Sumit Guleria

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!

Raghu Vamsi Kadiri

As the Founder of the Marpu Foundation, my dream of visiting Vietnam goes beyond mere exploration; it’s a journey rooted in my passion for environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and community empowerment. Vietnam’s rich history, resilient people, and breathtaking landscapes have long captivated me. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, I see Vietnam as a country that blends tradition with modernity, much like the communities we work with in India. My work at Marpu Foundation focuses on promoting sustainable development, and I am particularly inspired by Vietnam’s efforts in areas like renewable energy, water conservation, and education. This trip will offer me valuable insights into how Vietnam has made such impressive progress, and I aim to bring these learnings back to improve the lives of the underprivileged communities Marpu Foundation serves. Vietnam’s resilience in overcoming the devastation of war, rebuilding itself into a thriving nation, is a powerful example that I hope to learn from and apply to our efforts in helping communities rise above their challenges in India. I believe that cultural exchange is key to personal growth, and by immersing myself in Vietnamese culture, I will gain a deeper understanding of how to foster inclusivity and adaptability values that are crucial for our work. Visiting places like the National Defense Academy and learning from Vietnam’s development model will not only enrich me personally but also equip me with practical knowledge to guide new projects in India. For instance, I am eager to explore Vietnam’s water conservation techniques and apply them to our ongoing borewell and water plant initiatives in rural India. Additionally, witnessing the innovative use of solar energy in Vietnam’s villages can inspire us to expand our solar lamp-making projects. This trip is not just about learning; it’s about creating a lasting social impact. By fostering cross-cultural collaborations between India and Vietnam, I hope to build partnerships that will lead to joint projects in education, sustainability, and community development. My journey to Vietnam will also serve as a story of inspiration for the youth we work with, showing them that global citizenship is within reach and that dreams can lead to tangible change. In selecting me for the VietJet Love Connection – Dreams Take Flight program, VietJet will not only fulfill a personal dream but also contribute to the long-term development of underprivileged communities in India. This journey will be a testament to how global experiences can drive local impact, and I am committed to bringing back insights that will empower the communities Marpu Foundation serves. This is a dream with purpose a chance to connect, learn, and inspire change.

Priyanshi Bhaumik

I'm a student studying in med school. I have a tiring schedule and life in front of me. I get vwey Little holidays and its my biggest dream to get to vietnam with my little sister. Shes 7 years younger than me and we both love the culture and vibes of the country. It feel like everytime we schedule a trip something goes wrong and it gets cancelled. I hope you can make it happen for us. Please please.