Mission Statement

T o care for our travelers in a professional, yet personally sensitive manner, pro-
viding the highest quality of services and best values possible always deliver-
ing our promises and acting responsibly for the integrity of the natural environment
and local communities.

Welcome to Indochina

T his publication tells the story of Asiana Travel Mate; our humble beginnings,
surprising growth, modest achievements and vision for the future. It is as much
a personal story as it is a corporate account, for we are a close knit community
dedicated to our work, bonded by a common vision and shared values.

Since we founded the company in 2006, we have been building on the ethical foun-
dation of “Responsible Travel and Sharing” which now permeates our organization
ASIANATRAVELMATE from the grassroots and extends to our network of strategic partners.

We believe in taking personal and corporate responsibility for the delivery of

services as promised and in addressing any problems experienced by our travel-
ers besides being sensitive to the natural and social environment. We endeavor to
benefit local communities, especially where we have a presence, and have initiated
ongoing community outreach programs and special events to do so.

It is important that our corporate entity has a human face and heart and we are
committed to provide our travelers with the best possible experiences in a profes-
sional, yet personally sensitive manner. It is deeply fulfilling that we have been
able to serve our travelers with integrity and competence, raise a new generation
of dedicated professionals and share the benefits of the tourism industry with local
communities. At the heart of our endeavors, is the love for our beautiful, peaceful
homeland that we genuinely desire to share with our travelers.
INDOCHINA - LANDS OF THE MEKONG
T he Mekong River dominates the grand
vista of the lands of Indochina. Serene
and mysterious in the misty dawn, reflec-
tive and romantic at twilight or brooding,
turbulent and daunting in its flood, the
Mekong symbolizes the ebb and flow of
the empires of the region; the glory of the
Khmers that built Angkor, the elephant
borne armies of ancient Laos that repelled
the Mongols, the era of French coloni-
zation that gave the region its name and
in the chapter of its historical narrative
within living memory, the Vietnam War,
the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge
that followed and the quest of nationalism
from which the contemporary nations of
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have since
emerged.
The Mekong is the longest river in South
East Asia, flowing over four and a half
thousand kilometers through the north-
south axis of Indochina. Springing from
the glacial heights of the Tibetan Himala-
yans, the Mekong plummets through the
forested northern heights of Laos border-
ing Burma, tumbles downward in a series
of waterfalls and surging rapids to demar-
cate the western extent of Laotian terri-
tory south of its capital Vientiane with the
nation of Thailand.
Swelled by the tributaries from the Car-
damon, Elephant and Dangrek mountain
ranges of Cambodia and the
Annamese Cordillera parallel to the coast
of Vietnam, the Mekong then surges
through the central Khmer lands. At its
peak water levels during the rainy season,
the Mekong creates the annual reverse
flow of the Tonle Sap river into the great
lake of its name where the ancient monu-
ments of Angkor lie to its north.
Entering Vietnam south of the Cambo-
dian capital of Phnom Penh, the Mekong
deposits the fertile sediments of its long
passage into the Mekong Delta and finally
emerges in the South China Sea. Mirror-
ing this southern delta, the Red River Del-
ta dominates northern Vietnam, flowing
eastward into the Gulf of Tonkin.
Indochina is the crossroads of South and
East Asian flora, unmatched in aspects of
biodiversity throughout the Indo-Pacific
with over 700 species of birds and 183
mammal species. Among these, the secre-
tive northern mountains shelter the rare
and endearing Red Panda, Pygmy Loris
and Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey besides
the better known Asian Elephant, Tiger
and other endangered species. These high-
lands also harbor the remnants of colorful
ethnic communities whose origins lie in
the clans that fled the expansion of dynas-
tic empires.
Located between the Equator and the
Tropic of Cancer, the climate of Indochi-
na is as varied as its biology. Although the
region has an overall monsoonal climate
of wet and dry seasons, conditions range
from between tropical and temperate
characteristics, variously supporting man-
grove, montane or evergreen forests. The
branches of leafless trees at the Tram Ton
Pass in the foothills of Mount Fansipan,
the apex of Indochina at over three thou-
sand meters, glitter with frozen sheaves
of ice while in the hot, humid delta cities
of the south, torrential rains overflow its
canals.
Although the legacy of wars over the last
century lingers in aspects of contempo-
rary life throughout Indochina, the strong
communal bonds, deep rooted traditions,
resilience and innovativeness of its peo-
ple pervade these beautiful and enigmatic
lands; The lands of the Mekong that have
fascinated explorers, soldiers, adventur-
ers, travelers and writers from throughout
its history to this day, etched in the hearts
and minds of those, who have in various
ways, been part of its perpetual ebb and
flow.
HISTORY OF ASIANA TRAVEL MATE
“A three-fold cord is not quickly broken”
T he wisdom of the combined strength of three cords is a universal theme
reflected in the folklore of manAy nations and cultures. The three fold
bond represents the principles of harmony and balance in a world of duality.
In early 2006, Nguyen Dinh An (Andy), Nguyen Ngoc Quyet and Bui Van
Chi, decided to pool their experiences, skills and
resources to establish a new and unique travel and tour company; Asiana
Travel Mate.
Vietnam’s tourism industry had been growing at an unprecedented rate, from
just half a million visitors in 1993 to 4.5 million visitors by the year 2008,
reflecting Vietnam’s growing popularity as a destination of choice in the Asia
Pacific. However, much of its growth was relatively uncontrolled with many
small players acting as agents rather than operators which often left a nega-
