75-year-old veteran rides 300km by motorbike to watch military parade rehearsal in Hanoi

This was not his first long-distance journey by motorbike. 

Previously, he rode 1,300 kilometers from Nghe An Province to Ho Chi Minh City to watch a military parade marking the 50th anniversary of the country's Reunification Day (April 30).

Thanh arrived in Hanoi at noon on Sunday, stopping first at the Hanoi Flag Tower.

Seeing the capital decorated for the upcoming National Day celebrations, he exclaimed, “Hanoi is so beautiful and has changed so much.”

It had been 15 years since his last visit to the city.

He had planned this trip in advance, and while his family was aware of his intentions, he chose to leave quietly, slipping away while his wife was out shopping.

Once he had traveled a good distance, he called his nephew to inform the family that he was on his way.

Upon arriving in Hanoi, the first thing he did was call home to tell his wife he had arrived safely.

Reflecting on the journey, Thanh said that the roads to Hanoi are now much better than in the past. However, for safety reasons, he stopped to rest overnight in Ninh Binh Province.

He did not ask for directions during the trip, and he got lost once he reached the capital due to how much the city had changed.

“Even though I got lost, seeing the beautiful streets filled with flags and flowers made me very happy and proud,” he said.

Fortunately, his journey went smoothly, and he arrived in time to watch the parade rehearsal on Sunday evening.

He plans to stay in Hanoi until the official National Day parade on September 2 before returning to Nghe An.

Preparing for a long stay, he brought essential items like clothes, dried food, drinking water, and a soldier’s hammock.

A Vietnamese national flag, fluttering proudly from the back of his motorbike, accompanied him throughout the journey.

“When I’m in Hanoi, besides watching the parade, I’ll explore the city, visit historical sites, and return to my old unit,” he said.

Upon his arrival in the capital, many people recognized him, took photos with him, and even offered him free hotel stays. 

But with the spirit of a soldier, he politely declined, explaining that he had support from comrades and relatives and always carried a hammock for rest when needed.

After witnessing the parade rehearsal in person, Thanh felt deeply proud and emotional.

“The younger generation cannot fully understand the feelings of old soldiers like me,” he said.

Having fought in the war to defend the country, he finds it hard to put into words the emotions of seeing a stronger, more beautiful Vietnam and a more powerful military today.

Speaking with the veteran and browsing through the photos on his phone, it is clear that his soldier’s spirit remains intact. Every story he told was filled with pride and emotion.

After this event, he plans to continue traveling to historical and revolutionary sites—always by motorbike.

“Many people ask me: ‘How can someone nearly 80 still ride a motorbike across the country?’”

Thanh shared that his secret is simple: “discipline.” This includes daily morning bike rides, regular meals, and going to bed on time.

Equally important is maintaining a positive spirit. For him, traveling and seeing the peaceful, developing country first-hand fills him with joy and motivation.

Finally, the veteran expressed his hope that the younger generation will carry on the legacy of their forebears—building, protecting, and preserving a beautiful and ever-stronger Vietnam.