Top 10 Travel Writers in Vietnam

When it comes to travel writing, the name Dương Thụy should not be overlooked. Born in 1975 in Ho Chi Minh City, Dương Thụy is a prominent female writer known for her articles in Hoa Học Trò newspaper and is now a prominent figure in the Vietnamese literary scene. She has become a bestselling young author since the publication of her debut novel, 'Oxford thương yêu,' and the collection of short stories 'Cáo già, gái già và tiểu thuyết diễm tình,' along with a series of subsequent works. With the author's real-life experiences, the travel routes unfold vividly before the reader's eyes, allowing them to immerse themselves in every word and imagine as if they are traveling to those destinations. Dương Thụy's youth is a journey through the luxurious United States, the romantic cities of Europe, and a full embrace of Asia. The author has released many travel books that have gained popularity among a wide readership. The most notable ones include 'Tôi nghĩ tôi thích nước Mỹ,' 'Venise và những cuộc tình gondola,' 'Oxford yêu thương,' and more.

Dương Thụy is now a well-known female writer in Vietnam. She is famous for the book 'Oxford thương yêu,' with a reprint frequency of ten times in two years, totaling 41,500 copies. Dương Thụy can be considered a representative writer for the 1970s generation. In addition, she has many short stories and articles published in various newspapers and magazines such as Sài Gòn Giải Phóng, Tuổi Trẻ, Thanh Niên, Sinh viên Việt Nam, and stories included in other anthologies. In 1999: Second Prize 'Hương Đầu Mùa' by Sinh Viên Việt Nam newspaper. In 2004: Second Prize 'Truyện ngắn hay năm 2004' by Tiếp thị và Gia đình newspaper. In 2005: Third Prize 'Văn học tuổi hai mươi.' In March 2011, on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Trẻ Publishing House, writer Dương Thụy was awarded a certificate of merit by the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

Phan Việt, born in 1978, graduated from the Foreign Trade University in 2000, then pursued a Master's degree in Telecommunications in the United States from 2002. She is also a doctoral student in Social Work at Chicago University, USA. The author, born in 1978, with her incredibly lonely journeys, infuses a melancholic tone into her literary style. Her most famous series, 'Unhappiness is an Asset,' consists of 3 books recounting her travel experiences around the world: 'Alone in Europe,' 'Crossing America,' and 'America, America.' Her life unfolds on the pages of books, but her travel books are unlike those of other authors. Readers are startled by the rawness of the stories she tells, stories that are so authentic that they tug at the listener's heartstrings.

In the current young literary scene, author Phan Việt is considered a pioneer in heralding a new direction for modern Vietnamese literature. Until now, Phan Việt is trying to break free from the 'ambiguous' path she is on. Her time in the U.S. was also when Phan Việt began writing. However, at that time, she considered becoming a professional writer to be an elusive dream. Preconceptions such as writers only knowing how to dream, lacking practicality, going against society, and being 'poor' hindered her. Everything was not as she thought, in the modern land of freedom like the U.S. which changed everything. Contemporary academia made her change her thinking and realize, 'I can do anything, be any kind of writer I want.'

Ngô Thị Giáng Uyên, born in 1981, graduated from the University of Foreign Trade in Ho Chi Minh City. The romantic writer has taken readers from one journey to another, sharing fascinating experiences. Having traveled to more than 30 countries worldwide, each place becomes a small story, and these small stories have been presented in highly acclaimed travel works. The work 'My fingers still smell of lavender' is considered the author's most successful book. It is a memoir of Giáng Uyên's study abroad in England, traveling alone through 14 beautiful European countries. Other works by Giáng Uyên include: Fragrant bread, bitter coffee, green living.

'My fingers still smell of lavender' was first published by Youth Publishing House in 2007. At that time, travel books were not widely written, and it can be said that Ngô Thị Giáng Uyên was one of the pioneers. The book quickly gained the love of many readers and was soon reprinted. With graceful writing and delicate perception, Ngô Thị Giáng Uyên allows readers to explore a distant and charming Europe, full of allure and fascination. My fingers still smell of lavender is the title of the article about Switzerland - also Uyên's last European trip before the book was born. The scent of lavender wafting from a flower shop on the old streets of Zurich still lingers on her fingers as the author leaves the city, becoming a cherished memory. And through the pages of the book, that fragrance also becomes an unforgettable impression of the work.