tive gap in customer expectations of the delivery of services promised. In
this scenario, the founders were determined to build a credible company
committed to the principles of responsible travel and a culture of sharing.
Andy says, “Responsible travel is about traveling and operating in a way that
addresses our concerns for the environmental, cultural and s
ocial impacts of tourism: to retain the integrity of sensitive ecosystems, to
maintain the traditions and natural character of communities our
travelers interact with and generally to preserve the natural and cultural heri-
tage for which visitors come to Vietnam, besides our responsibility to leave
a positive legacy for future generations.”
Chi adds, “We endeavor to benefit both travelers and local
communities in a sustainable manner which has been our commitment since
the company’s inception.
Today, in the face of global envi-
ronmental degradation, social and
economic upheaval and transi-
tions, our commitment is stronger
than ever. We have developed a
clear set of criteria and Apractices
from the grassroots up to demon-
strate our corporate and personal
ethic of responsible travel and of
sharing the benefits of tourism
with local communities. We ex-
pect that our travelers will share
this ethic with us.”
Quyet adds another dimension to
the ethic of responsible travel and
sharing; “Internally, our responsi-
bility extends to our relationships
with our staff, strategic partners,
suppliers and
vendors... to empower them to
grow with us with an equitable
share of the rewards, towards a
common vision and ultimately to
mutually deliver our promises to
our customers consistently. “
In 2006, Asiana Travel Mate’s
first office was set up in the bus-
tling tourist centre of Ho Chi
Minh City. In that year, Vietnam
recorded 3.8 million tourist arriv-
als and the company quickly be-
gan securing a significant market
share based on the quality of its
customized services and commit-
ment to its travelers. In late 2007
the company extended its reach
with an office in the capital city
of Hanoi that spurred its growth
further.
In 2009, despite the global reces-
sion, the travel and tourism indus-
try contributed an estimated 13%
of the GDP to the Vietnamese
economy. However its impact on
the tourism industry weeded out
many travel and tour operators
while Asiana Travel Mate main-
tained its revenue levels in-spite
of a drop in the number of travel-
ers. Quyet says of the global crisis
“A time of crisis brightens people
and companies of true integrity,
capabilities and values while it
exposes & terminates those to the
contrary.”
The company recognized oppor-
tunities to consolidate and even
expand its operations and quickly
adapted its strategies in the face
of the cumulative effects of the
global recession.
Inflation hovered at 30% and
increased fuel prices resulted in
higher operational costs but ho-
tels were promoting reduced rates
that would benefit independent
travelers; the core of Asiana’s
Travel Mate’s customer base
The company also acquired con-
trol of two premier cruise ships in
Halong Bay, the Valentine and the
Calypso and formed strategic
partnerships to improve the qual-
ity of its services, logistical and
cost efficiencies. An office was
opened in the Hue, Central Viet-
nam as well as in Laos and Cam-
bodia, extending the company’s
presence beyond Vietnam.
Firmly built on the foundation
of a commitment to responsible
travel and a culture of sharing,
besides the leverage of its sub-
stantial customer base and solid
financial standing, the company
has built its capacity to oper-
ate throughout Indochina with
a diverse range of customized
itineraries, routes and destina-
tions. Asiana Travel Mate enjoys
the endorsements of its travel-
ers and has handled over 40,000
travelers since its inception. With
Vietnam’s travel and tourism sec-
tor projected to have the world’s
sixth-highest growth rate in the
next decade, Asiana Travel Mate
is poised to offer its travelers even
better value for money, quality of
services and facilities in custom-
ized, personalized tours through-
out Indochina ... in the spirit of
responsible travel and the culture
of sharing.
THE FOUNDERS OF ASIANA TRAVEL MATE
Nguyen Dinh An (Andy)
Managing Director
based in Hue, Central Vietnam.
andy@asianatravelmate.com
N guyen Dinh An (1972) is the father
of six children with the distinction of
having both twin sons and daughters. He
lives with his family in the ancient citadel
city of Hue. Andy, as he is also known, was
born in the village of Tiên Điền in Hà Tĩnh
province on the north central coast. The
village is nestled deep in the literary heart
of Vietnam, the home of the celebrated
18th century poet Nguyễn Du, author of
the epic poem, The Tale of Kiều.
Andy began his career in the tourism in-
dustry in the mid-nineties. In 1998, he
guided Martin and Annie Coudeville from
Oostende, Belgium on their first visit to
Vietnam. It was the beginning of an on-
going relationship that changed his life,
giving him direction and opportunities he
otherwise might never have had.
Andy’s integrity, competence and natural
qualities of leadership soon brought him
into the ranks of management in some of
the industry’s leading companies. In 2006,
tempered by a decade of experience, Andy,
together with his friends Chi and Quyet,
founded Asiana Travel Mate, establishing
the fledgling company’s first office in Ho
Chi Minh City that year. Bonded by a
common vision of a company that would
deliver on it’s promises and operate in a
responsible manner, the trio formulated the
principle of “Responsible Travel and Shar-
ing”, with customized inbound travel and
personalized services as the cornerstone of
its operations. Asiana Travel Mate’s clien-
tele base soon began to grow beyond ex-
pectations.
Andy is an intrepid photographer and is
personally committed to the ideals of social
responsibility, expressed through commu-
nity outreach initiatives, now embedded
as part of the company’s operations. He is
gifted with a knack for strategic market-
ing initiatives and his visionary, egalitar-
ian style of management has engendered a
well motivated and competent work force
that has vitalized the company’s growth
and direction.
“I believe in making things possible.”
Quote: Nguyen Dinh An

