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Kien Nguyen

After a few years working in Oceania, Kien has decided to make all the way back home to develop his career path. The global tourism and hospitality industries have been hit hard by the unprecedented epidemic, especially Southeast Asia. Hence, he wants to give a hand to revive the region’s vibrancy, connectivity and diversity that they had before.

With the great passion for travelling, aviation and geography; setting foot on most of Asia Pacific countries, he desires to share his knowledge and interesting stories on the way to explore new lands and cultures with like – minded people with the aim of creating the unforgettable memories in your lifetime. Welcome to the Far East!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Southeast Asia is lands of amazing cultures and friendly people. Let my hands-on experiences and expertise in the areas take you to Vietnam, Thailand & Indonesia. They're full of experiences from adrenaline to luxury leisure activities. "

How did you get involved in travel?

""To travel is to live" - this is my favorite quote and travel is also my biggest passion. I determined myself to develop my career path in the travel and aviation industries when I was a sophomore. Thus, this is not a coincidence or destiny. I choose this because I love it! "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"The unforgettable travel memory is my first time going abroad to Singapore when I was 15-year old boy. Everything is totally new and different for me at that time and Singapore is the true country bringing me to the big world and inspiring me to see more interesting lands. "

Kien is part of the following groups: Cambodia Travel Agents, Thailand Travel Agents, Vietnam Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Kien

Amazing trip - wouldn't change a thing!
Thailand | Dec 27 - Jan 8, 2025

Jenny
Jenny C.
Rockville, MD | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2025
Kien did an AMAZING job planning this trip. It was exactly the right balance of what we wanted - cultural experiences balanced with nature activities and of course, some time to relax at one of Thailand's beautiful islands. We went back and forth a few times to tweak the specific details; Kien's guidance was incredibly valuable. For instance, I had never heard of Pai and wouldn't have included it on my list of places to see. I wasn't sure what to expect and was even second guessing if it... Read more

Kien did an AMAZING job planning this trip. It was exactly the right balance of what we wanted - cultural experiences balanced with nature activities and of course, some time to relax at one of Thailand's beautiful islands. We went back and forth a few times to tweak the specific details; Kien's guidance was incredibly valuable. For instance, I had never heard of Pai and wouldn't have included it on my list of places to see. I wasn't sure what to expect and was even second guessing if it was worth the extra travel time for such a short stay - turns out, it was probably our favorite day of our entire trip!

Trip highlights/favorites:
Lunch overlooking a beautiful canyon (feet literally dangling over the edge!) visiting the Black Lahu tribe
Elephant sanctuary
Private long tail boat - and lunch! - experience in Krabi

Honestly, it was hard to pick just 3 - every day had at least one thing that was truly memorable.

I've never used a travel agent to book any trip before and was a little nervous about the logistics. Kien was very patient and walked me through everything. Everyone - drivers, guides, etc. - showed up EXACTLY when they were supposed to and we had no issue at all. Special thanks to our fantastic guides Scotty (Grand Palace, Wat Arun), Tony (floating and train markets), and Noi (the north including Pai). Our drivers were all extremely courteous and generous with fresh, cold water which was much appreciated.

Hotel Reviews
Mode Sathorn Hotel Bangkok
Bangkok

Great location right on the Sky Train line. Nice rooms and a good buffet breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Nice clean modern hotel
Location
Right on the Sky Train
Staff
Very nice - could have been more helpful with concierge-type recommendations (restaurants, etc.)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Reverie Siam Resort
Mae Hong Son

Beautiful hotel - felt very 1920's but updated. Beautiful grounds.

Authenticity & Character
Felt very authentic and full of character/charm
Location
Not walking distance to Pai walking street but the hotel's golf cart shuttle was super convenient and only took 5 minutes to get to/from town.
Staff
Very accommodating - from "breakfast to go" to never having to wait more than a few minutes for a shuttle pickup, they were great. They even stayed later than normal to pick our kids up in town after New Year's Eve! (Shuttle usually ends at 11 - they picked up at 12:30!)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable room though our room had an issue with humidity. We were only there 2 nights but everything started to feel very damp.
Aksara Heritage
Chiang Mai

GREAT location in Chiang Mai. Hotel was very pretty and pool area was great.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful and charming architecture
Location
Centrally located in the old city. Easy to get a tuk tuk or sontaeg to other parts of town.
Staff
Very accommodating whether it was holding our luggage on check-out day or arranging "breakfast to go". Very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amari Vogue Krabi

Beautiful property right on a nice stretch of beach. Perfect if you are looking for quiet and don't mind a slightly longer ride into town which was exactly what we wanted.

