VeloAsia - People

Cycling in Mai Chau, Vietnam

Senior Staff

Comments from Past Travelers

	Le Van Sinh Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia A former engineer, Sinh virtually founded the contemporary tourist industry in Vietnam, opening the seminal and now famously-duplicated Sinh Cafe in 1991. After discovering cycling, he became restless for the road and has been researching and leading tours ever since. Sinh's knowledge of the highways and byways of Vietnam is unequaled and he loves to share it. Indeed, in his native country (and many of our travelers agree) Sinh is known as the "best of the best." Lonely Planet also thinks so and Sinh freelances on their Vietnam and Vietnam Atlas guides. How often do you get to say my guide wrote the book?
	Patrick Morris Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Sumatra Fourteen years ago, Patrick organized the first cycling tour of Vietnam and fell for Vietnam in a big way (as he know you will). Call him in our San Francisco office to learn why few know or love the country more. Inside tip: the limitless optimism, warmness, and incessant humor of the Vietnamese people make them the real highlight of the country (the cycling's not so bad either). Questions about our trips?
	Michael Buckley Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand Adventurer, prolific travel writer, and accomplished photographer, Michael has seen and documented a lot of out of the way places — often on two wheels (and less). Michael authors Moon Guide's Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Handbook. In humorous prose, Michael often reveals the underlying irony in the most trying of circumstances, such as in his epic Cycling to Xian. Favorite cycling experience? China into Tibet (if you don't count the sketchy border hassles). Please read more about Michael here.
	Daniel Fraser Thailand Arriving in 1995, Dan came to Thailand to work on teaching and consulting projects under the Royal Family. These good connections left him with an urge to settle on a more formal basis. In addition to leading people on life-altering adventures throughout the Kingdom, Dan dabbles in a myriad of other areas. A well-recognized figure in Thailand, Dan has appeared in many print, billboard and television commercials across Asia, recently starring in Thailand’s first digital feature film ‘The Garuda.’ Dan has also been a speaker at eco-tourism conferences, international student-exchange forums and multi-cultural corporate workshops. His proudest accomplishment to date however remains out-eating our travelers - watch your plate!
	Todd Hanson Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand A Renaissance man: skilled carpenter, world traveler, scholar, accomplished athlete. Todd has lead our tours along the Turkish Mediterranean, Myanmar and Vietnam. A Berkeley graduate in literature, Todd provides contemporary and historical aspects in literature to our destinations (and a helpful push up the hill when needed). Todd's Turkish favorite? The warm Tuscan sun and rich cuisine along the Turkish coast. Sorry, he is no longer single!
	Diep Le To Vietnam A graduate in tourism from Hanoi Open University, Diep fulfills her passion everyday, showing guests her native Hanoi and designing our special-interest programs, including a wonderful culinary tour of the country. Her smell for good local food is a direct challenge to those planning on shedding a few pounds. Diep provides enthusiastic insight into the land, people and culture she loves so much. Her uncommon perspective will take you places few see in Vietnam.
	Sonja Grau Turkey A former swimming instructor in her native Holland, Sonja coached at the World Games in the Hague. Since then her career has been devoted on outdoor activities in Turkey where she now lives. As well as on and off-road cycling, Sonja leads sea kayaking along the Turquoise Coast. Sonja is also fluent in Dutch, English, Turkish, German and French.
	Mason Florence Japan, Vietnam, Thailand Mason is author of Lonely Planet's popular Vietnam guidebook and also writes travel guides to Japan (Japan, Kyoto, Hiking in Japan) and other titles on Vietnam (South East Asia, Vietnam, Hanoi, Saigon, Vietnam Atlas). Mason has lived in Japan for more than ten years, mainly based in Kyoto, but calls Bangkok home when not leading or researching tours there. When not on the road or writing, Mason heads up the Chiiori Project in the Iya Valley on Shikoku Island and works on additional Lonely Planet titles such as The Rocky Mountains, where he spent his college days mountain biking. Mason's favorite ride? The stunning, but difficult, high mountain region near Sapa.
	Viet Nguyen Vietnam As well as leading dozens of cycling tours over the years, Viet also assists in designing many of the new tour itineraries you see on this site. When in California, Viet enjoys cycling in Marin and larger than life bowls of Pho. Vietnam Favorite? The delicious new restaurants opening in Saigon.
	Hien, Diep & Ngoc Vietnam Yes, it's true! Our Hanoi office is run by these three very lovely sisters, Hien (gentle), Diep (leaf), and Ngoc (jade). Combined, they have over 20 years in travel and hospitality (with a capital 'H') and together make a formidable yet gracious team.
	Willard Ford Vietnam, Thailand, Japan Veloasia co-founder, Willard has raced and lead tours throughout the world. He also managed the L'equipe Cheval racing team when they won the US Pro Championships in 1999 with now U.S. Postal rider Antonio Cruz. Strong interests also lie in martial arts, which along with cycling, highlights his visits to Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Favorite ride? "Phan Rang to Dalat: from the ocean, through searing cactus desert into the cool, lush canopy of the Central Highlands with two fantastic climbs ending with a descent into the alpine setting of Dalat Valley and a hot bath."
	Mai Loan Vietnam Born and raised in Saigon, Mai has over ten years experience managing tours and services in Vietnam. From our Saigon office, Mai provides invaluable expertise in smoothing the bureaucratic and logistical bumps along the way. Vietnam favorite? The new live jazz cafes sprouting up in Saigon, the perfect after work meeting place.