Our Story
Born from a love of
authentic Vietnam
We believe that truly transformative travel happens not in the lobby of a five-star hotel, but at a family table in a highland village, on a path that appears on no map, and in the quiet moments that remain with you long after you return home.
How it all began
From Hanoi's Old Quarter
to the world
VAC Travel was founded by a group of passionate local guides and seasoned travel professionals united by a single conviction: that Vietnam deserves to be experienced on its own terms — not through the window of a tour bus, but through genuine human connection.
VAC Travel was incorporated in Hanoi and licensed as an international tour operator in 2019. Our founder, Duke Nguyen, has designed private journeys across Vietnam since 2015, and the relationships he built with communities in the North, Centre and South shape every journey we design.
Our Journey
The journey begins
Duke Nguyen starts designing private journeys across Vietnam from Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Licensed as an international tour operator
Incorporated in Hanoi and granted International Tour Operator License No. 01-1428/2019/TCDL-GPLHQT.
HiddenPath Asia
VAC Travel introduces HiddenPath Asia, the group brand for its boutique private travel work.
Planned: Indochina expansionUpcoming
Planned extension of bespoke experiences into Laos and Cambodia under the HiddenPath Asia brand. Not yet operating in these countries.
Our Philosophy
The principles that guide us
Authentic First
Every itinerary is built around genuine local encounters — never tourist traps or rehearsed performances. If an experience feels contrived, we remove it without hesitation.
Intimacy by Design
We design each journey for the party that books it, so the pace, the pauses and the detours are yours to set. Intimacy here is a matter of design, not of headcount.
Community at Heart
We choose local guesthouses, hotels and cruises with care, engage guides who belong to the communities we visit, and ensure that our presence enriches — never diminishes — the places we love.
Travel with Conscience
We adhere to Leave No Trace principles, deliberately avoid over-touristed sites, and actively support the preservation of Vietnam's extraordinary cultural and natural heritage.
The people behind VAC Travel
Meet our team
Every member of our team was chosen not merely for their expertise, but for their genuine love of Vietnam and their gift for making guests feel truly at home.
Duke Nguyen
Founder & Owner
VAC Travel · HiddenPath Asia
"Duke has designed private journeys across Vietnam since 2015, and founded VAC Travel in 2019 on a simple yet profound philosophy: travel should be an unhurried art of discovery. His deep-rooted expertise and relentless exploration of the country’s pristine corners allow him to design itineraries with unmatched depth and authenticity. To Duke, true luxury is found not in extravagance, but in the rare, soulful moments and genuine human connections that linger for a lifetime."
Mrs. No Le
Co-Founder
VAC Travel · HiddenPath Asia
" No Le's passion for soulful hospitality is the cornerstone of VAC Travel. As Co-Founder, she seamlessly bridges visionary leadership with a gentle, personal touch, crafting tailor-made journeys that deeply connect guests to Vietnam’s living heritage. Under her guidance, luxury is felt not just in details, but in genuine warmth."
Mr. Tuong Nguyen
Senior Travel Architect
Northern Vietnam Expert
"As our North Vietnam Expert, Tuong brings the dramatic landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the northern region to life. Having spent years traversing the mist-shrouded peaks of Ha Giang, the terraced valleys of Sapa, and the timeless quarters of Hanoi, he possesses an unmatched ability to unlock hidden encounters that guidebooks miss. Tuong seamlessly bridges raw, authentic exploration with boutique comfort, ensuring every bespoke journey is as exhilarating as it is flawlessly executed."
Mrs. Ly
Guest Experience Manager
Southern Vietnam Specialist
"Ly brings a rare combination of soulful warmth and executive precision to the VAC Travel family. Her deep roots in the South allow her to craft genuine encounters that guidebooks overlook, weaving secret architecture and floating local life into unforgettable chapters. In her hands, your bespoke journey becomes a seamless masterclass in unhurried luxury."
Mrs. Phuong Le
Cultural Journey Curator
Central Vietnam Specialist
"With a deep reverence for the living heritage of her homeland, Phuong curates journeys that transcend typical sightseeing. As our Cultural Journey Curator and Central Vietnam Specialist, she possesses an intimate connection to the soul of the region — from the poetic imperial echoes of Hue to the timeless charm of Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys. Phuong’s expertise lies in orchestrating exclusive cultural encounters and uncovering hidden artistic sanctuaries. For the discerning traveller, she transforms history into a living, breathing narrative, weaving seamless luxury with profound local immersion."
Mrs. Nguyen Nhi
Travel Experience Designer
Southern Vietnam Specialist
"As our Travel Experience Designer and Southern Vietnam Specialist, Nhi approaches itinerary curation like a master artisan drafting a canvas. She possesses an intimate, contemporary pulse on the South — from the hidden, art-filled corridors of bustling Saigon to the sun-drenched, labyrinthine waterways of the Mekong Delta. Nhi specializes in designing contrasts, effortlessly blending high-energy urban exploration with the tranquil rhythm of private riverfront estate retreats. Her creations are deeply experiential, ensuring that every journey feels uniquely alive, deeply personal, and beautifully paced."
Licensed & trusted
Our credentials
We operate with full transparency. Every licence, accreditation, and commitment is something we are proud to share.