Foreign Couple Falls in Love While Exploring Vietnam

Nine years ago, British Tom Rogers and Filipino Anna Faustino had a series of fortunate meetings while travelling through Vietnam, which ultimately led them to each other.

Administrator

1 July, 2023

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Rogers and Faustino had a chance encounter in the picturesque city of Da Lat, located in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. Their meeting was unexpected, as Rogers immediately recognized Faustino from a photo she had captured during her visit to the stunning sand dunes in Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, which is situated in south-central Vietnam. This coincidence occurred merely two days prior to their unexpected encounter, adding an element of serendipity to their meeting.

At the time, Rogers was embarking on a thrilling motorbike adventure across the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, as Faustino immersed himself in the country’s vibrant culture and delectable cuisines.

The more they conversed, the stronger their bond grew as they shared stories about their lives and adventures.

It didn’t take long for the two to decide to spend the rest of their trips together.

A warm welcome in Vietnam

Faustino, in an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, revealed that she and Rogers thoroughly explored numerous cities and provinces from Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Pa during their journey.

The group had an exciting itinerary during their trip to Vietnam. They enjoyed thrilling activities such as sandboarding in Mui Ne, whitewater rafting in Da Lat, and trekking in Sa Pa. They also appreciated the picturesque beauty of Hoi An while strolling through the city.

“It was an absolutely incredible journey. I had the opportunity to explore numerous breathtaking cities and provinces,” Faustino fondly recalled.

She was thrilled to discuss her experience with Vietnamese hospitality.

“Anytime we needed assistance, such as when our motorbike broke down on the road, the locals graciously offered their help, overcoming the language barrier,” she recounted.

“When we were in a mountainous province and couldn’t find a place to stay overnight, the locals kindly offered us their home for the night.”

One of the most enduring and meaningful connections between Faustino and Rogers lies in their shared passion for food.

Rogers and Faustino enjoying the beautiful city of Hoi An. Photo taken by Courtesy of Rogers and Faustino

Tom Rogers and Anna Faustino enjoy Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Courtesy of Rogers and Faustino

In fact, the couple absolutely adored bun cha Hanoi (Hanoi-style vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs) to such an extent that they enthusiastically enrolled in a cooking class together, determined to master the art of creating this delectable Vietnamese specialty in their own kitchen.

“Sometimes, when I yearn for the flavors of Vietnam, I lovingly prepare the traditional dish for myself and joyfully share it with my friends,” Faustino expressed.

At the conclusion of their journey, Rogers went on to explore Vietnam near the Chinese border while Faustino ventured to Laos. Both travelers made a pact to reunite in Thailand.

“I did not think we were meant for each other at first, but so far we have been together for nine fulfilling years,” Faustino expressed.

Since our first encounter in Vietnam, we have embarked on numerous adventures, immersing ourselves in various corners of the world. This nomadic lifestyle has been made possible, in part, thanks to the blessing of online employment opportunities.

“We are excited to announce that we will be getting married in September of this year. Our special day is fast approaching and we can’t wait to celebrate our love with our friends and family. It will be a beautiful and memorable occasion filled with love and joy. We are counting down the days until we say ‘I do’ and begin this new chapter of our lives together. September can’t come soon enough!”

In 2022, Faustino and Rogers decided to take a vacation to the stunning central city of Da Nang in Vietnam.

“Vietnamese people are incredibly kind-hearted and welcoming. The country itself boasts breathtaking landscapes that are simply waiting to be explored,” Faustino enthusiastically shared.

During their years together, Faustino and Rogers have built their own travel blog named ‘Adventure in You.’ On the blog, they share information, trip schedules, and their experiences.

They firmly believe that the more young people travel to different places, the greater opportunity they have to grow and potentially even find true love.