Rahat was born and spent her early years in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region. After graduating from university in Bishkek, she worked as a teacher at a local school. Three years ago, Rahat's family, including her husband and two daughters, decided to move to Vietnam in search of new business opportunities.
“My younger sister has been living in Nha Trang for over ten years and successfully manages her café. She suggested that we move in with her, and we agreed. I was working at one of the schools in Bishkek, and my husband was at the airport. Since we both love traveling and tourism, we decided to make our dream come true,” Rahat shares her memories.
From the very beginning, they were supported by the locals, which helped them open their café. In three years, they managed to attract regular customers, and their daughters are studying at an international school in English.
“When we first started, it was difficult, but we felt great mentally. There is much to learn from the Vietnamese in terms of human values. People here are kind and tolerant; there is no aggression. Even in traffic jams, there is respect—no one argues,” she notes. Rahat adds that, unlike in Bishkek, where she was afraid to drive, in Nha Trang, she confidently rides a motorcycle.
Rahat has built good relationships with her Vietnamese neighbors and employees who help her in her business.
“I have seen many positive aspects in the tourism sector here and hope that it will be the same in Kyrgyzstan. Our country is incredibly beautiful. My husband and I dream of contributing to the development of tourism, especially mountain tourism,” Oruntaeva shares, expressing joy over the growing number of compatriots coming to Vietnam.
“Once, a fellow countrywoman who came here on vacation remarked: ‘Everyone here smiles and treats people warmly.’ It was very nice to hear. If every guest takes away good impressions, it will help change society for the better,” she adds.
Together with her husband Chyngyz Kadyrkulov, Rahat dreams of returning to her homeland and doing something significant for the development of tourism in Kyrgyzstan.
“We are currently learning and absorbing all the best to realize this dream,” she concludes.
