3 years, 11 trips and 30,000km
The dream of conquering the Northern routes began in 2021, when Mr. Nam and his wife first met. At that time, both were spending most of their time on journeys to explore the South. The North was still on the planned map, waiting for a day to be realized.
In 2023, when he transferred to work in Gia Lai, Mr. Nam started his first trips. Instead of making a monthly cross-Vietnam trip, he chose to divide the journey into smaller sections. A few trips each year, each trip completing an extra part of the map.
After 3 years, the numbers he recorded surprised many people: 11 trips, more than 30,000km, more than 600 liters of gasoline and costs exceeding 100 million VND.
Many people look at the figure of more than 30,000km and think this is a very big journey, but for me it is combined from many small trips. Each time I complete a few more destinations, I feel closer to the dream I set out. It has been like this for 3 years, and when I look back, I see that the map of the North is almost connected by the roads I have traveled through," Mr. Nam shared.
In return, it is a journey that covers almost the entire North. He has set foot in all 25 provinces and cities according to the old administrative unit (15 provinces and cities after the merger). The milestones that travel enthusiasts often mention such as the Four Great Mountains, the Four Great Flagpoles or the 3 extreme points of the North have all appeared in his tourism map.
In Ha Giang and Cao Bang, two localities famous for their majestic landscapes, he spent many different trips to explore almost all the outstanding destinations.
From practical experience, the male backpacker concluded that conquering famous routes is not too difficult if there is a reasonable plan and enough perseverance.
Usually a big trip will make many people hesitant to start. But if you break down the goals, each trip completes a few destinations, keep the passion for many years, then you can do it," Mr. Nam shared.
Go to understand the North
After a journey of more than 30,000km, what he mentions most is not the magnificent beauty of nature, majestic mountains, but people, culture and small stories on the road.
One of the memories he remembers most took place in Duy Tien ward (Ninh Binh). That day, to catch up with his schedule to go to the North to see A80, he had to drive until late at night.
At nearly 11 pm, most eateries were closed. While hungry, he stopped at a roadside eatery to ask if there was anything left to eat?
The restaurant stopped selling, but the owner asked me where I went so late. When he knew I was from Gia Lai to the North, he told me to sit down and then went in to make two very large plates of beef noodles. After eating, I intended to pay, but he resolutely refused to take them, and even took a photo together as a souvenir," Mr. Nam recounted.
Such experiences made the engineer change many of his previous thoughts. He admitted: "Before leaving, I also heard many people say that Northerners are difficult. But after practical contact, sitting and drinking iced tea by the roadside, talking with the elders, uncles, and brothers, I realized they are very friendly. In my opinion, Northerners are not difficult, they value rituals. As long as you behave politely and respect others, you will always receive enthusiasm," he said.
Not only people, Northern culture also leaves a deep impression. During Tet or festival seasons, Mr. Nam encounters images of highland people gathering happily in village festivals, while in the plains is the scene of people wearing ao dai going to pagodas, offering incense at communal houses, temples, and palaces.
I am really impressed with the way of preserving indigenous culture in the North. From festivals, costumes to daily routines, all show respect for tradition," Mr. Nam commented.
The more he travels, the more his exploration hobby gradually changes. Instead of prioritizing famous tourist destinations, he spends more and more time on historical sites.
When I understand how my ancestors sacrificed to protect the country, I cherish even more what I have today and the lands I pass through," he shared.
Therefore, although he has completed his dream of traveling all over the North, the journey of the engineer from Gia Lai has not stopped. The next destination he is aiming for is not new routes or famous places on social networks, but historical sites and martyrs' cemeteries across the country.
3 years, 11 trips and more than 30,000km may be a memorable milestone. But for Mr. Nam, it is just a stage on a longer journey - a journey to explore the country through the wheels of the wheels and with curiosity that has never diminished for the lands he passes through.
