From Moscow to Nha Trang: A Journey Bridging Two Cultures

Businessman Hoang Van Vinh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of V.A Investment LLC in Ekaterinburg, and President of the Khánh Hòa Tourism Association, Nha Trang (Photo: Provided by the individual)

From Ekaterinburg to Nha Trang – A Fateful Journey
WAJ: What brought you to Ekaterinburg and inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey in Russia?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: I believe that everyone has a destiny, and mine led me to Ekaterinburg. Living and growing there for over 22 years was not only due to fate, but also my own efforts, intellect, and perseverance. I was fortunate to receive support from the local authorities and, most importantly, the trust and affection of the Vietnamese community.
WAJ: You served as President of the Vietnamese community in Ekaterinburg. What were your key contributions in that role?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: I’ve always seen community leadership as both internal and external. Externally, I established a strong relationship with local authorities, highlighted by the creation of the Hanoi Cultural Center—a symbol of Vietnam-Russia friendship in the Ural region. Internally, I focused on uniting the community, promoting trade, and improving the livelihoods of overseas Vietnamese. That unity formed the foundation of a resilient and thriving community in Ekaterinburg.

Businessman Hoang Van Vinh and his family at the grand opening of the Horizon 5-star hotel – a heartfelt project he has dedicated to his hometown, Nha Trang (Photo: Provided by the individual)

Timeless Values of the Vietnam–Russia Friendship

WAJ: With your deep experience in Russia, how do you assess the current Vietnam–Russia relationship?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: The relationship between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union—and now the Russian Federation—remains steadfast, tied by history. Today, we share a comprehensive strategic partnership. President Vladimir Putin has visited Vietnam four times, and I’m especially moved by the affection he has shown. In the guestbook at President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, he wrote: “Humanity has entered the 21st century, an age of prosperity and brilliance, but the moral and philosophical values of Ho Chi Minh are a guiding light for future civilization. Referring to his name as that of a saint is a gesture of respect and admiration.”

More recently, during a visit to Vietnam, President Putin met with Vietnamese alumni who had studied in the Soviet Union and Russia. In a deeply symbolic moment, he played the Vietnamese national anthem on the piano. For those of us educated in the USSR and Russia, it was a moving reminder of our shared history. President Putin once stated in the media, “In times of war, if we had something, Vietnam had it too.” That’s an eternal friendship based on respect and gratitude.

Mr. Builianov V.P., President of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association, presents a commemorative medal to Businessman Hoang Van Vinh (Photo: Provided by the individual).

Truyện Kiều – A Cultural Gift to Russia

WAJ: Why did you propose and personally sponsor the project to translate Truyện Kiều into Russian?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: There are two reasons. First, I was born and raised in the homeland of Nguyễn Du, and I studied at a school named after him. I had the privilege of learning both Western European (French) and Eastern European (Russian) languages. While Truyện Kiều has been translated into French by seven different authors, it had yet to be introduced to Russian readers, despite the depth of Russian culture.

Second, as someone who has worked and found success in Russia, I wanted the Russian people to understand Vietnamese culture—and Truyện Kiều in particular. In 2012, I led a group of overseas Vietnamese back to Vietnam to support provinces recently devastated by storms. During that visit, I proposed the idea of translating Truyện Kiều to the Secretary of Hà Tĩnh province. He immediately convened a meeting with the provincial Department of Culture, Hà Tĩnh University, and other relevant agencies to hear my proposal. It received full support.

A month later, I invited a team of Russian and Vietnamese translators—including Dr. Nguyễn Huy Hoàng, Đoàn Tử Huyến, poet Vasily Popov, Anatoly Sokolov, and Vũ Thế Khôi. I signed a formal agreement with Hà Tĩnh Province to fund the project in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Nguyễn Du’s birth and the 50th anniversary of Nguyễn Du High School. The translation was completed on schedule and published with a first run of 5,000 copies by the Social Sciences Publishing House. Truyện Kiều is not only a literary masterpiece but also a spiritual bridge between cultures.

Businessman Hoang Van Vinh and the passionate intellectuals who translated Truyện Kiều into Russian (Photo: Provided by the individual).

