Andrrei Ignatiev wakes at 5 am each day, disinfecting blisters on his feet before continuing his 1,300 km journey on foot from Nha Trang to Hanoi.
Wearing protective clothing and a traditional conical hat, he sets off early to avoid the worst of the heat, often heading towards challenging stretches such as Hai Van Pass.
“My goal is to arrive in Hanoi on May 18, my wife’s birthday,” he said.
Andrrei wearing a non la and glasses, walks along the road (Photo: Provided by the subject).
The journey was inspired by a family trip to Vietnam in 2025, when Ignatiev, his wife and daughter planned a short stay in Nha Trang but decided to settle longer, drawn by the warm climate, beaches and friendly locals.
After nearly a year living in Vietnam, he wanted to explore the country more deeply on foot, experiencing its landscapes and everyday life.
Initially, his wife opposed the idea, worried about his health, but eventually supported his plan.
“This journey feels like a dream coming true. I am documenting it through videos to tell stories from the road,” he said.
Preparation proved crucial. For years, Ignatiev maintained a daily walking routine of 10 to 15 km, increasing to 18 km per day in the two months before departure.
Andrrei says the blisters on his feet have been his biggest challenge (Photo: Provided by the subject).
He began the trek on March 31. The early days were physically demanding, with his body struggling to adapt to long distances and harsh weather.
“In the first week, I could only eat in the evening because my body hadn’t adjusted,” he recalled.
Blisters soon formed, forcing him to change multiple pairs of shoes. He carries bandages, ointments and antiseptic to treat his injuries.
At one point in Danang, a swollen and infected toe nearly forced him to abandon the journey.
“I stayed in Danang for three days to recover. Now I feel stronger and continue,” he said.
Andrrei says he walks around 30 to 40 kilometres each day (Photo: Provided by the subject).
Each day, he walks 30 to 40 km, though sometimes only 15 km when pain intensifies. He rests during the midday heat before resuming in the afternoon.
Ignatiev spends around VND 300,000 to 400,000 (approximately USD 12 to USD 16) daily on food and accommodation. While he initially planned to work remotely in business consulting, he abandoned the idea due to the physical demands of the trek.
Support from friends and strangers has helped him continue.
“I realised I am not alone. Many people are supporting and encouraging me,” he said.
Along the way, he has been moved by acts of kindness, from locals offering food to strangers inviting him to share meals and celebrations.
One elderly woman even cycled after him under the sun to hand him water and sweet potatoes, a gesture that left a lasting impression.
“These moments will stay with me forever,” he said.
Natural scenery and rice fields leave a strong impression on Andrrei (Photo: Provided by the subject).
Despite exhaustion and extreme weather, Ignatiev said Vietnam’s landscapes have kept him motivated.
“The scenery gives me strength to keep moving forward.”
He now continues north, determined to reach Hanoi in time for May 18, when his wife and daughter will fly from Nha Trang to reunite with him.
