On the 50th year anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, I will embark on a 1,000-kilometer hike from San Jose to Westminster’s Little Saigon to commemorate the journey of the Vietnamese Boat People.
My journey is more than a hike. It’s a moving tribute to those who didn’t survive—and a celebration of the resilience and contributions of those who did. Along the way, I’ll share stories from my own journey: escaping by boat, living in Indonesian refugee camps, and starting over in Oakland.
The start date marks half a century since the end of the Vietnam War. I will be hiking for 50 days–one day for every year Vietnamese refugees have lived, struggled, and thrived in America. My path follows the California coastline, echoing the sea-crossings of thousands who fled Vietnam in search of safety, often at great cost.
My goal is to produce a free, public documentary that captures these stories before they’re lost to time and keep the history of Boat People alive for future generations. I invite others to walk beside me, share your experiences, and be part of this living history.
This April 2025 will mark 50 years since the first waves of Vietnamese refugees—known as the “Boat People”—fled their homeland in search of safety and freedom. To honor this powerful chapter of history and bring awareness to the perilous journeys undertaken, I will be hiking 1,000 kilometers from Little Saigon in San Jose, CA to Little Saigon in Westminster, CA.
This will be more than just a physical journey. It’s a pilgrimage—an act of remembrance, respect, and gratitude.
I invite you to walk with me—whether for a mile or many—and to share your stories. Along the way, we will commemorate those who perished at sea, acknowledge the incredible resilience of those who survived, and celebrate the vibrant communities they’ve built across the world.
This hike is also for the next generation—for our children and grandchildren. It’s a chance to pass down the legacy of courage, sacrifice, and hope. I hope to document this journey and the stories we collect into a film that brings this history to life for descendants of Boat People and audiences around the world.
Let’s walk together to keep their stories alive.
If you’d like to be part of this journey—by walking, sharing a story, or supporting the effort—please reach out through the link below or message me directly. I’ll be sharing my GPS tracking link once the hike begins so you can follow along in real-time.