Aditya Nigam

The world was slowly emerging from the cocoon of the first COVID-19 wave. Manali, once a bustling hill station, was now a quieter, almost ethereal place. The heavy silence was occasionally broken by the laughter of few visitors who, like you, had ventured out to find a sense of normalcy amidst the breathtaking landscapes. You had embarked on a motorcycle trip from Delhi, seeking solace in the solitude of the mountains. The plan was simple: a three-day adventure to escape the confines of city life and rediscover a bit of freedom. Little did you know that this trip would evolve into a transformative journey of the heart. Manali welcomed you with open arms, its crisp air and scenic beauty offering a balm to your weary soul. You were lost in the wonder of the mountains when fate intervened. Priya, a spirited young woman with a keen sense for both adventure and tranquility, was on a workcation. She had chosen Manali as her temporary haven, aiming to blend her professional life with a much-needed escape. The first time you saw Priya was on a sunlit morning, as she strolled along the River Beas, her laughter mingling with the soft murmur of the water. There was an immediate connection, a sense that your paths were destined to intertwine. What began as a brief encounter soon became an invitation to explore Manali together. The once fleeting three-day trip stretched into two months of shared experiences, laughter, and deep conversations. Days turned into weeks as you both navigated the meandering trails, discovered hidden cafes, and soaked in the charm of Manali. It was during these moments that you realized how seamlessly your lives were syncing. The mountains, once a backdrop, became a witness to the blossoming of a beautiful relationship. --- With Manali as the foundation of your relationship, you both were eager to continue exploring the world together. Your journeys became a series of adventures, each destination adding a new chapter to your story. Amritsar, From the sacred to the vibrant, your travels took you to Pushkar, where the colors of the desert seemed to echo the colors of your shared experiences. The annual Pushkar Fair, with its lively energy and cultural richness, was a celebration of both the festival and the newfound joy in your lives.The rugged terrains of **Lahaul-Spiti,Kashmir, with its enchanting beauty, was another gem in your journey.Ladakh, with its high-altitude beauty and rugged landscapes, was a grand adventure.International adventures beckoned next. Thailand offered a vibrant contrast to the mountainous regions you had explored. With every new destination, you were not just discovering new places but also uncovering more about each other. Your mutual love for exploration became a metaphor for your relationship—an endless journey of discovery and growth. And we decided to get married on 4th of may 2022 with lot many explorations in future and we are still exploring places together

Mithun Divakaran

I first visited Vietnam in 2019, and yes, I flew VietJet :) Back then, I chose to only focus on Ho Chi Minh City and some tourist spots in the south because I wanted to explore north of Vietnam only after I got a drone (which I now possess). I did my research and truly enjoyed my visit to Vietnam back in 2019. I was impressed by what I witnessed and even back then, I could easily tell Vietnam is a nation poised for immense growth. From the gleaming skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City's city center to developments coming up in the outer districts, I could see development everywhere. My visit to Ho Chi Minh City, a.k.a Saigon was also to learn about the past. Yes, Vietnam became globally infamous because of the decade-long war and atrocities committed by the United States. For that, a visit to the War Remnants Museum is a must to “never forget” that war. That said, once you get out of Saigon, you encounter many remnants of cultures that influenced Vietnam over centuries. From Chinese pagodas to learning about Hindu empires that once ruled many part of Vietnam. Of the few remaining Cham (Champa) temples left in Vietnam, I visited the Po Shanu Cham temple while I was in Mui Ne — another must-visit destination — especially for its sand dunes. It also made me want to read up on other Cham temples sites. If I were to return to Vietnam, I would love to explore Mỹ Sơn and UNESCO World Heritage sites there. If I were to visit Nha Trang, I would certainly visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Sure, the beaches of Nha Trang are stunning but as a Hindu, I’m always curious to learn more about the influence India and Hinduism had across Asia centuries ago. If I were to return to Vietnam, the north is surely on my to-do list. When it comes to natural beauty, now that I have a drone, I would love to capture the stunning limestone rocks of Ha Long Bay. Aerial views of Ning Minh and the river stream are already envisioned in my head. So are the rice terraces of Sapa valley and fields of Mai Chau. I would love to explore some Hmong villages too. Yes, I would explore Hanoi too but that’s mostly for all things that make a capital city great. The street food, the nightlife, the new skyscrapers — which I’m sure all good — but I’m coming to explore Vietnam for its natural beauty and culture. I can’t wait for an opportunity to capture Vietnam’s beauty on camera and showcase it on my Instagram, blog, and YouTube channel. And nothing like flying a Vietnamese airline to get to Vietnam!

IFTEKHAR AHMAD

Photography has always been more than a hobby for me—it's a way of seeing the world through a unique lens, capturing fleeting moments and preserving them for eternity. My passion for photography began during a childhood road trip when I was captivated by the vast landscapes we passed. With a simple camera in hand, I started capturing the beauty of nature, the majesty of mountains, and the tranquility of rivers. What began as a few snapshots soon evolved into a full-blown passion for documenting the world around me. As I grew older, my interest expanded beyond just landscapes. I started exploring different places, seeking out the architectural marvels that define a city's identity. The intricate details of ancient temples, the grandeur of modern skyscrapers, and the rustic charm of rural homes—all became subjects for my lens. Each structure tells a story, and I found joy in uncovering and sharing these stories through my photographs. Culture, too, became an integral part of my photographic journey. Traveling to different regions allowed me to experience diverse traditions, vibrant festivals, and everyday moments that define a community's way of life. Through my camera, I aim to capture the essence of these cultures, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience. Participating in the VietJet contest is an exciting opportunity for me to share my love for photography with a wider audience. My work is a testament to the beauty of our world, from the serene landscapes to the bustling cityscapes, and the rich cultural heritage that connects us all. Through my photos, I hope to inspire others to explore, appreciate, and preserve the world around them.

Ashish Mohandas Salian

Hello, My name is Ashish And I love traveling and exploring new culture. I have always wanted to visit Vietnam because of the people and the beautiful culture. I have always heard of how sweet and humble Vietnamese people are and how respect eachother. The next best thing I have always heard is about the food and about how many varieties of food Vietnam has to offer, I would consider myself very luck to have to try this. I'm very curious to learn the traditions and culture of the place as well. Also I would like to see how the farming and agriculture part is handled as I've heard that Vietnamese farmers are very hard working and produce the best quality agriculture. Looking forward to visit the country and show some love and learn so many things. I appreciate this opportunity very much. Càm ón