Stepping off the bus near My Dinh bus station on 21/8, Hang and her 13-year-old twin sons, Binh An and Bao An, hurried to Ba Dinh Square. They joined the large crowd awaiting the National Day parade rehearsal.

"The atmosphere is electric throughout the capital. It would be a shame to miss it, so we decided to take a bus for the last leg to make it in time for the rehearsal," Hang said.

The idea for this unique trip sparked in early August. Inspired by an article about two young men who walked from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi earlier in June, and fueled by memories of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory parade in 2024, Hang wanted to do something meaningful with her sons for this year's celebration.

"The image of marching soldiers and supply trucks crossing Pha Din Pass inspired me to recreate a part of history," Hang said. "I wanted my sons to experience some of the hardships our ancestors faced, to understand that peace and independence were not easily won and should be cherished."

Hang's sons, Binh An (pink shirt) and Bao An (white shirt), pose for a photo on Na Loi Pass, Dien Bien, on their way to Hanoi on 15/8. Photo: Provided by the family

Hang's sons, Binh An (pink shirt) and Bao An (white shirt), pose for a photo on Na Loi Pass, Dien Bien, on their way to Hanoi on 15/8. Photo: Provided by the family

Initially, Binh An and Bao An hesitated, fearing the physical strain. But their mother's explanation of the trip's significance, combined with the prospect of an adventure to share with their friends, convinced them. Hang's husband couldn't join due to work commitments.

The family carefully considered their transportation options. Cycling was ruled out due to their bike's lack of power assist, worn brakes, and the safety concerns posed by the steep slopes and sharp turns of National Highway 6. They ultimately chose to walk, despite family concerns due to their lack of long-distance trekking experience.

"My husband agreed but kept reminding us to rest when tired, listen to our bodies, and take a direct bus to Hanoi if it became too much," Hang recounted.

After finalizing their itinerary, they set off on the morning of 15/8. Each carried three sets of clothes, personal items, medicine, an umbrella, a raincoat, and snacks. The ground rule was self-reliance: everyone carried their own luggage, no complaining, and no giving up.

Thanks to their regular exercise, the first day's 30 km trek from Dien Bien Phu City to the former Muong Ang district went smoothly. However, challenges arose on the second day as their unaccustomed feet developed blisters and aches. They averaged 25-30 km daily, walking for 10-12 hours.

A short clip captures moments from Thu Hang's journey with her 13-year-old twin sons from Dien Bien to Hanoi. Source: Provided by the family

The mountainous terrain presented the greatest obstacle. Descending, the boys eagerly ran ahead, with Hang following, always maintaining a safe distance. But uphill, their pace halved, each step heavier. The weight of their backpacks and the constant climbing strained their knees.

"Walking on flat ground was already tough, but conquering winding passes like Na Loi (Dien Bien), Pha Din (Son La), Moc Chau Pass, and Da Trang Pass (Hoa Binh) was a real challenge for inexperienced long-distance walkers like us," Hang said.

She described each pass as experiencing four seasons in a day: from the scorching sun at the base, to sudden downpours midway, and the chilly air and thick fog with temperatures below 20°C at the summit. The steep inclines drained their energy, forcing them to seek rest at roadside houses, avoiding stops on deserted stretches.

"Many times, I was breathless and wanted to quit, but my mother encouraged me, and the thought of meeting the soldiers kept me going," Binh An shared.

After two days, to avoid misunderstandings, Hang made a sign reading "From Dien Bien Phu to Historic Ba Dinh" for her sons to wear. The sign also garnered encouragement from people they encountered.

Thu Hang and her sons, Binh An and Bao An, at Moc Chau Bat Cave, during their journey from Dien Bien to Hanoi in mid-August 2025. Photo: Provided by the family

Thu Hang and her sons, Binh An and Bao An, at Moc Chau Bat Cave, during their journey from Dien Bien to Hanoi in mid-August 2025. Photo: Provided by the family

Initially, they planned to walk the entire route, aiming to reach Hanoi before 30/8. However, the challenging terrain forced a change of plans.

Hang combined walking with hitchhiking on particularly dangerous sections like Tang Quai Pass (Dien Bien), Chieng Pac Pass, Na Bo Pass (Son La), and Lung Lo Pass (Hoa Binh), characterized by high cliffs, deep ravines, narrow bends, and dense fog.

"I wanted my sons to overcome challenges, but safety was paramount," she explained. They hitchhiked four times. Each time, Hang explained their journey and offered gas money, which the drivers declined.

Cam Hai, 30, from Son La City, was one such driver. On the afternoon of 17/8, he spotted the family walking on a deserted stretch from Chieng Pac (Son La) and stopped to inquire. Learning their story, he drove them over 30 km through the treacherous pass.

"It was the first time I saw a woman and two boys with such determination, so I wanted to help them through the difficult route," Hai said.

Reaching Doc Cun (Hoa Binh) on the morning of 21/8, about 80 km from Hanoi, their eagerness to see the parade prompted Hang to take a bus directly to the capital.

Hang and her sons visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the morning of 23/8. Photo: Quynh Nguyen

Hang and her sons visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the morning of 23/8. Photo: Quynh Nguyen

After the parade rehearsal on the evening of 21/8, while searching for accommodation, they were offered free lodging until 2/9 by Hau, a woman over 60, from Ngoc Ha ward. "Helping others brings warmth to my heart. In life, meeting each other amidst the vast sea of people is destiny," Hau shared.

During their stay in Hanoi, they visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and other historical sites. Afterward, they visited their paternal relatives in Nam Dinh and returned to Hanoi before 30/8 for the final rehearsal and the main ceremony. On the evening of 2/9, they will take a bus back to Dien Bien for the start of the new school year.

"This journey had many challenges, but it brought invaluable health benefits and experiences for my sons, making it entirely worthwhile," Hang said.

Throughout their trip, they also visited historical sites like the Son La Prison, Ban Tham Cave (Son La), and paid respects at martyrs' cemeteries in various provinces.

This journey ignited a greater ambition in Binh An and Bao An: to undertake a cross-country trip with their mother in the future. "Mom might walk slower than us, but without her, our journey of discovery wouldn't be complete," Binh An said.

Quynh Nguyen