Doan Van Binh, vice-chair of the Vietnam National Real Estate Association, has become one of the few Vietnamese to reach both the Geographic South Pole and the Geographic North Pole, carrying Vietnam's national flag to each destination.
At 11.59 am on August 1, the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, carrying about 200 passengers from around the world, including Binh, arrived at 90° North, the Geographic North Pole, after nearly six days navigating through the Arctic ice.
Doan Van Binh holds Vietnam’s national flag at the Geographic North Pole, 90 degrees North, after a journey of nearly six days across the icy Arctic Ocean waters (Photo: Provided by Binh.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, Binh said his 15-day expedition began in Longyearbyen, on Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
He described the harsh and unpredictable natural conditions as the greatest challenge. Because the Geographic North Pole lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, the expedition required almost six days aboard an icebreaker to reach the destination, with a similar journey for the return voyage.
"Reaching exactly 90° North depends entirely on the weather and the condition of the sea ice. To reach the Earth's poles, you have to be willing to accept risk," he said.
Binh said stepping onto the ice at 90° North was an emotional experience.
"I felt incredibly fortunate and grateful to stand at one of the Earth's most extraordinary places," he said.
He added that the journey highlighted humanity's small place in nature while reinforcing the responsibility to protect the planet.
On December 31, 2025, Binh also reached 90° South, the Geographic South Pole. He said carrying Vietnam's red flag with its yellow star at both poles was a source of immense pride and honour.
Despite achieving that milestone, Binh said he intends to continue exploring some of the world's most remote and remarkable places.
"I want to keep travelling, learning and exploring every country and territory, as well as the world's extraordinary frontiers, including Mount Everest. When technology allows, I also hope to descend into the Mariana Trench. Humanity is already looking towards tourism on the Moon and even missions to Mars," he said.
Binh said his greatest ambition was to inspire young Vietnamese to embrace lifelong learning, curiosity, environmental awareness and pride in their country.
Concluding his journey, he said everyone has their own personal "pole" to conquer.
"From the Geographic North Pole, I want to send a message to young Vietnamese that when your ambition is great enough, and you work hard, work wisely, persevere and never stop learning, you can overcome limits that once seemed impossible," Binh said.