Bui Van Chi
based in Hanoi, Northern Vietnam.
B ui Van Chi (1977) was born in Nghe
An, the home province of Ho Chi
Minh in the north central coast of Viet-
nam. He majored in English and French
at the University of Foreign Studies and
in International Business Administration
at the University of Economics in Hanoi
where he now lives with his wife and
daughter.
Prior to the founding of Asiana Travel
Mate in 2006, Chi traveled extensively
throughout the northern territories of
Vietnam as a tour guide, leading clas-
sic and adventure tours. These included
kayaking, cycling and trekking, activities
and special assignments for film crews as
well as location surveys. He later extend-
ed his travel into Laos and Cambodia as a
tour leader. In the course of his early ca-
reer, Chi had worked with Andy and their
common experiences led to a convergent
outlook and shared vision for the found-
ing of Asiana Travel Mate.
Chi has a talent for logistics management
with a pragmatic and candid approach to
operational concerns, keeping the com-
pany’s tour operations on an even keel, in
close liaison with the marketing team to
deliver the scope and quality of services
promised. His even tempered character
and professionalism is an inspiration to
staff based in Hanoi where the company
has realized significant growth since it
opened it’s offices in the capital city.
Nguyen Ngoc Quyet
based in Saigon, Southern Vietnam.
N guyen Ngoc Quyet (1977) was born
in the northern countryside of Ha Tay,
one of Vietnam’s cultural repositories to the
west of Hanoi in the Red River Delta. The
region’s famous sites includes Vietnam’s
venerated cave temple, the Perfume Pa-
goda. Quyet is a graduate of the Columbia
Southern University, Saigon, with an MBA
in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
He now lives with his wife and daughter
in the southern, commercial hub of Ho Chi
Minh City.
Quyet ‘s deep passion for his homeland and
his penchant for travel, led him to join Andy
and Chi to establish Asiana Travel Mate.
Analytically inclined, he keeps an objec-
tive pulse on the company’s performance,
monitoring and guiding the company’s de-
velopment through the use of information
technology and computerized database sys-
tems.
Quyet’s consistent and objective approach is
balanced by his warm, friendly personality
and genuine concern for the welfare of the
company’s employees and its commitment
to the indirect stakeholders of the tourism
industry; the local communities.
ASIANA TRAVEL MATE’S ETHIC OF
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AND SHARING.
“It is our goal to embed the ethic of Responsible
Travel and Sharing within our corporate culture,
guiding and permeating every aspect of our opera-
tions, management, development and interaction
with travelers and local communities. Our hope is
that these values will spring from the heart to be
demonstrated by our staff, shared by our travelers
and appreciated by local communities, wherever
we may leave the imprint of our presence in the
unique and beautiful lands of Indochina... for the
enhancement of our natural and cultural heritage
and quality of life in perpetuity.”
Extract: Open letter of Asiana Travel Mate founders, 2010.
Introduction
A siana Travel Mate was founded in 2006, against
the backdrop of unprecedented the growth of
tourism in South East Asia with the consequent
economic, social, cultural and environmental
i mpacts, both beneficial and adverse. The last de-
cade has also been marked by natural disasters,
epidemics and the rise of global concern for
e nvironmental and social equity issues. In the
face of both the opportunities and challenges,
Asiana Travel Mate has grown beyond expectations
within a relatively short period, the outcome of our
endeavors in providing personalized services with
optimal values, efficiency and integrity.
As a young company, we invariably project our-
selves into the future and are deeply concerned
about our responsibilities towards our travelers,
local communities, our employees and the social,
cultural and environmental impact of our
operations. We believe in sharing the economic
benefits of tourism towards improving the quality
of life of local communities and in reaching out to
the disadvantaged. We are orientated towards posi-
tive cross cultural interactions, enhancement of
living
culture and the conservation of natural environ-
ments. Although our initiatives may be humble in
scope, we are committed to act within our given
sphere of influence and resources. Responsible
Travel and Sharing ultimately concerns our
accountability to future generations as a corporate
entity and as individuals ... the legacy we will leave
our children, community, nation and the world.
Responsibility to travelers
A siana Travel Mate assumes responsibility for
the services and facilities it delivers, as com-
mitted to travelers in a validated, personalized itin-
erary. We are committed to delivering what is prom-
ised in writing and will address any issues arising
in the course of a tour towards an amicable settle-
ment. The scope of our responsibility is complete
and specific to all services and facilities we provide
directly, over which we have complete control.
We extend our responsibility in an intermediary
role to address grievances in the case of service or
facility providers over whom we do not have com-
plete control but whom we have contracted or offi-
cially endorsed. We are very selective in our choice
of strategic partners that are an integral part of our
operational or logistical capabilities and feedback
from our travelers is appreciated and acted upon.
We are implementing a system to set the criteria,
evaluate performance and award a strategic
partnership status that will carry our branding.
Additionally, our travel advisory personnel are
committed to providing unbiased, accurate and
timely information, to guide potential travelers in
deciding on their choices. They are expected to have
the traveler’s best interest at heart and refrain from
any form of sales manipulation or verbal promises
beyond their scope of ensuring its fulfillment.
Sharing with local communities
L
ocal communities are very close to our hearts.
Some destinations and their people may have
special significance, evoking poignant memories,
challenging or inspiring the soul. Asiana Travel
Mate acknowledges local communities as the cus-
todians of their culture and traditional lands and is
sensitive to the evolution of their way of life. We
are committed to sharing the economic benefits
of tourism in their localities, to promote equitable
access to education, vocational training, career de-
velopment and healthcare within our ability to do
so. However, we believe that intervention should
not be imposed upon any community inspite of
benevolent intentions, but rather developed in true
partnership with the community towards improving
the quality of life.
Responsibility for the natural environment
O perating in sensitive natural environments in-
habited by people poses special challenges.
