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Opening the door to America
The reason Quang Dung and his wife embarked on their trip to America was their desire to create unforgettable memories while they were young and full of energy, ready to experience an exciting journey. This bold decision stemmed from a wish to experience life to the fullest, explore new cultures, and create beautiful memories together. Instead of being confined by the worries of everyday life, the couple bravely stepped out of their comfort zone to pursue their adventurous dreams.
Ngo Quang Dung (born in 1995, who has lived and worked in Japan for nearly 10 years) and his wife Hatori Chiaki (born in 1994) spent a full year traveling throughout the Americas.
Three years ago, shortly after their wedding in Vietnam, Quang Dung's wife unfortunately contracted a severe case of Covid-19. During those critical days, he was extremely worried and afraid of losing his life partner. After that ordeal, the couple realized that their previous life in Japan revolved solely around work, leaving them with insufficient time for themselves. Their belief that youth was long and time was abundant suddenly crumbled, making them cherish every moment of the present.
Understanding that "plenty of time" could be just a day, a month, or even a short year, the couple decided to take advantage of their youth, good health, and childless years to spend time together, exploring new lands and discovering wonders they had never experienced before.
After their first four months in the Americas, Quang Dung and his wife had traveled through the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil.
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
"I want to explore places I've only seen online and see the scenery and people there with my own eyes. I don't just want to visit big cities; I want to go to many small towns or cities deep in the mountains to see what life is like for the locals and to better understand their culture," Quang Dung said.
Crossing the ocean to conquer America.
Because of the long travel time and potential risks along the way, Quang Dung and his wife decided not to create a detailed plan but prioritize flexibility to be able to adapt to any situation. However, to ensure the effectiveness of the trip, he made a preliminary plan of the countries they wanted to visit, arranging them in the most suitable order to optimize travel time. At the same time, through Google and travel groups on Facebook, the family gathered information and marked attractive tourist destinations.
Valley de las Animas is located near Lapaz, the capital of Bolivia.
Death Valley in the USA
Death Valley in the USA
Deep in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia
The advantage of this planning method is that it gives the couple freedom and control throughout their trip. For example, if they love a particular place, they can spend more time exploring it or flexibly change their itinerary if any unexpected issues arise. This flexibility allows the couple to fully enjoy their trip to the Americas in their own way, experience new things, and create unforgettable memories.
Their first four months of traveling in the Americas took the couple to seven countries: the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil. Their choice of destinations was based on several criteria. His top priority was personal safety throughout the trip. He favored countries with stable political situations, minimal unrest or conflict, and developed economies, ensuring quality infrastructure and tourism services.
Valley in Peru
Hawaii Island
Morning in the Andes Mountains of Chile
Choosing countries with convenient and quick visa application procedures is also a factor he considers to save time and money in preparing for the trip. "I applied for a US visa in advance through Japan, because it's easier to enter some countries in the Americas if you have a US visa," Quang Dung said.
Furthermore, their passion for exploring history and culture motivated them to choose countries with famous historical sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Above all, Brazil was a special destination on this journey because it offered the chance to reunite with a close university friend from their time studying in Japan.
Morning in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil.
Each country in the Americas offers unique and memorable experiences, making it difficult for him to choose the "best." In terms of nature, the majestic Andes Mountains, nestled deep within Bolivia and Chile, boast breathtaking, unspoiled landscapes with sparse populations. The sight of Lamas and alpacas grazing peacefully on the plateaus has become a defining symbol of this region. However, altitudes above 4000 meters also present challenges, making travel difficult and even causing him shortness of breath at night, leading to headaches the following morning.
Regarding cultural heritage, Machu Picchu – the ancient Inca site in Peru – preserves unique cultural and historical values. What impressed him was that Machu Picchu was relatively well-preserved, with little impact from the Spanish colonial invasion.
Deep in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia
Deep within the Andes Mountains.
Deep within the Andes Mountains.
Macchu (Picchu) is in Peru.
In particular, his deepest impression was of the incredibly hospitable Mexican people, always smiling brightly and ready to help tourists. They even invited him and his wife to stay at their homes for a few days, demonstrating their open-mindedness and hospitality as the saying goes: "My home is your home." His local guide in the Amazon rainforest – who holds a master's degree in geography – provided him with extensive knowledge of the region's culture, history, and geography. His passion and optimistic attitude inspired the couple, despite the discrimination he faced simply because of his skin color.
His journey exploring the Americas has brought him diverse and unforgettable experiences. Each country and each place holds its own unique characteristics, contributing to a colorful and impressive picture of the Americas.
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island
Canyon in Bolivia.
Looking up from below, nature seems incredibly majestic, and humanity appears truly insignificant.
Travel tips for the Americas at your fingertips.
Some areas in the Americas pose a risk of robbery or even murder. However, that doesn't mean the entire continent is dangerous. According to Quang Dung, with proper preparation, you can absolutely enjoy a safe and memorable trip.
Take the time to research the areas you will be visiting, including places to avoid and necessary precautions. You can find information on reputable government websites, embassies, or trusted travel companies. Ensure you have all the necessary visas for your trip, including a tourist visa and transit visa (if applicable). Find detailed information on visa application procedures on the website of the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Valley de las Animas in Bolivia as seen from a drone.
The railway line runs through
Furthermore, understanding local culture and customs will help you avoid unintentionally offending others and have better experiences. Although language can be a barrier, a smile and sincerity can always connect people. Learn some basic conversational phrases to show goodwill and make a good impression on locals.
Additionally, be cautious in crowded places, secluded areas, and around strangers. Carry only essential items and safeguard your personal belongings. Respect local laws and avoid any violations. Be polite and civilized to create a positive impression of Vietnamese people. Interacting with locals is a great way to explore the culture and have unique experiences. Be open, friendly, and willing to share stories about your country.
Grand Canyon in the moonlight, USA.
