Traveling is about experience, it’s good to have a general plan to to guide your journey, but shouldn’t be a rigid schedule showed exactly when and where we need to go and strictly follow it as closely as possible. Traveling is a short journey but much like life itself, is a unique journey that should be approached with a sense of exploration and flexibility. While having a clear ultimate goal can provide direction, it’s crucial to remain flexible and open to the unexpected surprises that can add joy to your adventure.

Last week, we had a long holiday of Unification Day & International Labor Day, providing a total of five days for relaxation or so-called “healing” — a term commonly used recently among 9X and Gen Z. The two generations mostly in our 20s and early 30s, is working hard for the future. I believe most of us are still trying to find our passion, what we really want to do with our lives, and trying to prove ourselves to society.
Two other friends and I, we decided to cycle from HCMC —> Đồng Tháp —> An Giang —> Cần Thơ a total distance of about 250km. Such a big ride for me, I had longer routes before but those were with e-bike (pedal assisted one). In this adventure I used a road bike, surely it would be a tougher challenge.

About our crew:
A.TuLoki: He runs his own business providing services related to air conditioning and other electrical devices. At 34, he’s also pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Bach Khoa University and improving his English proficiency with Vtenglish. Among us he’s the most qualified rider and a semi-professional photographer. Thanks to his photos, we have many beautiful memories.
Hoang Anh: He’s a unit manager at Daiichi-Life Vietnam, an excellent life insurance agent, with five years in a row as MDRT (you can Google this term). He’s self-motivated and passionate about what he does. HA handled all the budget management for the trip and carried all our luggages on his E-bike.

HCMC – Đồng Tháp
As planned, the first ride would be the longest one from Tân Bình – Long An – Đồng Tháp via National Road 62, a total distance of 140 km. We left Tân Bình at 6:00 a.m. It was already warm at 28-30°C, and our home – Vietnam is in its peak dry season. The weather is extremely hot in all regions of the country, and this year, according to our local media, it’s the hottest one in the last 30 years. We completed about 30 km before having breakfast and surely cups of black coffee. It’s crucial to make the most of the morning before the heat becomes unbearable. By 9-10-11 a.m., we were exhausted due to the heat and poor road condition. At noon, we had only covered about 60 km, so we stopped for lunch at Thạnh Hóa , Long An. The temperature had reached 38-40°C by then, and we didn’t feel confident about riding the remaining 80 km in such a stifling weather. It’s risky to insist on riding in such extreme condition. So we decided to hitchhiking, there were not many buses along side the road, after 30 minutes we could not catch any bus. Luckily, a local uncle gave us the contact of a transportation service, and we booked a SUV to pick us up. We disassembled the bikes, packed them in the car, and enjoyed the landscape through the car’s windows…LoL. It was a wise decision to balance risk and safety.

By 4:00 p.m., we had arrived in Tam Nông, Đồng Tháp, and checked into a hotel named Trường Thạnh. The hotel was excellent, both in terms of hospitality and facilities. After taking a short rest, we went out for dinner, guided by my university friend, Phuong.

He took us to a local restaurant where we enjoyed regional dishes like rice field frog, rat, and bird. It was a wonderful dinner, during the drink Phuong shared information about the local culture and daily life.

A fun fact: a group of men, they only dare to share and express their emotion after consuming a few cans of “Talking Water – Nước Nói” or so-called Beer.

The following morning, we set out to visit Tràm Chim National Park, and it was an incredible experience to gain an insider’s perspective on this unique natural reserve. Our day began at the park’s museum, where we saw displays showcasing a variety of wild animal species. We then took a leisurely stroll around the lotus pond, which was tranquil and beautiful. Next, a boat tour took us deeper into the park, allowing us to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. It was inspiring to witness the diversity of life in this ecosystem. This experience made me appreciate Mother Nature even more – it was a chance to immerse myself in the natural world and find a sense of relaxation and peace. I was falling in love with its natural beauty and wild charm. This park is a truly amazing, and I believe everyone in Vietnam should cherish it as a shared treasure. It’s a must that we all take responsibility for loving and protecting this precious gift of nature. By protecting its beauty and preserving its wilderness, we ensure that future generations can also enjoy its as well.

FYI, I googled some Wikipedia facts about Tràm Chim:

• It covers about 7,313 hectares and is one of the largest wetland reserves in Vietnam. The park offers eco-tourism activities like boat tours and bird-watching.
• It serves as an educational resource for raising awareness about wetland conservation and biodiversity.
• Overall, Tram Chim is critical for local and global biodiversity, and its conservation plays a key role in maintaining the ecological balance in the Mekong Delta region.

