Lilian Nguyen
Born and raised in Hanoi, I grew up immersed in a city where history lives in its quiet alleyways, vibrant street life, and deeply rooted culinary traditions. From a young age, I found myself wandering beyond the main streets - exploring hidden corners, savoring local flavors, and discovering stories woven into everyday life. These early experiences shaped my passion for travel and my desire to share the soul of my hometown, and Vietnam as a whole, with travelers seeking meaningful cultural connections. As I grew into my role as a travel expert, my curiosity naturally expanded beyond Vietnam to other destinations across Southeast Asia - especially Thailand, which continues to captivate me with its vibrant cuisine, warm hospitality, rich traditions, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Today, I design journeys that go beyond sightseeing, thoughtfully crafted to help travelers truly feel, taste, and connect with each destination.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in travel across Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, with particular expertise in Vietnam and Thailand. With deep, first-hand knowledge of both countries, I design journeys that are fully tailored to each traveler’s interests, pace, and travel style. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, culinary discovery, relaxation, adventure, or a special celebration, my precise and highly personalized approach ensures every element is thoughtfully curated - so each trip feels seamless, personal, and truly memorable."
How did you get involved in travel?
"Alongside my love for travel, I’ve always been deeply interested in languages and cultural exchange, which led me to explore the linguistic field early on. I believed that mastering foreign languages would open doors to meaningful global connections. However, while I explored linguistics academically, I ultimately chose tourism as my professional path - where my passion and purpose aligned most naturally. Throughout my tourism studies and work as a travel consultant, the most rewarding moments have been hearing heartfelt feedback from travelers and knowing they felt genuinely happy and deeply connected to the journeys I curated. Knowing that these trips are often once-in-a-lifetime experiences drives me to continually refine my expertise, deepen my destination knowledge, and deliver travel experiences that are both seamless and truly meaningful."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I have a deep passion for solo travel - it has taught me how small we are in the vastness of the world, and how endlessly rich and rewarding it is to explore it with curiosity and openness. One journey I will never forget was sailing in a small basket boat off the coast of Ly Son Island, on Vietnam’s South Central Coast. Surrounded by turquoise waters, salty sea air, and schools of fish swimming beneath the boat, I felt completely present in the moment. What made the experience truly special was the warmth of the local people, who welcomed me with the freshest seafood they had just caught themselves. It was a powerful reminder of how breathtaking my home country is, and how meaningful it feels to discover places where nature and daily life remain beautifully untouched."
Lilian's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
With 10 days in Thailand on a luxury-focused itinerary, you can experience the country's exquisite cuisine, intriguing history, and pristine beaches on a highlights tour...
Twelve days in Vietnam is enough time to see the entire country, with stops in at least three cities and the countryside. Active itineraries are fast-paced and bring you more...
Immerse yourself in Southeast Asia's culture on this multicountry heritage tour. Start in Thailand, where you'll visit the Grand Palace and Ayutthaya ruins, then head north to...
Family itineraries
This two-week itinerary combines some of Thailand's most appealing and kid-friendly destinations for a family vacation to remember. From Bangkok, you'll head off the beaten path...
Take the family on an in-depth discovery of a singularly beautiful country that's the well-spring of a deep culture: Vietnam. Over two weeks, you'll see it all, from the...
Luxury itineraries
Experience Thailand's show-stopping cities, jungles, and beaches on this 14-day luxury itinerary. Urban adventures include privately touring Bangkok's Grand Palace and Chiang...
Enjoy a first-class escape to Vietnam for two weeks of adventure without sacrificing comfort. It starts with a highlights tour of Ho Chi Minh City followed by cycling and farm...
Road trip itineraries
This adrenaline-fueled 14-day tour of Thailand and Cambodia pairs outdoor fun with culture and history. It all begins in Bangkok, where you'll cruise the canals on a long-tail...
You won't find two Southeast Asian countries better suited for action and outdoor adventure than Vietnam and Thailand. Starting in the former, this three-week journey will take...
This 13-day Thailand adventure has you traveling cross country, keeping you actively engaged as you take in the sights and culture. While you'll have enough downtime to recharge...
Honeymoon itineraries
Explore Thailand's natural and historic wonders on this romantic 12-day honeymoon getaway. Eat in Bangkok like a local, visit the Doi Suthep Temple, and make friends with...
Tied the knot and want a customized trip to celebrate your love? Try honeymooning in Vietnam. This 10-day tour combines culture, relaxation, beautiful landscapes, and a touch of...