Buzz
1. Nguyen Chi Linh
On his personal page, in his writings, or during conversations, Nguyen Chi Linh often proudly identifies himself as a true countryman, from his attire to his way of thinking and interacting. Before his passion for writing, this 'country man' was an avid traveler. The business trips of a marketing professional didn’t seem enough for him, so he negotiated with his boss to take one month off without pay each year to... travel. To extend his trips, he would add holidays and vacation days. Having visited all 63 provinces in Vietnam, he has also explored over 90 countries worldwide, including serene lands and picturesque landscapes.
After his first book, *Four Seasons in the Land of the Rising Sun*, Nguyen Chi Linh continued with *Along the Silk Road of South Asia*. His travel writings capture the journey to rediscover the golden, bustling days of ancient traders. He reflects, “It felt like the vibrant energy of being 13, dreaming of ancient merchant caravans with camels, their rough loads crossing the scorching desert heat, harsh winds, and the bone-chilling cold to reach Istanbul, Rome, and Venice.”
Some of his notable works:
2. Truong Anh Ngoc
In the booming travel literature genre, Truong Anh Ngoc, a man who is not a professional writer, has been fiercely competing against a wave of female authors who are achieving great success with their books. Readers are curious about how they travel, live, and write, especially when the author is a woman who has overcome numerous barriers, both mental and physical, to explore new lands, cultures, and languages. For a man to attract readers for his books in this genre is a significant challenge. Editor Nha Nam commented on Anh Ngoc's first book: “Anh Ngoc’s book sells in numbers comparable to those of female authors.” Anh Ngoc humorously added: “I may be considered a lion in the commentary cabin, but when it comes to writing books, I’m compared to female authors.”
The books of Truong Anh Ngoc are never just tragic tales. His writing, though raw and poignant, is also majestic, exuding a zest for life and a deep desire to live. On the paths he has traveled, Truong Anh Ngoc refuses to follow the touristy, safe routes. He takes the path of a journalist, aware of the dangers yet still ventures forth, daring yet fully alert. His books offer perspectives and emotions that even if we set foot in those distant places, we may never fully experience.
Some of his notable works:
- *A Thousand Days in Italy, A Thousand Days of Love*: Link
3. Nguyen Huu Tai
Nguyen Huu Tai is a prominent author from the 8X Collection of the Van Hoa - Van Nghe Publishing House. He holds a master’s degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Maryland (USA), working in a completely different field from his literary pursuits, but writing is not just a habit for him; it’s a passion. Through his books, Nguyen Huu Tai has shared 19 articles about his travels to countries across three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. His destinations aren’t always famous tourist spots, but often random, uncharted places.
What makes Nguyen Huu Tai's travel writing stand out is his witty tone and deep reflections on life. In his works, he offers unique insights that are hard to find on Google. For example, he explains why people in Bangladesh constantly wave their hands like in a dance while carrying incense sticks, or how, despite the blistering 40-degree heat, the Baitul Mukarram Mosque remains cool even for barefoot visitors. He also shares what one can see when standing on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich. Professor Ho Khanh Van from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City remarked that reading Nguyen Huu Tai’s books feels like traveling with him. Readers don’t just see the sights; they also experience life’s stories and the human condition. 'His travel writing doesn’t just describe; it narrates. It’s not just about the landscapes, but the stories that live within them. The tales stretch longer than the vast empty roads in the sky, the winding paths on earth, pulling the listener into an endless journey.'”
Some of his notable works:
4. Do Quang Tuan Hoang
The writing style of Do Quang Tuan Hoang is unique, following a distinct approach. While many other authors write from a personal perspective based on their own experiences, Tuan Hoang seeks out fascinating characters and details wherever he goes. His goal is to uncover and share the cultural treasures of each region, helping readers understand the core values of local cultures. This drive stems from his background as both a journalist and a tourism professional, having led many expeditions to remote, lesser-known corners of the country. As a result, Tuan Hoang is always in search of the unique cultural traits of each ethnic group and region.
