Vietnam

I traveled to Vietnam from California specifically to meet Thang and go on a one-on-one motorcycle trip organized by him after my good friend came back raving. He is a highly experienced guide and truly cares about his guests. There are a number of options for guides in Hanoi but what Thang offers is more boutique and personal than the other options. He was also very capable when it came to organizing logistics and arranging deposits from abroad. I can't say enough good things. I left town wanting to come right back. Next time I will bring friends and spend twice as much time riding around Vietnam on a motorbike with Thang.

My husband and I just returned from a week tour in North Vietnam with Thang as our guide. He speaks excellent English, has a great knowledge of Vietnam's history and culture, and is extremely attentive to details. Prior to our arrival, he found us a driver to take us to Mai Chau (the mountains) and Lan Ha Bay for a two-day sail with stunning scenery, as well as setting up resort arrangements, a private boat and various activities. Thang took us on the best food tour, a bike tour through rice fields, kayaking through caves and so much more. Not only were his services a great value, he couldn't have done more to make us have an unforgettable vacation. Highly recommend Frontier Travel!

As a first time traveler to SE Asia, it was a little bit overwhelming planning my trip and adventures- Where to start? What to do? How can I get off the tourist path? How can I have the most fun? How can I see the most beautiful nature? Who can I trust? How can I make it back in one piece? If you are reading this review and have these same questions, here is my experience with Thang and Frontier Travel. First off, the planning phase was very straightforward. Frontier held up every end of their promises and guarantees. Nothing was shady at all.They were easy to communicate with and accessible. One suggestion is to bring your own gear. They have all the gear you would need, but I think it would be a good idea to bring your own to ensure comfortability. I did not bring my own (in order to travel lightly) and everything was ok except for the boots. I had to ride in boots that were way too small. Not the best, but nothing could take away from the experience I had. The trip was everything I had hoped for and more. As a businessman and owner of Frontier, Thang is legit. He wants you to have the adventure of a lifetime. On a personal level and as the guide for our 6 day motorbike tour of the North-Central mountains, Thang became a best friend for life. He is so patient and kind, yet efficient and problem-solving. Any needs that I had were met gracefully and with love. He took me to places I could have never dreamed of- remote villages that I would have never been able to see without his guidance, views that are truly indescribable, into people's homes for food and green tea...This trip was truly the best thing I have ever done in my life. The ride and the natural beauty itself would have been enough to give this declaration, but what put this trip over the top was Thang. I can't emphasize how patient and knowledgeable he is. This trip 6 days in the north central mountains on a 250cc motorcycle) isn't for someone who is looking for a "chill-out", "relaxing" touristy getaway. It is a breathtaking adventure. I came into the trip with a beginners level of motorbike skill. I am athletic and in good shape and the ride challenged me but rewarded me with the experience of a lifetime and I came out of it as a much more advanced rider, thanks to Thang. I recommend this trip for anyone who seeks adventure, SPECTACULAR natural beauty and growth. This trip genuinely changed my life. Cheers.

We decided to go on a 7-day motorbike tour with Frontier Travel through the northern Vietnam. We were provided with dirtbikes, equipment and were guided by Mike - an english speaking local guide. Shortly he became our friend. Riding a motorbike in northern parts of Vietnam got me an unusual experience to feel how vietnamese people behave on the road, how they keep caution, and don't overreact - like they were always taking care of each other. Staying at homestays for nights introduced us to vietnamese culture and cuisine. Local people were always most friendly and generous. Homekeepers were very hospitable. For me that part of the trip was also very important - getting know each other and making relationships. Riding a motorbike through northern Vietnam was the best way to master riding skills and also to fit to local society. I saw Vietnam full of live - not strictly regulated as in Europe. People appear more real here - empathic and open minded. Frontier Travel Office kept contact with us all the time providing aid if needed, so I could concentrate on the road ahead of me. Pictures can't transfer the feeling of riding a motorbike through most beatiful landscapes. I will remember this for a lifetime. Trip not only got me excited, but thanks to my good friends and some new vietnamese friends made me feel much happier. All stress just went away. - Szymon

If you're after epic adventure, mind-blowing scenery and truly authentic experiences, you cannot do better than having Thang Pham Van as your trip planner and guide! I first met Thang, the owner of Frontier Travel, on my first trip to Vietnam in 2017 when i was scouting the far north as a new destination for my photography tours/workshops business. I was so impressed with Thang's knowledge, abilities, and enthusiasm that i asked him to be my guide the following year when i returned with a small group of clients for an off road motorcycle based photo workshop (check out some photos from this trip here). I travel the world for a living, but I have to say that trip was the adventure of a lifetime for both me and my clients! We rode the most remote roads and trails, photographed jaw dropping scenery and visited countless tiny villages that never see tourists. Thang is now my exclusive guide in northern Vietnam although my trips are no longer bike based. Thang is an amazing rider and knows his territory as well as any other guide but what separates him from everyone else is his absolute passion for what he does. Aside from his family, there is nothing Thang loves more in life than exploring his home country on a dirt bike and showing others its astounding beauty. Another impressive aspect of his character that Thang shares with his wife, is their love for their country and especially the people of the far north. Many small ethnic minority groups inhabit the mountains there, living a beautiful but difficult life. Thang and his wife support several mountain villages by operating a small shop in Hanoi, With Love from the Mountains, which sells handicrafts made by village artisans. If you care about authenticity and knowing that your purchases directly benefit the people who product the goods you buy, I encourage you to visit their tiny store. I keep telling Thang that he should charge much more for his services. You should book him before he takes my advice ;-)!