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Travellive Media Group's Hotlist 2024 includes 28 categories across 5 fields: Hospitality, Destination, Tour, Tech, and Individual Honors. The nominations for Hotlist 2024 were selected by Travellive Media Group's reputable editors with input from the Expert Advisory Board.
Below, Travellive introduces 12 inspiring travel figures of 2024 in the Individual Honors category, including: Tran Quang Vinh, Tran Dang Dang Khoa, Tran Tuan Viet, Khoai Lang Thang (Dinh Vo Hoai Phuong), Helly Tong (Tong Khanh Linh), Nhi Dang, Tam Bui, Ly Thanh Co, Ha La La (Bui Viet Ha), Vinh Gau (Le Viet Vinh), Quy Coc Tu (Ngo Tran Hai An), Fahoka Xe Dich (Pham Hoan Khai).
Individual Honors - Inspiring Travel Figures of 2024
1. Tran Quang Vinh
Quang Vinh is an inspiring travel blogger, nổi with his active role in promoting quality travel services. In 2016, he transitioned from singing to creating a travel vlog series called "Quang Vinh Passport," specializing in reviewing famous destinations both domestically and internationally. Having visited over 30 places in 2024 alone, Quang Vinh is an inspiring figure on his journey to promote tourism and cuisine in many places around the world, providing authentic travel information to his viewers.
Despite undertaking numerous trips, his content is always meticulously produced and attracts audience attention. Most notably, his vlog series "American Dream" documents his memorable journey in the United States. Although his work may seem easy, it actually requires significant effort and time to create high-quality content. To date, Quang Vinh has explored 50 countries and continues his journey, aiming to spread his love of travel and broaden people's perspectives on the world.
2. Tran Dang Dang Khoa
Tran Dang Dang Khoa is known for his journey around the world by motorbike and car with Vietnamese license plates. This trip is not only about promoting the image of Vietnam to the world but also about conveying aspirations, dreams, and the courage to pursue them. This is his second trip, and he can be considered the first Vietnamese person to circumnavigate the world by land and personal vehicle.
The message he wants to convey to everyone is: "Pursue your dreams; everything is possible if you are truly passionate and strive with both your heart and mind." Tran Dang Dang Khoa is not only a passionate traveler but also a symbol of belief and determination, encouraging everyone to dare to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their own journey.
3. Tran Tuan Viet
Tran Tuan Viet, a renowned photographer dubbed "The man who brings images of Vietnam to the world," has made his mark with three cross-Vietnam journeys and dozens of photography trips showcasing Vietnamese tourism and culture. Notably, he had the opportunity to travel to the United States to organize an exhibition promoting Vietnamese tourism for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hollywood.
In September 2024, Tran Tuan Viet held a solo exhibition titled “Destination Vietnam” in Los Angeles, showcasing 93 photographs reflecting the beauty of Vietnam's tourism, culture, UNESCO heritage, and cinematic potential. This exhibition was part of the largest tourism and film promotion project in Vietnam's history, aiming to introduce the country to Hollywood and attract international attention. With passion and creativity, Tran Tuan Viet not only captured beautiful moments but also spread images of Vietnam and its people to the world.
4. Sweet Potato (by Dinh Vo Hoai Phuong)
As one of Vietnam's most followed YouTubers, Khoai Lang Thang inspires travel, lifestyle, and exploration through his authentic and energetic videos. In 2024, despite only undertaking four trips, his journey to Madagascar, Africa, left a profound impression. The Baobab Avenue, with its wild and majestic beauty – one of the most stunning scenes on his trip – provided Khoai Lang Thang with unforgettable experiences and inspired millions of his followers.
Khoai Lang Thang explores content with an authentic, simple, positive perspective and unique experiences from his journeys wandering the world, creating great inspiration for the community of travel enthusiasts.
5. Helly Tong (Tong Qingling)
Tong Khanh Linh, also known as Helly Tong, is a lifestyle and travel blogger who often shares philosophical thoughts and life experiences from her travels. She loves art and values a green, simple, and compassionate lifestyle. Since January 2024, Helly has frequently worked domestically and traveled internationally, visiting many places such as the United States, Bali, Bhutan, Germany, and Austria.
She also explored Con Dao, Ho Tram, and Hoi An – where she participated in Arabesque Vietnam's contemporary dance performance "Straw," impressed by the combination of art and storytelling. Helly Tong often seeks out bookstores and cultural sites to better understand the places she visits. Her most special trip of the year was to Tra Vinh and Con Dao, for a new survey and research project. In Tra Vinh, she immersed herself in local life and focused on exploring "indigenous knowledge."
6. Nhi Dang
Nhi Dang, a travel blogger and photographer, stands out for her inspiring solo trips. She embodies the image of a modern woman who dares to pursue her passions and aspirations. With a courageous and energetic spirit, Nhi Dang not only explores the world but also spreads positive values to the community, encouraging others to embark on their own journeys.
In 2024, her memorable trips included the Maldives, Thailand, and Laos. Her recent trip to Laos was particularly impressive, featuring adventurous activities such as ziplining at an altitude of over 200 meters, a treehouse, and kayaking in caves. Refreshing herself, recharging her energy, and learning new things in life through exploring new lands and environments is what Nhi Dang always strives for.