Authenticity & Character
Truly beautiful property with lovely architectural details.
Location
Beautiful stretch of beach. Didn't mind being "away" from the center of town - actually preferred it!
Staff
VERY accommodating and friendly staff! We weren't leaving until 5pm on our check out day. We had to leave the room by noon but they arranged for us to shower that later afternoon (after enjoying the pool/beach for the afternoon) in a vacant room which was extremely convenient and generous of them. Also, probably the best brunch we had the entire trip!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hidden Local Beliefs
Hidden Local Beliefs
Bangkok

Great tour of the Grand Palace with lots of interesting facts. We really enjoyed going to the meditation center to present offerings and learn more about Buddhism. Wat Arun is beautiful. And our guide picked a great local place for lunch. Scotty was great - knowledgeable and very friendly!

Quality of Experience
Scotty was great - gave really great/interesting information and was very friendly
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Bangkok

The food was great! Chinatown can be a crazy, crowded and intimidating place so it was nice having our guide there to do the ordering, securing tables, etc. I didn't love all the food though I appreciate that some were Michelin starred despite being "street food". It was nice to try a mix of things.

Quality of Experience
Food
LOVED the duck with noodles and sauce and the donuts with pandan custard. Two of us loved the hot pepper soup.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Railway Market & Floating Markets: The Unique Way of Living
Railway Market & Floating Markets: The Unique Way of Living
Bangkok

Our guide Tony gave great information not just on the markets but on Thailand in general. He also helped us pick some great entrees for lunch (it can be hard to know what to order when you're not familiar with a more local menu). The train market was fun and different. The floating market is VERY touristy - I was glad that we took a boat to get there and then walked through it since the canal in the market was packed. Amphawa market was just ok.

Quality of Experience
Food
Tony gave us great suggestions of what to order at lunch since we were overwhelmed by all the choices.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bangkok - Flight to Chiang Mai - Transfer to Pai
Thailand

Flight was great. Met Noi at the airport for the long drive to Pai. I wasn't sure if our short stay was worth the long, potentially nauseating drive but it really was - we loved Pai! The restaurant we stopped at was more expensive than most and had a very long wait for the food. The restaurant itself had beautiful grounds and a great gift shop but the food was not worth the price or the long wait - it meant getting to the hotel a lot later than expected and rearranging some of our schedule. (We did the canyon instead of hot springs but opted not to stay for the full sunset because we hadn't even been to our hotel at that point and were getting tired.)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Other than the not so great suggestion for lunch, Noi was really great and helpful. Mr. Thoy was a great driver - that is NOT an easy drive!!!
Transport
Comfortable van, especially for such a difficult drive. Mr. Thoy always had fresh cold water for us.
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Pai

We changed our itinerary to do this on the day we did the cave instead of the day we arrived in Pai (again because of the long lunch we had - it just made more sense). The water is more of a "warm spring" than a "hot spring" - it was cool to see and soak for a few minutes but it wouldn't have been terrible if we had swapped this activity out with something else in the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pai - Sunrise at Yuan Lai Viewpoint - Bamboo Rafting at Tham Lod Cave - Ban Jabo Village - Sunset Hangout at Pai Canyon
Pai - Sunrise at Yuan Lai Viewpoint - Bamboo Rafting at Tham Lod Cave - Ban Jabo Village - Sunset Hangout at Pai Canyon
Pai

This was SO worth the early wake up time!!! The sunrise was really special, the cave was fun but the highlight was Ban Jabo village. Lunch was amazing - the food was my son's favorite meal of the trip and the view/experience of eating overlooking the canyon with our feet dangling off the edge was amazing. This might just be everyone's favorite day in Pai. We did the sunset at the canyon tour the day before but didn't stay for the actual sunset.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Morning session)
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Morning session)
Chiang Mai

So fun to see the elephants up close and get to feed/bathe them.

