Reflections from Vietnam: A Journey of Connection and Discovery
By Autumn Ackerson, Program Manager at The Ties Program
Stepping off the plane in Vietnam, I was immediately enveloped by the warmth of the air and the buzz of life unfolding around me. As someone who has gone on several Ties trips now guiding adoptees and their loved ones, I’ve come to learn that each trip is unique—not only in its destinations but in the emotions and discoveries that come with it. My recent time in Vietnam was no exception.
A Journey Rooted in Identity
Like all Ties trips, Vietnam Ties is designed to provide adoptees and their loved ones with the opportunity to explore their birth country in a way that is both personal and supported. Walking through the streets of Hanoi, floating along the Mekong Delta, and witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay, I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of these experiences for adoptees.
Heritage travel is about more than just sightseeing. It’s about feeling a sense of place—imagining what life might have been like had circumstances been different, and reconciling those emotions in a way that fosters growth and healing. Throughout the trip, I saw this transformation take place among adoptees, each on their own journey yet united by a shared experience.
The Power of Community
Traveling to Vietnam as an adoptee from another country is something I never quite know how to prepare for—because every trip is different. While I share the lived experience of adoption, there’s always that lingering question: Will I be accepted? Even as a staff member, that innate adoptee fear still lingers. It’s a familiar feeling, one I’ve experienced all my life, even while leading heritage trips in other countries. No matter how many times I’ve traveled with adoptees back to their birth countries, there’s always a moment of uncertainty. But what I found in Vietnam—like on so many other journeys—was a community that embraced me, not because of where I was from, but because we all understood the complexities of identity, loss, and discovery. The connections formed aren’t always just about birthplace—they are about shared understanding, about navigating a journey that only fellow adoptees can truly grasp. It’s a reminder that while our stories are unique, the emotions that come with them are universal.
One of the most incredible aspects of the trip I witnessed was the bond formed between adoptees and their loved ones. There’s something profoundly reassuring about sharing this journey with others who understand the complex layers of adoption. Conversations over shared meals and laughter on long bus rides created a sense of belonging that many adoptees have long sought.
For some, visiting their orphanage or meeting with caregivers was a pivotal moment. While each experience was unique—some filled with joy, others with bittersweet emotions—every adoptee had the space and support to process what this experience meant to them.
Of course, no trip is complete without some truly unexpected and hilarious moments. Picture this: a group of adoptees, their loved ones, and our guides, all packed into a tiny café in Hanoi, eagerly awaiting a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee. Everyone took their first cautious sips, exchanging glances ranging from delight to mild panic. Between the deeply meaningful and unforgettable moments, there are these lighter ones that bond us just as much.
And speaking of unforgettable moments, imagine this: we visited a local school, expecting a simple tour, but the minute we started interacting with the children, it was like we had accidentally joined a rock band. Students swarmed us with beaming smiles, waving excitedly, and—believe it or not—asking for autographs! It didn’t stop there. As we left, they chased after us, laughing, calling out and practicing their English. It was heartwarming to see the adoptees not just welcomed, but celebrated in their birth country with such genuine enthusiasm. Moments like this remind us how powerful and joyful these connections can be—where cultural exchange feels less like a lesson and more like being part of something bigger (and maybe just a little bit famous).
Navigating the Emotions of a Heritage Trip
Heritage travel can be overwhelming. It can be an emotional rollercoaster of excitement, anticipation, joy, grief, and sometimes even unexpected closure. What I found most moving about this trip was the way adoptees supported one another through these ups and downs. There were moments of shared tears, silent understanding, and encouragement to embrace every feeling that surfaced.
With every heritage trip I take—whether to China, Vietnam, Guatemala, or beyond—I uncover new layers of healing as an adoptee. Each journey offers a fresh perspective, a deeper understanding of myself, and a sense of belonging I didn’t always know I was searching for. Returning to my birth country multiple times has been powerful, but so has witnessing other adoptees navigate their own returns. The more trips I go on, the more I realize that healing isn’t about finding all the answers—it’s about giving myself space to process, to feel, and to connect.
I always emphasize on trips that every participant experiences their own unique journey, even if we’re traveling together. We’re meeting each other where we’re at. Healing happens in the quiet moments of reflection, in shared exploration with fellow adoptees, in the laughter we share, and in the deep breaths I take as I step foot in places that hold pieces of the past. Heritage travel isn’t a one-time experience—it’s a lifelong journey that continues to shape my understanding of identity, loss, and love. And of myself.
Looking Ahead
As I left Vietnam, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and new friends! I was reminded why these trips matter—not just for adoptees but for everyone involved. They offer a space for reflection, connection, joy, and growth in ways that are difficult to put into words.
For those considering a heritage journey, my advice is this: be open to the experience. Embrace the unknown, lean into the emotions, allow yourself to have fun and the grace to process everything in your own time. Vietnam, like all birth countries, holds pieces of the past, but it also offers adoptees the chance to write new chapters in their own stories.
As we continue planning future Vietnam Ties programs, I can’t wait to see how these journeys will continue to unfold. To those who have traveled before and to those considering their first trip—know that you are not alone in this experience. Your story is valued, and your journey is yours to define.
Ready to Create Your Own Unforgettable Moments?
If stories like these make you smile, just imagine experiencing them for yourself! Whether it’s sharing laughs over egg coffee, being welcomed like a celebrity at a local school, or discovering the rich beauty of Vietnam, heritage travel is filled with moments that stay with you forever.
We’re excited to announce that details for our upcoming Vietnam TIES trip are coming soon for 2025/2026! Want to be the first to know when registration opens? Join our mailing list here to receive updates as soon as trip information is released. Want to be the first to secure your spot? Pre-register herefor early access to registration before it officially opens to the public.
Get ready for your next adventure—Vietnam is waiting!