A journey through Vietnam of a couple who quit their jobs to cycle around the world
While cycling across 19 countries and four continents, Stefano and his girlfriend Alessia spent a month in Vietnam, impressed by the friendly people and affordable costs.
“Slowing down to see the world more clearly,” Stefano said while packing his luggage in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of January 12. “We are captivated by Vietnam’s beauty and vibrant energy.” The two Italian travelers were preparing to leave the city to cycle toward the Mekong Delta, their final leg in Vietnam.
Stefano, 34, and Alessia, 31, were cruise ship captains in Venice, Italy. Passionate about traveling, they often took short trips. However, Alessia realized that experiencing nature through a car window did not make her as happy as cycling, where she could freely stop, rest, and interact with locals.
Stefano, on the other hand, was inspired by the story Cercatori di lucciole (Firefly Seekers), believing that these tiny insects evoke cherished memories for many.
“We want to collect as many memories as possible,” he said. They saved money for two years and quit their jobs to embark on a global cycling journey—an idea their friends and family initially called “unbelievable and crazy.”
They left their hometown, Chioggia, on February 15, 2024, to fulfill their dream. Each carried five small bags containing three sets of clothes, a stove, a tent, and shoes.
Alessia and Stefano cycled from west to east, starting in Italy and passing through European countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece. From there, they continued to Turkey before crossing Central Asia via Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Leaving Central Asia, they moved on to China and South Asia, including Pakistan, Nepal, and India.
Along the way, they had to switch to air travel twice—once from Georgia to Kazakhstan due to Azerbaijan’s border closure, and another from India to Vietnam due to the conflict in Myanmar.
They arrived in Hanoi on January 8 and spent nearly a month cycling along Vietnam’s central coastline before reaching Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, then continuing to Cambodia.
At first, Stefano and Alessia were nervous about Vietnam’s traffic, especially merging into the dense flow of motorbikes. They also noticed that buses drove fast and honked frequently.
“But it’s still more stable than the roads in New Delhi,” Alessia said, adding that she and her travel companion were “awed and deeply moved by Vietnam’s natural beauty.”
Among their most memorable destinations was Cat Ba in Hai Phong, where limestone karsts rise from the sea, forming a landscape of large and small islands. The pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and fresh air left a lasting impression on them.
Throughout their journey, Alessia and Stefano made an effort to engage with locals and observed that Vietnamese people woke up early.
Stefano was surprised to see dozens of people exercising on sidewalks and in parks at 5 a.m. Some practiced tai chi, while others played badminton or shuttlecock kicking. In contrast, in Italy, mornings usually start around 9 or 10 a.m., when people go out for breakfast and coffee.
During the days leading up to Tet, they asked for permission to pitch their tent on a football field in Da Nang. By 6 a.m., Alessia was already awake to the sounds of bouncing balls and cheerful voices.
“I find the rhythm of life in Vietnam fascinating,” she said.
The couple also appreciated the warmth of the Vietnamese people. While cycling through central Vietnam’s countryside, they were often invited into locals’ homes for tea, meals, and even karaoke. Stefano was pleasantly surprised when people offered him dragon fruit and asked him to take photos with him.
Both agreed that Vietnam was one of the most budget-friendly places they had visited. They spent around $15-25 per person daily, usually staying in homestays or hostels. Stefano particularly loved coconut water and sugarcane juice—both refreshing and costing less than a dollar. In hilly and mountainous regions, they camped and cooked their meals.
Since they arrived in Vietnam during Tet, some friends advised them to stock up on food, as many shops and restaurants would be closed. Stefano bought some Italian ingredients and cooked at their homestay. They also participated in traditional Vietnamese New Year activities such as visiting temples and singing karaoke.
The couple planned to complete their Southeast Asia journey in Singapore. In every country they visited, they shared photos and videos on their joint Instagram account, pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support they received.
“We feel that this past year has been an invaluable experience in our lives,” Stefano said.
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