Our Team | Ethnic Travel: insight into Vietnam

Ly Thi So

So joined our team to fulfil her long term goal of working as a tour guide. So has guided many groups of tourists in Sapa and its surroundings. She has an extensive knowledge of ethnic minorities and uses a “hands-on” approach: leading the way for her group’s enjoyment of everything from boating, hiking, bicycling and cooking. Her upbeat, personalized manner of guiding tours reflects her devotion to Sapa, where she grew up. So is committed to protecting traditional ways of life and the environment.

“A fabulous trip! The opportunity to spend time relaxing, eating and talking with Vietnamese families was wonderful - felt as though we learned much more about the people than we could have possibly done otherwise. So was the perfect guide for this experience - insightful and thoughtful. Her passion and love for the country comes through every minute.”

Trinh Van Khanh

Khanh, a graduate of Hanoi’s National University of Foreign Languages, founded Ethnic Travel and established the company’s reputation for client-focused tour planning, cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility. Known for his love of the outdoors and winning smile, Khanh delights in ensuring that Ethnic Travel participants experience the real Vietnam and take home personal and meaningful memories of his country. His proficiency in languages is frequently displayed in his great sense of humour. Here are some comments from many of his satisfied clients.

“Khanh’s experience, enthusiasm, knowledge, genuine interest and love of his country as well as the opportunity to share his country with you will become evident the moment that you begin your trip with him. I believe you will not have a truer experience of the beauty of the people and the surroundings with anyone else. As someone who has traveled around the world many times I speak from experience.”

Pham Thi Lan

Ba Be Lake, Cao Bang, Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong Bay and Sapa are just a few places you might find Lan. Lan's undying passion is great Vietnamese food and mountains, so look out for a fantastic time if she is your tour guide!

"We have just returned from a two-day trip to Bai Tu Long Bay with Lan and would like to convince anyone and everyone who reads this recommendation to GO WITH LAN. The trip was the best thing I have ever done in Vietnam. I have never had a better guide or been on a better trip, it was well-planned, interesting, beautiful, and a great way to see the bay with someone who is very willing to share information and insightful observations. Really above and beyond what we were expecting in terms of INNOVATION, PROFESSIONALISM, and FLEXIBILITY!"

Dieu Xuan Thanh

“Our 18 day-journey in the North of Vietnam wouldn’t have been the same without our driver, guide and friend Thanh who made this trip very special for us. Not only is he a very experienced and careful driver, but also his good command of English, his translating skills, the insights he gave us into the Vietnamese culture and tradition were a cornerstone of our great Vietnamese experience. We especially liked how proudly Thanh talked about Ethnic Travel and his colleagues we can confirm that your company is special. We will definitely spread the word.”

Giang Thi Lan

Lan was born in Giang Ta Chai, a small and beautiful village in the east of Sapa. As a tour guide of Sapa and its surroundings, Lan knows the cultures and traditions of the places she guides to. More than anything, she knows people. She has a great knowledge and jokes, collected over years. With passion, humour and a pleasant smile she is a perfect tour guide.

Mai Thu

Thu’s boundless enthusiasm and bright smile makes her a great addition to our team. Thu’s laid back style, love for the countryside and knowledge of Vietnam will give you a real insight into the country and its people.

"We were pleasantly surprised that our guide spoke excellent French with an incredible vocabulary. She was very knowledgeable about the area and environment. We would recommend to anybody to get away from the crowds and see 'real' Vietnam with Thu."

Hoang Trung Thong

Thong has lived amongst the hills and White Thai people of Mai Chau for 4 years. He is passionate about the Mekong Delta and he has explored it on various journeys. His love and his knowledge of these regions are unrivalled. Join him and learn more.

"We had such an amazing trip with Ethnic Travel. Thong is an excellent guide. As budget travellers we were tempted to go on a larger, cheaper tour. Affer traveling with Thong we didn't regret our decision. He is professional and amazingly honest. We did exactly what he said we would do. We feel lucky to have connected with locals that we wouldn't have met without Thong's help. We have nothing but good things and happy memories to say about Thong and his way of showing tourists Vietnam."

