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Life slows down in the West.
For Duong, the purpose of this trip was to "draw" a complete map of Vietnam. Unlike the regions he had explored before, such as the Northwest, Central Vietnam, and the Eastern Truong Son Mountains, the Southwestern region, with its predominantly flat terrain, offered a more diverse landscape.
Nguyen The Duong has transformed his backpacking trips into journeys of discovery and creativity.
“The best thing is the peaceful feeling of traveling through the golden rice fields in major rice-producing regions like An Giang, Kien Giang, and Dong Thap. It's wonderful watching the sunset over the fragrant rice paddies while stopping along the road with my friends. The wind farms in Bac Lieu and Tra Vinh evoke memories of windmills from childhood. Especially, Ca Mau Cape – the southernmost point of Vietnam – always makes every Vietnamese person want to visit at least once in their lifetime. The pristine scenery with the lush green of the forests on both sides of the road is captivating; sometimes, my friends and I stop by the roadside to relax and breathe in the fresh forest air before continuing our journey,” Mr. Duong shared.
Ta Pa rice fields (Tri Ton, An Giang)
Coc Pagoda (Tinh Bien, An Giang)
As a photography enthusiast himself, Duong spent a considerable amount of time thoroughly researching the most beautiful photography locations in various provinces and cities. From studying the direction of the sun and the golden hours (sunrise or sunset) to planning the most efficient travel routes, he hoped this trip would provide the entire group with truly impressive photos and memorable experiences.
To ensure the trip was both healthy and allowed them to fully explore the beauty along the way, Duong's group traveled about 200-300 km each day, equivalent to 8-9 hours of driving. This distance was suitable for the group's capabilities, giving them enough time to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Som Rong Pagoda (Soc Trang)
Ta Pa Pagoda (Tri Ton, An Giang)
From the bustling city of Saigon, Duong embarked on a motorbike journey through 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta: Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Hau Giang, Can Tho, Tra Vinh, and Ben Tre… Each region possessed its own unique beauty, but perhaps An Giang left the deepest impression on him. Duong confided: “An Giang always makes me feel special, because every time I visit, the weather is absolutely beautiful. Thanks to that, I've been able to take some truly impressive photos that I've long dreamed of capturing.”
“While my family was still asleep, at 4:30 a.m., I set off for the photoshoot location. The legendary palm trees and fields in the Tra Su Melaleuca forest area (Tinh Bien district, An Giang province) are must-see spots if you want to photograph the sunrise. That day, I enjoyed some amazing sunrise moments with my beloved motorbike,” Duong further shared.
The Silk Road (Tri Ton, An Giang)
Tri Ton Sky Gate (An Giang)
Bac Lieu Wind Power
Pocket guide to a perfect trip to the Mekong Delta.
With a budget of 4 million VND per motorbike, Duong's group's road trip was full of exciting experiences. To save both time and money, detailed planning is crucial. The group made a list of places they wanted to visit, restaurants they wanted to try, and hotels they wanted to stay in. With the help of navigation apps and a wealth of useful information online, planning became easier than ever. The cost of each trip can vary depending on each person's preferences and financial capabilities. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable and satisfied with your trip.
Route to Ca Mau Cape
Le Tri Lake (Tri Ton, An Giang)
Regarding the number of participants, Mr. Duong believes that 4-6 vehicles is ideal to ensure both flexibility and a fun atmosphere. Too many people would make transportation more difficult, while too few would diminish the excitement of the trip.
As the group leader and planner of most trips, Mr. Duong always focuses on creating detailed itineraries for each day. This helps the entire group travel smoothly and save time. Thanks to the Cardo walkie-talkies, communication between members is always ensured, minimizing unexpected situations.
Ta Pa Lake (Tri Ton, An Giang)
Bau Hoang Church (Tieu Can, Tra Vinh)
During long journeys, encountering problems like flat tires is unavoidable. However, with experience gained from previous trips and the enthusiastic support of fellow members, they always quickly resolve any issues that arise. The repair kit they carry, including a jack, pump, and tire patch kit, is indispensable, giving them more confidence on every trip.
Mr. Duong shared a small tip for motorbike travelers: regularly check your fuel level and refill your tank when it's below 50%, especially if the vehicles in the group have different fuel tank capacities. This helps ensure a smooth journey and avoids running out of fuel mid-journey.
Mac Bac Church (Tieu Can, Tra Vinh)
Nam Can Church (Ca Mau)
According to Mr. Duong, those new to exploring the Mekong Delta should prioritize traveling on national and provincial highways. Avoid narrow, less-traveled roads unless you are a seasoned traveler. Always have the phone numbers of local rescue services readily available in case of emergencies.
The road network in the West has improved significantly in recent years. However, for safety reasons, you should limit driving at night and avoid going into the city on Sunday afternoons. Planning your trip carefully will help you avoid peak hours and enjoy your journey to the fullest.
Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (Tinh Bien, An Giang)
In the distance is the Southernmost Point of Vietnam.