Nha Trang – A New Horizon

WAJ: Why did you choose Nha Trang as the place to return and invest?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: “Leaves fall to their roots” - I returned not only out of love for my homeland but also because of my passion and expertise in tourism. With its world-renowned bay, Nha Trang offers ideal conditions for tourism development. I spent 30 years studying and working in Russia—my second homeland. My return symbolizes the sentiment of overseas Vietnamese. I chose Nha Trang for two reasons: I have experience in international tourism, and my expertise lies in the field. I saw Nha Trang—especially Khanh Hoa province—as fertile ground to contribute what I’ve learned abroad.

Horizon Hotel – A Pride on the Eastern Shore

WAJ: Could you please tell us about the Horizon Nha Trang Hotel?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: “Horizon” symbolizes a new beginning. Nha Trang, at Vietnam’s easternmost point, represents promise. I was deeply invested in the creation of this hotel, as there were no five-star hotels in the northern part of the city at the time. I promised the provincial leaders that it would become a key landmark—and it has. The hotel received a 9.0 rating from Agoda. Many foreign guests have shared journal entries praising their time here and promising to return. As the investor, I feel proud and honored to leave such a lasting impression.

Businessman Hoang Van Vinh, President of the Nha Trang-Khánh Hòa Tourism Association, receives a Certificate of Merit from the Chairman of Khánh Hòa Province (center) (Photo: Provided by the individual).

The Digital Era and the Reimagination of Vietnamese Tourism

WAJ: As President of the Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, what challenges and opportunities do you see for tourism in the digital age?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: In the digital era, seizing the moment is crucial. The 21st century is one of technology and innovation, and tourism must keep pace. Nha Trang is full of potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. During my five-year term, I’ve set five key objectives—including diversifying tourism products. Visitors should come not just for the sea, but also for the people, traditions, and cultural heritage of Nha Trang. I’m particularly passionate about preserving the legacy of the ancient Cham people. Nha Trang’s friendly people and beautiful beaches continue to captivate travelers, especially from Russia, China, and South Korea.

A Message to the Next Generation

WAJ: What advice would you give young entrepreneurs, both in Vietnam and abroad?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: As Lenin said, “Learn, learn more, and learn forever.” But learning must be paired with action. It’s vital to turn knowledge into results and find the right field and environment. For those interested in tourism, let Nha Trang be your source of inspiration.

Businessman Hoang Van Vinh and poet Pavlop V.P., the translator of Truyện Kiều into Russian verse, send their message to the younger generation – those who continue the Russia-Vietnam friendship (Photo: Provided by the individual).

Sustaining the Flame – Toward a Global Future

WAJ: Do you plan to expand Vietnam–Russia and international cultural connections in the future?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: Absolutely. Exchange and connection are essential. Tourism must embrace technological innovation and offer unique experiences to global travelers. Culture is the adhesive that bonds nations.

Businessman Hoang Van Vinh receives a Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Tourism Association (Photo: Provided by the individual).

One Life – One Philosophy

WAJ: If you had to choose one core value to define your journey?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: Absolutely: Tourism—the heart of my homeland. For me, Nha Trang is a lifelong destination. I once wrote: “To love Nha Trang is to love for life.”
WAJ: And your personal and business philosophies?
Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: My philosophy is to build, maintain, and strengthen trust. Promises must be backed by action. My business credo is: innovation – creativity – sincerity. These three principles are the foundation of success in tourism.
WAJ: Thank you very much for your time!

*Businessman Hoang Van Vinh: born in 1960 in Hà Tĩnh. A former student of the Moscow Academy of Security, he has lived in Ekaterinburg since 1993. He was formerly the President of the Vietnamese Association of Sverdlovsk province and sponsored $50,000 for the project of translating Tale of Kiều into Russian. Since 2019, he has been the President of the Khánh Hòa Tourism Association and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of V.A Investment LLC in Ekaterinburg – the main investor behind the Horizon 5-star hotel in Nha Trang. Under his leadership, the Association has actively promoted tourism in the province, fostered international cooperation, and received numerous provincial and national commendations.