back at the photos and videos, they all remind me of a beautiful journey I've taken, a part of my youth," Nhung shared.
The Bau Trang – Binh Thuan route unfolds like a scene from a film, with long stretches of pristine white sand and a straight road ahead.
Despite the long journey, Nhung was fortunate not to encounter too many difficulties with the weather or her health, thanks to thorough preparation. The most important thing for her was maintaining a "leisurely journey" spirit – not racing against time but enjoying every moment along the way.
Sharing with Travellive reporters, she said: "I don't prioritize reaching my destination quickly. Instead, I want to explore each place slowly, listen to the stories of each location, and immerse myself in the lives of the local people. Long journeys can be tiring at times, but I learn to listen to my body and mind, not forcing myself to move constantly while neglecting necessary relaxation. That's why I've been able to maintain my cheerful, optimistic, and energetic spirit."
Conquering Mui Dien - Phu Yen
Striking a pose amidst the shifting sand dunes - Mui Ne
Let's conquer Nghinh Phong Tower - Phu Yen
A trip, a new person.
When asked if her cross-Vietnam journey had changed, Nhung smiled and said, "I've learned to accept surprises and to be flexible in every step. Life doesn't always go according to plan, and it's these random occurrences that have made this trip so special."
If she could go back to one place on her trip, Nhung wouldn't hesitate to choose Cao Bang. "The scenery there is beautiful, the air is pleasant, the food is delicious, and the people are friendly and kind. Standing in front of Ban Gioc Waterfall, listening to the roaring sound of water amidst the vast mountains and forests, I feel my heart open up, I feel freer than ever before," she recounted.
The beautiful landscapes of Cao Bang have left a lasting impression on this girl from Central Vietnam.
A message for girls who want to embark on a cross-Vietnam journey.
Looking back on her journey of over 2,000 km across many regions, Nhung wants to send a message to young women who are dreaming of a cross-Vietnam trip: "Be confident! These trips not only help you discover the beauty of the country but also give you the opportunity to understand yourself better." To ensure a fulfilling journey, she emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation: light luggage, clothing suitable for each region, complete personal documents, necessary medications, and a Bluetooth speaker to enjoy music along the way. Nhung stresses: "A full-face helmet is essential. When traveling long distances, safety is paramount."
Besides that, choosing the right time is also extremely important. The dry season is the ideal time to fully appreciate the beauty of the country. Avoid the rainy season as it affects health and increases the risk of dangerous situations. For those who choose a motorbike as their companion, Nhung advises understanding your bike well, mastering basic maintenance and repair techniques to confidently handle any situation on the road.
After all, the most important thing is still the spirit.
Ultimately, the most important thing is the mindset. "Going slowly, calmly, and safely is paramount. Crossing Vietnam isn't a race, but a journey of experience. Enjoy every moment, because what remains after each trip is not just the destinations, but also the emotions and personal growth," she concluded.
Truong Nguyen Hong Nhung's cross-Vietnam journey was not simply a trip to explore the landscapes, but also a journey of growth, a journey to rediscover the deepest values in her soul. Each place she visited, each path she conquered, each person she met left her with invaluable lessons about perseverance, compassion, and the sacred connection between kindred spirits.
Crossing Vietnam is not simply a journey of discovering landscapes, but also a journey of growth, a journey of rediscovering the deepest values in one's soul.
And even though the trip is over, Nhung still believes that the journey is not truly finished. The emotions remain intact, the memories haven't faded, and the dreams continue to grow. Surely, one day, Nhung will pack her bags again, explore new horizons, and continue writing the vibrant chapters of her youthful diary.
