A Journey Across Southeast Asia: Minh’s Adventure

After an adventurous trip through Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, born in 1994, shared her incredible experience of traversing four countries last year.

This trip wasn’t just any adventure; it was Minh’s longest and most challenging solo expedition to date.

In 2023, alongside her friends, Minh set off from Ho Chi Minh City towards the northern regions, exploring various cities and even venturing into China. However, after 25 days with her friends, she opted for a solo journey through Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, riding a 150cc motorbike.

Starting her adventure on July 25, 2023, at the Tay Trang Border Gate in Dien Bien, Minh faced numerous hardships upon entering Laos. Bad weather conditions struck, and a malfunctioning phone caused her to lose all her data, adding to her challenges.

“Leaving Luang Prabang around 5:30 PM for Vang Vieng was tough. With limited knowledge of the area, I navigated steep mountain paths in the dark without a phone signal,” she recounted.

“Only a few trucks passed by, and the combination of cold and drizzle made the situation worse, forcing me to stop surrounded by dense forests. Listening to music while wearing a raincoat helped me regain my composure before continuing,” she added.

The journey took a turn when her glasses fell during heavy rain, and she had to tackle landslides as she rode through a challenging 670-kilometer stretch from Vientiane to Pakxe, filled with potholes.

Minh endured the ride for 15 hours straight without breaks, waking up the next day with aches all over her body.

Subsequent rides involved getting lost among dry rice fields, navigating through muddy patches, and enduring dusty trails.

However, the struggles were balanced by the breathtaking sights and cultural experiences she encountered. She marveled at ancient temples and enjoyed the serene beauty of Koh Ta Kiev Island in Cambodia, describing it as a ‘sleeping paradise’.

Minh dedicated 10 to 15 days in each country, immersing herself in their unique landscapes and culinary delights.

After an extensive 65-day journey covering 15,000 kilometers, Minh concluded her travels and returned to Ho Chi Minh City on August 5, 2023, crossing back via the Ha Tien international border gate in Kien Giang.

She noted that her total travel expenses amounted to only VND35 million, expressing the belief that the adventure was worth every penny.

Cost-Effective Travel Strategies

Minh elaborated on how she managed to keep her travel costs low, primarily due to her choice of transportation—her motorbike.

“The bike I used consumed one liter of fuel for every 45 kilometers,” she explained, adding that she only had to change oil every 2,000 kilometers.

Opting for budget accommodation, she frequently stayed in guesthouses and dorm rooms, sometimes getting free lodging through booking applications.

Her meals were sparse at times, with some days consisting of just a single meal. Much of her time was spent riding, staying hydrated, and soaking in the scenery.

Minh emphasized the importance of preparation for an economical trip. She selected a fuel-efficient motorbike and ensured it was properly maintained.

Equipped with repair tools and knowledge of basic motorcycle repairs, she felt ready to tackle any unexpected issues that could arise on her journey.

Interestingly, she chose not to inform her family about her trip beforehand, fearing it would cause them concern. Nevertheless, she kept her GPS activated and informed family members of her planned destinations for safety.

Despite facing challenges, Minh expressed her overall satisfaction with the trip, highlighting the valuable trekking experiences and skills she gained along the way.

“If you’re traveling through winding mountain roads, a manual motorcycle is the best choice,” she advised.