Hello Elka! How did you feel when you started to edit a brand new aviation magazine in Vietnam, way back then?

I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have grown up with Vietnam and Heritage Magazine. When I started working for Heritage, the country was in the early stages of reopening to international tourism. Everything felt new and exciting. I was thrilled to explore more of Vietnam and to help the world discover this wonderful country.

You have been with the magazine for close to 30 years. What has made this relationship so strong? 

Even after all these years, Heritage still teaches me new things about Vietnam. But most of all, I’ve stayed with Heritage due to my colleagues. I’ve been lucky to work for some wonderful and inspiring Vietnamese women.

During the time working with the magazine, could you share an unforgettable memory?

I have many incredible memories from the early days. I was lucky to interview many fascinating people, from old soldiers with moving stories of survival, to young beauty queens, musicians, and artists.

Years ago, Heritage’s office was in the old Gia Lam airport. Sometimes we’d have to work very late to meet the magazine’s print deadline. There was something magical about driving home toward downtown Hanoi across the Long Bien Bridge late at night, feeling so tired but happy that we’d finished another issue.

As an English editor and maybe the first foreign reader, what content do you think is useful for foreigners first coming to Vietnam?

I like that Heritage has stories for different kinds of readers. If you’re new to Vietnam, you’ll gain some general insight. But even if you’ve got a lot of local knowledge, you’ll still discover something – maybe some destination far off the beaten track, or some quirky cultural trivia.

No other airline magazine is similar. In that way, Heritage is like Vietnam: it still has its distinct character.

Thank you!