Taking trips across Vietnam is the desire of many travel enthusiasts. However, few people can do this at the age of 20. Dao Hoang Long (2004, Ho Chi Minh City) had a very memorable solo trip when passing through 60/63 provinces and cities in Vietnam in 33 days.
Long shared that he had the idea of going all over Vietnam since high school 3: "When I looked at the map of Vietnam, I wanted to conquer all 63 provinces and cities to admire the beautiful scenery, understand more about the culture and people of each region".
According to the original plan, Long would go to all provinces and cities of Vietnam. However, due to some incidents on the road and studying and working schedules in Ho Chi Minh City, Long still has 3 Central Highlands provinces that he has not been able to conquer.
Exploring the country from South to North, Long said that each place has its own unique beauty. Among them, the place that left the most impression was the Ninh Thuan sea area. The majestic, clear, blue sea, white waves and towering rocks stretching out to the sea create a scene that is both wild and poetic.
In addition, because he traveled alone, the male tourist could not avoid difficulties and disadvantages on the way. Long said he was lost on a wild mountain pass in the dark in Ha Giang, stuck in gas at the top of Ta Xua... and had countless other memorable incidents.
"Although there are some difficulties, we are asked and helped by local people. When lost on a wild pass in Ha Giang in the dark with no lights, fog and drizzle, I was guided by a local resident passing by the road. When I was stuck with gas in Ta Xua, I was also helped with lottery numbers, motorbike untiloms... Such enthusiastic help and asking questions made me very touched and grateful.
To complete this trip, Long had prepared both health and spirit: I have prepared a strong spirit of discovery, wanting to challenge myself and satisfy my dream of experiencing new things. Regarding health, I always maintain the habit of waking up early to exercise and play sports, so I am not sick or exhausted during the whole trip.
Long revealed that the total cost of the 33-day trip was about 7 million VND, of which the most costly item was probably the food fee of about 3 million VND. In addition, Long brought a tent to be able to camp at some locations, which could save money and give him the opportunity to explore and be close to nature.
The male backpacker shared that both his family and friends were quite surprised by his decision to go backpacking for a long time. However, Long's parents still supported, encouraged and motivated Long to pursue his passion for traveling, on the contrary, Long also often called to update the trip situation so that his parents could be less worried.
According to Long, the most important thing when traveling across Vietnam is to ensure traffic safety. In addition to not going too fast, you need to pay attention to motorbike maintenance, brake inspection... and about 2,000km of oil change at once. Although they have experience traveling long distances, tourists should limit going in the dark to avoid danger and incidents.
"Everyone should have a very relaxed spirit when backpacking. Just persevere and go and then come and believe that there are many great things waiting for you ahead, Long affirmed.
Hoang Long affirmed that he will definitely set foot in the remaining 3 provinces of Vietnam, Kon Tum, Gia Lai and Dak Lak as soon as possible to be able to complete the goal of setting foot in 63 provinces and cities.
