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Text: Hieu Minh. Images: Barry J Atkinson - ASTW
"Because life is a journey..."
Dang Hieu Minh – Head of the Mekong Rally 2014 delegation
The story of the Mekong Rally 2014 only began in late 2013 when Mr. Dang Bao Hieu – General Director of Focus Investment Group and founder of Mekong Expeditions – and his colleagues planned a road trip through three Indochinese countries to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. Despite many years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, the concept of a rally was completely new to us, and everything was very vague. Mr. Hieu told us: “Just do it! It’s difficult, but if it were easy, anyone could do it.” That encouragement, along with our determination, enthusiasm, and adventurous spirit, led us to embark on this project.
With just four months of preparation, we accomplished a tremendous amount of work: from surveying the route, designing promotional materials, soliciting sponsorships, obtaining permits from the General Department of Tourism, organizing press conferences, and countless other unnamed tasks. With a philosophy of sustainable tourism development and a desire for the trip to have greater meaning and scale, Mr. Dang Bao Hieu instructed us to organize charitable activities in the places the group visited. During our research and surveys, three names were selected: "The Irrawaddy Dolphins Freshwater Dolphin Action Fund" (Cambodia), "Free The Bears" (Laos), and "Rice with Meat" – a fund supporting children in mountainous regions (Vietnam).
To reach our destination in Dien Bien Phu one day before the 60th anniversary (May 6th), the organizers decided to choose April 27th as the departure date and the Independence Palace as the starting point. Ten vehicles and 32 participants from Vietnam, Russia, the UK, and Australia, each of us eager to conquer the challenge. But overcoming the more than 2400 km distance in 12 days was no easy feat. We set off with different emotions and thoughts, not caring about what awaited us ahead, but all sharing a common goal…
The most important thing on trips like this is maintaining a high level of discipline, because a moment of distraction can lead to regrettable consequences. Our day started at 6 am and ended at 10 pm, driving an average of 8-9 hours a day, requiring physical strength, endurance, and intense concentration. Road conditions were relatively easy in the first few days, but worsened towards the end as we passed through remote and isolated areas of Laos. In some places, the roads were so bad that we could only travel at 10 km/h for nearly 100 km, and the increasingly hot and humid weather quickly exhausted everyone in the group.
Our first stop was Kratie, a small province in Cambodia where the mighty Mekong River flows. It's one of the few places in the world where freshwater dolphins live. According to information we received from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), only about 95 individuals of this species remain. Habitat degradation, the use of trawling nets, and fishing boats without propeller cages are the leading causes of the sharp decline in freshwater dolphin populations. We met with WWF representatives in Cambodia to discuss ways to improve the situation and will take concrete actions to protect this species. (Details at www.wwf.org).
The following days of the journey went quite smoothly. The occasional rain, signaling the arrival of a new season, somewhat alleviated the oppressive heat, making everyone less tired. This was also when the biggest challenge appeared: the 230 km journey from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang; a dangerous route with steep mountain passes and hills: a sheer cliff on one side, a deep ravine on the other; plus sharp, winding curves and many blind spots, but at the same time, it was also the most beautiful stretch of road!
The morning before setting off, we thoroughly checked the fuel, engine, tires, signal lights, horn, brakes, and radio to ensure safety on the journey ahead. This route is definitely not for amateurs. Not all drivers are experienced in long-distance driving and mountain roads, so we had to stay alert and focused more than ever. The heavy rain, coupled with the roar of trucks and other vehicles, made the road even more dangerous. The lead vehicle had to constantly report road conditions and obstacles to the vehicles behind via radio. Sharp turns required skillful handling and precise cornering.
The journey was arduous, but the natural scenery was truly magnificent and breathtaking. At times, we felt like we were driving through primeval forests with enormous green trees. The highest point we measured was nearly 1500m above sea level, the temperature was only about 16 degrees Celsius, and clouds floated low over the road. After almost 8 hours of driving, we arrived in Luang Prabang – the former capital of Laos, a World Heritage site with its unique and ancient beauty.
Here we spent a day visiting the "Bear Conservation Organization" and meeting with Mike Brocklehurst, the project director in Laos. Mike and his colleagues have been tirelessly working to care for and rescue bears poached for their bile. Mekong Expeditions has decided to sponsor one of the bears living there, and this will be one of the company's main activities in similar trips in the future (Details at www.freethebears.org.au).
Leaving Luang Prabang, we continued our journey towards Dien Bien Phu, which awaited us. And after 12 days and 11 nights, covering a distance of 2400 km, we returned to Vietnam just in time to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory.
My most profound impression of the trip was probably being immersed in that crowd, being a small part of the parade, gazing at the radiant and proud faces, and singing "Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh" together. And I am certain that nothing could subdue this heroic nation.
