5 Unique Facts About the Young Cyclist Riding Thong Nhat to the April 30 Parade
Unique facts about this young man’s cycling journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City have attracted millions of followers.
From everyday life to social media, the excitement for the 50th anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification Parade (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) has never been greater. Everyone is eager, looking forward to being in Ho Chi Minh City to participate in this special occasion. It’s not only those who live in the city but also many people from Hanoi and other provinces who have planned, booked flights, trains, etc., to get to Ho Chi Minh City for the parade.
Biked from Hanoi to Saigon in 16 days for the April 30 parade
However, what’s even more remarkable is that a 24-year-old man from Thai Binh has chosen a more impressive way – cycling across Vietnam to witness this sacred moment of the nation. His recent journey has garnered a lot of attention and has been widely shared.
That person is Dao Quang Ha – a TikToker with over 100k followers, who is also known for his previous walking journey from the North to the South. Not only that, this Gen Z guy has many other interesting and unique traits that have caught the online community’s attention, making everyone admire and enjoy his story.
5 Unique Facts About the Young Cyclist
The cycling journey of about 1,700km with the Thong Nhat bicycle from his grandfather’s time
Cycling journey of about 1,700km with the Thong Nhat bicycle
It is known that Quang Ha started his journey on April 5, departing from Hanoi. Instead of choosing a specialized sports bicycle for long-distance rides, he chose to accompany him on an old bicycle.
The reason Quang Ha chose this bicycle is that it is a keepsake from his grandfather. According to his sharing, his grandfather passed away when he was in seventh grade, and during his lifetime, his grandfather showed much affection and love for him. Therefore, Quang Ha wanted to use the bicycle to feel as if his grandfather was traveling with him on this journey across Vietnam.
Moreover, this is a Thong Nhat bicycle – a brand known as the “legend of the subsidy period.” When mentioning this bicycle, it is not only a means of transportation but also a symbol of a historical period. Created in 1960, the Thong Nhat bicycle was called the “iron horse” and was used to transport food and medicine to the front lines. Later, the Thong Nhat bicycle became ingrained in the memories of many people, symbolizing the longing and joy of owning one.
Moreover, the name Thong Nhat also carries the meaning of peace and independence for the country, which is why Quang Ha feels it is very fitting to use it for this occasion. Even though the old bicycle occasionally experiences chain slips and pedal falls, he diligently repairs it as he goes, confidently expressing: “Why is everyone so worried about me? Don’t they know I’m riding a bike of peace and sitting on a Thong Nhat?
Leader of the “Loudspeaker Carrier Block” since the 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory
Loudspeaker Carrier Block
When he began his journey, Quang Ha often posted videos and referred to himself as the leader of the “Loudspeaker Carrier Block.” This led many people to wonder what exactly his role was or what “Loudspeaker Carrier Block” meant.
However, for those who have been following him for a while, they know that Quang Ha was the young man who helped carry the loudspeakers for the officers during the 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 2024.
During his 2024 trip, Quang Ha stopped in Dien Bien province just in time for the 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2024). Joining in the atmosphere of both military and civilian training for the anniversary event, he brought his motorbike and assisted a soldier who was pushing a loudspeaker along with the parade practice group.
Later, during the official ceremony, Quang Ha became a member of the group with the task of carrying the loudspeaker for the marching parade. The image of the young man helping the soldiers with the loudspeakers went viral on social media at that time. Thus, the “Loudspeaker Carrier Block” was born, and Quang Ha became the leader, although the block consisted of just him, but he was very active, from the 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory to the 50th Anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification.
Bachelor of Tourism Culture with 3 Cross-Vietnam Trips: By Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Even on Foot
Bachelor of Tourism Culture with 3 Cross-Vietnam Trips
Before his cycling journey from North to South, Quang Ha had already gone on two cross-Vietnam trips. In October 2023, he traveled by motorcycle, exploring the country. However, Ha felt that while traveling by motorcycle allowed him to enjoy the beautiful scenery, it didn’t give him the chance to interact much with the locals in the areas he passed through. Therefore, in 2024, he continued his journey on foot across Vietnam.
Quang Ha once shared that besides experiencing the beauty of his country, he wanted to immerse himself in local life and learn about the culture of each region. At every stop, Quang Ha interacted closely and friendly with the locals. Throughout his journey, he also received a lot of help and affection from the local people.
It is known that Quang Ha graduated in Tourism Culture from the National Academy of Public Administration. Therefore, these trips also helped him serve his field of study and future career, which is to start a tourism company.
Weak Endurance but Passion Unstoppable
Despite having undertaken such long journeys several times, Quang Ha still worries many people due to his small physique and simple, lightweight gear for each trip.
Quang Ha himself shared that during the first days of his walking trip across Vietnam, he faced many difficulties regarding endurance. In the first two days, when climbing the steep terrains in Ha Giang, he moved very slowly, with blisters on his feet, muscle cramps, and exhaustion.
Although he had researched hiking experience and tips to maintain strength, due to his weak endurance, Quang Ha couldn’t avoid these challenges. However, wherever he stopped, he received help and care from the local people, allowing him to complete his journey.
Now, as he switches to cycling, Quang Ha still faces challenges with his health. During the first three days of the trip, as his body had not yet adapted to continuous exertion, he experienced knee pain, which slowed his movement. However, after seeing a doctor and taking medicine, the pain gradually eased, and he could continue his journey.
Nonetheless, Quang Ha has never thought about giving up. He always reminds himself that he must reach the destination and not stop halfway. Quang Ha wants to achieve his goal with his own youthful strength.
“The Coolest Youth Traveler”
The Coolest Youth Traveler
Millions of people follow Quang Ha’s journey, and many netizens jokingly call him “the coolest youth traveler.” Although he set a timeline to complete the trip, his approach appeared carefree and relaxed, enjoying every road and moment.
While netizens expressed concern about whether he would reach Ho Chi Minh City by April 30, Quang Ha remained calm. Along the way, he frequently stopped to rest, using a speaker and microphone to sing karaoke on the spot. Even when local people passed by, Quang Ha invited them to join him in a fun duet, making everyone who watched the video laugh. Moreover, in each local area, Quang Ha would participate in trending dances or spend time at the beach and later livestream on social media. Most interestingly, he shared that he had cycled 76km off track but still casually stood and sang, recording the memory.
Some fun and positive comments from the online community under Quang Ha’s videos:
“I’m at home watching, worried if he’ll make it on time, but he’s singing karaoke along the way.”
“I’m starting to have doubts, group leader, maybe he won’t make it.”
“When will you get here, I’m so worried.”
“The coolest, watching the clips makes me feel so positive, so cute.”
“If you pass by Binh Duong, call me, I have a place for you to rest for free.”
“The loa-carrying group in the South is waiting for you, wishing you safe travels.”
It is expected that, if the weather is favorable, Quang Ha will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City around April 21-22. In his latest video, he has cycled more than 650km and reached Hue. The online community continues to closely follow this unique journey of Quang Ha.
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