To celebrate their first wedding anniversary, a couple from Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City embarked on a thrilling 1,000-kilometer motorcycle trip to Hue City, located in central Vietnam, captivated by the picturesque coastline.

The journey, which took them through 10 localities along the central region, was not just a celebration of their love but also a deep dive into the nation's natural beauty and diverse culture.

Opting for a scooter ride rather than an international vacation or a relaxing resort getaway, Ta Lam Quoc Nam and his wife set out to explore nearly a third of Vietnam’s coastline in six days in late March.

The trip cost just under VND7 million (US$272) and provided them with unforgettable experiences and a rich culinary adventure.

6-day ride across 10 localities

The couple’s scooter trip started in Ho Chi Minh City and took them through Dong Nai Province, Binh Thuan Province, Ninh Thuan Province, Khanh Hoa Province, Phu Yen Province, Binh Dinh Province, Quang Ngai Province, Quang Nam Province, and Da Nang City before reaching their final destination in Hue.

They returned to the southern metropolis by sleeper bus, with their scooter placed on the vehicle, in just 18 hours.

“I’ve been to the beach in several provinces before, but this journey was incredibly special to me,” Nam shared.

“It was a way to celebrate our first anniversary with my wife. When we traveled along the coast, I began to notice how each place has its own distinct scenery and culture."

Although the coastline seemed similar in many places, Nam observed significant differences as they moved northward. 

"The further we went toward Hue, the clearer and more vibrant the sea became," he recalled.

“The air was cooler, too. In Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, we witnessed local fishermen at work, while we learned about sustainable tourism practices in Vinh Hy, Ninh Thuan Province.”

In Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province, they were fascinated to see tourists cycling through the rice fields and walking along the charming old streets of the ancient town, he recounted.

One of the trip’s highlights was their time on Yen Island in Phu Yen Province, where they were able to savor local dishes at incredibly affordable prices. 

“Just VND10,000-15,000 [$0.39-0.58] would get you a delicious meal,” Nam recounted. 

They were lucky enough to visit Hue during the 50th anniversary of its liberation, allowing them to enjoy free entry to many of the city's historic sites.

Nam shared that each province they visited had its own unique charm, and traveling by scooter allowed them to truly immerse themselves in the local culture. 

"You can feel the essence of a place only when you're able to wander through its streets and alleyways on a motorcycle. It’s an experience that brings a different kind of connection to the land and people,” he said.

For such a motorcycle trip, the couple made sure to prepare carefully. They packed rain gear, helmets with visors, tire repair kits, and medical supplies, just in case. 

It was the best time to make a trip as the weather turned out to be perfect, with clear skies and calm seas, he said.

Trip costs only $272

Despite the length of the trip, their total expenditure was surprisingly low, less than VND7 million, which covered their accommodation, meals, travel fees, parking charges, and souvenirs.

“To avoid being overcharged, we followed the locals' lead. We would often walk around and see where the local people were eating before deciding on a place," he shared.

“We also used Google Maps reviews to find accommodation and restaurants.

“In the first two days, we simply rode around and asked for room prices before deciding, but some days later, we opted for centrally located hotels and booked them online to save a bit of money."

A key part of their trip was the food. They explored the unique flavors of each locality, sampling local specialties at each stop. 

“We tried a variety of dishes: banh canh [rice flour-based noodle] in Phan Thiet, banh can [mini Vietnamese savory pancake] and steamed squid in Vinh Hy, banh canh he [noodles topped with chopped garlic chives] and grilled pork on Yen Island in Phu Yen Province, cao lau [noodle dish served with shrimp, pork, and a little broth] and grilled meat in Hoi An, and bun bo [spicy beef noodle], banh khoai [Hue–style sizzling crepes], and che heo quay [tapioca balls stuffed with savory roasted pork cubes] in Hue,” Nam said.

“The experience of savoring them in their original locations made the flavors even more memorable.”

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!