Ly Thi Mang

In true Sapa spirit, and armed with endless energy, Mang loves sharing her infectious laughter and the beautiful insights of her people with other travellers. Join her family of satisfied guests.

"We really enjoyed our time with Mang. It was like visiting with a good friend. She is very excited and committed to her work. What really impressed us was the depth of her insight with respect to the rural people. She approached her work with an honesty and vision that was inspiring. She also shows a genuine concern that the traveller really enjoys their experience. Finally she was more than willing to make some changes to meet our specific needs. All in all a neat person to meet and a worthwhile chance to see something beyond the regular tours.”

Dieu Xuan Huy

Huy, our driver, has a profound knowledge of North Vietnam and possesses a vast experience of driving in the region. Huy's energy, passion and enthusiasm are amazing. Huy is trying his best to study English. Huy was described by one traveller as.

"Our cheerful driver, Mr Huy was our highly professional driver. His driving was faultless throughout the trip and we felt safe and secure at all times, even when the road has been virtually destroyed by mud slides. Entertaining and always professional, Mr Huy made the trip an ideal tour."

Ly Thi Sung

Sung's commitment and passion to the Ethnic Travel way of travel, extensive knowledge and strong love for Vietnam will surprise and delight you in so many ways. As two travellers said.

"A wonderful 3 days away! We felt comfortable with our enthusiastic guide Sung. She spoke excellent English and gave us plenty of information about local customs, religion, geography, people and life in North Vietnam. And was happy to answer all our many questions."

Do Thi Thao

Thao's outgoing and happy nature makes her many friends amongst local people and travellers alike. Her interests include singing Vietnamese traditional folk songs. She is a great singer and a tour guide at home in any region in Vietnam. Her satisfied guests said.

"Thank you for serving as interpreter when we stop at the cafe and answering all our questions, from irrigation to traditional wedding practices- you seem to know everything! You are a great guide and we were very happy to have you with us for this unusual foray into life in rural Vietnam."

Dao Thi Van

Van's bright smile, local knowledge and relaxed style makes her a great tour guide. "Van is a fantastic guide and person, full of knowledge, excellent English and communication skills, and just a genuinely nice person, and I feel like we got to see something of the real Vietnam and real Vietnamese people." said one of Van's travellers.

Ly Za Za

Za has just joined our team. She is always ready for a new challenge. Za's love of adventure and great sense of humour will ensure an eye-opening experience. You will find Za charming tribal people or up in the hills trekking. Come and meet her.

"It was amazing time travelling with Ethnic Travel and especially with Za Za. She was particularly attentioned and willing to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We really enjoyed our trip and the company of Za Za."

Le Van Quy

Born and bred in Nghe An province Quy fled to Hanoi to join Ethnic Travel as a driver. Travel has always been in his biography. Quy commits to being an excellent driver.

Phung Thi Kim Dung

Dung found the Ethnic experience of travel so rewarding that she made it her way of life. Try matching her energy and enthusiasm.

Dinh Hong Guong

Guong's hospitality and laugh is infectious. His passion for Vietnam is undying. Come and meet Guong who is our host in Black River.

"We found Mr Guong's homestay was a real tase of ethnic rural life. The warmth and generosity of the family was extremely touching. Staying in his wooden stilt-house was like stepping back to a time unpolluted by modern development. Many thanks for such a fantastic time."

Giang Thi Linh

Linh was born in Sapa, the sort of town that makes you want to travel. After a variety of occupations Linh jumped at a chance to join Ethnic Travel in 2009 as a tour guide. Linh is exposed to the joys of being with Ethnic Travel.

Mai Van Thuan

Born in the north province of Ninh Binh, Thuan trained in a vocational school as a mechanic and driver. At 30 he is one of the youngest drivers in our team. Thuan is a commited driver. Thuan was described by one traveller as "Excellent, keep up your work. You were fantastic to us always helpful and looking out for us. Thank you."

