Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang

After losing a leg to cancer, Duong Thi Thanh Nga conquered one of Vietnam's most dangerous mountian and A Pao cliff in a 3-day trip to celebrate her 30th birthday.
June 13, 2022 | 07:19

Duong Thi Thanh Nga, (30 years old, residing in Gia Lai) is a single mother and businesswoman.

Two years ago, Nga had constant leg pain. After medical check-ups, doctors found a tumor in her leg and said she needed further examinations. In March 2022, Nga had the final result. It was bone cancer, as a result, she had to remove one leg.

After the surgery, Nga experienced terrible pain that she could never forget. She had to take painkillers continuously. She could not sleep, arousing feelings of despair. Her daughter and family were the driving force to lead her through the trauma. After recovery, she practices yoga, plays guitar, reads books, and travels.

Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang
Duong Thi Thanh Nga on a rocky peak. (Photo: Zing News)

On her 30th birthday, Nga took a solo trip to Ha Giang. “I hired a tour guide to ask him to drive me and show me around. We accidentally met a couple who were also on a Ha Giang trip. They became my new friends," Nga said.

In Ha Giang, the group rode to different destinations such as Dong Van plateau, Tham Ma slope, Chin Khoang slope, and the shooting scene of "Pao's story," a famous Vietnamese movie about a Hmong girl.

"When we set off, it was raining but thanks to the rain, we met an impressive sea of clouds," Nga said.

“On my birthday, my friends held a surprise party for me. Everyone gathered around a H'Mong black chicken hot pot, enjoying corn wine. It was a small and warm party,” Nga recalled.

The next day, the group set out to conquer the Ma Pi Leng pass and Nho Que river. In the afternoon, they returned to Du Gia village to enjoy local delicacies. On the third day, Nga visited Lung Tam village to learn about the plant that indigenous people use to make fabric and how they embellish their traditional costumes.

Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang
Nga and children in Ha Giang. (Photo: Zing News)
Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang
Nga and a weaving artisan named Mai. (Photo: Zing News)

The slippery road after getting off the boat station on the Nho Que river was the most difficult part, Nga said. However, she tried to overcome that one-kilometer-long trail to admire the river with her own eyes.

"I used to wish to have normal health to set foot in all the beautiful destinations, but I know it cannot come true, now I have my own way to travel around."

Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang
Overlooking the Ma Pi Leng pass. (Photo: Zing News)
Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang
In Nho Que boat station. (Photo: Zing News)

Traveling more than 350 km in three days, Nga did not feel tired, thanks to the support of her companion, and to the beautiful landscape of Ha Giang. She was welcomed by the local people, which was the greatest thing during the trip.

“Every time my bike passed, the children waved hello and smiled brightly. When I stopped by Pao's house, I complimented the big plum tree, the local people heard it and gave me a big bag of plums," she said.

In the past few years, Nga has traveled to many destinations such as Da Nang, Da Lat, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling to a new land, and discovering culture, cuisine, and people have brought her more happiness and meaning.

Single Mother with Single Leg Conquers Dangerous Hiking Route in Ha Giang
(Photo: Zing News)
Where to Visit in Ha Giang: The Divine Journey to Nho Que River

Where to Visit in Ha Giang: The Divine Journey to Nho Que River

The scenery is blended between the soft and gentle features of the river and the grandeur and craziness of the cat ear cliffs, perfect for ...

Beauty Of Ha Giang: The Unique Colors In Red Dao Women's Costumes

Beauty Of Ha Giang: The Unique Colors In Red Dao Women's Costumes

Coming to Ha Giang, tourists can not only experience the majestic natural scenery of Dong Van Karst Plateau but also marvel at the unique color ...

Photo: Stunning Peach Forest Blooms Late in Ha Giang

Photo: Stunning Peach Forest Blooms Late in Ha Giang

The weather in Ha Giang is still cold in March, which creates favorable conditions for the peach forest to bloom.

Valerie Mai