How Vietnam—and Love—Changed My Life Forever
Sometimes life takes you places you never expected, and in those moments, everything can change. That’s exactly what happened to me when I decided to take a group tour through Vietnam. At the time, I was just looking for a break—a chance to explore a new country, immerse myself in its culture, and tick off a dream destination. What I didn’t realize was that this trip wouldn’t just be a short adventure; it would lead me to a new home, a new purpose, and the love of my life.
It all started in Ninh Binh, one of the most breathtaking places in Vietnam. Known as the "Ha Long Bay on Land," it’s a region of lush rice paddies, winding rivers, and dramatic limestone karsts that seem to rise out of nowhere. Every corner of Ninh Binh feels steeped in history and legend, from ancient temples hidden in caves to villages where traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. I had been looking forward to visiting Ninh Binh since the itinerary was announced, but nothing could have prepared me for how unforgettable that day would be—not because of the place itself, but because of the person I met there.
A Meeting That Changed Everything
Our local tour guide for the day was Dung. From the moment she stepped onto the bus, wearing a pink ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional dress), she had a quiet presence that captivated everyone, including me. Her smile was warm and radiant, but there was a certain shyness about her, too, that made her seem almost ethereal—like she didn’t belong entirely to this world.
I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Our group, which consisted mostly of older travelers and me, a solo adventurer, quickly picked up on the connection between us. They weren’t shy about making it obvious either. The tour director and a few well-meaning group members went so far as to rearrange seating to make sure I ended up next to Dung. Normally, I’d find something like that awkward, but in this case, I was grateful for the opportunity.
As we rode the bus to our first destination, Dung introduced herself. She spoke softly about her life and her beliefs, sharing that she was single and “very traditional.” She believed in long courtships—at least two years before marriage—and worried that her age (which I never would have guessed) might make her ineligible for a partner. Hearing her talk so openly and humbly left me in awe. She seemed so grounded, so genuine. I was immediately drawn to her.
Discovering Ninh Binh Together
Our day in Ninh Binh was nothing short of magical. We started with a boat ride along the Tam Coc River, a place so serene it felt like stepping into another time. The river twisted and turned through caves and alongside towering limestone cliffs, the water reflecting the lush greenery like a mirror. Local rowers navigated the boats with their feet, a unique skill that left us all in awe. The quiet was broken only by the occasional chirp of birds and the splash of oars—a peaceful contrast to the bustling cities we’d come from.
Throughout the ride, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Dung. At first, I tried to focus on the scenery, but somehow my camera always seemed to point in her direction. I didn’t realize until later that almost all of my photos from that day featured her. She caught me more than once, flashing me a smile that made my heart race every time.
Next, we visited Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient temple built into the side of a limestone mountain. Reaching it meant climbing a series of steep stone steps, each level revealing something new—a peaceful shrine here, a breathtaking view there. At the highest point, we sat in the shade of the temple, surrounded by the hum of nature and the faint scent of incense. Without saying a word, Dung and I began to meditate. In that silence, something unspoken passed between us. It was a connection that words couldn’t describe, but I felt it deeply. In that moment, I realized I wanted to know everything about her.
A Life-Changing Evening
As the day came to an end, our tour director gave me a nudge, encouraging me to ask Dung out. My heart was pounding. I’d faced high-pressure situations before—whether in emergency medicine or through various survival training scenarios—but this was different. Approaching Dung felt like the most nerve-wracking thing I’d ever done. Still, I gathered my courage and asked if she’d like to grab coffee.
She said no.
My heart sank. But then, with that same radiant smile, she asked if I’d like to join her in feeding the homeless that evening. Every Wednesday, she explained, she prepared meals and distributed them to those in need—not as part of a group, but entirely on her own initiative. I agreed immediately, grateful for another chance to see her.
That night, her friend picked me up on a motorbike, and we zipped through the lively streets of Hanoi. The city was electric—motorbikes wove through traffic like a chaotic dance, the air was thick with the aroma of street food, and neon lights reflected off the damp pavement. When we arrived, I saw Dung handing out food with a warmth and compassion that seemed to light up the night. Watching her interact with people, treating everyone with the same respect and kindness, was humbling. She wasn’t just beautiful—she was extraordinary.
Her friends surprised us that evening with a joint birthday celebration, complete with cake and candles on the sidewalk. It was spontaneous, heartfelt, and utterly magical. By the end of the night, I knew I had found someone truly special.
The Birth of E&D Vietnam Adventures
Leaving Vietnam the next morning was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I knew I couldn’t let things end there. Back home, I rearranged my entire life. I switched to night shifts so I could talk to Dung during her evenings, sold or donated most of my belongings, and booked a return flight as soon as I could. When I came back, we got married, and my life changed forever.
Since then, Dung and I have built a life together in Vietnam, exploring every corner of this incredible country. We’ve trekked through remote villages, camped on mountaintops, and discovered hidden temples most people never see. Every day is an adventure, and through it all, my love for both Dung and Vietnam has grown.
Together, we founded E&D Vietnam Adventures to share this incredible country with the world. For us, this company is about more than just travel—it’s about connection, community, and giving back. We want people to experience Vietnam in a way that goes beyond the usual tourist trail. Our tours are designed to immerse travelers in the local culture, support small businesses, and create opportunities for communities to thrive.
Whether it’s rowing through the caves of Tam Coc, meditating at Bich Dong Pagoda, or sharing a meal with a local family, our goal is to help you discover the heart of Vietnam. And along the way, we hope to leave a positive impact—because travel should be as much about giving back as it is about discovery.
E&D Vietnam Adventures is more than just a business for us—it’s a way to share the things we love most about Vietnam with others. We hope that through our tours, visitors will not only discover the incredible beauty and culture of this country but also connect with its people in a way that leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Every journey we offer is a reflection of our own experiences—of finding love, discovering purpose, and embracing the spirit of giving. We invite you to join us on this journey, to explore the true essence of Vietnam, and to leave with memories that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