Trương Anh Ngọc, born in 1976 in Hanoi, is a current affairs reporter and sports journalist. The author has spent a long time living and working in Italy. The beautiful boot-shaped country has become an integral part of the author's soul. Anh has dedicated a book to his love for Italy, titled 'Italy, my love story,' recounting the places the author has visited. From the Milvio Bridge of love to the Trevi Fountain, addressing the issue of the mafia... Italy in the author's heart is always beautiful, always romantic. Not simply a travel book, each story carries a history, a deep Italian love, as Trương Anh Ngọc once said: 'And if you love, don't ask why, and don't seek an answer to that.' After nearly 4 years of work in Italy, Anh Ngọc decided to introduce his first essay called Italy, my love story as part of the Italy-Vietnam Cultural Cooperation Program on May 23, 2012.

The book is published and distributed by the company Nha Nam. The framework of the book has been sketched by him and journalist Yên Ba since 2007, including more than 20 articles and photos, capturing moments when he lived in this country. He confides that the book is 'a gift of gratitude to the audience, old readers, and at the same time brings to the young generation of our time.' Overall, Italy, my love story has received many positive reviews from readers. Journalist Yên Ba believes that the book is 'a 'coin' that Anh Ngọc has given to you, to throw into the Trevi Fountain, it will help you come to Italy.' While journalist Nguyễn Trương Quý thinks that the author writes in a 'commentary style on football with sincere love,' and journalist Nguyễn Lương Phán highly praises the fact that the book is not overwhelmed by emotions. Photographer Dương Minh Long commented that the book has shown Anh Ngọc's special love for this country. The book was later introduced in the Everyday A Book program on VTV1 Vietnam Television channel.

Bùi Mai Hương, born in 1978, is a young generation author in the travel genre. She is currently a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. She introduces her book 'Rendezvous with Europe,' documenting her emotions and memories during her journeys around Europe throughout her study abroad period. While belonging to the travel genre, her book is far from dry; instead, it is romantic and captivating for readers. The most impressive part is her journey through the Alps, where she lived for 3 years, a place filled with deep and poignant memories.

Continuing the trend of writing travel books, author Bùi Mai Hương presents the work 'Rendezvous with Europe.' The book doesn't focus on recounting the travels but rather the emotional odyssey. With Rendezvous with Europe, you have the opportunity to admire a beautiful and soulful Europe through each written word. The main character is a Hanoi girl full of emotions and artistic flair. She considers Europe as a lover, and the book records gentle, romantic rendezvous. The lyrics of a familiar song from the people of the Alps - 'I run up the hill when my heart feels lonely' (A song from the Alps) - sparks memories in the romantic relationship with Europe.

Anh Khang, born in 1987 in Ho Chi Minh City, is a versatile individual who, besides his work in PR-Marketing, occasionally ventures into the roles of an MC and music composition. Even as a student, he was a familiar name to readers of the Weekend Business Saigon newspaper. Anh Khang is now an editor for a media company. A delightful quirk that brings the young writer closer to readers is the abundance of Doraemon images on his personal Facebook. He can be considered a fervent fan of this robotic cat, amassing a collection ranging from pencil sharpeners, pens, stuffed bears, ceramic cups, and other adorable items.

In addition, one of Anh Khang's hobbies is traveling both domestically and internationally. The young writer has traveled across various Asian countries with his family and friends. Anh Khang isn't specialized in diary writing; his works often fall into the genres of essays and short stories about love. He acknowledges that making readers 'feel interested in a land they have never set foot in' is extremely challenging. The work 'Wherever I go, I remember Saigon and you' is Anh Khang's debut diary, describing journeys through European countries such as Greece, Italy, Germany, then crossing the Sahara Desert, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Traveling extensively, gaining understanding, cherishing memories, the author eventually realizes that 'nowhere is happier than home.'
'Though far, the heart remains
Wherever I go, I remember Saigon and you.'

