In the middle of June, a group of five close friends, including Truong Manh Huy (36, a photographer from Hanoi), his wife, Dang Thu Hien (35), and three other companions, embarked on a journey to Quang Ngai to “reclaim their youth.” Huy affectionately referred to this trip as their “escape from parenthood” at the age of almost 40.
“Our five-day exploration of Quang Ngai created super beautiful memories for us. We rode motorcycles, covering over 120km each day to discover breathtaking beaches, breathe in the refreshing sea breeze, and immerse ourselves in the enchanting sunsets. We felt like children again, reconnecting with nature, frolicking in the vast ocean, and carefree laughter with friends, leaving all our worries behind. This trip was like a ticket back to our younger days,” shared Huy and his wife.
Huy mentioned that the three male members of the group have been friends for almost 20 years, since their student days. Later, the group welcomed two female members, Huy’s wife and the wife of another member.
Before starting their families, the group often traveled and explored together during weekends, holidays, and Tet. However, as the two couples in the group got married and had children, finding time to meet became challenging. “Now that our children are older, we decided to leave them with their grandparents for a short while to reclaim our youth and relieve some of life’s pressures,” Huy explained.
The group of friends traveled by sleeper bus from Hanoi to Quang Ngai city, where they rented three motorcycles to explore various locations. On the first day, they visited Duc Pho town, discovering My A port, Hoc Mo beach, and Chau Me beach. The following three days were spent exploring Hon Nhan, Ba Lang An cape, Bai Xep beach, and Nghia An embankment.
“We prioritized destinations with stunning scenery and fewer tourists. These places offered limited services but were peaceful and retained their pristine beauty,” Huy shared.
One of the group’s most impressive stops was Bai Xep. Bai Xep – Hon Nhan belongs to Ghe Nghen Da, Binh Chau, Binh Son. Bai Xep was formed by volcanic activity and sedimentary rock deformation. The sea here is very shallow and clear, allowing visitors to wade and collect crabs, snails, and seaweed.
The group arrived at Bai Xep in the afternoon. As the sun set, they had the entire beach to themselves, with only a few local children playing nearby. “The sunset painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, reflecting on the deep blue sea, creating an indescribably beautiful scene,” Huy described.
In the past few years, Huy and his wife’s vacations with their children often involved parental responsibilities and care. This time, they decided to go all out and indulge in the most exciting activities.
During their exploration of Hon Nhan, the group rented three SUP boats and transported them by car for 25km to Binh Chau beach. As tourism services are still developing in this area, they contacted a local family to take them to Hon Nhan, a 15-minute boat ride from the shore. From Hon Nhan, visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the vast ocean, the Ba Lang An lighthouse, and a clear view of Ly Son Island.
The group had a blast snorkeling and SUP boarding at the pristine, emerald beach, reliving their childhood.
Huy shared that they planned the trip thoroughly, considering the itinerary, attire, and health. Financially, each person prepared approximately 10 million VND to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
“Quang Ngai is truly beautiful, and the transportation options are convenient. Visitors can choose to travel by car, plane, or boat, depending on their preference. We took a sleeper bus to the city and flew back. Quang Ngai’s specialties are delicious and affordable, and the locals are incredibly hospitable. I would definitely return to Quang Ngai if given the chance,” Huy enthused.
Photos: Courtesy of Truong Manh Huy