Moments Along the Road

Monk Minh Tue

Walking with 28 Companions Through Thailand

Thailand

March 2025 — The 28-strong pilgrimage group walking through Thailand on their journey to India. Photo: Nguyen Phuc Loc.

Departure at Bờ Y Border Gate — 12 Dec 2024

Bờ Y, Vietnam–Laos Border

December 12, 2024 — Minh Tuệ and his companions cross the Bờ Y International Border Gate, beginning the international pilgrimage toward India. Photo: Dan Viet.

After Authorities' Intervention — June 2024

Vietnam

Early June 2024 — Authorities halted the pilgrimage after thousands spontaneously followed, causing severe traffic disruption across multiple provinces. Photo: RFA.

Thousands Spontaneously Join the Walk

Vietnam

Summer 2024 — Thousands of people from across Vietnam spontaneously joined the walk. Nobody asked them to come; they simply felt something real was happening.

Alms Round — Community Offerings

Vietnam

Each day, he walks from house to house collecting alms — accepting whatever is offered, rich or poor, without specific requests. This is strict Dhutanga practice.

The First Viral Photo — 2024

Vietnam

May 2024 — When these images appeared on social media, millions of Vietnamese people encountered Minh Tuệ for the first time. The spread far exceeded any prediction. Photo: RFA.

The Walk Through Thailand — February 2025

Thailand

February 2025 — The pilgrimage group makes its way through Thailand, facing extreme heat, visa challenges, and physical strain. Despite everything, the walk continues. Photo: RFA.

International Press Descends to Cover the Story

Vietnam

May 2024 — Dozens of journalists and reporters from domestic and international outlets converged to cover this unprecedented phenomenon. Photo: FULCRUM/ISEAS.

The Patchwork Robe — Symbol of Simplicity

Vietnam

His monk's robe is hand-sewn from fabric scraps collected along the road — one of the most striking images of his absolute simplicity that resonated deeply with the public.

Global Petition — Right to Walk in Peace

International

Early 2025 — An international petition on Change.org gathered over 1,238 signatures from 33 countries, calling for protection of Minh Tuệ's right to walk freely in peace.

Portrait of Minh Tuệ — March 2025

Thailand

Photographed by Nguyen Phuc Loc during the international pilgrimage, March 2025.

Supporters Travel from Vietnam to Bring Food

Thailand

Hundreds of supporters from Vietnam voluntarily crossed borders into neighboring countries to provide food for the pilgrimage group. Photo: Nguyen Phuc Loc.

State Media Coverage Sparks National Debate

Vietnam

June 2024 — When state broadcaster VTV aired a feature on Minh Tuệ, a wave of public debate erupted. Many viewers saw it as an attempt to damage his reputation rather than inform. Photo: Vietnam Net.

Portrait — "A Therapist for a Wounded Society"

Vietnam

Buddhistdoor Global described him as "a therapist for a wounded society" — a man whose authentic living rekindled spiritual longing in millions of Vietnamese people.

Walking on Vietnam's Roads

Vietnam

Minh Tuệ's walk across Vietnam became one of the most remarkable social phenomena in modern Vietnamese history.

By Nha Le Canal, Nghệ An Province

Nghệ An, Vietnam

Lion's Roar — one of the world's most respected Buddhist publications — featured this image in its May 2026 issue, dedicating a cover story to Minh Tuệ's pilgrimage.

Sea of People Following on the Highway

Vietnam

At the height of May 2024 — Some days saw thousands of people following him along national highways, causing extended traffic jams. Photo: VnExpress.

Documented in Malaysia

Malaysia

February 2025 — Malaysia's The Star newspaper documented the pilgrimage group as they passed through, noting extraordinary interest from the local Buddhist community.

The Community Around the Monk

Vietnam

Minh Tuệ's presence created a deeply connected community — not through organisational networks, but through authenticity and trust.

Morning Alms Walk

Vietnam

Every morning — rain or shine, crowd or solitude — he conducts the alms round according to Dhutanga rules. He eats one meal before noon, never requesting specific food.