Giang Thi So

What can you say about So? Fun, calm and with a strong love for Vietnam. Her passion for Vietnam and its people has never faded.

"A fantastic experience - So is the perfect tour guide and shows you a side of Vietnam which you wouldn't see on your own. Everything from speaking with Vietnamese teachers to some home cooking! A wonderful experience not to be missed. Thank you."

Trinh Xuan Phuong

Phuong left the heat of Ho Chi Minh City to join our team in Hanoi as a driver. Phuong's enthusiasm and sense of humour makes him many friends wherever he goes. One of his satisfied guests said.

"An excellent driver and that was a great relief to us (travelling with our kids), because the traffic isn't very easy in Vietnam. Phuong is a treasure of Ethnic Travel."

Nguyen Le Thuy Tien

Tien has a sense of fun and strong love for her home, Ben Tre province. You will find that she offers an excellent insight into the real Mekong Delta. Get ready to try something new and different.

Do Van Hoan

Hoan's a guy full of life and great ideas. He loves sharing his fun, extensive knowledge and great cooking skills with you. Perfect for a host in the Red River Delta.

Nguyen Ly Ly

Have we mentioned passion, Enthusiasm? Energy? No.....well, come and meet Ly who is our newest tour guide. Her guests said.

“We have had a brilliant experience travelling with Ly for the last 6 days. We ‘ve been on the road for 7 months now and wish there had been a Ly in each place we visited!!! Besides the invaluable language lessons, she gave us a truly unique experience as we interacted with Vietnamese farmers, shared meals with families and even had our palms read!!! She also introduced us to many local dishes (very tasty) we had a ball! The only suggestion we can make is to consider going for longer!!! Take the worry and hassle out of doing it yourself and hit the road with Ly !!!”

Nguyen Van Cuong

Gai feels at home in Ethnic Travel. She keeps our office flawlessly clean. Gai is now studying English in an English centre. "Wise, witty and nurturing " is how Gai has been described.

Nguyen Thi Gai

Gai feels at home in Ethnic Travel. She keeps our office flawlessly clean. Gai is now studying English in an English centre. "Wise, witty and nurturing " is how Gai has been described.

Quach Cong Chinh

Chinh loves travelling with Ethnic Travel. Chinh's laid back style and ability to talk about anything means he is a natural tour guide. His interests include teaching English. Some of his satisfied guests said.

"We enjoyed all aspects of the trip - the scenery, guest house, the itinerary and our excellent guide. We were probably not the easiest people for our guide Chinh - one of us is an architect with long experience working abroad, one worked for Unesco and helped set up Hoi An as a world heritage site, and I have been around in Vietnam for a while. However, we did enjoy Chinh being our guide immensely."

Ly Thi Pang

Pang was born into an ethnic Hmong family in Sapa. Pang loves climbing mountains, the higher the better. She is one of those people who gets along with everyone. She is a great talker! Come and meet her many friends. One of her clients said.

"We have had a great trip to Sapa with Pang, our tour guide. She was great because she explained lots of highlights and translated when we spoke to locals and she was willing to answer our numerous questions and was very patient, flexible and polite. She took us off the "beaten-track" to places we would not have gone to on our own but felt completely safe going there with Pang. We would recommend Ethnic Travel and Pang to anyone who wants to see the real Vietnam."

Bui Anh Van

Born in Ninh Binh province Van has recently joined our team as a driver. On his driving responsibility, Van pledges his commitment to his job. He was described by one of travellers as

"A wonderful driver and a very interesting and smart person. I enjoyed travelling with Van. Thank you for a amazing holiday."

Truong Thi Thu

Thu is often raved about her fresh and delectable rice noodles and multiflavoured dipping fish sauce. She will share the secrets of her dishes with you.

