Valerie Darling has stayed in Vietnam for nearly five years.
Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Valerie Darling, 32, once hoped to pursue an artistic career after graduating from a ballet school. Her path shifted unexpectedly after a holiday to Vietnam.
She first arrived in Vietnam in 2020, just before the Covid-19 outbreak. She became stranded in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City as social distancing measures were imposed.
“It was an incredibly difficult period, but I was amazed at how thoughtfully the Government and Vietnamese people cared for us,” she recalled. “I will never forget the image of people bringing rice and vegetables to us every day. It moved me deeply.”
Although she was stuck in Vietnam by chance, she chose to stay once flights resumed.
Before coming, she had only a few Vietnamese friends in Russia and knew little about Vietnamese culture or history. But living in Vietnam brought her from one surprise to another.
She said what shocked her most was the friendliness and generosity of everyone she met, from ride-hailing drivers and neighbours to landlords, street vendors and cafe workers. Even in hardship, they showed concern for others.
“The community spirit and compassion of Vietnamese people are something I admire so much. I always feel welcomed. I have never felt lonely, even in a city far from home.
“People talk to each other as if they have known each other for years, even when they first meet. It is hard to describe, but Vietnam truly feels like one big family,” she said.
Valerie Darling loves to wear the Vietnam's traditional long dress.
She keeps many unforgettable memories from her five years in the country. One morning, she booked a motorbike ride. On the way, the driver suddenly stopped and bought her a coffee.
“I tried to pay but he refused. I asked why, and he said, ‘I know today is your birthday.’ I was so touched by that kindness from a stranger. The next day, I bought a coffee for another driver to pass it on.”
She also remembers the historic celebrations on April 30 when Ho Chi Minh City and the country marked 50 years since reunification. She and her friends slept on the streets, shared fruit with strangers and talked through the night while waiting for the parade.
Feeling the warmth of unfamiliar people and being swept into daily life made her reluctant to leave. She chose to become an English teacher to build a more stable life in Vietnam.
Valerie Darling said she adapted easily. From the beginning, she felt at home. Learning some basic Vietnamese helped her make more friends and connect better with people.
Studying Vietnamese to build a long term life in Vietnam
At first, her mother worried about her decision to live so far away. But after visiting Vietnam in 2024, she said, “Vietnam is truly beautiful and safe.”
With her family’s support, Valerie Darling began planning long term residency in Vietnam. She enrolled in a Vietnamese language programme at a university in Ho Chi Minh City. She now studies four hours a day, five days a week, and her communication skills have improved significantly.
She has also started creating content about Vietnamese culture. Encouraged by those around her, she hopes to share Vietnam more widely with international friends.
She enjoys going for coffee with friends and walking around the city to practise Vietnamese. Life in Vietnam feels relaxing and gentle compared with the pace she once had.
One of her favourite discoveries is having her hair washed at local salons, a service she had never experienced before.
She has also grown to love Vietnamese food, especially dishes with fresh herbs. She tried bun dau mam tom and once ate chao long offered by her neighbours when she was ill. “Every time I eat Vietnamese food, I feel like I am at my grandmother’s house. It is warm and comforting.”
Nearly five years in, she sees Vietnam as a fast developing country full of opportunities. She feels increasingly attached to the city she lives in and proud of its transformations.
“I am so happy that my vibrant youth is tied to Vietnam. I still remember the day Ho Chi Minh City opened its first metro line. My friends and I queued for four hours just to try it. It was an unforgettable moment and I felt so proud,” she said.