More specifically, Do Quang Tuan Hoang is passionate about developing sustainable tourism. He believes that tourism is a powerful tool for bringing indigenous peoples back to the center of attention while preserving the distinctive cultures of their regions. Whether in the North, across the sun-scorched central plains, or in the water-filled southern regions, Tuan Hoang’s works reflect a longing to preserve the beauty and deep love for his homeland. This sentiment is the soul that permeates his writings.
Some of his notable works:
5. Nguyen Phuong Mai
Writer Nguyen Phuong Mai found her passion for writing at an early age, even working as a secretary for the Hoa Hoc Tro newspaper at just 24 years old. She now works as a lecturer at a university in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, while also pursuing her career as a freelance journalist. Her writing style, which blends journalism and literature with wit and profound knowledge of culture, history, and religion, keeps readers engaged even when tackling complex topics and terminology.
In her book *I Am a Donkey*, Nguyen Phuong Mai chronicles a journey lasting over a year, spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, following the path of human migration. The places she visits are not the typical high-priced tourist spots, but rather, regions that most people only hear about in documentaries or news reports. True to her nature, Phuong Mai embarks on this journey in the most humble manner—choosing second-class train tickets and winding roads. Despite the challenges, this journey has brought her invaluable experiences that many can only dream of achieving.
Some of her notable works:
6. Duong Thuy
It’s no surprise that author Duong Thuy ranks first on Mytour’s list. While many young writers in the travel genre simply describe the beauty of various regions, Duong Thuy stands out by blending rich cultural insights into captivating love stories. This unique approach ensures that her books are not dry narratives, but rather a harmonious combination of travel writing and emotional depth.
Duong Thuy’s writing is both professional and imaginative. Her skillful interweaving of cultural context with compelling characters provides readers not only with an understanding of each country’s culture but also a deeper glimpse into the people’s character and their unique habits. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy both romance and travel. Although Duong Thuy has traveled to many countries for work or as part of a tour group, her books are best suited for readers looking to explore through the pages rather than for those seeking adventure travel tips. She also writes children's books, which might pique the interest of younger readers or those looking for something lighter.
Some of her notable works:
7. Dinh Hang
Dinh Hang is a travel blogger and the author of two popular books: *Too Young to Die* and *Endless Feet*. Known for her authentic and relatable writing style, she draws deeply from her personal experiences during her travels. Every word she writes is a reflection of her own journey, offering readers a glimpse into her thoughts and emotions as she visits new places. Hang graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, and she has worked in various fields related to travel. This diverse background helped fuel her bold decision to spend six months alone in the United States, where she wrote her captivating travel memoir.
Her books allow readers to feel as though they've been to the same places she has. Filled with useful travel tips and heartfelt stories about interactions with strangers, her writing brings a personal touch to each experience. Hang’s books often weave in moments of joy, frustration, and even moments of despair, revealing her emotional journey alongside her physical travels. Her works are especially helpful for those considering backpacking adventures, as they delve into practical matters like transportation, accommodations, and navigating the unknown.
Some of her notable works:
8. Phan Viet
Phan Viet, born in 1987, is an author known for her short stories, novels, and travel books. After graduating from Hanoi University of Foreign Trade, she went on to earn a PhD from the University of Chicago. Unlike many other travel writers, Phan Viet has always had a deep connection with writing, having published poetry and short stories from a young age. While Dương Thụy’s writing is light and approachable, Phan Viet’s works are more complex, challenging, and certainly appeal to a more specific audience.
Phan Viet is not primarily a travel writer—she has only published three books on travel, which are deeply personal reflections of her own experiences. After these works, she returned to her focus on writing novels. As a writer, Phan Viet has an incredibly sharp understanding of human nature and often writes stories that reflect the lives of others, with whom she shares a profound empathy.
Some of her notable works:
