Cross-country backpacking is not an easy journey, requiring backpackers to have good health, a spirit of conquest as well as solid courage and experience.
With a dream of a free journey since childhood, Nguyen Thanh Cuong (29 years old, photographer in Hue) had a memorable 16-day trip through a series of provinces in the West and South last August.
The male tourist said that this was the third time he decided to travel across Vietnam. Previously, his first trip was in 2016 with his lover (who is also his current wife), the second trip in 2023 went through the northern provinces. This year, he is determined to conquer new lands to complete his "travel experience map".
With his close companion, his younger brother, Cuong traveled through the provinces in the South Central, Central Highlands, Southern and Western regions. Among them, the place that left the deepest impression on him was Dak Nong province: "I thought Dak Nong had nothing special, but when I arrived here, I was overwhelmed by the majestic scenery beyond imagination."
In addition, he also expressed his excitement and joy when he could "climb every mountain, ford every stream", admiring different beautiful scenes, sometimes the mountains and forests, sometimes the vast blue sea... Mr. Cuong affirmed that each place has its own beauty, but the common point is that they can satisfy the free-spirited, freedom-loving and exploratory souls.
Regarding the difficulties in this journey, the male tourist said: “Sometimes Google Maps mistakenly points to a trail or a muddy road that is difficult to travel. I remember that the road was only 2km long but it took more than 30 minutes to get through. There were also times when my tire got a flat, but I had prepared a pump so I could still continue.”
Mr. Cuong confirmed that he had prepared his health and spirit well before the trip. Regarding luggage, he brought along the necessary camping equipment for eating and sleeping at night.
“The total cost of my trip was about 8 million VND/person, including gas, food and accommodation. Because I cooked and slept in a tent myself, I saved a fair amount of money. In addition, there were entrance fees to tourist areas,” said Mr. Cuong.
Sharing his experience with those who want to travel across Vietnam for a long time, he affirmed: “If you want a smooth trip, in addition to good health, you should prepare your supplies carefully, especially basic tools for motorbike repair. In addition, you should also make a list of places to go and routes to take in advance to avoid wasting time.”
Long-term backpacking trips are extremely meaningful and valuable experiences for Mr. Cuong, especially since he is married and has a small child. The male backpacker affirms that he is extremely lucky to have a wife - a solid support system - who always sympathizes and supports her husband's passion. He said that it is his determination and careful preparation that makes his wife feel more secure and agrees to let him pursue new paths.
Mr. Cuong affirmed that he will definitely continue to pursue his passion for traveling and exploring new lands in the future: "I have set foot in 52/63 provinces and cities of Vietnam. Hopefully in the near future, I will be able to conquer the remaining 11 provinces and cities."