7. Tam Bui
Tam Bui, an introverted photographer and travel blogger, always knows how to tell unique stories through images. Through his lens, each trip becomes a work of art, imbued with tranquility and depth. With his simple, authentic storytelling style, Tam Bui has created a unique space where simple life values are cherished. Despite not having a large following, Tam Bui's messages always touch the hearts of viewers, evoking positive emotions.
Since the beginning of 2024, he has taken about eight trips to many new places, including a trip to Harbin in winter which gave him the experience of being in the coldest place he had ever been to, with scenery like something out of a comic book. According to Tam Bui, traveling helps him broaden his horizons, learn from his travel companions, and make new friends. He also realized the value of self-care, thanking his previous training efforts for having enough strength to enjoy the beauty of nature.
8. Ly Thanh Co
His journey into becoming a travel blogger began with a solo trip to Hong Kong when he was 22 years old. From then on, a passion for learning and exploring was ignited in Ly Thanh Co. After his travels, he always received many questions from friends and family about travel experiences. Therefore, in April 2015, he decided to start a blog. This is where Ly Thanh Co records the experiences and skills he has learned from new places.
He believes that life is multifaceted and that if you stand still, you won't be able to see the world's beautiful diversity. With that philosophy, Ly Thanh Co hopes to inspire people, especially young people, to dare to experience and embrace differences. Ly Thanh Co's most memorable journey in his 20 trips in 2024 was a self-drive road trip on the West Coast of the United States, attending the vibrant Coachella music festival. Afterward, he continued his journey to New York, living in the colorful and dynamic moments of the city.
9. Ha La La (Bui Viet Ha)
Ha La La (Bui Viet Ha) – a photographer and filmmaker – is an icon for modern women, living their passions and inspiring others to explore the world through adventurous solo journeys. She is an architect in Ho Chi Minh City with 12 years of experience, transitioning to content creation in 2018 when her first video garnered attention from numerous magazines and travel agencies.
Ha La La aims to provide authentic information, especially about lesser-known or often prejudiced regions. Despite the adventurous nature of her trips and destinations, she conveys her content through a feminine, profound, and emotional storytelling style. Since the beginning of 2024, Ha La La has undertaken eight overseas trips, focusing on local cultures. Her most notable trip was to Zanskar, where she plans to film a documentary. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ha La La always emphasizes respect for and openness to diverse cultures, hoping to touch the hearts of her audience through each of her journeys.
10. Vinh Gấu (Lê Viết Vinh)
Vinh Gấu, a travel blogger, has taken more than 20 trips from the beginning of the year until September 2024. He is not only passionate about exploring the cultures of different regions but also focuses on experiencing pristine nature and participating in wildlife conservation activities.
Recently, his sea turtle conservation journey at Hon Cau, Con Dao, has left a deep impression on him. This experience not only helped him better understand the importance of protecting marine life but also motivated him to call on the community to join hands in preserving Vietnam's natural beauty.
Through each trip, Vinh Gấu aims to convey a positive message, igniting a love for nature in everyone, especially young people. He always emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the natural beauty bestowed by nature. With authentic stories and images, Vinh Gấu hopes to inspire and help people raise awareness of their responsibility to protect the environment and discover the hidden beauty of Vietnam.
11. Gui Guzi (Ngo Tran Hai An)
Before becoming the travel-loving and dreamy person he is today, Ngo Tran Hai An, also known as Quy Coc Tu, worked in various fields such as photojournalism, engineering, business, and marketing. In 2018, he unexpectedly ventured into a new role as a travel blogger and photographer, pursuing his bigger goals and dreams. His trips are not simply journeys of discovery, but also contain unique experiences.
In 2024, he undertook 15 domestic and 10 international trips, exploring 11 countries. Notably, in Singapore, he had the rare opportunity to cover Pope Francis's visit to the country. This was a special experience in his career as a journalist. He also participated with Miss H'Hen Niê in a wildlife conservation program in Dong Giang and Tay Giang, as well as relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Yagi in Lao Cai. Through each journey, Quy Coc Tu not only explored but also conveyed positive messages about protecting nature and the environment, and spread the spirit of volunteerism.
12. Fahoka's Journey (Pham Hoan Khai)
In the world of travel enthusiasts, while sharing a passion with other travel bloggers, Fahoka possesses a unique style. Through meticulous storytelling, his videos are not simply about real-life experiences, but also include factual information, attracting curiosity and appeal to many viewers. Despite facing countless difficulties at the beginning, he has always wanted to travel the world, exploring the beauty of nature, culture, history, and beliefs of different countries.
During his five trips since the beginning of 2024, primarily to places steeped in unique culture and customs, Fahoka was particularly impressed by Myanmar. Even amidst civil war, people there were cheerful and enthusiastic in supporting him as he cleaned up plastic waste beneath the world's longest wooden bridge (U Bein Bridge) in Mandalay. For him, honesty and authenticity in exploration are the most important elements in his work. Fahoka believes that each trip is not just an experience but also a meaningful lesson, conveying a message about sustainable tourism and respect for profound cultural values.
