Our Founder
Thuan ‘Tom’ Khuu
Guests call him Tom. It sounds close to Thuận, and it is easier to remember.
Trained in Canadian adventure tourism. Seasoned on the wild West Coast of Canada. Born Vietnamese, and still curious about every corner of the country he calls home.
Education
Trained in Canada
Thuan took an unusual path for a guide in Vietnam. He believed adventure travel should be run with real safety and professionalism, so he invested two years, and his own money, in the Adventure Tourism Diploma at College of the Rockies in British Columbia, Canada.
He studied and worked alongside instructors with twenty years in the field, and guides from Canada’s leading adventure tourism associations. From them he learned to run adventurous trips the professional way: planned systematically, led with care, and safe from the first day to the last.
Expedition Guide
From Sea Kayak to Bicycle
In Canada, Thuan guided sea kayaking expeditions around Telegraph Cove and the Broughton Archipelago, a scatter of wild islands and channels off northern Vancouver Island.
He then came home to Vietnam to lead cycling tours through the countryside. Across Canada and Vietnam, he has more than eight years of guiding behind him.
Perspective
Between Two Cultures
Thuan is Vietnamese, and he lived for many years in Western culture. That gives him a clear view from both sides. He notices the small details of Vietnamese life that locals take for granted and visitors walk past, and he understands why those details are what make this country different.
History, Geology & Geography
Always Asking Why
Thuan reads deeply in history, geology and geography, and he is always looking for answers to the questions others never think to ask. He loves Vietnamese culture, and sharing it with guests from far away is the reason he does this work.
Off the Clock
On His Own Time
On his own time, Thuan keeps exploring. He has hiked the Sunshine Coast Trail in British Columbia, and cycled for 16 days from Dien Bien Phu through Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay, following Vietnam’s northern border with China. He rock climbs, and rides his motorbike all over Vietnam.
He is just as happy at home with his wife, their two cats and a good book. His favourite novels are the Hannibal Lecter series.
Our Philosophy
Layers of Discovery
Inspired by the intricate process of Vietnamese sơn mài, where layers are carefully applied and then sanded back to reveal hidden beauty, our journeys mirror this philosophy. We believe travel should be slow and deeply layered, allowing you to truly connect with the landscape, local traditions, and the genuine heart of Southeast Asia.
Ready for Your Journey?
Explore our carefully crafted itineraries and start planning your next great adventure. We’re here to answer any questions and help you discover the genuine luxury of slow, layered travel.