The family of a young Vietnamese American woman have been unable to make contact with her since she visited Vietnam to visit relative.

Le Thanh Truc, born in 1993, followed her parents to the US in 1995 and returned to visit her hometown many times since. In May, Truc said she would travel to several countries to gain experience as an intern before university graduation. However, Truc's family have been unable to make contact her a week after she began her trip.

 Le Thanh Truc

Her parents found that she bought a return ticket to Vietnam on May 14 and was expected to return to the US on June 22. Because of heart disease, her parents can't travel long distance and placed all their hope on Le Van Tai, Truc's closet relative and her uncle.

Tai said, "No one knew about Truc's trip. Her parents said she took USD25,000 and jewellery worth USD5,000 with her."

 Le Van Tai (right)

After investigation, the Immigration Department reported that one of Truc's nieces had helped her register at a hotel in HCM City but she already left on May 18. According to the department, Truc hasn't left Vietnam yet. Truc parents also discovered that she often sends gifts to the niece's family. Other relatives said they hadn't seen her and they haven't met with the niece.

"I'm worried. I don't know how or where she is right now," Tai said. "If anyone sees her, please contact me at Hamlet 1, Phuoc Binh Commune, Long Thanh District, Dong Nai Province or call me at 0918.154.621."

The case is under investigation.