38 days of unlimited exploration
During 38 days of traveling through 16 provinces and cities, Diem Huyen had an exciting journey of discovery. She shared: “I always love to travel and admire the beauty of my homeland. This time, thanks to my free time, I decided to take a long trip to explore.”
In the past, Diem Huyen often took short trips, about 3-5 days, to explore new lands. Every 2-3 months, she planned such a trip. Most of the trips were to the Central Highlands and the South Central Coast.
38 days wandering through 16 provinces and cities
For this 38-day journey across Vietnam, Diem Huyen spent two months carefully researching every little detail of the trip. From learning about landmarks, tourist attractions, routes, accommodations to determining terrain, gas station locations and notes when traveling, everything was planned in detail. Thanks to that, she was able to accurately budget, including costs for gas, accommodation, entrance tickets and unforeseen expenses.
From Saigon, Diem Huyen began her journey to discover the country by taking the train to Hanoi. Then, she gradually discovered the majestic beauty of the North. Continuing her journey, she passed through the Northwestern provinces, then down to the Central region and ended her journey in Tien Giang.
Diem Huyen spent two months carefully researching every small detail for the trip.
Overcome limits, conquer dreams
Before setting off, Diem Huyen had mentally prepared herself for the difficulties she might encounter. Even though she was riding a motorbike in the rainy season, facing dangerous and slippery roads, even roads that were barely wide enough for one vehicle, she was still determined to conquer them. The initial anxiety was quickly replaced by excitement as she overcame each challenge. Each time she overcame a difficult road, she felt much stronger.
Diem Huyen has prepared herself mentally for the difficulties she may encounter.
“Trekking was probably a challenge for me because I had never tried it before. I also didn’t exercise, so it was quite difficult. There were times when I trekked, my knees were burning, my heart felt like it was going to stop because I was so tired,” the girl born in 2001 recalled.
Above all, the DT217 route from Khau Coc Cha Pass to Khau Vai was also a real challenge. The muddy, steep dirt road, with a deep abyss on one side and a cliff on the other, made Diem Huyen tense every second. In particular, the section crossing Nho Que River on a bamboo raft left a deep impression on her. The rain made the route even more slippery and dangerous. However, it was those difficulties that tempered her will and helped her have more memorable experiences.
The excitement as she overcomes each challenge
As the sky darkened, the dirt road was as narrow as a thread through the mountains and forests. The sound of rain falling on the thatched roofs mixed with the wind created a wild symphony. Every time she passed a difficult section of the road, Diem Huyen felt like she was conquering a mountain peak. When she finally reached the homestay, the feeling of fatigue disappeared, replaced by joy and pride.
“I had to ride a scooter with more than 20 kg of luggage strapped to the back of the scooter, so it was very difficult. My friend had to get off and walk and control the scooter when needed. Because the road was slippery and difficult to brake, and there was a cliff on one side, my scooter kept slipping and the wheels were off. When I arrived at the homestay at 8 pm, the owner was very surprised and said that he respected me because a girl could ride a scooter in the rain, but he had been on that road once but was still afraid to go again,” said Diem Huyen.
Every time she overcomes a difficult road, Diem Huyen feels like she is conquering a mountain peak.
Pocket experience across Vietnam
Crossing Vietnam is a long and challenging journey but it is also worth experiencing. In addition to carefully preparing for costs and routes, be mentally prepared for surprises and be ready to explore new things. For a smooth and safe trip, you should prepare carefully in all aspects, from finance to health, from routes to means of transportation. In particular, learn carefully about the routes, weather and notes when traveling.
Like the lyrics of Den Vau "The days when your legs are not tired, even with money it is hard to buy". Take advantage of your youth to experience and explore, because beautiful memories will follow you throughout your life.
Crossing Vietnam is a long and challenging journey but well worth the experience.
