For Tran Thi Chung, born in 1985 in Bac Ninh, the move from the city to the countryside was a deliberate choice, years in the planning. After stepping away from her roles at the Central Youth Union and a Hanoi-based newspaper, she and her husband relocated their family, including their two daughters, back to Bac Ninh. There, they constructed a garden villa on a nearly 600m² plot of land. Two years on, Chung finds her greatest fulfillment not in the stunning home or lush garden, but in the deepened family bonds and tranquility they’ve gained.
In an open conversation, Chung revealed that the idea of returning to the countryside took root in 2020. Multiple factors influenced this decision, primarily their work commitments. Her husband worked in Bac Ninh, while her frequent travel left little time for family. Health concerns also played a role; after 2019, Chung felt her energy waning under the demands of her high-pressure job. Additionally, her eldest daughter’s recurrent allergic rhinitis and their aging parents’ desire to be closer to their grandchildren added to their considerations.
“We gradually realized we needed a different environment—one where our family could spend more time together, our children could grow up surrounded by nature, and our parents wouldn’t have to wait for weekends to see their grandchildren,” Chung reflected. However, turning this vision into reality took nearly three years. They waited until their eldest daughter completed primary school to minimize disruption to her education.
The biggest challenge wasn’t financial but emotional—convincing their eldest daughter. Born and raised in Hanoi, she was deeply attached to her school, friends, and city life. Chung and her husband spent nearly two years preparing her emotionally by frequently visiting the countryside, helping her grow fond of the new environment.
Simultaneously, they began planting fruit trees, hired a design firm, and meticulously planned the construction. Their thorough preparation ensured a smooth building process. Initial funds came from their savings, with the sale of their well-maintained Hanoi home—complete with two balconies filled with greenery—covering the cost of their new countryside home.
During construction, Chung also focused on her children’s education, enrolling them in top-rated schools in Bac Ninh. This helped them adapt quickly without feeling a significant difference from their time in Hanoi.
Today, the family resides in a modern, minimalist garden villa on a nearly 600m² plot. The built area is approximately 120m² per floor, with the remainder dedicated to the garden. Surrounding the house are fruit trees like pomelo, longan, mango, jackfruit, custard apple, pomegranate, persimmon, banana, and starfruit, alongside ornamental plants and a seasonal vegetable garden. A Koi pond graces the front of the living room, and the space teems with chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, dogs, cats, and even hamsters, allowing the children to grow up close to nature.
Chung’s favorite feature of the house is the spacious, well-equipped kitchen. “As someone who loves cooking, I’ve always dreamed of a large kitchen where the whole family can gather. It was hard to achieve in the city, but here in the countryside, that dream has come true,” she smiles.
For her husband, his pride and joy is the Koi pond in front of the house. He personally designed, built, and maintained it over a month and a half during the hot summer, carefully selecting every stone and plant. When asked about her work post-Hanoi, Chung admitted it was a concern but not her biggest worry.
With a Master’s degree in History and years of community work experience, she explored various jobs upon returning to the countryside, including teaching swimming, cooking, and working in sales. She eventually found her calling in teaching life skills, a role that aligns with her expertise and allows her to balance career and family.
According to Chung, their current life, though slower-paced, is healthier and happier. Each morning, the couple wakes up early to water the plants, tend the garden, feed the chickens, and harvest vegetables for breakfast. In the afternoons, the children play outside, care for pets, or help their parents in the garden.
Gardening has become a shared family joy. Her husband tends to the front yard landscaping, she cares for the vegetables and fruit trees in the back, their eldest daughter looks after the balcony garden, and their youngest helps feed the animals. Initially, they drew on their experience growing plants on their apartment balcony. After moving to the countryside, they continued learning from neighbors, her mother-in-law, and researched organic composting and natural pesticides made from ginger, garlic, and chili to minimize chemical use.
Reflecting on their journey, Chung believes their decision to leave the city wasn’t about escaping pressure but finding a lifestyle better suited to their family. Their eldest daughter’s allergic rhinitis has significantly improved, both children get sick less often, and the family enjoys more quality time together. Living expenses are also lighter, as most of their vegetables, eggs, and poultry come from their own garden and farm.
