Quang Tri man cycled through 4 countries, slept in temples, and survived on water
Three months, over 5,000 km, and 4 countries—these are the impressive numbers behind the cycling journey of 31-year-old Pham Cong Luat from Quang Tri.
An Ambitious Adventure Across 4 Countries
I am stopping at Kasi Pass (Laos) – the highest and most challenging pass in the journey
With a budget of approximately 30 million VND, Pham Cong Luat embarked on an adventure across Southeast Asia.
“Initially, I planned to cycle through even more countries. However, due to an ankle injury while playing in a stream with local children in Laos, I had to end my journey early after traveling through Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand,” shared Luat, who now resides in Ho Chi Minh City.
Your special companion, Luat, in the journey cycling across 4 Southeast Asian countries
Luat started his trip in mid-March 2024. Previously, he gained attention for cycling across all 63 provinces of Vietnam to collect trash. As an experienced traveler, he needed minimal preparation, bringing only essential gear and a special outfit—a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai and a conical hat—to wear on special occasions when visiting different countries.
Why Take on Such a Challenge?
“There were three main reasons why I took on this journey. First, I wanted to experience the world and push my limits. Second, I hoped to spread positive images and messages about Vietnam to my international friends. Lastly, I wanted to inspire young people to pursue their passions, explore the world, and expand their knowledge,” Luat explained.
The 31-year-old young man camps and stays overnight while in Laos
On March 14, he began his journey in Ho Chi Minh City, traveling through the Mekong Delta before crossing into Cambodia. From there, he continued to Laos and Thailand. Covering a total distance of 5,000 km round trip, he spent about a month in each country and immersed himself in unique cultural experiences. He celebrated Songkran, Thailand’s famous water festival, and observed Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, while in Cambodia.
Among all the countries he visited, Thailand left the strongest impression on him. “Thailand is beautiful in both scenery and people. The locals are incredibly friendly, patient, and always willing to help. During my time there, I received help repairing my bike, got free rides, and was even invited to stay at locals’ homes,” he recalled.
A delicious meal the young man from Quảng Trị enjoyed at a Thai temple during Songkran
While cycling across Thailand, Luat also received shelter in Buddhist temples and was offered a place to stay by local police at their stations. “Many people were kind enough to let me stay overnight. The support from Thai monks and police officers was especially helpful,” he added.
Challenges and Unforgettable Experiences
Despite the excitement, Luat faced several challenges. At one point, he suffered from food poisoning and had to rest in an abandoned roadside house, surviving only on water as he was unable to eat. Another major setback was his ankle injury, which forced him to pause for two weeks. However, the pain persisted, ultimately leading him to conclude his journey early.
Luật injured his ankle in Laos, causing him to end his journey earlier than planned
“While in Laos, I went swimming in a river with local kids and accidentally hit my ankle on a rock. Even after two weeks of rest, the pain didn’t go away. So, I had to stop in Bangkok and cycle back to Vietnam via Cambodia,” he said.
Though he encountered hardships, Luat insists the experience was invaluable. “This three-month journey gave me experiences that money can’t buy. I witnessed breathtaking landscapes, tried diverse local cuisines, and participated in meaningful activities.”
Quang Tri man cycled through 4 countries, slept in temples, and survived on water
One memorable moment was when he visited a rural high school in Thailand to share stories about his cycling journey across Southeast Asia. Dressed in his Ao Dai and conical hat, he aimed to showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture. Additionally, Luat contributed to a fundraising project that provided English education for children in Laos, helping purchase a tuk-tuk to transport students and teachers to school.
A Journey of Lessons and Self-Discovery
Luat met many fellow international cyclists sharing the same passion while cycling through 4 Southeast Asian countries
The entire trip cost him about 30 million VND. While he wished he could have traveled further to Malaysia and Singapore, he has no regrets. “This has been my longest and most memorable journey so far, and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished. I learned so much from strangers I met, the places I explored, and the experiences I had,” he reflected.
Some might view long-distance cycling as a form of extreme travel, but Luat sees it differently. “It’s cost-effective compared to other modes of transport, doesn’t require complex travel documents, allows full control over the itinerary, is environmentally friendly, and fosters deeper connections with people along the way. Moreover, it strengthens both physical and mental endurance.”
He emphasizes that such a journey requires strong stamina, experience, and problem-solving skills. “Everyone should choose a trip that aligns with their financial situation, health, and mindset,” he advised.
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