LeaderPortfolio
Thao
N
Rank #1025
VIETNAMDiversifiedAirlines

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

Net Worth
$4.099B
-0.59% (24h)
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is a prominent Vietnamese businesswoman, best known as the founder and CEO of Vietjet Air. Born on June 7, 1970, she became a millionaire at 21 and built a diverse portfolio of businesses. With a current estimated net worth of $4.1 billion, primarily from her stake in Vietjet Air, she is recognized as Vietnam's first self-made woman billionaire and a leading figure in the aviation industry. Her career highlights include transforming Vietjet Air into a major low-cost carrier and expanding its operations across Asia. Thao also holds interests in real estate and banking, showcasing her diversified business acumen.

How to read Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, we anchor the narrative to Airlines and Airlines, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $4.099B alongside global rank #1025, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (VIETNAM) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 7, 1970. She comes from a respected family. Thao showed an interest in becoming wealthy from an early age.

Rise to Success

She began her entrepreneurial journey while studying finance and economics in Moscow. At the age of 21, she had already become a millionaire through trading goods. She founded Vietjet Air in 2011. In February 2017, she became Vietnam's first self-made woman billionaire. She is also the president of Sovico Group and vice president of HDBank.

Key Business Strategies

Thao's key business strategy was launching Vietjet Air as a low-cost carrier. The airline quickly expanded its domestic and international routes. She focused on customer service and making air travel accessible to a broader population. She has also made significant investments in real estate and banking, diversifying her business interests.

Philanthropy

Beyond her business ventures, Thao is involved in philanthropy, supporting various social welfare programs. She emphasizes the importance of women in building a prosperous and inclusive economy, driving humanitarian initiatives in education, cultural preservation and sustainable development.

Career Timeline

2017

First Self-Made Woman Billionaire in Vietnam

Took Vietjet Air public and became Vietnam's first self-made woman billionaire.

2011

Founded Vietjet Air

Launched Vietjet Air, Vietnam's first private airline.

1991

Became a Millionaire

Became a millionaire at age 21 through trading.

Philanthropic Impact

Social WelfareUndisclosed

Social Welfare Programs

Supports women, children, and vulnerable groups.

EducationUndisclosed

Educational Initiatives and Scholarships

Supports education and provides international scholarships.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Vietjet Air

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 7, 1970. She comes from a respected family. Thao showed an interest in becoming wealthy from an early age.

Rise to Success

She began her entrepreneurial journey while studying finance and economics in Moscow. At the age of 21, she had already become a millionaire through trading goods. She founded Vietjet Air in 2011. In February 2017, she became Vietnam's first self-made woman billionaire. She is also the president of Sovico Group and vice president of HDBank.

Key Business Strategies

Thao's key business strategy was launching Vietjet Air as a low-cost carrier. The airline quickly expanded its domestic and international routes. She focused on customer service and making air travel accessible to a broader population. She has also made significant investments in real estate and banking, diversifying her business interests.

Philanthropy

Beyond her business ventures, Thao is involved in philanthropy, supporting various social welfare programs. She emphasizes the importance of women in building a prosperous and inclusive economy, driving humanitarian initiatives in education, cultural preservation and sustainable development.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.