Dao Thi Hong Dien

How did Dien become our team member? Through her strong commitment to our financial work. It all begins with her investing time to truly understand our client's business and adapting her expertise to our guest's needs.

Vu Van Hieu

Ly Thi Yeu

At Yeu's family you capture the magic of Sapa and get closer to its people and culture. One of Yeu's guests said "We had a wonderful time at Mrs Yeu's family. All her family were very friendly and made us feel welcome."

Pham Van Dan

Nguyen Thi Thoa

Thoa is responsible for transporting our guests' luggage and belongings on Van Don Island. She is honest, enthusiastic and dedicated to her work. A gifted member of our team!

Trinh Dinh Trinh

Ngan Thi Ngan

Being our host family in Mai Chau, Ngan is interested and open to sharing her culture and daily experiences and learning about new ones. Come and meet her family and you will have a perfect intercultural opportunity.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tu

What can you say about Tu? Tenacious, calm and committed to her work. Her passion and love for Vietnam has never faded.

"Our guide was an excellent instructor in the complexity of the Vietnamese language and culinary delights. She also adapted the tour to suit our every desire, including regular stops for cafe. We would definitely recommend Tu and Ethnic Travel to our friends and family".

Pham Van Sau

As a retired fisherman Sau opens up his comfortable house to embrace guests. He is one of our most experienced team members. "Our homestay was comfortable with a nice family. There was a lot of smiling and all the food was delicious." said one of Sau's guests.

Le Thi Thu Nguyet

Our guests find Nguyet, our host in the Mekong Delta very gracious and friendly. She cooks excellent meals and shares history and culture with her visitors. She is a valued member of our team.

Le Van Lam

After many years of working as a driver, Lam's experience and passion for Vietnam will make for a safe and fun-filled holiday. He is a great driver.

Trieu Duy Tho

Tho is a hospitable host in Ba Be Lake. Tho often engages his guests in local daily life. "Our host is charming, generous and always welcoming to guests" one of his visitors said.

Cam Muoi

Born into an ethnic Giay family and equipped with a relaxed and gentle attitude, Muoi ensures her guests will experience first-hand the daily life of Giay ethnic people with a sense of fun and involvment. From cultivating seasonal crops to cooking local dishes. Muoi is a wonderful host in Sapa.

Ta Van Hoai

Hoai left Hanoi and lived in Sapa. He has made himself at home there very quickly. His love for Sapa is everlasting. Travellers say he's "efficient, calm, clear and a pleasure to travel with." Join him in Sapa.

Do Thi Tuyen

Tuyen is our host in the Red River Delta. Tuyen's practical experience and enthusiasm enables our guests to explore the region in some depth.

Pham Van Doan

Tuyen is our host in the Red River Delta. Tuyen's practical experience and enthusiasm enables our guests to explore the region in some depth.

Pham Thi Lan

Lan has a strong understanding of her guests and a passion for showing them how to cook succulent dishes and access local culture. She is an unforgettable cook and unrivalled host.

Ba Duc

If you wish to have a beautiful homestay in the Mekong Delta, Duc's homestay is an excellent choice. Located by one of the mighty Mekong River's tributaries Duc's ancient house is in great harmony of water and land. His family is so welcoming and hospitable. Come and meet our wonderful host!

Nguyen Thi Thu Trang

Trang possesses a wealth of knowledge and passion for her guiding job. Trang shares real experiences of her own lives and beliefs that provide an insightful view into the local culture and people. Trang is an intergral part of Ethnic Travel.

"From my discussions with Trang, I learnt much more about Vietnam and its people than I could ever hope to learn from a book or from my own observations. She was always ready to explain and talk about what we were seeing and experiencing, with a good combination of thoughtfulness and good humour."

Ross Young (with Kim McClymont, Oliver and Leon)

Pham Trung Hau

Hau is full of life. A great captain and organiser; even dolphins make an appearance at his request! He will share his enthusiasm and passion for Bai Tu Long with you. One of his satisfied guests said.