Student Survives 37 Hours Lost on Mountain With Choco Pies

When Nguyen Tuan Anh got separated from his hiking group on a foggy Vietnamese mountain, the only thing standing between him and disaster was a pack of Choco Pies in his backpack.

The 19-year-old Dai Nam University student set out with friends on April 19 to climb Tam Dao Mountain north of Hanoi. The group reached the summit at 1:40pm, but twenty minutes into their descent, Nguyen stopped to rest and lost sight of his companions.

Tam Dao Mountain is known for dangerous conditions. Branching trails and thick fog disorient even experienced hikers, and Nguyen had little hiking experience. His phone had no signal.

As darkness fell, the stranded student crawled into a rocky crevice beside a stream. For the next 37 hours, he survived on Orion Choco Pies and stream water, waiting for rescue in the cold mountain night.

When Nguyen didn't return, his friends alerted police at 6pm. Authorities launched a massive search operation involving hundreds of Vietnamese police officers, soldiers, and militia members divided into eight teams.

Rescuers found Nguyen alive at 7:15am on April 21, two days after he disappeared.

The Ripple Effect

Choco Pies were already a cultural staple in Vietnam, often exchanged as gifts during Lunar New Year celebrations. Now the South Korean snack is gaining new recognition as an emergency essential.

The chocolate-covered marshmallow treats are compact, energy-dense, and don't spoil easily. They provided enough calories and sugar to keep Nguyen alert and warm during his mountain ordeal.

Vietnamese media coverage has sparked conversations about hiking safety and proper preparation for mountain trails. Local authorities are using the incident to remind hikers to stay together, carry emergency supplies, and inform others of their plans.

The story has resonated across Southeast Asia, where Choco Pies are beloved comfort food. Social media users are sharing their own Choco Pie memories while praising the student's calm thinking under pressure.

Nguyen's survival shows how small preparations can make life-saving differences when adventure takes an unexpected turn.