Trisha Mehta

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!

Akhil Salim

I'm thrilled to apply for the VietJet Airways photography competition, and I'm excited to share my passion for photography with you. As a budding travel photographer, I've always been driven to capture the beauty of the world through my lens and share its stories with others. My journey in photography began in college, where I won consecutive first prizes in photography competitions, fueling my desire to excel in this field. My achievements didn't stop there; I was honored to have my work recognized in prestigious contests, including: - Sony BBC Earth's top 15 photos, 2020 - UNICEF and Kerala Legislative Assembly's competition, where I emerged as the top photographer from Kollam district and became a youth climate representative for the district in 2022 My work has also been featured on the Canon Asia official website, showcasing my expertise and dedication to photography. Through my lens, I aim to showcase the hidden gems of my country and the world, inspiring others to explore and appreciate its beauty. Vietnam, with its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, is a destination that has long fascinated me. I'm eager to immerse myself in its vibrant streets, capture the essence of its people, and share its stories with the world. Winning this competition would be a dream come true, allowing me to push my creative boundaries and produce captivating images that inspire others. I'm confident that this journey would not only enhance my skills but also provide a platform to share Vietnam's beauty and magic with a wider audience. Looking forward to the opportunity to explore Vietnam and capture its essence through my lens.

Yash Sharma

Since I was a child, fashion and textiles have been at the center of my dreams, and Vietnam has become a big source of inspiration for me. Beyond its stunning landscapes, delicious food, and rich history, Vietnam’s fashion world has captured my imagination. From traditional outfits like the graceful Ao Dai and detailed Hmong dresses to its growing textile industry, Vietnam feels like a creative wonderland waiting to be explored. I dream of visiting this amazing country to dive into its fashion scene—walking through its lively textile markets, feeling its beautiful fabrics, and understanding its craftsmanship. By combining Indian and Vietnamese styles, I hope to create something special that celebrates both cultures while promoting inclusivity and sustainability. My love for fashion has always found a way to grow, even when society pushed me toward a different path. One turning point was in grade 11, when I created a marketing project focused on sustainable women's wear. That project earned me an A+ and also sparked a passion for making a real difference in the fashion world. In college, I joined a global non-profit and led a project that used Katran—waste fabric—to generate income for a women’s community. I served as the Vice President for the organisation last year and also designed 10 dresses that will be showcased in an international fashion week in May 2025. This experience strengthened my interest in sustainable fashion and started a journey I continue alongside my corporate job. Vietnam’s fashion reflects everything I admire—blending tradition with modernity, celebrating culture, and focusing on sustainability. Designers like Phuong My, Thuy Nguyen, and Bao Tranchi inspire me deeply. Bao Tranchi especially stands out with her modern take on traditional Vietnamese designs, showcased beautifully on Netflix’s Next in Fashion. These designers not only represent Vietnam on a global stage but also support sustainability, a cause that is close to my heart. Vietnam’s textile industry is thriving, offering endless inspiration. In Ho Chi Minh City, tailors create custom-made suits in just a day, while the country’s silk dresses highlight its incredible craftsmanship. My admiration grew even more when Indian beauty queens started wearing gowns by Vietnamese designers on global stages. For example, Rachel Gupta, Miss Grand International 2024, shined in a gown by Thuong Gia Ky, while Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha, looked stunning in a creation by Nha Mot. These moments felt like a perfect connection between two rich cultures. I want to visit Vietnam not just as a tourist but as a learner and collaborator. Meeting designers like Bao Tranchi or Thuy Nguyen, experiencing the vibrant fashion world, and exploring traditional clothing and fabrics would be a dream come true. By combining Indian and Vietnamese fashion, I hope to create something meaningful that honors both cultures while promoting sustainability and creativity.