As a sales worker with flexible hours, Van Anh, 29, for a long time has wanted to challenge himself with a long-distance hike. He believed that the journey would be a great opportunity for him to experience the beauty of nature and people.

His hike lasted three days and two nights. On the way, he camped or stayed with locals, saving money and gaining local experiences.

Departing early on February 2, or the fifth day of the lunar new year, Anh warmed up before beginning his journey along National Highway 1. Not using motorbike, and without a fixed schedule, he chose to walk slowly at a leisurely pace to fully enjoy the journey.

Politely declining offers to give a lift, Anh said he wanted to experience the journey in a unique way.

"I chose to walk so that I could stop at any moment to enjoy the scenery, talk with locals, and discover the special things that might be missed if I drove a motorbike or car," Anh explained.

He believes there is no easy journey in life. The harsh weather conditions, especially the oppressive heat in the central region, made the trip challenging, with headwinds and intense sun draining his energy.

After a 50 kilometer walk on the first day, he felt exhausted and wanted to give up as his feet were aching. Nonetheless, Van Anh persevered. On the following days, he could just go short distances, but he remained steadfast.

After three days of walking, he set foot in Phan Thiet City, fulfilling the challenging journey. There he not only could relax on the beach, but also visit famous destinations, including the Duc Thanh relic, Ca Ty River and Trung Trac Park.

"The walk taught me perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to overcome challenges in my life," Anh stated.

Returning to Dong Nai by bus, he resumed his daily life. For Van Anh, the experiences from this journey were unforgettable.

"You don't need to set big goals which may be unattainable. Sometimes you just need a hike to change your perspective about life,” he said.

Anh said he was lucky to have completed the 100 kilometer trek. Drawing experience from prior challenges of running races, he understood his body’s physical conditions and made reasonable decisions. However, he advises against attempting such walks without preparation.

Anh is planning new adventures, perhaps discovering the coast along the central region or exploring northern mountainous areas. 

Thao Trinh