2,207 km North / North East - The bus ride from Da Nang, Vietnam to Enshi, Cina (from D to E)

I'm on a bus, making my way from Da Nang, Vietnam to Enshi City, China. The bus is a comfortable one, with large windows that offer sweeping views of the landscapes outside. As we make our way north, I take in the sights and sounds of the different passengers around me.

There's a family with young children, who are excitedly pointing out different landmarks and chatting animatedly. A group of students are laughing and chatting in the back of the bus, taking advantage of the long journey to catch up with each other. An elderly couple sits quietly, holding hands and taking in the scenery outside.

After about 6 hours, having passed Cua Dai Beach, a stunning stretch of sand and crystal-clear water that's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It would be a great place to relax and soak up some sun before we continue on but the trip is evr so long.

As we keep going north, we enter Quang Binh Province, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage. This region is home to fishing villages and historic sites, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

Finally, we reach the city of Thanh Hoa, located at the mouth of the Ma River, known for its cultural heritage and history. Explore its temples, pagodas, monuments, and the beautiful Ba Vi National Park.

The children on the bus are in awe of the towering mountains and lush green fields that we pass by. I can hear their parents trying to explain the different sights, and the sounds of the children's laughter fill the bus.

Next, we arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The bus comes to a stop, and many of the passengers disembark to stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat. The air is filled with the sounds of honking cars and vendors selling their wares, and the scent of street food wafts in through the open windows of the bus.

As the bus makes its way through the streets of Hanoi on the way to the Chinese border, we are treated to a mesmerizing blend of the old and the new. The busy streets are filled with a bustling mix of motorbikes, cars, and cyclists, all darting in and out of traffic. Passing through the city center, the bus weaves its way past towering skyscrapers and modern shopping centers, offering a glimpse into Hanoi's rapidly developing economic landscape. Yet, amidst the modernity, the city's rich history is still very much in evidence. Ancient temples, pagodas, and colonial-era buildings, their intricate designs and vibrant colors providing a striking contrast to the sleek glass and steel structures that surround them. As the bus continues on its journey, it passes through the city's bustling markets, where vendors sell a dazzling array of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The vibrant colors, bustling energy, and delicious smells provide a glimpse into the daily life of Hanoi's residents. Finally, as the bus leaves the city the scenery begins to change, becoming more rural and peaceful. The towering skyscrapers and bustling markets fade into the background, leaving behind a lasting impression of a city that is both modern and steeped in tradition.

I can see that many of the passengers are dozing off, lulled to sleep by the gentle motion of the bus. The sound of snores and soft breathing fills the air. However, a few are still wide awake, chatting quietly and taking in the stunning mountain ranges that surround us.

........ LATER THAT EVENING..........

As the bus rolled across the Cua Khan Tra Linh border into China, I couldn't help but feel like I was in for an adventure. And boy, was I right!

First of all, let me just say that the border crossing was quite an experience. There were people everywhere, shouting and pushing, trying to get their visas stamped. It was like a scene out of a chaos-filled cartoon, but with more neon lights.

But that's not even the best part. Once we were finally allowed on the bus after our visa stamps, I was greeted with a colorful array of characters. There was the lady who had brought enough snacks for a small army, the man who snored louder than a freight train, and the little old lady who kept trying to talk to me in Chinese (which I don't speak, by the way).

And let's not forget about the bus driver. He drove like he was in a Mario Kart race, swerving in and out of lanes, honking at anyone who dared to get in his way.

Despite all the craziness, I couldn't help but laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all. I mean, how often do you get to say that you've taken a bus across an international border, surrounded by a horde of interesting characters?

The day after, as dawn rises the sound of the bus engine mixes with the occasional chirping of birds and rustling of leaves in the wind. The elderly couple on the bus is now fully awake, admiring the views outside and pointing out different sights to each other.

We pass by the tranquil waters of the Penghuai Reservoir, surrounded by towering mountains. The air is fresh and clean, and the scent of pine trees fills the bus. At the Debao Red Leaves Forest Park, many of the passengers gasp in amazement at the sea of red and orange leaves that surrounds us. The students in the back of the bus are excitedly taking photos and making videos to share with their friends.

As we cross the Bahuayuan Bridge, spanning a deep gorge, the bus falls into a hushed silence. Everyone is in awe of the stunning feat of engineering that stretches out before us. I find myself seated next to a local farmer, who is returning home from visiting his son in Da Nang. He tells me about his life in the mountains, and I'm struck by his deep love and appreciation for the land.

Finally, we arrive at our destination, Enshi City, nestled in the mountains of central China. The city is surrounded by lush forests, and the air is crisp and clean.

As the bus arrives in Enshi City after a 36-hour journey from Vietnam, I feel a mixture of exhaustion and excitement. The sun is setting and casts a golden glow over the city, illuminating the buildings and streets. The winding roads take us through the city, and I admire its beauty as towering skyscrapers stand against the backdrop of lush, green hills.

Finally, the bus reaches the station and I step off, stretching my legs. The cool evening air invigorates me, and I take a deep breath, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

Arriving in Enshi City is a sensory experience full of sights, sounds, and smells that I will never forget. Despite the long and tiring journey, the memories I make and the beauty of the city make it all worth it.

I say goodbye to the travelers I've met along the way, feeling grateful for the unique experiences and perspectives I've gained from each of them.