In a rapidly evolving tourism landscape, staying relevant means more than just following trends—it means anticipating change and leading with purpose. This is the story of how we identified a gap in Vietnam's travel industry and turned a bold vision into a growing, resilient, and customer-loved business.

Identifying the Gap: A Vision for Change

In the early 2000s, Vietnam was beginning to open its doors to the world after decades of war and isolation. As the country embraced foreign visitors, the tourism industry experienced a significant boom, creating exciting opportunities for professionals like myself. I began my journey as a tour guide and later took on the role of tour leader, working for both local and international companies.

Despite this exciting growth, I quickly noticed a major gap in the experiences being offered to travelers. Many tours relied on outdated itineraries that no longer aligned with the needs or expectations of a new generation of global explorers.

Typical shortcomings included:

• Generic and repetitive tours with little innovation

• Lengthy bus rides without engaging or meaningful activities

• Minimal interaction with local culture, people, and daily life

• A lack of depth when exploring architecture, religion, history, and battlefields

At the time, most local travel companies lacked the role of experienced product managers—people who could bridge the gap between the destination and the traveler’s mindset. Without this critical perspective, companies continued to offer the same experiences, missing the opportunity to deliver deeper, more engaging journeys.

Turning the Vision into Reality: Our Beginnings in 2004

Recognizing this gap, I joined forces with a trusted friend and business partner to launch our own travel company in 2004—one built with a clear mission: to transform the way people experience Vietnam.

From the start, we took a different approach. We conducted extensive research, studied traveler feedback, and listened closely to the insights of tour guides. Rather than follow industry norms, we created experience-driven itineraries designed to showcase the real Vietnam—its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and the warmth of its people. We wanted our travelers to feel, taste, hear, see, and truly connect with the destination.

Our collaboration with Gate1 Travel was a pivotal chapter in this journey. In the early years, Vietnam welcomed just a few hundred Gate1 travelers annually. But by 2014, that number had already surpassed 1,000. The growth that followed was even more remarkable.

Between 2015 and 2019, our traveler numbers soared:

• From 2,000 to 3,000

• Then 4,000

• And finally, over 5,000 travelers annually by the end of 2019

Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we remained resilient. By the end of the 2024 season, we proudly served nearly 6,000 travelers annually—an achievement that reflects not just recovery, but continued strength and relevance in a competitive global market.

How Did We Achieve This?

Our formula for success has remained consistent and focused:

• Developing innovative, experience-based products that go far beyond standard sightseeing

• Building a team of passionate, well-trained tour managers who bring every itinerary to life

• Maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, with over 90% excellence ratings across all services

• Committing to continuous improvement by reviewing every traveler’s feedback and every tour manager’s report to refine future offerings

Today, our vision continues to guide everything we do. We believe in travel that inspires, connects, and stays with you long after the journey ends. Whether you're discovering Vietnam for the first time or returning to explore it more deeply, we’re here to ensure that every moment matters.