Two Dutch men, Rick Keijzer and Sven Broekhuizen, have completed their grand journey of cycling to the 'other side of the world' -- Vietnam -- and now invite Vietnamese cyclists to embark on a reverse trip to the Netherlands.

Vietnam recently welcomed Rick Keijzer, 21, and Sven Broekhuizen, 25, who cycled from the Netherlands for 343 days, crossing multiple countries and overcoming numerous challenges before finally reaching the Southeast Asia country and fulfilling their long-held dream.

"We opened Google Maps to see what the other side of the world we could cycle to, and we chose Vietnam," Broekhuizen told Tuoi Tre News about the pair’s inspiration behind the journey to Vietnam.

On March 10, 2024, the two Dutch men began their cycling journey.

With the mindset of 'for fun and health,' the pair cycled on a cross-continental trip from Europe to Asia. They were in no rush.

According to Keijzer, cycling offers a unique opportunity to travel at a slower pace, allowing riders to fully appreciate the scenery and experience the warmth of local cultures along the way.

Beyond speed, Keijzer sees bicycles as a symbol of freedom. They are cost-effective, requiring no fuel, and maintenance is minimal since there is no engine to worry about.

"All it needs is your own motivation. You can go anywhere you want, even up the mountains and hills," Keijzer said.

During their journey, the two were most impressed by their time in Turkey and Nepal.

Broekhuizen said that many people in Turkey recognized them thanks to the photos they shared on social media.

Locals invited them to rest, share meals, and even stay overnight in their homes.

Broekhuizen recalled their most memorable experience -- cycling through Nepal’s famous Annapurna route.

Considered one of the most breathtaking mountain trails in the world, Annapurna challenged the duo strategically and physically as they tested their endurance on the demanding terrain.

Keijzer and Broekhuizen cycled from city to city and country to country, navigating busy highways filled with traffic. Throughout their adventure, the duo carefully planned their routes to find the best possible roads.

Arriving in Asia, the duo experienced bustling streets filled with cars and motorbikes. Keijzer described India’s roads as chaotic, packed with various types of vehicles and constant honking.

"That’s also pretty cool -- to cycle through and find the quickest way. And in Vietnam, with all the scooters, it’s an adventure in itself," Keijzer said.

Finishing their dream journey in Ho Chi Minh City, the duo has invited cycling enthusiasts in Vietnam to embark on a reverse journey to the Netherlands. Keijzer promised he would gladly host any cyclists from Vietnam at his home.

"When you meet other bikers, it's like a very close community because you always have something in common. Most people are a bit crazy -- because you don't come up with this idea when you're completely normal. So, I would definitely invite them," Keijzer said.

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