In recent years, a new wave of self-expression and exploration has swept through Vietnam’s youth, manifesting not just in the way they travel, but also in how they dress. This dual embrace of adventure and nostalgia is reshaping both the country’s cultural landscape and its global image, as young Vietnamese chart their own paths—whether on winding mountain roads or in the world of fashion.
On August 11, 2025, Báo Gia Lai điện tử spotlighted the stories of young Vietnamese travelers who are redefining what it means to see the world. Leading this movement is Đỗ Thị Tứ Phi, a 26-year-old lawyer from Tuy Phước Bắc commune, who has mastered the art of the self-guided journey. Despite a demanding career, Phi actively arranges her schedule, hunts for affordable plane tickets, and crafts detailed itineraries that strike a balance between cost and experience. She’s explored a host of Vietnamese destinations—Đà Lạt, Hội An, Huế, Ninh Bình—and even ventured abroad to Singapore and Bali, Indonesia.
Phi’s approach is deliberate and thoughtful. "I plan everything myself, from booking tickets to finding accommodation, so I can be in control of my adventure," she explained to Báo Gia Lai điện tử. She relies on travel forums for tips and always chooses lodgings close to city centers, making it easier to immerse herself in local life. For her, each journey is more than just sightseeing: "Every trip is a chance to slow down, listen to myself, and broaden my perspective on the world. It’s how I recharge before returning to work and life with new inspiration."
This spirit of discovery isn’t limited to solo travelers. Đinh Chí Công, born in 1990 in Quy Nhơn Nam, has taken the concept of exploration to new heights—quite literally. From the age of 20 to 28, Công traversed all 63 provinces and cities of Vietnam, trekked border routes with China, Laos, and Cambodia, visited seven remote islands, and conquered the country’s legendary mountain passes and five of its ten tallest peaks. He prefers to travel alone, seeking out natural wonders, local markets, and regional cuisine, sometimes even staying with local families to experience their way of life firsthand. "Experiencing these four elements in every province gave me a deep understanding of each place’s culture, people, and geography," Công shared.
But Công’s journeys aren’t just about personal fulfillment. He often offers feedback and suggestions to local communities and authorities on how to develop their cultural and tourism offerings. "Travel isn’t just a personal journey—it’s an opportunity to connect, share, inspire, and spread love for our country," he told Báo Gia Lai điện tử. Since starting a family in 2022, Công has shifted from solo adventures to planning trips that include his loved ones. He believes in creating moments of peace and joy together, whether the destination is near or far.
For others, like Nguyễn Thị Thanh Loan (born 1998, from Quy Nhơn), travel is a collaborative adventure. Loan and her close-knit group of friends regularly organize self-guided trips, both within Vietnam and abroad. They shun fixed tours in favor of flexible, meticulously planned itineraries that allow for spontaneous detours. Domestic trips are often scheduled months ahead, especially during winter, to explore northern provinces such as Hà Giang, Lạng Sơn, and Hòa Bình. Upon arrival in Hanoi, the group rents cars, finds homestays, and isn’t afraid to adjust their plans if they stumble upon an intriguing spot along the way.
International travel requires even more preparation. Loan’s group books round-trip tickets, arranges accommodations, researches public transport, and ensures everyone has access to maps and shared Wi-Fi. Each member takes on a specific role—one handles the itinerary, another manages the budget, and someone else keeps everyone connected. Essentials like portable chargers, medicine, and basic foreign language skills are always packed. Loan recalls a particularly heartwarming moment on Udo Island, South Korea: "After flying from Seoul to Jeju and then taking a ferry, we stopped at a small restaurant in the evening. The owner cheerfully greeted us in English, saying 'Welcome to Ho Chi Minh.' Even though it wasn’t quite accurate, his friendliness made us feel warm and proud to introduce ourselves as Vietnamese."
While Vietnamese youth are embracing new horizons through travel, they’re also turning inward, rediscovering the past through fashion. On August 12, 2025, Cham Khanh of dep.com.vn chronicled the rise of Grandpacore—a trend that’s become a cultural touchstone among young people. Unlike fleeting fads, Grandpacore has proven to be a lasting force, with roots that trace back to late 2023 or early 2024. Its hallmarks? Thick knitted sweaters, roomy vests, tweed or velvet blazers, worn-in loafers, and the ever-familiar round glasses—evoking the wardrobe of a beloved grandfather, but reimagined for a new generation.
Grandpacore isn’t just about nostalgia. As dep.com.vn notes, it’s a blend of memory and individuality, allowing the young to "select classic pieces, fit them into modern life, and redefine personal identity." Social media, especially TikTok, has amplified the movement: the hashtag #grandpacore has racked up over 17.5 million views, while #grandpastyle boasts 13 million in just the first few months of 2024. Fashionistas share tips for building vintage-inspired wardrobes, and even real grandfathers are getting in on the act, showing off their unique style online.
The trend’s flexibility has spawned offshoots like Desert grandpacore, Coastal grandpacore, and Eclectic grandpacore, each adapting the core aesthetic to different lifestyles and settings. According to Pinterest’s 2024 trend report, searches for "Grandpacore" and "Grandpa style" jumped by 65% and 60% respectively, underscoring its growing influence.
Celebrities have played a pivotal role in popularizing the look. Billie Eilish, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Harry Styles have all embraced elements of Grandpacore, mixing oversized blazers, patterned sweaters, and vintage accessories into their wardrobes. Gigi Hadid even launched her own brand, Guest in Residence, focusing on cashmere designs that channel the timeless, cherished feel of heirloom clothing.
On the runways, Grandpacore continues to evolve. At CHANEL’s Fall/Winter 2025/26 show, the aesthetic was reimagined with elegant tailored blazers and layered knits, while Valentino and Louis Vuitton offered their own spins, blending classic silhouettes with bold colors and unexpected textures. As dep.com.vn observes, the movement is about more than clothes—it’s a response to the relentless churn of trends, a call to slow down and reconnect with authenticity and emotion.
For Gen Z and Millennials, hunting for vintage treasures in thrift stores or online marketplaces has become more than a pastime—it’s a meaningful journey, a way to reclaim slow living and sustainable values in a fast-paced world. Grandpacore’s oversized fits, neutral palettes, and soft fabrics dovetail with contemporary ideas about genderless fashion and "soft masculinity."
As 2024 draws to a close, the question lingers: what comes after Grandpacore? While no clear successor has emerged, a new contender—Fisherman core, inspired by the simple, rugged style of fishermen—is beginning to make waves. Whether this new trend will anchor itself as firmly as its predecessor remains to be seen, but for now, Grandpacore endures as both comfort and inspiration.
In the end, whether traversing mountain passes or donning a vintage cardigan, young Vietnamese are charting new courses—discovering the world, and themselves, with every step and every stitch.
