How Learning Thai Made Cong Duong a Southeast Asian Superstar

A multilingual journey

“I’m a language ninja,” Cong Duong nonchalantly shares while we take a break from our cover shoot at a streetside café near Ben Thanh market in Saigon. “Aside from Vietnamese, I speak English, Thai, and French, and I want to learn Japanese next.” What’s even more impressive is that Duong is entirely self-taught. “I really wanted to learn, but I had no time to go to classes. So I just taught myself online.”

But Duong isn’t a translator or an ambassador; though, it isn’t farfetched to say that he’s a man who successfully bridges many cultures together. 

Born in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, the actor and singer moved to Saigon in his teens to study at the Ho Chi Minh College of Culture and Arts. Early in his career, he participated in Vietnam Idol and The X Factor Vietnam, appeared in guest roles for TV shows and movies, and became a VJ for MTV Vietnam. More than his acting chops, he steadily gained a following for his ‘romantic’ look, as described by his Vietnamese fans. His visual appeal made him a favorite within the industry for music videos and TV commercials.  

The 30-year old achieved a career milestone when he was chosen as one of the lead actors of the 2017 Thai movie, ‘Memories of New Years.’ Shot in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, the film narrates three love stories that center around Songkran, or the Thai New Year festival. Duong’s character, Nguyen, speaks in complete Thai throughout the movie. His performance was well received, garnering him a newfound fanbase outside of his home country.

Another show that garnered him recognition is ‘Balanha Guesthouse,’ a Vietnamese primetime television series that follows the ups and downs of three guys who hastily open a homestay business straight out of college. Starring as the impulsive and hot-tempered ‘Lam,’ the actor became more prominent in the Vietnamese public eye as the show, which aired in 2020, soared in popularity. 

Across borders

Just recently, Cong Duong got to flex his French fluency in the historical film, ‘Công Tử Bạc Liêu,’ which came out on Vietnamese theaters on the first week of December 2024. A recent interview with the director and cast reveals that the language ninja carefully helped his co-star with the French speaking lines to get into their characters: princes who lead luxurious lives, but are complete opposites in their demeanor. 

“Growing up in Hanoi, I was always drawn to the arts—whether it was MC work, modeling, or dancing—each experience shaped who I am today. But it wasn’t until I discovered storytelling through film that I truly felt at home. Acting has given me a unique way to connect with people, sharing emotions and leaving a piece of myself in every role,” Duong shares.

As a self-confessed introvert, Duong admits that stepping into the world of the performing arts wasn’t easy, but it has pushed him to grow as an artist and person. Perhaps, the mastery of several languages helped too. “The constant support from my loved ones and the industry has been my greatest strength, inspiring me to use my craft to connect and inspire others.”

Fashion as a silent language

Additionally, there’s another language that Duong employs to navigate his cross-cultural journey as a singer and actor—and it’s a silent one. “Fashion, for me, is like storytelling—it’s a language without words. Just like in acting, each outfit reflects a mood, an idea, or a layer of who I am,” he says. 

“Some days, I lean into relaxed, streetwear-inspired looks; other times, I find power in the timeless elegance of a suit. I don’t box myself into one style because fashion is about exploration. It’s an art form that lets me show different sides of myself while honoring creativity and individuality. Fashion is how I say, ‘This is me,’ without having to speak.”

True enough, a quick scan of Duong’s socials reveals a man who exudes a relative ease and refinement across various styles, whether it be a showstopping concert look for the stage; a sporty, streetwear-inspired fit; elegant tailoring for fashion events; or distinctly Vietnamese garments reimagined with contemporary aesthetics. 

“I’ve always been drawn to versatility in fashion, blending traditional and contemporary elements. I love incorporating Vietnamese culture into my wardrobe—there’s so much beauty in our heritage. At the same time, I’m constantly inspired by global trends and the stories they tell. Whether it’s bold cuts, sustainable designs, or experimental textures, I’m open to trying it all. Fashion is an endless journey of discovering and redefining yourself.”

Duong’s mastery of many languages, coupled with his open-mindedness and willingness to learn new things, positions him as a young and cool talent from Vietnam that’s surely crossing even more borders in the future. And he’s just getting started.

“I’m stepping into a new chapter, one filled with exciting projects and challenges that will push me further as an artist. There’s so much I’m eager to explore—whether it’s new roles in film, creative collaborations, or connecting with audiences on a deeper level. I can’t wait to share this journey with everyone who’s been with me so far. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come!”

Photography Nhu Khoi

Creative direction Vic Lee

Fashion Freddy Nguyen

VMAN SEA Fashion direction Rex Atienza

Grooming Xi Quan Le

Hair Quan Le

Vietnam Art direction Huy Hoang and Nguyet Duong

VMAN SEA Art direction Mike Miguel

Retouching Dam Thoai My

Video Minh Luan Nguyen

Production Artclass Vietnam

Fashion assistants Dieu Vy, Minh Tuan, and Tuan Anh

Support Thanh Sang and Pham Huy Hoang

Sittings editor Patrick Ty

On Location Saigon Central Post Office