“If not now, then when?” – that was the first thing Nhung thought of when standing at Km 0, Cao Bang. Starting from a sudden but determined idea, the young girl decided to make a journey across Vietnam, crossing long roads from the North Pole to the South Pole, then returning to the beloved Central region.
The familiar Honda Lead motorbike accompanied the young girl from Km 0 Cao Bang to the tip of Ca Mau.
Youth is the time to dare to live and dare to go.
As a former international student in Russia, majoring in tourism, the passion for travel has always flowed in Hong Nhung's veins, from flights to Thailand, car trips through Laos, to days wandering the vast land of Russia. But then she realized, there is a Vietnam right here, needing to be explored and loved.
Nhung shared: "The journey across Vietnam is one of the things I always wanted to do on my 'To Do List'. Youth is when we have enough health, enough energy, and sometimes even the boldness to try the unknown." For her, this is not just a trip but also a way to live fully, to enjoy every moment and share valuable experiences.
The journey across Vietnam is one of the things Nhung always wants to do on her "To Do List".
Unexpected destinations and memorable people
Not all destinations on the trip were in the original plan. One of the unexpected places that left a deep impression on Nhung was Da Lat, the place she returned to after 7 years. This time, she chose Cau Dat to rest and was led by the owner of the homestay "Dream Garden Cau Dat" - Mr. Tuyen - to explore the Seven-layer Waterfall.
Discover the Seven-Level Waterfall during your visit to Dalat
"The road from Cau Dat to the waterfall really surprised me, it was so beautiful that it was indescribable. But the best thing was that I got to cook and have lunch right next to the waterfall, amidst the peaceful and majestic scenery," Nhung said. This was not only an experience of nature but also an opportunity for her to connect with new friends, unexpected but familiar companions.
Small in the midst of the majesty and vastness of nature, the 9x girl feels more clearly than ever the meaning of a solo journey.
During the 25 days on the road, Nhung met many precious people. She said: "What I remember most is not the majestic natural scenery, but the kindness of strangers. Sometimes it's just a driver stopping to give directions, a saleswoman smiling with encouragement, or a companion appearing at the right time, all of which make the journey more meaningful than ever."
Conquer impressive roads
Each route has its own beauty, but if I had to choose a place that impressed me the most, it would be Bau Trang, Binh Thuan. "I took and recorded many moments here. When I look back at the photos or videos, they remind me of a beautiful route I took, a part of my youth," Nhung shared.
The Bau Trang – Binh Thuan route appears like a movie, with long stretches of white sand and a straight road ahead.
Despite the long journey, Nhung was fortunate to not encounter too many difficulties with the weather or health, thanks to careful preparation. The most important thing for her was to maintain the spirit of "leisurely journey" - not racing against time but enjoying every moment on the road.
Sharing with Travellive reporter, she said: "I don't put much emphasis on reaching the destination quickly. On the contrary, I want to explore each land slowly, listen to the stories of each place and blend in with the life of the local people. The trip is long, sometimes tiring, but I learn to listen to my body and mind, not forcing myself to move continuously and ignoring the necessary relaxation. That is the reason why I still maintain joy, love of life, optimism and energy."
Conquering Mui Dien - Phu Yen
Pose in the middle of the Flying Sand Dunes - Mui Ne
Conquer Nghinh Phong tower - Phu Yen
A trip, a new person
When asked if Nhung had changed anything after her journey across Vietnam, she smiled: "I learned to accept surprises and to be flexible in every step. Life doesn't always go according to plan, and it was the most random things that made this trip special."
If she could return to one place on her journey, Nhung would not hesitate to choose Cao Bang. "The scenery there is beautiful, the air is pleasant, the food is delicious, the people are friendly and lovable. Standing in front of Ban Gioc waterfall, listening to the sound of rushing water in the middle of the vast mountains and forests, I feel my heart more open and free than ever," she said.
The mountains and rivers of Cao Bang have made a girl from the Central region nostalgic.
A message to girls who want to take a journey across Vietnam
Looking back on the journey of more than 2,000 km through many lands, Nhung wants to send a message to girls who are cherishing the dream of crossing Vietnam: "Be confident! The trips not only help you discover the beauty of the country but also give you an opportunity to understand yourself better." To have a complete journey, she emphasizes the importance of careful preparation: light luggage, clothes suitable for each region, full personal documents, necessary medicines and a Bluetooth speaker to enjoy music on the roads. Nhung emphasized: "A full-face helmet is indispensable. When traveling far, safety is still the top priority."
Besides, choosing the right time is also very important. The dry season will be the ideal time to fully experience the beauty of the country. Avoid the rainy season because it not only affects health but also easily encounters dangerous situations. For those who choose motorbikes as a companion, Nhung advises to understand their vehicle well, master basic maintenance and repair methods to confidently handle all situations on the road.
After all, the most important thing is still the spirit.
After all, the most important thing is still the spirit. "Go slowly, calmly and safely is the most important. Crossing Vietnam is not a race but a journey of experience. Enjoy every moment, because what remains after each trip is not only the destinations, but also the emotions and maturity within yourself," she concluded.
Truong Nguyen Hong Nhung's journey across Vietnam is not simply a journey of discovering the landscape, but also a journey of maturity, a journey to find the deepest values in the soul. Each land she passes through, each path she conquers, each person she meets leaves her with valuable lessons about perseverance, tolerance and the sacred connection between like-minded hearts.
Crossing Vietnam is not simply a journey to explore the landscape, but also a journey to maturity, a journey to find the deepest values in the soul.
And even though the trip has ended, Nhung still believes that the journey is not really over. The emotions are still intact, the memories have not faded, and the dreams are still growing. Surely one day, Nhung will pack her backpack again, go explore new horizons, and continue to write the brilliant pages of her youthful diary.
