The Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, together with the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Association, the Dutch Business Association Vietnam, and other partners, organized a cycling event on Sunday morning to celebrate the arrival of two adventurous Dutch cyclists, Keijzer and Broekhuizen, on their remarkable journey from the Netherlands to Vietnam.
In March 2024, Keijzer, 21, and Broekhuizen, 25, set off on their bicycles from the Netherlands with the ambitious goal of reaching Vietnam.
Their journey spanned 11 months and covered an impressive 20,000 kilometers, taking them through diverse landscapes and cultures. They cycled through modern European cities, across the vast steppes of Central Asia, and finally onto the bustling roads of Southeast Asia.
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| Cyclists gather for a group photo at the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 on February 16, 2025. The event was organized by the Consulate General of the Netherlands to celebrate the arrival of Keijzer and Broekhuizen. Photo: Duc Khue / Tuoi Tre |
Broekhuizen described the indescribable joy of entering Vietnam through the Cambodian border, knowing that their destination was finally within reach after months of challenges and endurance.
He reflected on the journey as a life-changing experience that would stay with him forever.
For Keijzer, the arrival held extra significance as he was reunited with his parents, who had flown in from the Netherlands the day before.
The young cyclist was overwhelmed with emotion, having not seen his parents for almost a year, and never expecting them to make the journey to Vietnam for this special moment.
The event, which promoted green mobility and a healthy lifestyle, attracted around 400 participants from the Vietnamese and Dutch communities, all eager to show their support and celebrate the duo’s incredible feat.
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| Participants of the cycling event organized by the Consulate General of the Netherlands make their way through Ho Chi Minh City on February 16, 2025. Photo: Duc Khue / Tuoi Tre |
The route started at 7:00 am from the Municipal Theater and took the cyclists past iconic landmarks, including Ben Thanh Market, the Reunification Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and Ba Son Bridge, before concluding at the residence of the Dutch Consul General, Daniel Stork, in Thu Duc City.
Stork expressed his delight at the event’s success and his hope that it would continue as a legacy, even as his term comes to an end.
He highlighted the environmental benefits of cycling and its role in reducing emissions, as well as its compatibility with Ho Chi Minh City’s new metro system for last-mile transport.
Stork also commended Keijzer and Broekhuizen for their inspiring journey and for encouraging others to embrace cycling for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The Vibrant City of Ho Chi Minh: A CNN Travel Showcase
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis, took center stage in the latest installment of CNN’s renowned travel series, “Quest’s World of Wonder.” With the charismatic and seasoned host Richard Quest at the helm, viewers were treated to a captivating exploration of this vibrant urban gem.