Hoàng Yến Anh, a writer from the 80s generation, was born and raised in the sunny and windy Central region of Vietnam. She describes herself as an 'outsider to literature.' Before gaining fame with the work 'Under the European Sun,' she attracted many readers with her blogs. The travelogue 'Under the European Sun' was written during her days studying Economics in Germany. Her dreamy soul guided her through the roads of England, Austria, Poland, then to Germany, France, Italy... Each journey was an interesting experience for Hoàng Yến Anh to record and form a bond with the literary profession.

She became known through 'Under the European Sun.' The girl in 'Under the European Sun' by Hoàng Yến Anh is captivated by the gentle and sweet European landscapes: 'I wonder why there is such a beautiful and romantic garden, but the people of Poland don't come to enjoy it. Perhaps they are too familiar with this, or because Wroclaw is always peaceful and comfortable everywhere? I release my long hair nurtured for many years by the small stream and immerse myself in the beauty of autumn...'.

Nguyễn Phương Mai was born in 1976 in Hanoi and currently holds a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communication. She is a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Having traveled to over 80 countries, she has enriched her knowledge of various cultures, people, and their lifestyles. Dr. Phương Mai has distilled her experiences into two travel books, namely 'I Am a Donkey' and 'The Islamic Path.' For Phương Mai, traveling is about experiencing, with a deep desire to be known and filled. She once said, 'If you don't get covered in moss from traveling, who will listen?'

Nguyễn Phương Mai started writing for newspapers at the age of 15, published her first book at 17, and became one of the youngest editors-in-chief in Vietnam at the age of 24. She has visited more than 100 countries and published two books, 'I Am a Donkey' and 'The Islamic Path.' At the Amsterdam School of International Business (AMSIB) and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Nguyễn Phương Mai conducts research and teaches in the fields of intercultural management, diversity/equity/inclusion, Asian corporate culture, Middle Eastern culture and Islam, negotiation, and instructional design.

Huyền Chip, born in 1990, is a highly acclaimed author in the travel literature genre today, with both the message and the title of her book, 'Pack Your Backpack and Go.' In 2014, Huyền Chip went to the United States for her studies at Stanford University, graduating with a master's degree in Computer Science. She has worked at top global technology companies such as Netflix and NVIDIA. At the end of 2019, she unexpectedly announced her departure from NVIDIA after just one year to start her own AI company, Snorkel. In a post on her personal fan page, Huyền Chip stated that she would return to her alma mater, Stanford University, to teach a new course titled “Machine Learning Systems Design - How to design, build, and deploy artificial intelligence programs in real life” from January 2021. Some of Huyền Chip's online lectures are now available on Stanford University's YouTube channel.

Huyền Chip spent three years traveling to over 25 countries. Currently, she has returned to her studies and is a student at Stanford University. Her journey has left many audiences in awe because it is incredibly real, down to every detail. “Africa, to me, is a continent of intense emotions. I have never felt as vulnerable as in Africa: extremely lonely, physically exhausted, hungry, abandoned, haunted by the disease of the century.” Reading Huyền Chip's book, one wonders: How long is enough for an experience? Is the shift for escape or for seeking stability?

Di Li, whose real name is Nguyễn Diệu Linh, born on June 3, 1978, in Hanoi. She studied at Viet Duc High School, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in German and English at Hanoi University of Foreign Studies, and earned a Master's degree in Educational Management at Hanoi University of Education. Currently, she is an English lecturer at Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism. Di Li is a member of the Hanoi Writers' Association, the Vietnam Writers' Association, and the Asia-Pacific Writers and Translators Association. 'The Red Flower Camp' is her debut horror detective novel.

Di Li engages in various genres: travel literature, detective stories, short stories, among which travel literature has brought her the most significant success. To date, she has released 3 travel literature works: 'Paradise Island,' 'The Kiss in Rome,' and 'And the Snow Fell Outside the Window.' Through her travel literature, Di Li provides readers with travel guides, introduces the cultures of various countries, and inspires a passion for learning, urging people to embark on exciting experiences.