Meet the young man who traveled through 22 provinces and cities in Vietnam in 10 days.

The journey to realizing dreams.

Solo backpacking is nothing new to Trong Kha. Last year, during the April 30th and May 1st holidays, he embarked on his first 1,000km trip, traveling from Saigon through Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, and then back to Bao Loc (Lam Dong) and Saigon in 4 days and 3 nights.

The memory of that first trip is still fresh in Trong Kha's mind. Along with his companions, he harbored plans for a longer journey, traveling from South to North Vietnam. However, due to work and time constraints, that plan remains unfinished.

At the end of April 2024, after completing a work assignment in Hanoi lasting over six months, Trong Kha had some free time to pack his bags and begin a new journey. This time, his destination was Ho Chi Minh City, where he had lived and worked for a long time.

“At that time, I thought, since it's a holiday anyway, why not take advantage of this opportunity to both go on a road trip and 'go home' to fulfill my long-held dream? The idea flashed through my mind, and I couldn't find any other reason to hesitate. So I arranged everything from work to my personal schedule to ensure that the trip would happen at the time I wanted,” Trong Kha recalled fondly.

Before embarking on his more than 2,000-kilometer cross-Vietnam journey, Trong Kha spent about two weeks meticulously preparing everything. He understood that a long trip required thorough preparation to ensure safety and the best possible experience.

Trong Kha meticulously plans each day, including destinations, travel times, and accommodations. He also anticipates unforeseen circumstances and creates contingency plans for those situations. This detailed itinerary helps him make the most of his time, avoid waste, and have the most enjoyable experiences at each destination.

Motorcycles are reliable companions throughout the journey, so Trong Kha always pays attention to regular maintenance. Before each trip, he thoroughly checks all parts, replaces necessary components, and attaches some tools for roadside repairs.

“Interestingly, I found that many experienced people wear protective gear while traveling. I think that’s a safe and ‘cool’ option. I, however, decided to travel at a leisurely pace, prioritizing comfort and familiarity, so I chose to wear clothes I wear when meeting friends daily, paying attention to covering up to avoid the heat. Furthermore, I packed a lot of clothes, more than enough for 10 days, including running gear. My philosophy is that it’s better to carry heavy loads than to look bad,” Trọng Kha said.

In addition, Trong Kha also consulted with experienced travelers to choose a suitable route, create a detailed plan, and prepare necessary items. He also researched the culture, customs, and traditions of the localities he would be traveling through.

Each journey, a new perspective.

Before embarking on his cross-Vietnam journey, Trong Kha had meticulously planned the provinces and destinations he would visit. However, throughout the trip, he also embraced unexpected experiences.

These "unplanned" destinations were often suggested by local friends or spontaneous detours by Trong Kha. Looking back, he realizes that the destinations not included in his original plan often provided him with the most interesting and memorable experiences.

The reason for this is probably that these places are less known to tourists, preserving the pristine and rustic beauty of Vietnam. Among many destinations, Trong Kha prioritizes those close to his travel routes, with historical value, or that allow him to admire majestic nature.

“When passing through Ha Tinh/Quang Binh, I will stop at Deo Ngang Pass in the late afternoon because it appears in a poem by Mrs. Huyen Thanh Quan. And when passing through Quang Tri, I want to visit Thach Han, the banks of Hien Luong/17th Parallel,” Trong Kha confided.

During his 10-day, 2,585 km motorbike trip, Trong Kha traveled through 22 provinces and cities, including: Hanoi, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City…

Trong Kha's cross-Vietnam trip went quite smoothly, with almost no difficulties. Rain and scorching sun are unavoidable on a long journey, and he had prepared himself for these challenges before setting off.

However, there were also some minor problems along the way. Due to some previous destinations requiring Trong Kha to stay longer than planned or shorten his sightseeing time, some appointments with friends were missed or had to be rescheduled.

Initially, Trong Kha was a little disappointed that he couldn't meet his friends as planned. But then, he began to see it in a positive light. Instead of rushing to make it on time, he enjoyed the unexpected experience these changes brought.

It could be said that this trip was like an exciting adventure, where Trong Kha constantly discovered new things and met new people. Rescheduling the meeting was also a way for him to "chase after" his friends, creating unforgettable memories for both of them.

Related articles

A 45-day camping trip across Vietnam from South to North by a family in their 20s.

A colorful journey across Vietnam with a Gen Z girl.

A journey of "happiness" and "freedom"

"Happiness" - that's the adjective Trong Kha used to describe his adventurous journey. Happiness stemmed from the cherished idea, the careful planning, and the joy of undertaking the trip.

Upon returning to Ho Chi Minh City, Trong Kha's stop was the Independence Palace. This is not only a famous tourist destination but also a symbol of independence – something Trong Kha has always cherished and strived for in his life.

The feeling of freedom after 10 days of adventure, combined with the historical significance of the Independence Palace, gave Trong Kha an incredibly happy experience. This journey is proof of his passion for exploration and his yearning for freedom.

Freedom to wander on new paths, freedom to experience new things, and freedom to fully appreciate the beauty of the country. Happiness in knowing that I dared to think, dared to act, and completed a meaningful journey. Happiness in knowing that I have grown, become stronger, and more confident with each step on this adventurous journey. Happiness is simply being alive, feeling, and experiencing the wonderful things that life has to offer.

“This feeling isn't just the feeling of returning home; I feel happy in every place I've been, every kilometer I've run. Every time I cried with emotion in Truong Son or in front of the Mother Thu monument. Every time I smelled the scent of ripening rice fields or the feeling of walking in the first rain of the season in Quang Ngai - Kon Tum. And even when I looked up and saw the first sunrise at Mui Dien,” Trong Kha recounted.

After 10 days of traveling across the country, covering a total distance of 2,585 km, Trong Kha realized many changes within himself. The biggest change was that his love for his homeland and country grew even stronger. The majestic and poetic beauty of nature, along with the genuine and hospitable people of Vietnam throughout his journey, made him appreciate and be proud of his homeland even more.

Furthermore, traveling alone gave Trong Kha more time to confront himself, answer more questions to better understand himself, and discover new perspectives. He realized that he is independent and cherishes the feeling of freedom that this journey brings.

“Being alone on this journey is a proactive choice. I have more time to talk to myself, ask myself many questions, then answer them, and spend time reflecting and gaining clarity on many things. At the same time, I also understand that even though I'm not traveling with them, I have many loved ones waiting to see my photos at home and often start by texting: 'Where are you, Kha?'” Trong Kha shared.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai