Van’s recent Vietnam trip started on April 10 and ended safely on May 10.

“Since the 1990s, I’ve ridden a motorbike across Vietnam about 10 times. In the past, each time I went to the North, I usually stayed for a while before returning to HCMC. It’s truly a memorable experience, testing health and endurance at nearly 80,” Van said.

Van recalled that at age 10, he happened to see a photo of a sports motorcycle in an international newspaper. The 10-year-old was curious and fascinated, nurturing a dream that when he grew up he would buy a similar bike and ride it himself to explore the country.

"At age 24, I began saving money to buy a motorcycle. It took me 10 years to acquire my first 350cc bike. I started wandering and exploring the Southern provinces. By the 1990 to 1996 period, I upgraded to a 650cc motorcycle and rode solo to the North, exploring all 53 provinces and cities existing at that time," Van stated.

At that time, the country’s road transport network faced severe limitations, with national highways riddled with potholes. Van navigated blindly, guided solely by a simple paper map.

“Looking back, I realize I was quite reckless. On the road, if the bike broke down, I had no idea where to fix it, and if an emergency occurred, I had no one to call for backup. Every time I rode into remote villages or small towns in the North, locals stared at me like an alien because they had never seen such an unusual motorcycle. Guesthouse owners and neighbors would flock to see the bike and raise questions,” Van recounted.

Finding accommodation and food along the route back then was very difficult. Some days, Van only ate bread, sticky rice, or dry rations to keep going. In return, the pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and peaceful villages with unique cultures captivated him.

Among the routes he traversed, the ultimate challenge lay in the legendary "Four Great Mountain Passes," comprising Ma Pi Leng, O Quy Ho, Khau Pha, and Pha Din. Three decades ago, these passes were desolate and treacherous, featuring narrow, gravel-strewn paths and steep slopes where a minor steering error could prove fatal.

“On some passes, it took me half a day just to reach the summit. But upon arrival, the majestic, poetic landscape unfolded, melting away all exhaustion. I will forever remember the sensation of standing atop the Pha Din pass at noon, feeling as though I could touch the clouds,” he said. 

Van has since returned to the four passes many times, but transport infrastructure is now easier, safer, and no longer as “challenging” as before.

Living happily and healthily at 75

In 2025, Van rode from Ha Giang to HCMC along the western Ho Chi Minh Trail. On this year’s trip, he departed from HCMC, followed the eastern Ho Chi Minh Trail, conquered mountain ranges along the border in Quang Ninh and Lang Son, and then continued to Ha Giang and Dien Bien.

Along the way, he took time to visit historical sites linked to national heroes such as Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Hung Dao, and General Vo Nguyen Giap. He also explored villages, learned about local cultures, and enjoyed specialties in each place he visited.

“Vietnamese people are very friendly. Many inn and hotel owners were stunned when they learned I’m 75 and still riding a motorbike across Vietnam. Once in Son La, while staying at a hotel, neighbors even came over to ask how I stayed healthy during the long journey,” Van said.

He said he has practiced martial arts, swimming, and dancing since youth, and for about 20 years has regularly done yoga and meditation, so his body remains flexible and resilient. Thanks to that, despite traveling through harsh weather, he was able to maintain his health. Whenever he felt sore on the road, he stopped to stretch and regulate his breathing.

During the trip, Van usually ate simple meals during the day to save time for travel and always carried dry rations for remote stretches. At night, he rested at hotels and ate nutritious food to recover.

Thanh Minh