Ngo Quang Dung, a 29-year-old Vietnamese tech engineer, and his wife, 28-year-old Japanese consultant Chiaki, made a bold decision to embark on an extensive journey after she overcame a life-threatening illness.
The couple agreed to pause their busy careers, which often had them working from 8 am to 9 pm daily, and instead, take a five-month break to explore the world.
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| Ngo Quang Dung and his wife, Chiaki, pose in a salt flat in Uyuni, Bolivia. The couple is on a journey to discover the world and themselves. Photo: Supplied |
Now, five months into their trip, they have already explored 14 countries, including the US, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil.
Their most recent stop is Madagascar, marking their first steps on the African continent.
A Life-Changing Decision
Dung shared that immediately after their wedding in Vietnam in October 2021, Chiaki fell seriously ill with COVID-19 and had to be hospitalized, fighting for her life.
For two weeks, he watched his wife battle the illness, and eventually, she made a full recovery.
This life-and-death moment made them reconsider their priorities. They realized that they had been consumed by their careers, neglecting their youth and the opportunity to explore the world.
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| The Amazon rainforest in South America, as captured by Ngo Quang Dung. The couple’s journey has taken them to some of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Photo: Supplied |
“We decided to take a break from work for a year to enjoy our youth and create memories,” Dung said.
Instead of following the traditional path of working tirelessly to buy assets like houses and cars, they chose to invest in experiences and self-discovery.
They calculated the costs, created a budget, and set aside a small emergency fund for their journey.
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| Chiaki captures her husband, Ngo Quang Dung, in the majestic Death Valley, California. The couple is creating memories to last a lifetime. Photo: Supplied |
Dung emphasized that they value experiences over material possessions: “A house and a car can wait; our youth and energy are what matter now.”
They also shared their love for exploration, often taking long walks or venturing into remote areas, activities they believe are essential for personal growth.
A Journey of Gratitude and Discovery
Dung confessed that the most valuable treasures they have gained are knowledge, experiences, and a deeper sense of gratitude.
Their journey has enriched their understanding of history, culture, and the challenges faced by indigenous communities, such as racism and gender discrimination.
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” Dung said, expressing how their travels have given them a clearer understanding of the world beyond what books or videos can teach.
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| A breathtaking valley in Peru, cherished by the couple. Their journey has taken them to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Photo: Supplied |
During their travels, they often reflected on their privileged lives in Japan and Vietnam, realizing how fortunate they are compared to millions of people worldwide.
“We are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had,” Dung said, expressing their appreciation for the kindness of strangers they’ve encountered, who selflessly helped them along the way.
Both Dung and Chiaki have created a collection of memorable experiences, from the majestic Andes Mountains in South America to the warm hospitality of the Brazilian people.
When asked about their ideal place to live, they emphasized that it’s not the location but the people that make a place worth calling home.
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| The couple explores the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA. Their journey has been filled with breathtaking landscapes and warm encounters. Photo: Supplied |
As they traveled through 14 countries, they were awestruck by the beauty of nature and the kindness of strangers, cherishing the memories they made along the way.
Their journey has taught them that it’s not just the breathtaking landscapes that make a place worth living in but the people they meet and the connections they form.
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