Quality of Experience
Food
The lunch provided was just ok. By the time we got back to CM, we were hungry so went out for a second lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff at the sanctuary were great. Our driver (who drove us throughout Pai and Chiang Mai and was fantastic) went the wrong way twice and had trouble finding the place.
Transport
Lanna Lifestyle & Cooking Experience with A Local Family with dinner
Lanna Lifestyle & Cooking Experience with A Local Family with dinner
Chiang Mai

Very cool! We loved the actual cooking part but also really enjoyed the home tour and learning more about Lanna culture. The appetizers they gave us before we started cooking were amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food was incredible! It was nice to learn how to make some traditional favorites but also to make some things we hadn't tried before. And the appetizers they provided us with were fantastic!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very informative and entertaining guide.
Transport
Discover Ao Nang Paradise & Sunset by Private Longtail Boat
Discover Ao Nang Paradise & Sunset by Private Longtail Boat
Krabi

SUCH a great day!! Traveling these islands is a popular Krabi activity. We saw many larger boats with 20-30 people on them and we would not have enjoyed being on a boat like that. Having it be a private boat experience definitely increased our enjoyment of the activity.

Quality of Experience
Food
A fantastic private meal on the beach!!! The staff did a great job setting everything up and it was delicious! Snacks at sunset were on the small side so pack one of two other snacks of your your own choice (from a 7-11 which can be found all over!).
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was friendly but a little hard to understand. But given that it was mostly a beach day, there wasn't much need of explanations!
Transport
The boat was great and we really enjoyed it being just the 4 of us (plus staff) on the boat.
Half-Day Kayaking at Ao Thalane
Half-Day Kayaking at Ao Thalane
Krabi

Beautiful scenery. Not too challenging physically.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Henry was great and also suggested a great local place for lunch.
Transport
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Nature Walk and Culture
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Nature Walk and Culture
Chiang Mai

We didn't actually do this - we did a tour of Doi Suthep instead. Would have loved to do this trip if we had more time!

Local specialist: Kien Nguyen

The trip planning was seemless. The local gui...
Vietnam | Jun 13 - Jun 21, 2024

L
Lincoln S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2024

The trip planning was seemless. The local guides were amazing and the itinerary was perfect for our family. We truly enjoyed our experience with KimKim.

Local specialist: Kien Nguyen

Honeymoon of our dreams!
Thailand | Apr 10 - Apr 23, 2024

Michael and Miranda
Michael and Miranda E.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Everything was pretty much amazing, there were a few things we didn’t love (like sometimes not being able to choose our food or know how long we were going to be doing an activity or how long it would take to get a place). Those kind of things come with the territory of having a guides on the ground and having someone who knows the area/culture/etc. outweighed most of our drawbacks! We even lost some nice headphones and were able to get them sent to the next place we stayed before we left to... Read more

Everything was pretty much amazing, there were a few things we didn’t love (like sometimes not being able to choose our food or know how long we were going to be doing an activity or how long it would take to get a place). Those kind of things come with the territory of having a guides on the ground and having someone who knows the area/culture/etc. outweighed most of our drawbacks! We even lost some nice headphones and were able to get them sent to the next place we stayed before we left to be back in the states. Overall if you’re going to a place where you don’t have experience traveling or possibly are worried about language barriers (or like us) don’t want to have to worry about the headaches of booking and transportation yourself DEFINITELY book with KimKim!

Hotel Review
The FloatHouse River Kwai
Chang Wat Kanchanaburi

This place is an experience all its own!! A ABSOLUTE MUST STAY! We loved every moment we stayed here.

Authenticity & Character
You feel like you’re really in nature with all the luxury of a 5 star hotel!
Location
It’s off the beaten path, and you have to take a boat to get there which was so fun!
Staff
The service here was amazing!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
John Gray's sea canoe - Hong by Starlight - Joining excursion
John Gray's sea canoe - Hong by Starlight - Joining excursion
Phuket

This is an ABSOLUTE must do on your trip if you have any time in Phuket!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Kien Nguyen

A trip to remember
Thailand | Feb 22 - Mar 9, 2024

Reuven
Reuven H.
Israel | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024
All four guides and drivers were great, knowledgeable and dedicated. The itinerary was planned according to our wishes and the interactive software is amazing and effective, not to mention our specialist. Read more

All four guides and drivers were great, knowledgeable and dedicated. The itinerary was planned according to our wishes and the interactive software is amazing and effective, not to mention our specialist.

