About Nhung Phung

Nhung Phung — known internationally as Rose — is the co-founder and managing director of Local Vietnam. She represents the local heart of the company, combining deep Vietnamese cultural understanding with more than a decade of hands-on experience in travel and hospitality.

Nhung made her first solo trip abroad in 2013, when she was 23 years old. At a time when few young Vietnamese women traveled alone, she stood out for her courage, independence, and passion for discovery. She has since become a trusted name in Vietnam’s travel community and the driving force behind Local Vietnam’s operations, tours, and lodges.

My Journey

2013–2014: A New Beginning

Working in Ho Chi Minh City and earning less than $200 a month, Nhung saved every possible dong to make her first solo trip to Cambodia and Thailand. She immediately began writing about her travels on a personal blog, sharing how she managed to explore abroad on a small budget.

Her story quickly attracted attention — not only from readers but also from travelers who wanted her help planning their own trips. By the end of 2014, after organizing her first paid trip, she decided to leave her office job and pursue travel full-time.

The same year, she appeared on Vietnam’s national television (VTV) to share her inspiring story — a young woman breaking social expectations by traveling solo and living her dream.

2015–2019: From Blogger to Travel Expert

Nhung’s blog gained more recognition, appearing in Vietnamese travel magazines and on additional TV programs. She continued to travel constantly — exploring every region of Vietnam and expanding her adventures to the Philippines, Singapore, the United States, and Europe.

Every trip deepened her knowledge of destinations, cultures, and the real logistics of travel. She worked during her trips, helping others plan journeys and sharing honest advice about traveling both in Vietnam and abroad.

In 2015, during one of her journeys in Cambodia, she met Marnick Schoonderwoerd, who would later become both her husband and business partner. Together, they turned her growing travel blog into what is now Local Vietnam.

2020–Today: Leadership and New Horizons

Over the years, Nhung has become the operational and strategic backbone of Local Vietnam. She oversees everything from tour development and customer experience to the growing network of local guides and partners.

In 2020, she launched E-Dulich, a platform helping other Vietnamese entrepreneurs build online travel businesses — from running small homestays and tours to creating their own travel blogs.

Today, Nhung leads the company’s three main pillars:

Local Vietnam Travel Agency – designing and organizing authentic trips across Vietnam.
Local Vietnam Tour Operator – creating our own locally based tours and experiences.
Local Vietnam Lodges – developing boutique, community-based stays like our first property in Ha Giang.

Nhung divides her time between Da Nang and Ha Giang, managing the team, supporting local communities, and ensuring that Local Vietnam stays true to its mission: connecting travelers with the authentic, local side of Vietnam.