From Venice to Vietnam: A couple's journey on two wheels

As he packed his bags in Ho Chi Minh City on Jan. 12, Stefano reflected on his journey. "Slowing down lets us see the world more clearly," he said. "Vietnam is a place full of beauty and life."

Preparing to leave the city, the couple was set to cycle through the Mekong Delta, marking the final leg of their Vietnam trip.

Both Stefano, 34, and Alessia, 31, were cruise ship captains in Venice, Italy, and had always been passionate about traveling. They often took short trips, but Alessia realized that experiencing nature from inside a car was not as fulfilling as cycling, where she could stop, rest, and connect with locals.

Inspired by the book "Cercatori di Lucciole" (The Firefly Seekers), Stefano reflected on how fireflies, though small, hold childhood memories for many. After saving for two years, they quit their jobs and embarked on a cycling adventure, one their family and friends called "unbelievable and crazy."

Stefano and Alessia in Istanbul. Photo courtesy of the couple

Leaving their hometown of Chioggia on Feb. 15, 2024, they each carried five bags containing three sets of clothes, a portable stove, a tent, and shoes.

Alessia and her boyfriend cycled east from Italy, passing through Slovenia, the Balkans, and Greece before reaching Turkey and Central Asia - Georgia to Kyrgyzstan. From there, they traveled through China and South Asia, including Pakistan, Nepal, and India.

They had to fly twice, once from Georgia to Kazakhstan due to border closures in Azerbaijan, and again from India to Vietnam due to the conflict in Myanmar.

Arriving in Hanoi on Jan. 8, they cycled down Vietnam's central coast, through Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, before continuing to Cambodia.

Initially, the couple felt overwhelmed by Vietnam's streets, especially the sea of motorbikes and buses with constant honking.

However, Alessia admitted, "It’s still more stable than the roads in New Delhi."

Among their favorite places was Cat Ba Island, where limestone mountains rise from the sea, forming small islands. They loved its beaches and fresh air.

Alessia and Stefano cycling near Ben Thanh Market in HCMC, on the morning of Jan. 12, 2025. Photo by Ngoc Ngan

Throughout their trip, they enjoyed talking with locals. One thing that stood out was how early Vietnamese people start their day.

Stefano was surprised to see people exercising on sidewalks and in parks as early as 5 a.m., practicing tai chi, playing badminton, and kicking shuttlecocks. In Italy, he noted, the day typically starts at 9 or 10 a.m., with people heading out for breakfast and coffee.

Before the Lunar New Year, they asked locals if they could camp on a football field in Da Nang City. But by 6 a.m., Alessia already woke up to the sound of a ball rolling and excited cheers.

"Life in Vietnam feels so full of energy," she said.

They were also moved by Vietnamese hospitality. While cycling through rice fields in central Vietnam, they were invited into homes for tea, meals, and even karaoke. Stefano was surprised when locals offered him dragon fruit and asked to take photos with him.

Stefano and Alessia navigating rough terrain in Tajikistan. Photo courtesy of the couple

For them, Vietnam was one of the most affordable stops. They spent US$15–25 per day per person, mostly staying in homestays or hostels.

Stefano loved coconut water and sugarcane juice, calling them the refreshment, which cost barely a dollar each. In the mountains, they camped and cooked their own meals.

Since they arrived right before Tet, friends warned them to stock up on food as shops and restaurants would close. Stefano picked up a few ingredients and cooked at their homestay. They also got a taste of Vietnamese New Year traditions, visiting temples and even joining karaoke sessions.

Their journey will end in Singapore, the final stop on their Southeast Asia tour. Along the way, they've been sharing their travels on Instagram, surprised by the support they've received.

"This past year has been the most incredible experience of our lives," Stefano said.