Man sells house in Hanoi, returns to Ninh Binh to become... "country boy"

Early morning in Ban Sau, (Ky Phu, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh), fresh and peaceful air covers the whole area.

The family of Mr. Tran Van Tuong (41 years old) wakes up later than when they were in Hanoi, not rushing to prepare for a busy working day. The whole family gathers around the dining table, enjoying breakfast.

The son happily told his parents about his dreams last night, while Mr. Tuong and Ms. Mai Sau (36 years old) discussed work together, no longer worried about time or rushing to the company.

"This is the life I want," Mr. Tuong shared after moving from Hanoi to live in Ninh Binh.

Mr. Tuong's family is happy with their new life in Ninh Binh.

The road from the city to the countryside

Mr. Tuong was born in Gia Vien, Ninh Binh, but spent most of his adult life and career in Hanoi. Graduated from Thanh Do University with a major in Vietnamese Studies, Mr. Tuong has more than 10 years of experience as a domestic and international tour guide.

After that, he turned to being an event host and specialized in organizing team building programs (an activity organized in the form of courses or games), with a stable income. His life always revolves around work, dynamism and discovery trips.

Meanwhile, his wife, Ms. Sau, graduated from the Faculty of Tourism at Hanoi Open University. She currently runs an airline ticket office, working mainly through online platforms and managing her work via computer.

Family life was stable, however, when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, everything was turned upside down. Work stagnated, income was unstable, and the pressure of life weighed increasingly heavily on the couple's shoulders.

They began to make long-term plans to change their lives, looking for an escape from the fatigue of the Capital. They wanted a place to return to after stressful working hours, a space where their children could play comfortably without being constrained by the pace of city life.

"Living in Hanoi has given me many opportunities, but it has also left me feeling exhausted. Traffic congestion, air pollution, and busy work have always put my family in a state of stress.

We started to crave a fresh living space, a place where we could relax and enjoy life after tiring working days," he shared about the reason for deciding to find a new place to live.

Before leaving Hanoi, he discussed with his wife and decided to choose Ninh Binh as the place to stay for a long time. This is also Mr. Tuong's hometown. When the decision was made, he prepared very carefully, learning about the living environment and job opportunities in Ninh Binh.

Mr. Tuong bought a piece of land in Ban Sau, Ky Phu, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh, and converted it into a place to live.

The decision to move here was not an easy one, as the family faced many major changes in their lives. However, they all agreed with this choice because they wanted a living space closer to nature and less stressful. However, they sometimes felt hesitant, especially when they had to leave their old friends and long-standing relationships in Hanoi.

In March 2021, while the pandemic was still complicated, Mr. Tuong's family decided to buy a plot of land in Ban Sau, Ky Phu, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh - a land where they had never known anyone before. The distance from here to their hometown Gia Vien is 25km, close enough to connect but far enough to enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Although they already owned the land, they were in no rush to move back. The family maintained their jobs in Hanoi, their children continued their studies, while preparing for life in the new place. By August 2023, he had begun renovating the old house so he could return on weekends, gradually adapting to the rural lifestyle.

The real turning point came in May 2024, when he and his family decided to leave Hanoi to settle in Ban Sau. This was a big decision, not only for work but also for a complete change in living environment and relationships.

Mr. Tuong's house is surrounded by mountains, forests and trees.

The days of being a "country boy"

In Ninh Binh, his family's life changed dramatically. No more rushed mornings in the middle of crowded traffic or late nights at work, instead there were peaceful days in the middle of nature, leisurely afternoons in the garden and perfect moments with family.

He continues to work, but in a more flexible way. "I work remotely, focusing on projects that fit the current situation. Although the income is not as high as before, the cost of living here is lower, and most importantly, we feel happier," he shared.

One obvious change is the way children are educated. Last year, his family experimented with homeschooling, so that their children could play, explore nature, and learn in the most natural way.

"He's adapted very well, and we have more time together than ever, and his health has also improved being away from the polluted air in Hanoi," he said.

However, the journey of "leaving the city to return to the countryside" was not entirely smooth. Initially, adapting to the new lifestyle, finding ways to maintain income and building relationships in the community was a big challenge.

"I was used to the fast-paced, high-intensity work environment in the city, so when I came here, I had to learn to slow down, be more patient and find joy in simple things," he shared.

In addition, the difference in culture and lifestyle between the city and the countryside also made it take him time to adapt. "At first, I felt quite strange, but gradually, I realized that people here live very close and sincerely, and that helped me feel like this is really home," he said.

After living in Ban Sau for a while, Mr. Tuong realized that his perspective on life had changed significantly. If before, he was running after work and the pressures of the city, now he has learned to live slowly, cherish every moment and simple joys.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of life in Hanoi, Mr. Tuong enjoys life with his children in the peaceful countryside.

"I spend more time with my family, planting trees, gardening, breathing fresh air. We not only live but also truly enjoy life," he shared.

He also plans to get more involved in community activities, find ways to connect with local people, and develop projects related to sustainable tourism and environmental protection. "I want to create a living model that is both modern and close to nature, so that not only my family but many others can enjoy this peaceful life," he said.

As for Hanoi, he shared that he will not return to live permanently, but will still return occasionally to visit friends and relatives and participate in work events.

"Hanoi is still an important place for me, but I feel that the current lifestyle in Ninh Binh is more suitable for my family," said Mr. Tuong.

For those who are considering leaving the city to return to their hometown, Mr. Tuong believes that the most important thing is to clearly define your desires and goals. "Don't think that returning to the countryside is an easy way out. It requires careful preparation, from finances, work to psychology. The most important thing is that you must truly love this life," he shared.

Rural life lacks the conveniences of the city, the pace of life is slower, but in return, it brings relaxation, closeness to nature and especially family bonding. If you are willing to accept these changes, it can be a good decision.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/doi-song/nguoi-dan-ong-ban-nha-o-ha-noi-ve-ninh-binh-lam-nguoi-nha-que-20250404164019293.htm