Travel itinerary 2023: Experiences continue, whether you're traveling near or far.

Tireless legs after 14 trips in 12 months

Ngo Huong (29 years old, Hanoi) is passionate about exploring new places, especially backpacking and experiencing local culture. In 2023, Ngo Huong traveled at least once a month, sometimes twice. In total, her 14 trips covered all three regions of Vietnam (North, Central, and South) and she also traveled abroad twice to Laos and Taiwan.

“I started my travel journey this year with two short trips in January to Ha Nam and Moc Chau to enjoy the spring atmosphere, sunny weather, and blooming flowers. To wrap up the year, I took two trips in December to Taiwan and Lang Son. Traveling regularly throughout the year isn't about chasing quantity; for me, travel is not just a hobby, but a passion,” Ngo Huong shared with Travellive.

Looking back on all her travel destinations this year, Huong shared three favorite experiences: the sunrise at Infinity Beach (Thai Binh), the cuisine in Mang Den (Kon Tum), and the cultural differences in Laos.

“It’s not always about traveling far to have fun; there are still new and exciting things to discover near where you live. Infinity Beach is one example, just over two hours' drive from Hanoi. To catch the sunrise, I had to wake up at 4 a.m. On the first day, I walked on a muddy road for over 30 minutes to reach Quang Lang Beach. On the second day, I experienced riding a 'tank' made by locals to Thuy Xuan Beach. Although it was tiring, seeing the vast expanse of the sea, with no horizon, where the sun and water merge into one, was incredibly satisfying. I also really enjoyed the morning air at the beach; it was truly a gift from nature to those who wake up early,” Ngo Huong recounted her memorable trip.

During her trip to Laos, Huong experienced various modes of transportation, from traveling by bus from Vietnam to Laos for 24 hours, to taking high-speed trains across provinces in Laos, and using tuk-tuks, taxis, motorbikes, bicycles, and walking. “The constant travel schedule using different modes of transport gave me the opportunity to experience diverse things, and also helped me develop discipline and precise time management to stay proactive throughout the trip, especially in a foreign country,” Huong concluded.

After a year of tireless travel, Ngo Huong has set a goal for 2024 to reduce the number of trips and increase the quality of her experiences. For each destination, Huong wants to stay longer to have more time to interact and chat with the locals.

For true food lovers, a fun trip starts with enjoying delicious food.

Vu Ngoc Tu Uyen (33 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) had an equally impressive travel year with a completely different style.

“This year, instead of focusing on new places, I mainly travel at a slower pace, returning to familiar locations to explore them more thoroughly and deeply. I've been to Hanoi three times, Pleiku - Mang Den twice, and Da Lat twice… My favorite thing about all my trips is the local cuisine. When I arrive in a place, I make sure to try all the characteristic dishes at the restaurants favored by the locals. That's also why I've been to Hanoi three times, because each season the capital has different dishes, including some that I absolutely must try such as pho, bun rieu, shrimp cakes, cha ruoi (sea worm patties), red jellyfish, and of course, egg coffee.”

Besides that, the destination that surprised her the most was Nam Dinh, with its magnificent churches resembling European-style castles, and the vibrant red sunsets and sunrises at Hai Hau beach. “Hai Hau beach doesn’t have the deep blue color and beautiful white sand, but the atmosphere of the fishing village here is wonderful. The seafood is delicious and cheap, and the locals are very welcoming,” Uyen Vu recalled her trip.

When asked to vote for the place she would most like to return to, Uyen Vu chose Mang Den. “I still want to come back here because, for me, Mang Den gives me a feeling of healing. This place is still pristine and peaceful. The scenery isn't overly majestic, but very calm and gentle, perfect for days when you just want to escape the world, sit amidst the mountains and hills, sip coffee, and contemplate life.”

For the new year, Uyen Vu said she has at least two target destinations in mind. “Travel is an essential experience for me. In 2024, I will visit Cao Bang and Taiwan. These two very different places will hopefully offer me interesting cultural and culinary experiences,” Uyen shared.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Brown - Photo: Ngo Huong, Uyen Vu