In Search of a Hidden Path to Hòa Vân Village This morning, I set off with a friend to revisit a rugged trail along the southern side of the Hải Vân Pass. The plan was to explore a little-known path that, according to my gut (and a bit of Mr. Old Man intuition), might lead down to the beach near …

— A Bicycle, a Field, and a Moment in Time — A Chance Encounter Exactly ten years ago, I pedaled into Truong Dinh Hamlet and stumbled upon a group of kids playing tag on a rice field, freshly cleared after harvest. Curious Eyes and a Light Bike When they saw a stranger stop his bicycle by the roadside, their curiosity …

With a population of around 17.4 million people and a staggering 25 million bicycles, along with a world-class cycling infrastructure, the Netherlands rightfully holds the title of the number one cycling nation in the world. Amsterdam, the capital city, truly is a cycling paradise where bikes seem to dominate the streets. In Amsterdam, you’ll see cyclists enjoying absolute freedom — …

By Mr. Old Man Getting lost, but finding a bond I still remember my first time, about ten years ago, when I biked to Ngầm Đôi. On the way back, sun-drunk and disoriented, I somehow ended up all the way in Đông Giang. That “accidental” detour turned into a quiet bond. Every now and then, the memory calls me back—back …

The gate of Vân Village. A place of memories beneath Hải Vân Pass I still call Hòa Vân leprosy village – or simply Vân Village – nestled at the foot of Hải Vân Pass, “the lost village.” Today, it’s little more than a ruin: crumbling houses, moss-covered walls, and weeds reclaiming the ground. Nearly a decade ago, with support from …

From dreamy fiction to countryside reality By Mr. Old Man Photo: Đinh Hồng Ân Last week, Dreamy Eyes (Mắt biếc)—the latest film by director Victor Vũ—sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity among young viewers. Adapted from Nguyễn Nhật Ánh’s beloved novel, the film takes place in the fictional village of Đo Đo, also the author’s real-life hometown, and the …

By Mr. Old Man When people hear about Tà Lang– Giàn Bí Stream, they often imagine a remote and hard-to-reach place. But in truth, Tà Lang isn’t far at all. It’s a small mountain village home to the Cơ Tu ethnic community, located just 35 km west of downtown Đà Nẵng. You can cycle to Tà Lang – Giàn Bí …

By Mr. Old Man After the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to cycling as a way to stay fit, and bike shops became busier than ever. In the rush to get a bike, some folks walk into a shop, ask a couple of quick questions, then pay and ride off with their new wheels—only to regret it later when the …

By Mr. Old Man A Hidden Gem on the Cycling Trail As part of my journey to explore over 50 parish churches and chapels within the Diocese of Da Nang, I had the pleasure of visiting Tung Son Chapel—a hidden architectural treasure belonging to Phu Thuong Parish. Located in Tung Son Hamlet, Hoa Son Commune, Hoa Vang District, this chapel …

By Mr. Old Man On a beautiful morning ride to Ba Na Hills, I took a spontaneous turn and stopped by Hoa Ninh Parish Church—a peaceful stop that brought back a wave of emotions and memories. Located in Hoa Ninh commune, Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city, Hoa Ninh Parish Church was established in 1938. Compared to other churches in …