Explore VBP Journeys

We believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people and communities. Our mission at Vietnamese Boat People is to preserve the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora and help families document their stories for future generations.

Today our diaspora community includes multi-generational families living all over the world, and also many returning to Vietnam to rebuild and reconnect.

The Vietnamese Boat People Journeys map was created to encourage intergenerational dialogue within families to share stories and histories, and to have a space to contribute photos, artifacts and memories. Our stories together paint a more comprehensive picture of our complex journeys and lived experiences. We invite you to explore the stories and contribute.

Below are stories featured from the Vietnamese community in the Central Valley of California, collected by Alexa Tran as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Project 2022. To view the full collection click here.

Featured Stories

Mom @ Indonesia refugee camp 1985

Two Years and Every Penny

As told by Cat Fan

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Me and my family

Just my sister and I

As told by Kevin Nguyen

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An ID card made for me at the Singapore refugee camp.

From Sóc Trăng, Vietnam

As told by Hoang Thai

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A photo of me and my family

Huế to the Central Valley

As told by Kevin Le

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Share Your Story

Everyone has a story to share. Together, we can shape the narrative of our community and share our experiences, which can inspire and instill pride in generations to come. Whether it’s an entire journey or a short story behind a personal photo, we invite you to contribute.

Click here to contribute

This beta version of the VBP Journeys map was generously funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) 2021 Incubation Grant. We are very grateful to NJCH, from the bottom of our hearts, for believing in our mission and supporting the work.

Tell us what you think of the Beta site. Share your feedback Here.

If you would like to support the growth of this project, please consider making a donation. VBP is operated predominately by a team of volunteers, therefore your support is vital in helping us capture, preserve and share these stories. All donations are fully tax exempt under IRS 501(C)3.

Donate Here