SORRY, PHÒ NAM Since my first cycling trip exploring Hòa Bắc over seven years ago, I have ridden past the villages of An Định, Hội Yên, Nam Yên, Lộc Mỹ, Nam Mỹ, and Phò Nam hundreds of times, continuing all the way up to Tà Lang – Giàn Bí. I have taken thousands of photos and written dozens of articles about the roads … Read More
EXPLORING TIÊN SA LIGHTHOUSE: THE MYSTERY OF THE BROKEN GRAVESTONE I have often braved the steep, grueling slopes—some with inclines exceeding 20%—on the Sơn Trà Peninsula to visit the ancient Tiên Sa Lighthouse, a challenging check-in spot for many cycling enthusiasts. Perched at an altitude of 223 meters above sea level, with a vast primeval forest on one side and the endless blue ocean on the other, Tiên Sa Lighthouse … Read More
NAM Ô FORBIDDEN FOREST & THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS HUYỀN TRÂN On the north-south highway, when descending the Hải Vân Pass towards the south, travelers can spot a small forest surrounded by golden-brown rocky cliffs glistening under the sun. From one angle, the forest resembles a phoenix spreading its wings over the sea; from another, it looks like an ancient, million-year-old turtle. This is the Nam Ô Forbidden Forest, steeped in … Read More
RETURNING TO THE LOST VILLAGE Six years ago, I attempted to reach an abandoned village hidden along a deserted beach by carrying my bicycle down from the Hai Van Pass. This village was once a refuge for people suffering from leprosy. However, I was disappointed—I lacked the strength and courage to navigate the jagged cliffs jutting into the sea, where waves relentlessly crashed against the … Read More
DA NANG, DON’T LOSE THE MILLION-YEAR ROCK FIELD AGAIN Located about 35 km west of Da Nang city center, the Million-Year Rock Field sits at the confluence of the Nam and Bac rivers, which form the Cu De River. Nestled in Ta Lang village, Hoa Bac commune, Hoa Vang district, this breathtaking natural wonder will leave you in awe with its mesmerizing beauty. This stunning landscape is a true … Read More
WHO RIDES FOLDING BIKES? Already owning a road bike, a mountain bike, and a touring bike, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by those charming folding bikes I often saw around town. The idea of having one to casually ride around the city for coffee meetups or conveniently store in my car for spontaneous trips sounded incredibly appealing. However, choosing the right folding bike … Read More
TRÚC LÂM BẠCH MÃ ZEN MONASTERY – A CELESTIAL HAVEN Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã Zen Monastery is perched atop Linh Sơn Mountain, nestled within the tranquil waters of Tỉnh Giác Lake in Truồi, located in Lộc Hòa Commune, Phú Lộc District, Thừa Thiên Huế Province. It is the first Zen monastery in Central Vietnam, founded and developed by Zen Master Thích Thanh Từ, the head of the Trúc Lâm Zen … Read More
EXPLORING THE “HAUNTED HOTEL” ON HẢI VÂN PASS Nestled among pine forests on the south of Hải Vân Pass, a small hotel has been abandoned for years, for reasons unknown. On rainy, gloomy days, when the sky is shrouded in mist, its desolate and eerie appearance easily evokes images of “haunted hotels” from Hollywood horror movies in the minds of those with vivid imaginations. This morning, amidst the … Read More
GHÉ THĂM QUÁN MÍT HÔNG BÀ NAM – KÝ ỨC VỀ MỘT MÓN QUÊ Bốn năm trước, trong chuyến đạp xe đến Tam Kỳ để thưởng thức món mít hông trứ danh, tôi có dịp ghé quán của bà Nam. Khi ấy, tôi ngồi trò chuyện cùng bà và các cô con gái về món ăn vặt dân dã của xứ Quảng. Câu chuyện thú vị đến mức, về nhà, tôi còn viết một … Read More
CHECK-IN AT GIANT TURTLE ROCK Along the celestial road that winds through Hai Van Pass, travelers can pause at various spots to marvel at the majestic pass—once honored by Emperor Minh Mang as “The world’s most majestic pass”. Among these stops, one place stands out: Giant Turtle Rock. About 6 km from the foot of Hai Van Pass, a row of hillside cafés clings precariously … Read More