Although local communities may traditionally have
been custodians of their lands, they may often have
limited control over development or may also inad-
vertently be responsible for environmental degra-
dation. Our approach is to totally avoid or minimize
any detrimental impacts of our operations in these
areas, while promoting an awareness and action for
the integrity of the ecosystem. Drawing upon the
intimate knowledge of its people and expert sourc-
es, we try to be informed about the relational dy-
namics between the community, their environment
and external factors, the status of flora and fauna
and community livelihoods and resources. Our
criteria for evaluating our impact is ultimately the
outcome of our presence in contributing towards a
better quality of life for the community and towards
maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.
In wilderness areas with no permanent settlements,
we are committed to the best practices of wilder-
ness travel and living, with the objective of main-
taining its original nature. These standards prohibit
the exploitation or damage to flora and fauna, the
introduction of foreign biological species, threat-
ening intrusions to breeding, feeding or watering
sites, disposal of inorganic, non-degradable materi-
als or substances, fire or chemical hazards and un-
natural noises.
Besides the observation of these guidelines in wil-
derness areas, Asiana Travel Mate cultivates the
corporate and individual practice of the 4 R’s:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink and is actively
seeking collaborations with organizations and
individuals involved in conservation and
community livelihood initiatives in Indochina.
Mutual responsibilities in social and
cultural interactions
T
he uniqueness and diversity of the social and
cultural identity of Indochina are among the
primary reasons that people travel to the region.
Throughout history, travelers have variously
described the region as being exotic, evocative, etc
... peculiar to their individual perception and
experience. Not all descriptions have been
complimentary and travelers may be tempted to
impose the social and cultural values or behavioral
norms of their home countries, adopt a negative or
patronizing attitude, while others adapt with an
unflappable sense of humor and revel in the
experience.
Asiana Travel Mate recognizes the difficulties
inherent in traveling through the Indochina region
where social and cultural terms of reference may
be so different and are committed to mediate and
ensure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our
travelers. We are confident that our travelers will
share the responsibility of maintaining the social
and cultural integrity of the country and avoid
compromising behavior. Besides the universal
modes of friendly, polite and patient behavior, there
are subtle social and cultural nuances peculiar to
each country. In accordance with the law, Asiana
Travel Mate does not condone indulgence in prosti-
tution, illicit drugs, drunken escapades or violence.
Ultimately, Asiana Travel Mate assumes respon-
sibility to promote the positive aspects of social
and cross cultural interactions while mitigating the
negative aspects.
Note: Briefs are provided prior to travel, not as a
set of behavioral rules but rather as insights into
issues such as concepts of privacy, intimacy and
personal space, gestures and body language,
dressing, rituals, photography, beggars and
hustlers, street children and amputees, shopping,
bargaining, etc.
Besides the social and cultural interactions that take
place in the course of travel, Asiana Travel Mate
actively seeks collaboration with organizations and
individuals to promote and enhance the social and
cultural integrity of Indochina.
Responsibility to empower employees
A siana Travel Mate is committed to provide a
conducive physical and intellectual working
environment for its employees with opportunities
for training, career development and stake-holding.
We encourage an emergent leadership based on
personal and professional integrity, a consistent re-
cord of competent service, as well as interpersonal
and communicative skills. We expect that our trav-
elers will be considerate of their sense of dignity
and self esteem, and will appreciate their varied
personalities and special gifts while being patient
with their limitations. We believe in an egalitarian
style of management, strong teamwork bonded by a
common vision and ultimately the empowerment of
the individual to realize their potentials and achieve
fulfillment.
V I E T NAM
Brief overview of the country and its people.
O n the heights of the Tram Ton Pass at the north-
westernmost border of Vietnam, the constant,
wet winter winds blowing over the pass, adorn the
trees in frozen sheafs of translucent ice like ethe-
real leaves glittering in the morning light. Travel-
ing over the Pass, the weather changes dramatically
from cold and misty to warm and clear, underscor-
ing the climatic diversity characteristic of Vietnam.
Here in this region, the hill tribes have largely pre-
served their rich and distinctive ethnic cultures in
the ruggedly beautiful landscape of forested hills
and valleys, waterfalls and streams. Tram Ton or
“Heaven’s Gate” is Vietnam’s highest pass that lies
along the route to Mt Fansipan (Phan Xi Phan) In-
dochina’s highest mountain at 3,143 meters. Clad
in misty bamboo groves and montane forest, the
mountain, is the apex of the grand sweep of Viet-
nam’s landscape that stretches 1,650km from the
temperate north to the tropical south.
The country encompasses a coastline of 3,260 km
along the South China Sea (Biển Đông “East Sea”)
with the Annamite Mountain Range (Dãy Trường
Sơn) running parallel to the Vietnamese coast. The
fertile deltas of the Red River (Sông Hồng) in the
north and the Mekong in the south are the country’s
major agricultural hubs. The Mekong, one of the
world’s 12 great rivers, flows 4,220 kilometers from
its sacred source in the Tibetan plateau, delineating
the boundaries between Vietnam, Laos and Cam-
bodia before the emptying into the South China Sea
through 9 river mouths known as the Nine Dragons
Cuu Long. With over 86 million people, of which
53 ethnic groups comprise 10% of its population,
Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the
cities of Hue or Hoi An in the central region, or to
the southern metropolis of Saigon, the traveler may
discover Vietnam’s power to evoke the heart and
world. Two thirds of Vietnam’s population lives in stir the imagination... an enduring enigma beyond
the Red River and Mekong River Deltas. the diversity of its landscape and climate, the charm
of its traditions or poignancy of its turbulent history
Vietnam is one of the world’s twelve original cul- may at first seem to promise.
tivar centers in agricultural genetic diversity and
among twenty five countries on the biodiversity
index, ranked 16th in biological diversity, having
16% of the world’s species with about a hundred
