Hi! I'm Tan Nguyen, but you can call me Luke. I'm originally from Vietnam and have a deep love for traveling freely and exploring new cultures. I've had the chance to work in Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, and I earned my master's degree in Taipei, Taiwan. Currently, I'm pursuing my PhD at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan.

I’m passionate about photography and writing, and I love capturing the stories of the places and people I encounter. I'm excited to connect with like-minded travelers and share experiences. Looking forward to meeting you and creating new adventures together!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I believe that the best way to experience a place is through the eyes of the locals and fellow travelers. Couchsurfing offers a unique opportunity to connect with people from different cultures, share stories, and build meaningful friendships.

As someone who loves traveling freely and immersing myself in new environments, I find that staying with locals and exchanging experiences enriches my journeys. It’s not just about finding a place to stay but about creating connections, learning new perspectives, and exploring places beyond the tourist spots.

I also hope to give back by offering my space and hospitality whenever possible, creating a welcoming environment for those visiting Taiwan or any other place I call home.

Interests

• photography
• traveling
• reading and writing

Music, Movies, and Books

I’m a huge fan of indie music—there’s something special about its authenticity and storytelling that really resonates with me. When it comes to movies and shows, some of my favorites are Anne with an E, Stranger Things or Friends, Reply 1988. I love how these stories explore deep emotions and relationships.

As for books, Rainbow Troops is a personal favorite. Its inspiring message about education and resilience truly left a lasting impact on me.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It’s hard to choose just one, but one amazing experience was running a full marathon (42 km). It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey that pushed me to my limits both physically and mentally. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel around Vietnam and Southeast Asia, bike 100 km in a day, and even learn a new language along the way. Each adventure has been a chance to grow and see the world from different perspectives.

Teach, Learn, Share

With a background in higher education, currently pursuing my PhD at National Cheng Kung University, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and experiences. I’d love to teach others about photography, including tips on capturing travel moments, and I’m also open to discussing insights from my academic journey, especially if you're interested in research or higher studies in Asia.

I’m also eager to share my experiences and knowledge of Vietnamese culture and language, as well as stories from my travels around Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

In return, I’m excited to learn from others—whether it’s a new language, a cultural recipe, or stories about your own academic and life adventures. I believe that through meaningful exchanges, we grow and build connections that last a lifetime.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m excited to share my culture, stories, and skills with my hosts. I can offer insights into Vietnamese culture, language, and travel tips, especially for those interested in exploring Vietnam or Southeast Asia. I’d love to cook a Vietnamese meal for you or teach you some Vietnamese phrases if you’re curious!

I’m also passionate about photography and can take photos for you or provide tips on capturing amazing travel shots. Additionally, with my background in digital marketing, I’d be happy to share knowledge or tips on marketing strategies, social media, or online branding.

Beyond that, I can offer stories from my travels, my academic experiences as a PhD student, and insights into life in Taiwan and other countries where I’ve worked, like Singapore and Malaysia. I aim to create a meaningful cultural exchange and leave you with new knowledge, skills, and memorable stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Viet Nam