Looking at Vietnam from a new perspective
Although she just started her journey across Vietnam in June 2023, Ha Ma Day has had a lot of experience traveling by motorbike since 2019. Her passion for exploring new routes, immersing herself in nature and experiencing different cultures has motivated her to take exciting trips.
Perhaps, there is no specific reason for this second trip across Vietnam, simply because Ha Ma Day wants to explore places she has never been to. Although June and July are not the most ideal time for backpackers to set out because of the rain, floods or harsh sunlight, she believes that each season has its own unique beauty.
Hippo Day (born in 2000) made a spectacular adventure journey conquering more than 20 provinces and "four great mountain passes" over the course of 15 days.
Hippo's Schedule This is completely random
“The time I went was June and July, when it was rainy, so many areas had landslides and mud, the roads were very slippery. I mostly went on very deserted roads. I went to villages, rarely to urban areas, sometimes I would go through roads without even phone signal. Therefore, when an accident happened, it was difficult to get timely support, that was also the biggest difficulty when traveling alone,” Ha Ma Day confided.
When talking about terraced fields, people often think of the brilliant golden ripe rice fields. However, Ha Ma Day is attracted by the lush green of young rice and the quiet gray of the soil. The faint scent of newly planted young rice is also one of the things that captivates her.
Passion for exploring new paths
Immerse yourself in nature
Experience different cultures
15 days solo travel over 5,000 km
With her beloved Triumph motorbike, Ha Ma Day roamed through sunny and windy roads, exploring famous landmarks and peaceful hidden corners of Vietnam. Her journey started from Phan Thiet, along the beautiful coastal road of the South Central Coast, through Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, Binh Dinh, Quang Ngai, Quang Nam and finally to Hue.
The magnificent beauty of the South Central Coast has overwhelmed Ha Ma Day. From the wild Vinh Hy, the poetic Bai Thung, the majestic Deo Ca to the peaceful Vung Ro and the majestic Dai Lanh lighthouse, each place has its own beauty, an irresistible attraction.
Triumph Motorcycle - Hippo's Companion Here
After fully exploring the South Central Coast, Ha Ma Day continued her journey to the Northwest along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, passing through Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa. Last time she conquered the Northeast, this time she was determined to conquer the legendary "four great mountain passes".
On the challenging Northwest route, Ha Ma Day set foot in Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa), Van Yen wharf (Nghe An), conquered the "dinosaur spine" Ta Xua (Son La) by motorbike, crossed Khau Pha pass, Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai), Muong Than (Lai Chau), O Quy Ho pass and Sapa (Lao Cai). Then, she returned to the South along the Ho Chi Minh West road, conquering Pha Din pass, Van Ho (Son La), Mai Chau (Hoa Binh).
The sunny and windy roads
Famous landmarks
Peaceful hidden corners
The journey along the Western Ho Chi Minh Trail brought Ha Ma Day many interesting experiences. From Phong Nha (Quang Binh) to Khe Sanh (Quang Tri), she almost lost contact due to the rugged terrain. On the way from Hue to Quang Nam, the girl born in 2000 passed through the road close to the Vietnam - Laos border through two A Roang tunnels. Before returning to the starting point, she also visited Mang Den (Kon Tum), Ta Dung (Dak Nong) and Ho Chi Minh.
“The most memorable memory of the trip was the time I fell off my bike in Quang Nam when I was going down the mountain pass at night. There was no signal on the mountain, no houses and of course no cars. That was the only day I rode at night and I had an accident where I fell off my bike in a muddy puddle that had collapsed from the mountain. I couldn’t even lift my bike up because the puddle was quite deep. Luckily, that area was near town so I went to the intersection where I had the chance to meet many people passing by. Luckily, I was assisted by a local friend,” Ha Ma Day recalled.
The journey brought Hippo many interesting experiences.
In addition, because he does not follow a fixed schedule, Ha Ma Day lets himself be guided by unexpected experiences. The "YOLO" lifestyle gives Ha Ma Day the opportunity to explore Vietnam in the most authentic and intimate way. "The schedule and itinerary are all spontaneous. I love freedom, I do not like to be constrained by any framework, so I do not have a pre-planned route or accommodation. I go to a place I like, stop there, visit and rest," Ha Ma Day said.
Hippo Day shared impressive moments of her journey on social media and attracted the attention of many young people. Her trip is a testament to a free lifestyle, daring to think, dare to do and pursue passion. Hippo Day inspires everyone, especially young people, to be brave to explore themselves and the world around them.
Hippo's Journey This is a testament to the free lifestyle, daring to think, dare to do and pursue passion
Tips for traveling alone safely
To make your solo journey more complete and safe, remember the following tips from Hippo Day:
Equip yourself with basic first aid knowledge and skills to be able to handle unexpected medical situations. Bring all necessary items for the trip such as medicine, car repair tools, flashlights, spare batteries, etc. In addition, bring enough drinking water and snacks in case you go to a deserted area.
You should share your daily schedule, including travel time, places to visit, places to rest... with your relatives and friends so they can monitor you. Keep the phone number of the local police station and emergency contact information in your wallet or hang it on your backpack.
A safe and complete solo journey