endemic species of birds and mammals. The gov-
ernment has established 28 national parks and in
recent years, there has been several significant dis-
coveries of new species.
Embedded in the history of Vietnam is the long
struggle of its people for independence, first from
a thousand years of Chinese domination and in
the last two centuries, the wars fought with France
and America. Emerging from the devastation of
prolonged war, North and South Vietnam was uni-
fied in 1976 and ten years later in 1986, instituted
economic and political reforms towards becoming
part of the global community. By 2000, Vietnam
had established diplomatic relations with most na-
tions and in the past decade its economic growth
has been the second highest in the world.
Traveling throughout or across any part of the length
and breath of Vietnam, from the capital Hanoi to
the northern highlands, through the central historic
TRAVEL & TOUR OPERATIONS ADVENTURE
Responsible Travel and Sharing Trekking, cycling, kayaking, rock
climbing, diving, explorations & more.
A siana Travel Mate focusses on individual, inbound travel into Vietnam, ex-
tending to Cambodia and Laos. Our tours differ from most other operators
in the Indochina region with our services geared towards customization for the S oft and hard adventure tours are geared
towards a safe experience of Vietnam’s
individual, families and small groups although we also offer regular, scheduled natural and wilderness regions, with trained
tours. From the very first contact via the internet, or face to face over the counter, and experienced specialist guides possess-
our consultants assist you in planning and budgeting your travel, paying special ing a good knowledge of the terrain, climatic
attention to your personal needs and preferences. conditions, customs and traditions of local
communities.
Considering the possible routes and modes of travel options between Vietnam,
Laos and Cambodia, as well as available flights, overland terminal points, border Adventure travel takes you to the rare and
crossings and comparative costs, Asiana Travel Mate makes it easier to under- beautiful frontiers of Indochina; trekking in
stand the logistics of traveling through Indochina, to plan and customize your the mountainous, forested regions of the Hill
tour, saving time, money and redundant backtracking. The basic options are or- Tribes, cycling and boating along the river-
ganized into several modules to cover the northern, central and southern zones ine labyrinths of the Mekong Delta, kayak-
of Indochina, allowing for combinations and detailed customization according to ing in the serene waters or rock climbing the
the timeframe, budget, activities and destinations preferred. spectacular limestone massif of Halong Bay,
paddling through the rapids of the Nam Lik
A unique feature of our operations is our commitment to the ethic of operating River in Laos, diving off Con Dao, Phu Quoc
and traveling in a responsible manner and of sharing the benefits with the com- and Cham islands or exploring the National
munities living in the destinations we visit. We are sensitive to the impacts of Parks.
tourism on the natural and social environment and expect that our travelers will
share our concerns. We use certified safety equipment and the
best of local facilities available in remote re-
Our priority is always to deliver our services as promised and we endeavor to gions and ensure that we have contingency
exceed expectations in terms of the quality of facilities, the competence of our and medical emergency measures in place.
guides, attention to details of your personal needs and every aspect of your itin- We do not operate any adventure travel unless
erary... that you may have a fulfilling experience with the best values available we have a mutual understanding and agree-
within your budget. The range of our travel products include the following and ment with you, of what constitutes the ac-
does not exclude other possibilities within our versatile capacity to customize ceptable risk factors to your health, safety or
and personalize your tour. Visit our website www.asianatravelmate.com for de- enjoyment and have all the necessary skilled
tails on each of the following tour categories and specific itineraries. personnel, equipment, facilities, safety, con-
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
THE BICYCLE IN VIETNAM
T he ubiquitous Vietnamese bicycle is a legend
inscribed in the military annals of Vietnam,
synonymous with the Ho Chi Minh Trail of the Viet-
nam war. The historic trail was an intricate network
of foot and bicycle paths, truck and riverine routes,
meandering through rugged mountains and jungles,
across countless streams and rivers, spreading into
Laotian and Cambodian territories as the vital north
to south military supply route. During the course
of the war, the North Vietnamese army had trans-
ported battalions of men and tons of supplies with
trucks, boats and reinforced, tubeless bicycles over
these daunting trails into the south. In an effort to
staunch the flow, the American military deployed
massive aerial bombardments, dropped movement
sensors and even attempted cloud seeding and mud
making chemical concoctions to make the trails
impassable!
Today, the bicycle remains a fundamental mode of
personal transport, often bearing heavy, oversized
loads recalling the bicycle transportation battalions
of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Although without the
hazards of rugged terrain or raining ordnance,
negotiating the city streets of Vietnam may be a
bewildering experience. Traffic pours from
thousands of alleys and side-streets into roadways,
flowing like a ceaseless river current. However,
bicycles enjoy a privileged right-of-way, vying
with every sort of wheeled contraption for their
indisputable share of the road... perhaps the saf-
est self-drive option. Generally, the onus is on the
faster motorized vehicular hordes to watch out for,
and never to sideline the cyclist but to give berth
and pass on.
Cycling over extended distances uniquely enhances
the senses of sight, sound and smell. Whether you
choose a proven route or decide on pioneering one,
it is a singularly, spontaneous and personal experi-
ence with an incomparable sense of freedom; the
exhilaration of viewing spectacular landscapes off
the beaten track, cresting over hills and freewheel-
ing down with the wind in your face, the quiet
rhythm of life as you ramble along river banks and
country tracks or explore the surprises of narrow
city alleys. Breaks from cycling may find you in a
boat in the labyrinths of the Mekong delta or river
hollowed caves of Phong Nha, sipping rice wine or
hot coffee in the misty, chilly heights of the Tram
Ton Pass and villages of the hill tribes, resting by a
waterfall or in a spontaneous encounter with
delightful, curious children.
PREMIER TOURS CORPORATE TRAVEL
Luxury travel orientated towards culture, history Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE)
and special interest

