In March 2025, the Mekong Plus team hit the road for a month-long journey across Europe with a clear goal: to reconnect with previous supporters, introduce Mekong Plus and Mekong Quilts to new allies, and build fresh opportunities for the future. Spanning over 4,000 kilometers and five countries, this ambitious mission was both inspiring and fruitful.
Why Europe? Strengthening Support for Sustainable Development in Vietnam
Mekong Plus has long relied on a dedicated network of international supporters to fund its community development programs in rural Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe—home to some of the most longstanding partners—was a natural destination for a new round of meetings and presentations.
The objectives of the trip were clear:
- Reconnect with existing donors and provide updates on the impact of their funding.
- Present the work of Mekong Plus and Mekong Quilts to new contacts and organizations.
- Meet existing partners, such as Terre d’Oc, to share both successes and challenges.
- Promote the Bamboo Bike Tours, a unique eco-tourism program that supports community development.
A Journey Across Five Countries and Over 20 Meetings
The team, including representatives from Mekong Plus, Mekong Quilts, but also from the Thien Chi Center, and C.A.O. respectively the local NGO partners of Mekong Plus in South Vietnam & Cambodia, traveled by car across France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Monaco, and two additional neighboring countries. Some days involved nearly 1,000 kilometers of driving, underscoring the scale and dedication behind this outreach effort.
Despite the long drives and chilly weather, the warm welcomes from hosts and supporters made the journey a rewarding one. Thanks to generous friends and partners, only two nights were spent in rented accommodations, dramatically reducing the travel costs and turning many stops into extended, meaningful conversations.
Meeting Donors: From Familiar Faces to Promising New Support
While Mekong Quilts’ focus during the trip was to showcase their handmade quilt products, colleagues Thân and Mith represented Mekong Plus with the goal of meeting potential donors.
One highlight was the visit to Sancta Devota, a first-time funder based in Monaco. The meeting was filled with promise, as the team was warmly received and asked to create a model product to celebrate the organization’s upcoming 30th anniversary. This marks a significant potential for future collaboration.
Another key moment took place at a special event in Belgium, where over 20 supporters attended a presentation. The atmosphere was emotional and proud—many attendees had once visited the quilting cooperatives in Vietnam and were thrilled to see how the work continues to evolve.
In Zurich, the team met with a new group focused on Cambodia, with a follow-up meeting already scheduled in Phnom Penh for July. In Munich, a local Rotary Club expressed enthusiasm for the work of Mekong Plus, and there is optimism that some of its members will soon become active donors.
Promoting the Mission of Mekong Quilts
Mekong Quilts, the social enterprise under the Mekong Plus umbrella, had an equally successful trip. During each presentation, Mrs. Ho Tieu Dan, Mekong Quilts’ director, shared sample products—beautifully handcrafted quilts, accessories, and home décor items. These products were consistently well received, with many potential partners expressing interest in future orders.
At meetings with longstanding collaborators like Terre d’Oc, the discussion went deeper into logistics, product development, and challenges in supply and delivery. These conversations are crucial for strengthening business relationships and exploring new collections.
Bamboo Bike Tours and Sustainable Tourism Opportunities
A newer but vital programme under Mekong Plus’ portfolio is the Bamboo Bike Tours, designed to create employment and promote sustainable tourism in rural areas of Vietnam.
While in France, the team attended several tourism fairs. Although similar initiatives exist across Europe, Mekong Plus is now building a list of agencies and contacts to introduce the Bamboo Bike Tours to new markets. The team observed strong interest in unique, purpose-driven travel experiences—precisely the kind of tour that Mekong Plus offers.
Memorable Moments and Overcoming Challenges
Traveling across Europe during winter posed its own set of challenges. Cold temperatures and long distances were expected, but the warmth of the hospitality they received more than made up for the discomforts. Whether it was over dinner, during formal presentations, or even while staying overnight, the team felt a strong sense of solidarity with supporters who remain passionate about the mission of Mekong Plus and Mekong Quilts.
One of the most touching parts of the trip was the personal nature of the connections. Donors and friends opened their homes and their networks, allowing the our team to share updates in a much more personal and heartfelt way.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
The journey doesn’t end in Europe. The relationships rekindled and the new ones initiated during this trip will now be nurtured carefully. Mekong Plus and its allies are already working on:
- Following up with every contact made during the journey.
- Developing new product ideas with Mekong Quilts partners like Sancta Devota.
- Preparing for upcoming meetings in Cambodia and beyond.
- Exploring possibilities for more trips in 2026 to further build on this momentum.
In the spirit of transparency and community, the team is also compiling photos and notes from the trip to share with donors, partners, and the wider public.
Conclusion: A Month of Connection, Growth, and Hope
This European tour was more than a series of meetings—it was a powerful reminder of what community-driven development looks like on a global scale. From quilt workshops in rural Vietnam to a Rotary Club in Munich, from bamboo bike trails in the Mekong Delta to Paris tourism fairs, Mekong Plus and Mekong Quilts continue to build bridges between people who care and rural communities that need support in Vietnam and Cambodia.
By investing in long-term partnerships and creating honest, open dialogues with supporters, Mekong Plus and Mekong Quilts are not just sustaining their work—they are expanding it. One meeting at a time, one quilt at a time, one bamboo bike ride at a time.
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Sponsor a child with a scholarship: https://mekongplus.org/en/sponsor-a-child/
- Finance a microcredit: https://mekongplus.org/en/finance-a-microcredit/
- Join our eco-tours: https://mekongplus.org/en/mekong-bikes/
- Buy our handicrafts: https://mekongquilts.com/
- Make a donation to our programmes: https://mekongplus.org/en/donate/
- Follow us on Facebook: Mekong Plus
