A trans-Vietnam journey needs no money

Nguyen Dieu Quynh (C) and her team members pose for photos in Hanoi before starting their trans-Vietnam cycling tour on August 23 - PHOTO: COURTESY OF NGUYEN DIEU QUYNH

Quynh is the owner of a gramophone shop in Hanoi. At the age of 26, she got so sick that she wanted to finish her life several times. When realizing there were still many things that needed to be done, she got back on her feet and focused on treatments.

And cycling turned out to be Quynh’s favorite sport, and helped her recover completely. She realized human abilities are amazing but most people do not make use of them due to fear.

Therefore, Quynh pushed the limits by taking a trans-Vietnam cycling tour without money. However, her “crazy” plan was supported by Vu Van Thoang, Ha Minh Nam and Nguyen Duc Thanh and several others. They started the journey on August 23.

For survival they asked local people for food and lodging along the way. In most cases, they got accommodation and food after meeting with local authorities but in other places, local people refused to allow them in.

“I have an unforgettable experience,” Quynh recalled. “When we arrived in Vinh City on the central coast, everybody got exhausted and hungry while we could not find food. But a family offered us a great meal and event took a walk with us on a beach. Their kindness actually moved us.

“Another memorable moment was that when we reached Hai Van Pass for the first time in our life, we found it too high. We still cycled to the top of the pass at night. We made it to the peak of the pass.”

The journey also helped broaden Quynh’s and her mates’ knowledge. They learned more about the characteristics and rituals of people in different parts of the nation.

Through the long trip, Quynh understood the saying that reads: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Indeed, the collective strength helped them overcome difficulties, she said.

Quynh said when they entered Danang City at night, they could not find a place to rest and some food to eat. One member of the group posted a message on Facebook, and a friend in Danang came to help them that night while several entrepreneurs started following their journey from Danang and giving some money to move on with their trip.

However, the group received VND10 million (US$444) from generous donors during the trip but did not use it up, so they donated the remainder to Vinh Son Love Nursing Home in HCMC, helped children in some rural areas learn about basic science and gave them books before finishing the trip on September 13.

Many local youths have asked to join Quynh in the next trip next year.