O ur premier tours are custom designed for trav-

elers who expect the highest levels of comfort
O ur dedicated corporate travel team pays careful attention to every detail of the corporate traveler’s
exacting requirements; from fully facilitated
corporate events in the conference room or onboard a cruise ship, team building outdoor activities,
and personal care, offering unique experiences and exclusive gala dinners, banquets or cocktail
insights into the culture and history of Vietnam receptions. Business travelers on exploratory trips may also tap into our resources for networking in
besides the best of its traditional cuisine. the region.
Led by expert guides who add to the depth and
scope of your experience, these luxury tours may
also be orientated towards the special interests of
the the avid photographer, discerning gourmet,
architectural connoisseur or intrepid global wan-
derer ... or any other among the diverse range of
special interests.
Prior to your arrival, our consultants plan and
provide for your personal preferences and special
needs including health and dietary concerns. Of
course, travel orientated towards culture, history
and special interests can also be enjoyed by
travelers on a modest budget without the luxury
perks.

COUNTRY WIDE & REGIONAL TOURS

Indochina - Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos.

A siana Travel Mate is especially adept at

handling extended tours covering major
destinations throughout Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Travel is carefully paced for a relaxed and ful-
filling journey to gain an overview of the region’s geography, history, culture, traditional rural and
contemporary urban life.

These extended tours often provide opportunities for closer interaction and deeper insights into the
character and traits of its people. Some travelers find particular places especially appealing or
develop friendships, deepened and enriched over subsequent return visits.
TRAVELOGUE SIEM REAP PIONEERING TOURS
THE TEMPLE TREES OF ANGKOR New routes and destinations,
innovative travel concepts and

T he trees are rooted deeply at Ta Prohm, amongst

the temples of Angkor, forever intertwined with
activity orientations.

the ancient stones, towering above the highest pin-

nacles. Roots and buttresses pry and wedge
between the clefts of chiseled rock, lifting, heaving,
shouldering aside the masonry so meticulously laid
by the artisans of the once magnificent and power-
ful kingdom of the God Kings. The botanic giants
straddle the walled fortifications or grow placidly
atop the roofs of stone, here where the
enclosing forest has been left largely untouched. It
is as if, these inexorable stewards of nature are
signifying the transience of man’s pomp and
glory.
A siana Travel Mate constantly explores new routes and
destinations and the possibilities for innovative approaches, concepts and activities that add unique
dimensions to the
intrepid traveler’s experience. These pioneering tours
address the overused theme of being “same, same but different” to genuinely provide a difference; to
take the traveler off the beaten track, both in geographical and experiential terms.
The itineraries include “secrets” that are unlikely to be found, written in any depth, in travel guide
books or logistically
facilitated by mainstream operators. Pioneering tours may be mutually planned and developed or cus-
tomized to focus on the traveler’s personal interest or professional orientation. We are always open to
suggestions or recommendations from travelers who wish to go beyond the common tour offerings.

