Cao Lê Tuấn Tú and Nguyễn Xuân Duy pose for a photo in front of Kim Liên Museum, the hometown of late President Hồ Chí Minh, in Nghệ An Province. — Photos courtesy of Cao Lê Tuấn Tú and Nguyễn Xuân Duy

HÀ NỘI — Carrying the Vietnamese flag on their backpacks, two patriotic men have embarked on a remarkable 1,700km trek from HCM City to Hà Nội. Their journey honours the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, celebrated on September 2.

Cao Lê Tuấn Tú, 41, a freelance worker and one half of the duo, told Thanh Niên newspaper that although he has travelled widely, he has always dreamed of exploring Việt Nam on foot.

“I’ve been to many places but I haven’t yet travelled my entire homeland. The upcoming 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day this September 2 holds deep significance, so I decided to walk from Ho Chi Minh City to Hà Nội,” Tú said.

He sees this once-in-a-lifetime occasion as the perfect challenge while his health still allows.

“If I don’t do it now, I might not have the strength to try again during the next big celebration,” he said.

Quickly finding a companion, Tú teamed up with Nguyễn Xuân Duy, a university student from Hà Nội on summer break.

“When I heard about Tú’s plan to walk the country to deepen his experience and celebrate National Day, I wanted to join. It’s a chance to challenge myself and learn more about our history and culture,” Duy said.

The pair made thorough preparations — mental, physical, and financial — to ensure their epic journey would run smoothly. They set off from the Independence Palace in HCM City on June 5, a symbolic date marking the day late President Hồ Chí Minh departed from Nhà Rồng (Dragon House) Wharf to seek a path to national liberation.

Cao Lê Tuấn Tú and Nguyễn Xuân Duy take a selfie in front of the Independence Palace in HCM City before setting out on their cross-country walk.

As of August 10, they reached the central province of Nghệ An. 

Speaking about the small flags they carried in their backpacks, Tú said: “We were lucky to be born in peacetime but that came at the cost of great sacrifice from previous generations. 

“This flag isn’t just our travel companion, it represents our pride and that of all Vietnamese people. Carrying it on our shoulders reminds us to keep our country in our hearts wherever we go.”

On average, the duo walk about 20km a day, sometimes more when the weather is good and less during scorching heat or heavy rain. They expect to reach Hà Nội around the end of August. 

Tú said the first days were tough on his feet but after 700km his body adapted and his endurance improved. 

“Fortunately, neither of us has gotten sick, and we’re eating and sleeping even better than before,” he said. 

Duy, meanwhile, has faced almost no physical problems and remains full of energy.

When asked about how they replenish energy during the long trek, Tú said: “We eat wherever we get hungry, rest wherever we get tired. We’re not picky, so we can eat and sleep anywhere. 

“As for lodging, we try not to bother locals or even temples. Unless someone invites us to stay, we usually find a guesthouse and call ahead to ask for the rate and try to get a good price for the night.”

This special journey has also brought them unforgettable memories. 

Duy recalled how they were walking in the midday heat in Quảng Trị Province when they came across a woman collecting recyclables. 

“She was curious to see us walking and tried to give us money for a bus ride. We quickly explained our cross-country walk and thanked her,” he said.

“Later, she even tried to catch up with us on her motorbike and gave us her phone number in case we needed help. Her kindness made my whole day.”

Small gifts, such as snacks or drinks from locals along the way, also fuelled their determination. 

Cao Lê Tuấn Tú and Nguyễn Xuân Duy sit down and chat with locals on a rest stop during their walk.

“That warmth is our greatest motivation. To wake up each morning, put on our backpacks and keep walking,” Duy said.

The duo hope to reach Hà Nội before the National Day, September 2, to visit a few landmarks before joining the crowds celebrating the grand anniversary. 

“The messages we want to share are one of gratitude – peace is beautiful but not easily won and the other of a healthy lifestyle – to improve your well-being through physical exercises,” said Tú. — VNS