Vietnamese Monk's Barefoot Pilgrimage to India Captivates Millions Online

Thich Minh Tue's 2,700-kilometer journey, marked by his ascetic lifestyle, has turned him into a viral sensation on social media.

Thich Minh Tue, a 44-year-old Vietnamese Buddhist monk, began his barefoot pilgrimage to India in November, covering 2,700 kilometers through Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand so far.
His minimalist lifestyle, including eating one meal a day, sleeping in a seated position, and wearing clothing salvaged from trash, has drawn admiration worldwide.
The journey has garnered massive online attention, with daily videos posted by his companions receiving up to two million views on YouTube and hundreds of thousands following his updates on Facebook.
Tue's popularity in Vietnam previously led to large gatherings that caused public disruptions, prompting authorities to intervene and temporarily remove him from public view.
The monk plans to reach India by May, but his route through Myanmar, a country in turmoil since a 2021 military coup, may face challenges due to the region's instability.