After three hours of exploring, we said goodbye to Phuong and returned to the hotel to prepare for our next ride.

Tam Nông – Long Xuyên
We left the hotel at 3:00 p.m. for our 50 km ride to Long Xuyen. This time, learning from the previous day, we rode in the afternoon when the temperature was much cooler. The road condition was also better, and the ride through small villages was enjoyable. We passed two ferries admired the sunset over the Hậu River. It was a peaceful ride, allowing time for reflection and introspection.

In the daily hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and your life’s mission. Being alone in nature helps clear the mind and find focus. I strongly believe in the necessity of being with yourself. It’s like you click into the refresh button and allow your brain removing all of noises only focus on defining who you are, why are you here? Let’s try it yourself and you will see the difference. Believe me! it will brings significant values to your life.
We reached Long Xuyên city around 7:00 p.m. and checked into a fancy hotel near the Hậu River. However, Personally I didn’t like it as much as the one in Tam Nông. We had dinner with my friend Binh, a local in Long Xuyên, and he recommended a place that served excellent local beefsteak. Binh is a picky dude about restaurants, focusing on the quality of food and overall experience. After dinner, we explored Long Xuyên’s walking street and visited the Tôn Đức Thắng statue. I know that Long Xuyên is one of the largest cities in the Mekong River Delta, and this was my first visit. The city has wide streets, Good infrastructure, and a vibrant energy much like Ho Chi Minh City. It’s always a pleasure to explore new places with local friends. Having grown up there, they can share stories and insights grounded in real-life experiences – details you won’t find in books or videos. Their knowledge made my visit far more meaningful and enriched my understanding of the city’s culture and history.

Binh is an exceptional engineer, and I first met him at our first job after graduation. We’ve been close friends for nearly eight years. While he’s not always the best ice-breaker or leading conversation type of person, his honesty and straightforwardness make him the kind of friend everyone needs. He is always there to support his friends.

The next morning, he took us to try Cơm Tấm Long Xuyên, a well known local dish, and shared his idea on the best restaurants and the definition of the authentic local food. After that we rode around the city, had a cup of coffee and then said goodbye to Binh and prepared for our next destination, Cần Thơ.
Long Xuyên – Cần Thơ
This was a 60 km ride. Since we left the hotel around noon, we decided to take a bus to Cần Thơ to save energy. Only A. Tuloki rode the e-bike. We checked into a hotel in Ninh Kiều and had dinner at an outdoor restaurant right next to the Hậu River. It was a delightful experience, especially with local music. After dinner, we strolled along Ninh Kiều’s walking street and took a small boat tour on the Hậu (Cần Thơ) River around Ninh Kiều Wharf. It was one of the best moments, enjoying the beauty of Can Tho at night.

The following morning, we visited Cái Răng Floating Market, one of the most famous wholesale floating markets in Vietnam. It’s a major tourist attraction and an important center for commerce and trade, with peak hours from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. We left our hotel at 5:00 a.m. and took a 15-minute boat ride to the market. Although it wasn’t as busy as expected, perhaps due to timing or changes in modern trading practices, the market retained its unique charm.

Each boat has a long bamboo pole, known as a “cây bẹo” displaying samples of the goods being sold. It’s a creative way to help buyers identify what each boat is offering from a distance. This visit also provided insight into the lives of Mekong Delta residents and their trading practices. This visit also helps me to have more understanding about the local life, the way Mekongers do their trading, I feel the generosity in their way of communication, the difficulty of life on the water. You know what? Various agricultural products here are from neighbor provinces, so the traders-farmers already had such a long distance before we can see the showcase.
Cần Thơ – HCMC
After exploring the market, we rode around Cần Thơ and then took a bus back to HCMC. It was April 30, The Unification Day, a significant day for all Vietnamese people. We rode from Miền Tây Bus Station to the Independence Palace, through downtown, and then to Thu Duc. It was a joyful 30 km ride, allowing us to immerse in the atmosphere of the holiday.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip, filled with adventure, new experiences. I learned so much about the Mekong Delta and the people living there. This journey was not just about reaching destinations, but also about the experiences and connections made along the way. It also marked a special occasion – my 30th birthday, a significant milestone for myself. I plan to take more trips like this with friends to collect more stories, because we only live once.

Thanks for reading

Tien Nguyen!

May,4, 2024 Di An City!

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