Vietnam’s natural beauty is famous worldwide. With scenic mountainous areas, stunning beaches, and charming rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, the country has plenty to offer to travel enthusiasts who are willing to hop on a motorbike and hit the road.
Among the biker community in Vietnam, Phan Vũ Minh is a name that stands out. Despite suffering from a spinal disease that left him wheelchair-bound, the 29-year-old has still conquered many treacherous paths across 20 different provinces on his motorbike, inspiring many to live their lives to the fullest.
Image credit: Phan Vu Minh
Hailing from Hồ Chí Minh City, Phan Vũ Minh was diagnosed with spinal arteriovenous malformation – a rare disease where connections between veins and arteries don’t form correctly and become entangled – in his teenage years.
Over the years, the disease began to take its toll, leaving the young man completely unable to use his legs when he was only 20 years old.
Understandably, Minh was devastated at first, locking himself in his room for most of his time as he was unable to bear the pitiful glances thrown at him by strangers.
Image credit: Phan Vu Minh
Over time, though, he came to terms with his limitations. Leaving the city behind, Minh moved to his ancestral hometown in Vĩnh Long Province. There, he made a living out of growing and selling bonsai plants, a profession that allowed him to continue to express his love for nature.
As Minh learned to accept and embrace his new life, he began to think of ways to make the most out of it. Ever the travel enthusiast, he asked a relative to alter a regular motorbike to accommodate his wheelchair.
Minh’s motorbike has been altered to accommodate his wheelchair.
Image credit: Phan Vu Minh
With his unique bike, Minh has embarked on countless road trips across 20 southern and central provinces since 2017.
Image credit: Phan Vu Minh
“I want to go out, to visit new locations to make up for the time I’ve lost locking myself at home,” Minh shared with Đất Việt, a Vietnamese website. He also added that the trips have changed him for the better, making him feel healthier, happier, and giving him the chance to meet new people.
Image credit: Phan Vu Minh
With a strong love for mountains and forests, Minh said he plans to travel all the way across Vietnam to the mountainous areas in the north in the future. Also, he’d like to journey to neighboring countries as well, if circumstances allow it.
Stories like Phan Vũ Minh’s prove that regardless of how grim your situation might be, as long as you follow your passion with determination, you will find happiness at the end of the line. We’re glad to see him doing well despite all odds.
For more stories, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Phan Vu Minh
Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories like this.
Now that Tết is over, Saigon is now a bustling hub of activity once again.…
If you're in Hanoi this Tết, here are some activities you can look into to…
Vietnamese Calendars for 2023 - made with love by local craftsmen Now that the new…
Mầm coffee tea beer is a perfect getaway for those who are tired of the…
With a chic decor featuring wooden floors, raw brick walls, and European-style furniture, Ante Cafe…
Saigon features some of the best of what Vietnam has to offer. If you're at…