Bora’s Blog

My real name is Hậu—a distinctly local name that many foreigners find difficult to pronounce due to its heavy tonal accent. That’s why I go by the nickname “Bora.” This name holds special meaning for me because it closely aligns with the essence of my given name, Hậu, which my parents chose to represent: a kind person—someone who cares for others—someone who prioritizes others’ well-being over their own. In Swahili, “Bora” carries a similar connotation.

I had no idea that “Bora” was already famous as the name of Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia. It was purely coincidental! People often laugh, thinking I copied the name, but I couldn’t care less—I’m happy with it, no matter what others assume.

How ZigZag Adventures Came to Be

The idea for ZigZag Adventures emerged after I spent over a year living in Hà Giang, working as a motorbike driver taking travelers on loop tours around the region. During that time, I immersed myself in understanding the area—its history, culture, daily life, and even the locals’ perspectives.

I wasn’t born in Hà Giang but in the Mekong Delta, a land of rivers and plains entirely different from the towering, wild landscapes of northern Vietnam. My life has been a journey across many beautiful places, from the South to the North, guided by a simple philosophy:

• Learn the local culture,

• Connect with people in tourism,

• Build friendships,

• Study the place deeply, and

• Become a local guide for a few years before moving on.

For me, it’s a natural cycle: learn, work, earn, and enjoy nature on my own terms.

Vietnam’s Diversity & Its Challenges

Vietnam is geographically and historically divided into three distinct regions: the South, the Central, and the North. Each has its own history, culture, and cuisine—a fascinating diversity that captivates foreign travelers with multilayered experiences.

Yet, this same diversity also creates uneven tourism development across the country. Inconsistent service standards and infrastructure sometimes lead to frustrating experiences for visitors. This concern was one of the driving forces behind ZigZag Adventures.

I want to share my raw, firsthand experiences and my personal perspective on Vietnam’s tourism—honestly and transparently. I won’t sugarcoat things: if something isn’t good, I’ll say so. I’ll also point out weaknesses so travelers can prepare and handle situations better.

Nobody’s Perfect – Including Me (and You!)

I’ve grown tremendously by working with people from all over the world. They’ve helped me improve, even when they assume Vietnam has many scammers. Truth is, our government strongly protects foreign tourists, so don’t worry too much. In other articles, I’ll help you understand Vietnam’s social realities and how to have an unexpectedly amazing experience here!

A small note: All my English translations are AI-assisted because I’m not a professional translator. English isn’t my mother tongue, or was I born in an English-speaking country—so I rely on AI to help me communicate clearly with you.

Honestly,

If you’re reading this, thank you for taking the time to understand my story. Let’s keep learning from each other.

I’m still growing, just like you.

– Bora / Hậu
Founder, ZigZag Adventures