Chu Hai Yen became a household name in the Vietnamese travel community when she chose to motorcycle the length of the country on a whim.

Backpacking is fast gaining traction amongst Vietnamese youth. 

But as young adventurers attempt to see the world on a shoestring budget, the rising number of irresponsible travelers with little regard for local residents and the environment is giving well-intentioned backpackers a bad name.

Yen, however, refused to let that reputation stand in the way of her solo motorcycling journey from Hanoi to Vietnam’s southernmost province.

Yen checks in Ca Mau, Vietnam’s southernmost province.

A journey without company

Chu Hai Yen has always been on the go for as long as she can remember.

She is also particularly fond of the term “phuot thu” – a Vietnamese phrase used to describe free spirited travelers who journey off the beaten path.

That might be why she woke up one day in April day and made a split second decision to post on Instagram: “I’m going to travel to Ca Mau on my motorcycle”.

Since Yen lives in Hanoi, getting to Ca Mau, the country’s southernmost province, isn’t exactly a walk (or ride) in the park.

And of course, the decision by a young female to make such a dangerous journey alone quickly became a topic of heated debate on social media.

Initially, Yen hope to make the trip with another female companion, but those she invited were spooked at the idea.

“Normally, my friends will only agree to 12-15-day trip,” Yen said.  “but I wanted to take it slow and take in the flavors each region has to offer.”

“I also didn’t want to tag along with a guy and feel attached to him for the entire trip.  That’s when I decided to do it solo.”

And as it turned out, it was the right decision for Yen.

“I was able to gauge my own limits and decide on my own how far I could get,” she shared.

That said, even Yen, a veteran backpacker, found the journey nerve-wracking at times. 

At one point, she even crashed on a deserted road due to wet weather and bad sunlight.  She eventually managed to calm herself down and make it to a nearby town.

Yen’s compact belongings on every journey.

Female backpacker: a life of hardship and prejudice

This is not the first occasion Yen has been on an arduous journey.

Although her relatives are used to her need for a “change of scenery”, her adventures do occasionally cost a white lie.

“I told them that I would catch a train to central Vietnam first, then explore for a week, which of course I did not”, she giggled.

Her journey has also taken a toll on her body.  She has got a fair share of sunburn, scratches, scars, among other things.

“A bit of recuperation can wipe all that out, no problem!” Yen smiled.

During the trip, Yen diligently updated her Instagram followers on her journey and experience.

She said the photos function as a kind of diary on the go.

“Besides keeping the fondest memories for myself, I truly hope my photos will help inspire others.”

“You only live once. And youth only comes once in a lifetime. So enjoy the world and take as many wonders in as possible while you can”, Yen remarked.

Below are some pictures featuring Yen during her recent trip throughout Vietnam.

A camera and tripod were indispensable for the trip.

Yen at a mountain pass.

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