Huy Hoàng, a passionate Vietnamese motorcyclist, has just returned from an extraordinary 1000km motorcycle journey to Cambodia with his mother, who is in her late 50s. This trip, a long-cherished dream of Huy’s, was made even more special as it was his mother’s first time visiting the country.
Huy, who previously rode his motorcycle from the northern to the southern tip of Vietnam, was inspired by a line in the movie “Bố già” (“The Godfather”) that made him yearn to go on a similar adventure with his mother. Despite her age and a motorcycle accident in 2021 that required two surgeries, his mother’s desire to join him on this journey was even stronger than his own.
“My mother said she wanted to go on a motorcycle trip with me, and that this joy would help her overcome her health issues,” Huy shared.
Huy and his mother, each riding their own motorcycle, embarked on an exciting journey.
In 2023, Huy made his dream come true as he rode with his mother to Cambodia. Most recently, they spent three days and two nights exploring Đà Lạt, each on their own motorcycle, creating unforgettable memories.
“It was a chance for us to leave our worries behind and truly listen to and understand each other. When I was little, my mom would take me anywhere I wanted to go, so why shouldn’t she be part of my travels now?” Huy explained.
The flexibility of traveling by motorcycle allowed them to venture beyond popular tourist spots and discover hidden gems. They explored famous landmarks, quiet roads, and untouched destinations. Whenever they came across a beautiful view, they would stop to take pictures, and when hunger struck, they would find a local eatery to satisfy their cravings before continuing their journey.
“It was a true backpacking experience—eating whenever and wherever we felt like it and stopping to admire the scenery. You can’t access these remote areas by car, but with our motorcycles, we could go anywhere. I took my mom to taste unique delicacies and visit breathtaking locations such as Tuyền Lâm Lake, Xuân Hương Lake, Lâm Viên Square, and the famous ‘Lonely Tree,’ among others,” Huy recounted.
The mother-son duo, each on their own motorcycle, created lasting memories.
For Huy’s mother, everything about this trip to Đà Lạt was novel and exciting. In her mind, traveling to Đà Lạt was a luxury that working-class people could rarely afford. She had only seen this place on TV and in movies, and now she was finally experiencing it firsthand. Her enthusiasm and joy throughout the trip deeply moved Huy.
“Everything was new to her, and she was delighted to buy a few kilos of strawberries and mulberries at reasonable prices. She was also thrilled to get a branch of a Đà Lạt flower to plant back home. There was a time when Google Maps led us to a dead-end alley, but my mom just laughed it off. When I asked if she was tired, she replied, ‘If you take me on another trip like this, I won’t get tired at all,'” Huy shared.
Huy cherishes the precious memories made during this trip and values the opportunity to create new experiences with his mother. He understands that many young people prefer to travel with friends or romantic partners rather than their parents. However, he believes that traveling with older family members can be a rewarding experience, as it allows us to share and create memories during a time in their lives that has already passed.
“Our youth is just beginning, but our parents’ youth is long gone. If we don’t travel and explore with them now, we may never get another chance,” Huy reflected.
The duo posed happily at the iconic “Lonely Tree” in Đà Lạt, creating a lasting memory.
This was the second time Huy had taken his mother on a motorcycle adventure.
The excitement and joy on his mother’s face touched Huy deeply.
Huy’s mother’s enthusiasm and joy during the trip were heartwarming.
The mother-son duo created lasting memories at a picturesque spot.
For Huy’s mother, every experience on this trip was a first.