🇻🇳 Vietnam Diaries: Brothers on the Road, Motorbikes & Midnight Buses
🛬 18 Oct 2023 – 25 oct 2023 Vietnam 🛫
After spending nearly a month in Malaysia waiting, life finally moved again—my brother Sofiane joined me, and just like that, our next chapter began. With a spontaneous spirit (and a one-way AirAsia ticket), we were off to Vietnam.
🌆 First Stop: Ho Chi Minh City
We landed in Ho Chi Minh City, buzzing with scooters, street food, and chaos that somehow felt charming. We explored the city for a few days, taking in its unique mix of modern life and wartime history. But soon, Sofiane wanted more—he decided to head north.
Because of work, I couldn’t join him right away. So while I stayed another week in the south, Sofiane ventured solo all the way to Da Nang—at just 19 years old, chasing the road on his own. A week later, I called him and convinced him to take the night bus back south—a 20-hour journey from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh. Rough, but we were reunited.
🇰🇭 A Border Crossing into Cambodia
🛬 26 Oct – 3o Oct 2024 Cambodia 🛫 | 🛬 30 Oct – 02 Nov Laos. 🛫
With backpacks on and curiosity still high, we boarded a bus and crossed the border into Cambodia.
That ride? 12 hours, and not the most comfortable. Once there, our paths split—Sofiane stayed behind to explore, and I moved on toward Laos, eventually re-entering Vietnam again from the north.
To be honest, I won’t dive into my experiences in Cambodia or Laos—they didn’t resonate with me the same way. And frankly, I wouldn’t recommend those countries for solo young travelers. Sofiane being alone in Cambodia at 19 made me realize how tough and sometimes unsafe it can be.
🛬 02 Nov – 26 Nov 2023 🛫
🛵 Back Together – Northbound Adventure
Eventually, we reunited once more in Ho Chi Minh, and this time, we decided to go north together. No strict plans, just the road and the thrill of what’s next.
We journeyed through Vietnam’s heart—Saigon, Dalat, Nha Trang, and Da Nang, all rich with life, nature, and great food. Along the way, we met fellow travelers like Mika from France 🇫🇷 and Mahdi from Algeria 🇩🇿, forming a mini community on the move.
Our transportation? Motorbikes for the freedom, and buses for the long hauls. Vietnam’s roads are chaotic but addictive—you get used to the honks, the weaving scooters, and the warm greetings from strangers.
✈️ Goodbye Vietnam, Hello Hong Kong
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye. I parted ways with the group, took a bus back down to Ho Chi Minh, and boarded a flight to Hong Kong, carrying memories that felt like years’ worth of stories packed into just weeks.
🌏 Final Thoughts
Vietnam is a gem—whether you’re 19 or 39, it has something to offer. The culture is rich, the food unforgettable, and the landscapes diverse. From mountain towns to beach cities, from bustling streets to quiet villages—Vietnam feels like ten countries in one.
If you’re looking to travel, learn, and get a little lost in the best way possible, Vietnam is waiting.
Check out sofiane instagram
Thank you for reading, My name is Benyoucef Mansour, I love travelling please don’t hesitate to reach me on instagram @benyou_officiel .