That evening, I had lingered till the quiet of

twilight. An old, solitary woman kindled a little fire
within a tumbled corridor, the smoke rising into
slanted shafts of light probing through the fissured
rock. A wave of birds flocked among the treetops,
a Shama’s melody echoed through the stone cham-
bers. Then, in the dappled light, draped upon the
bas-relief carvings of the pitted stone walls, the As-
para dancers seemed to come alive. For a fleeting
moment, I was raptured in the splendid, sensuous
glory that once was Angkor.

From the travel journal of John Wong

(tropixblue) 2008.
(My photographs may be used with credits)
 offered the privilege of staying the night although only rudimentary
bedding was available since the lighthouse had yet to be prepared to
accommodate overnight visitors.

It dawned a pastel blue with the horizon stretching forever and the
breeze faintly scented with the sweetness of Frangipani flowers. A few
fishing boats like miniatures in the bay far below huddled together,
seemingly a little tattered in the aftermath of the storm. Then, at ebb
tide in the late morning, I went down to wade in the reef flat, startling
little crabs and fish. I have never seen as many Giant Clams all in one
little bay. Embedded in the reef with opened lids, their brilliant azure
mantles swayed gently in the shallows. Strange looking Starfish and
Sea Cucumbers vacuumed microscopic organic detritus in the scattered
pools of the receding tide.

From the travel journal of John Wong (tropixblue) 2008 (My pics may
be used with credits).

TRAVELOGUE CON DAO ARCHIPELAGO

A LONELY OUTPOST

I am afloat in a wobbly basket off the Con Dao Archipelago, isolated mottled specks in
the South China Sea, some 180 km east from the Vietnamese coast. Otherwise called
a coracle, it is a round, woven bamboo boat, the underside covered in pitch. Rowing
from our boat over the reef to land at Bay Canh island, I see the colonial era lighthouse
perched 212 meters atop its highest peak. I huff up the concrete pathway stopping to
marvel at the rock-face, vegetation and vantage views of this awesome oceanic outpost.
At the top, a French colonial building complemented the lighthouse tower, with thick
walls, huge arched doors and windows opening out to a long, wide corridor all around.
Inside, a spacious aisle, between rooms on both sides, led to the spiral staircase and
up into the beacon tower. There, I looked at the French engineering inscriptions and
trademarks of 1887, embossed onto the rotation machinery, although a modern rotating
beacon is now in operation.

It was stormy that night, the wind howled, bending the supple branches of Frangipani
trees beyond the huge, arched windows. The lighthouse beacon swept the night sky at
rotation intervals of 10 seconds, its 3 beams apparently visible from 31 nautical miles
away, surely a boon to wave tossed, lonely seafarers on nights such as this. I had been
SUPPORTING SERVICES
Additional services & special needs.
A siana Travel Mate provides a range of support-
ing services to make your holiday memorable
and free of inconveniences or problems. These in-
clude online visa applications, airline reservations,
car, motorbike or bicycle rentals and on special re-
quest, health caretakers, chaperons or child-mind-
ers. Travelers who require other services that we
may not undertake are redirected to the best alterna-
tive providers within our extensive network, in an
unbiased and responsible manner.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Voluntary community service with special interest
travel and activities.
A siana Travel Mate is committed to community
outreach as part of its ethic of responsible travel
and sharing. Some of these initiatives are designed
for our traveler’s participation with revenue
directed to the cause of the program that
benefit whole communities or deserving
individuals.
These altruistic programs address issues of
sustainable livelihoods, equal access to academic or
vocational opportunities, preservation of the natural
and cultural heritage of custodian communities or
emergency relief. Ultimately, our outlook is to
engender self sustaining programs operated
largely by communal stakeholders in partnership
with Asiana Travel Mate and our concerned
travelers.
MARKETING & SALES
Marketing & Sales Policies
A siana Travel Mate’s fundamental
approach to marketing and sales is built on the
principles of integrity, providing accurate informa-
tion, continual
product development and optimal values. Our pri-
ority is to deliver our marketing promises, address
and rectify any grievances and
continually anticipate our
traveler’s needs and
orientations. We believe in
building a trustworthy brand and in growing indi-
vidual,
corporate and communal relationships for the
longer term, rather than mere marketing rhetoric,
gimmicks or short term gains. These ethics guide
our sales team and are embedded in every aspect
of our operations as part of our corporate culture of
“Responsible Travel and Sharing.”
SALES & CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICES
T o serve our travelers and potential customers
better, we have established a total of 06 offices
in the principle cities of north, central and south
Vietnam, besides Cambodia and Laos. Our
Vietnam offices are located in the major tourist
districts of Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon) for greater visibility and access, as well as
in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh and
Vientiane in Laos.
Extended Service Features
These modern and comfortable sales offices are staffed by our travel consultants for extended hours, (from 08:30 hrs to 21:00 hrs local time), and for the con-
venience of travelers, cash dispensers (ATM) and currency exchange counters are located in several of our premises. As an added convenience, high quality
mountain bicycles with safety headgear are available at all our offices.

Internet Sales & Consultancy Services

Extending our information, planning, and customization and reservation services globally, Asiana Travel Mate maintains an interactive presence on the Internet
to provide free, spontaneous consultancy across differing time and geographical zones. Travelers may spontaneously communicate with our consultants through
the free, downloadable text and voice messaging software SKYPE. In matters of extreme urgency, crisis or emergencies, telephone hotlines connect our travelers
directly to management or the company’s directors.

