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Aug 13, 2017 / 08:10

Vietnamese-Hungarian couple cycle 11,000km through 13 countries from Hungary to Vietnam

The couple, Sas Péter and Huong Linh, have quit their jobs and sold their property in Hungary to embark on a more than 11,000 km journey from Hungary to Vietnam.

Throughout 13 countries from Europe to Asia, they have gained a lot of interesting experiences, sharing and above all, more faith in humanity.
Journey of love
On August 14, 2016 – one-year anniversary of the wedding, the couple Sas Péter (born in 1986 in Hungary) and Dong Thi Huong Linh (born in 1988 in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam) have started the journey: cycling from Hungary to Vietnam. On August 3, 2017, Huong Linh and her foreign husband came to Vietnam's border, completing a journey of more than 11,000km in over 11 months.
Péter and Huong Linh
Péter and Huong Linh

In the journey from Europe to Asia, they traveled through 13 countries including: Hungary - Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro - Albania - Greece - Iran - Sri Lanka - India - Nepal - Thailand - China and Vietnam. They are welcomed by relatives in her hometown - Thai Nguyen - the final destination. This journey is an opportunity for them to unite their love and trust in their partner as well as to have more faith in humanity.
Six years ago, thanks to the love for Vietnamese tea, the Hungarian guy came to Thai Nguyen for internship and accidentally "fell in love" with the school girl Huong Linh. Then he returned the country, due to distance, they can only talk via Skype or letter and meet eachother 2-3 times a year.
They planned a long trip together about three years ago, because they both love to travel and explore new things. The couple came up with the idea of cycling from Hungary to Vietnam. "We both want to have a real adventure, leave our comfort zone and grow up together," said Huong Linh. So on the anniversary of their wedding day, they set off!
Prior to the trip, the couple had quit their job and sold all their possessions to spend all their energy and money on the journey. They also refer to the experience of many other bike riders to get the best preparation for a long trip. They consult the advice of medical professionals about the injection of antibiotics, supplements of vitamins and minerals to ensure the best health. The couple must also apply for visas for a number of countries and prepare to apply for visas to other countries throughout the journey.
At first, when informing about the adventure, Huong Linh and Peter have encountered many concerns and objections because in common logic, they are choosing a difficult path while all living conditions in Hungary are very nice. After completing his master's degree, Péter was a project assistant for Hungarian Audi Group. Huong Linh also holds a master's degree in environmental technology from Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland and was an English tutor for office staff in Hungary during her formal employment.
However, they still decided to step out of the safe zone with the familiar things to embark on a journey full of adventure and interesting things. Gradually, they convinced everyone in the family, friends and followers of the trip.
Through both good and bad experiences, the couple learned a lot about each other and reinforced their belief in a life-long commitment. "One year riding bicycles, my wife and I seem to have five more years of experience in marriage," Péter said. They also recommend the couples who are planning to marry to travel for at least six weeks together. "When you return, you will make the right decision for your marriage."
The average expense is $18 per day
Most recently, when Huong Linh had a respiratory tract infection for nearly two weeks in China, they were also thinking about giving up because of language bargaining with doctors and drugs that did not seem to work. Fortunately, after 2 weeks of treatment, she has recovered and can continue to ride.
However, they also cannot avoid the controversy or disagreement. In the beginning, both Huong Linh and Péter had different fantasies about this journey and hence, choosing the path was quite a difficulty. Then they have to sit down, share their thoughts to each other and find a good plan for both of them. "After the first few months, we got to know each other better, so the arguments have been reduced and now we cannot get angry for more than 10km" - Huong Linh shares.
Huong Linh said their expense is about 400.000 VND (~ $18/day) including accommodation, visa fees, airfare and other facilities. "Good people are everywhere and if you really need help, there will be someone willing to take over."
After completing the journey, Huong Linh and her husband will stay in Vietnam for about a year so that Péter can learn Vietnamese and also consider their later settlements. The 8X master also wants to hold talks with young Vietnamese and share with them the story to evoke their passion for travel, discovery and self-improvement.
Following are pictures during the journey:
 
The couple in Iran. Thanks to bicycling, they find a beautiful resort not mentioned in any tourist book
The couple in Iran. Thanks to bicycling, they find a beautiful resort not mentioned in any tourist book
Admiring the Mediterranean Sea for the last time before flying to Asia
Admiring the Mediterranean Sea for the last time before flying to Asia
In the thousand-window city - Berat, Albania
In the thousand-window city - Berat, Albania
Milestone 8000km
Milestone 8000km
The couples complete the journey of more than 11,000km in Vietnam
The couples complete the journey of more than 11,000km in Vietnam