Hi, I’m Mimi — Vietnamese by heart, currently living in Brunei with my husband and two little boys.

I believe in four ways of learning: through books, through people, through places, and through honest reflection. I try to live all of them, every day.

Eight years ago, Couchsurfing changed my life. I traveled to Brunei, stayed with a kind host, and a year later… we got married. That’s why I don’t see Couchsurfing as just a place to sleep — it’s a space where beautiful, life-changing connections are born.

I used to be an economics lecturer for five years. Today, I run a sustainable furniture and home decor business called Rattan House — rooted in traditional crafts and community spirit. Even as a business owner, I choose Couchsurfing over hotels — because I care more about meaningful conversations than polished amenities.

I’m also a craft teacher, a cultural worker, and a lover of slow, thoughtful travel. I weave, crochet, embroider, and design by hand — and collaborate with embassies and schools to keep traditional knowledge alive.

In 2024, I had to undergo pacemaker surgery. Facing death changed me. It reminded me how precious every sunrise is. Since then, I live with even more purpose, gratitude, and peace.

I’ve hosted and surfed since 2016 — my home in Vietnam even has a small public library for local kids to read freely. I deeply believe in sharing stories, cultures, and meals. I cook very good Vietnamese Pho (with love!) and will always bring something of myself into the homes I stay in.

Let’s exchange thoughts, not just beds.
Let’s talk about dreams, not just destinations.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. I’d be honored to meet you.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to be in a home there I can learn deeply the local life and culture. I am also very good at cooking so, please let me cook Vietnamese traditional cuisine for you!

Interests

• traveling
• swimming
• reading books
• handicrafts
• culture exchange
• planting
• cultures of the world

Music, Movies, and Books

Pop music: Thu Phuong, Charlie Puth, James Blunt, Taylor Swift, Adele
Books and movies: Michelle Obama The Light we carry, Eat Pray Love.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed 3413m to the highest mountain of Indochina within 3 days.

Living 7 years in Brunei and building my own craft venture.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am an entrepreneur who is running a rattan furniture business. So yes I like nature and beauty.

I like flowers. I was born in a mountainous town in Vietnam, surrounded by flowers, so I am very into flowers.

I like beauty. Sky, river, stone, leaves, trees, beach,... Any earth creatures.

I like doing handicrafts. I can sew, crochet, weaving, planting, macramé,...

I am adventurous. My plan is to travel to 100+ countries around the world. Live the fullest of my life.

I want to live through 3 centuries, until year 2100.

I like to hang out with authentic people, who live their true lives and beyond the social standards.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm someone who loves to share stories, laugh, and learn from others.
If you host me, I’ll bring:

A warm heart and good conversation,

A taste of Vietnam and/or Brunei — maybe a simple homemade dish or tea if you’d like,

Stories from my journey building a craft business and raising two little boys,

A small gift from my craft shop back in Brunei — something handmade,

Respect for your space, time, and way of life.

I’m not just looking for a place to sleep — I’m hoping to connect and leave you with a kind memory.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brunei Darussalam, Viet Nam