The Truly Halong Center, Hanoi.

www.trulyhalong.com
In Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, besides our sales offices, our staff are also based in the Truly Halong Center, primarily set up to promote Halong Bay as a destination
besides providing a centralized point of sale for the services of passenger cruisers plying the waters of this Unesco world heritage site. The center has the highest
rate of repeat customers in the business, testimony to the uniquely spectacular seascape and serene, ethereal experiences that our staff facilitate. Asiana Travel
Mate also manages the luxury passenger cruisers the Valentine and Calypso operating in the bay.

The Tourism Information Center.

http://www.ticvietnam.com/en
Asiana Travel Mate is the exclusive, partner of choice for tour and travel services of the Tourist Information Center (TIC), Vietnam’s first multi-service travel and
leisure information provider. Our role is to provide and ensure the quality of travel and tour operations offered at the center. Located in the main tourist districts
of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the plush centers provide a restful and comfortable environment where an average of over 500 daily visitors at each center freely
receive assistance on destinations, activities and facilities available throughout the Indochina region.
ASIANA TRAVEL MATE / TIC PROVIDES

Travel & tour advisory services

Light & transfer reservations
Overland travel arrangements
Visa arrangements
Hotels, spas, restaurants & golf course reservations
Culinary classes, special activity arrangements
Free city guidebooks and maps
Free Internet access

Free English language newspapers & magazines

Travel books & postcards for sale
Currency exchange
24 hours ATM cash dispensers
Premium handicraft display & sales
Gloria Jeans Coffees
Sushi Express
TOURISM PUBLICATIONS
A siana Travel Mate provides free and conve-
nient access to accurate, updated, printed
information on the range of destinations, routes, ac-
tivities, meals and accommodation
options available within its wide scope of opera-
tions. These materials are available at all the com-
pany’s offices, other selected venues and may also
be delivered to international travel agents. Much
of the information has been gleaned from years of
experience in the field and relationships with lo-
cal communities, providing practical insights and
privileged access not otherwise easily gained. We
also value feedback from travelers to ensure the co-
gency of our
content. Asiana Travel Mate’s policy is also to pro-
mote the natural and cultural heritage of
Vietnam through the printed media.
Itineraries & Customization Guidelines
Printed itineraries that outline regular, scheduled or
packaged tours may be adapted for
personalized, individual or small group travel
while supplementary materials detail aspects of
particular localities to enhance your experience or
guide your choices in customizing your travel.
City, country & regional maps
Our publications include maps, brochures and leaf-
lets available free to travelers. City maps in particu-
lar are often ground surveyed, to ensure it reflects
the ever changing landscape of
Vietnam’s fast developing cities and incorporates
new or special points of interests. Countrywide and
regional maps also incorporate these features.
 Company Factsheet
Name
Asiana Mate Travel Co. Ltd.

Vietnamese Company Name

HISTORY OF ASIANA TRAVEL MATE Cty Tnhh Du Lich Ban Duong Chau A
COUNTRY WIDE & REGIONAL TOURS “A three-fold cord is not quickly broken.”
Indochina - Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos International License
Travelogue ~ Siem Reap ~ The Temple Trees of Angkor THE FOUNDERS 0604/2006/tcdl-gp Lhqt
Nguyen Dinh An (Andy), based in Hue, Central Vietnam.
PIONEERING TOURS Nguyen Ngoc Quyet, based in Saigon, Southern Vietnam. Tax Code
Bui Van Chi, based in Hanoi, Northern Vietnam. 0304308170
New routes and destinations, innovative travel concepts and
activity orientations RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AND SHARING Head-office
Travelogue ~ Con Dao Archipelago ~ A lonely outpost Travelers, community, environment, society & culture, 239 Pham Ngu Lao Str.
employees. Dist. 1, Hcmc, Vietnam
SUPPORTING SERVICES
Additional services and special needs. V I E T NAM Managing Director
An overview of the country and its people Mr Nguyen Dinh An
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Voluntary community service with special interest travel and TRAVEL & TOUR OPERATIONS Fixed Phone Lines
activities. Responsible Travel and Sharing (84-8) 3838 6678 & 3508 7981
Fax: (84-8) 3838 6676
MARKETING & SALES ADVENTURE
Trekking, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, diving, explora- Email
Guiding principles and policies. Info@asianatravelmate.com
tions and more.
Extended service features. Adventure highlights - the bicycle in Vietnam
Internet sales and consultancy services. Website
The Truly Halong Center, Hanoi. PREMIER TOURS Www.asianatravelmate.com
The Tourism Information Center. Luxury travel orientated towards culture, history and special
Asiana Travel Mate / TIC provides. interest. Branch Offices
Sales Outlets
TOURISM PUBLICATIONS CORPORATE TRAVEL (Regional / Country Representatives?)
Itineraries and customization guideline. Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE). Associated Companies
City, country and regional maps.
Bankers
Anz Bank
11 Me Linh Square
Dist. 1, Hcmc, Vietnam
Tel: + 84 - 8 - 829 9319
Fax No: + 84 - 8 - 829 9316

Swift: Anzbvnvx472
ASIANA TRAVEL MATE
Mission Statement
Welcome to Indochina.