Hotel Review
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
Surat Thani
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Koh Samui - Half Day Fun at Koh Tan & Koh MadSum with Snorkeling by Private Long-tail Boat
Koh Samui - Half Day Fun at Koh Tan & Koh MadSum with Snorkeling by Private Long-tail Boat
Koh Samui
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Kien Nguyen

2 week Thailand dec 2023–this is my second time booking with kimkim, f...
Thailand | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2024

J
Jessie C.
Dixon, CA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024
this is my second time booking with kimkim, first was dec 2022 to vietnam , and this time was 2 week dec xmas season to Thailand, both trips were great, well planned, schedules, drivers , guides were excellent. the places we visited were what we expected, the execution of daily activities were on target. my agent, Kien , did a wonderful job planning this trip for us. Read more

this is my second time booking with kimkim, first was dec 2022 to vietnam , and this time was 2 week dec xmas season to Thailand, both trips were great, well planned, schedules, drivers , guides were excellent. the places we visited were what we expected, the execution of daily activities were on target. my agent, Kien , did a wonderful job planning this trip for us.

Hotel Reviews
JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel
Bangkok
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
River Kwai Jungle Rafts Floating Hotel

this hotel doesn’t have electricity! be aware ! so no hot water to shower! needs some improvement on the property

Authenticity & Character
Location
needs to boat 30 min to get here
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
not so clean, too rustic
Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chanalai Flora Resort
Phuket
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nak Nakara Hotel
Chiang Rai
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Buri Siri Hotel
Chiang Mai
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Park Nine Suvarnabhumi
Bangkok
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Symbolic temples - Klong tour
Symbolic temples - Klong tour
Bangkok
Kanchanaburi - Morning Hike to Erawan National Park - An Insight to World War II
Kanchanaburi - Morning Hike to Erawan National Park - An Insight to World War II
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya sightseeing
Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya sightseeing
Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Afternoon session)
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Afternoon session)
Chiang Mai
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Bangkok
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chiang Rai Sightseeing and Art
Chiang Rai Sightseeing and Art
Chiang Rai
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Nature Walk and Culture
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Nature Walk and Culture
Chiang Mai
Half Day - Half Night Hike at Khao Sok National Park
Half Day - Half Night Hike at Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok
Chiew Larn Lake Khao Sok Full Day Tour
Chiew Larn Lake Khao Sok Full Day Tour
Khao Sok
Simon Cabaret Phuket Show
Simon Cabaret Phuket Show
Phuket
The Spiritual of Twilight Sea Canoe at Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
The Spiritual of Twilight Sea Canoe at Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Phuket
Koh Phi Phi - Khai Island by Speedboat
Koh Phi Phi - Khai Island by Speedboat
Phuket
Local specialist: Kien Nguyen

Thailand trip of a lifetime....worth every cent!
Thailand | Dec 2 - Dec 17, 2023

Charlie
Charlie A.
Hailey, ID | Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023
Kien provided an initial schedule for our family trip to Thailand which we adapted to include some other points of interest. After we set the schedule I was prepared to underwhelmed due to the logistics nightmare that I thought we had created.
From our arrival in Bangkok, where we were met at the jetway by a golf cart that whisked us through customs, to the remote aerie house overlooking the ocean with its infinity pool where we spent our final few days, everything was spectacularly...
Read more

Kien provided an initial schedule for our family trip to Thailand which we adapted to include some other points of interest. After we set the schedule I was prepared to underwhelmed due to the logistics nightmare that I thought we had created.
From our arrival in Bangkok, where we were met at the jetway by a golf cart that whisked us through customs, to the remote aerie house overlooking the ocean with its infinity pool where we spent our final few days, everything was spectacularly coordinated.
Great accommodations, wonderful guides (Annie in Bangkok, and Noe in Chang Mai), safe and courteous drivers with their spacious and luxurious vans.
We took four internal flights over our 2.5 weeks, multiple ferry or long boat trips....there is no way we could have done this with no stress, but with Kiens expert connections it was a trip of a lifetime for our family. One could purchase our vacation cheaper by doing it ourselves, but that comes with all the stress, language barriers, logistics, it just isn't worth it......just call Kien at Kim Kim

Hotel Review
Aksara Heritage
Chiang Mai

Tucked away in a side street in Old Town, Chang Mai this hotel epitomizes comfort. The staff is very attentive and welcoming. The rooms are spacious and the beds are extremely comfortable. The breakfast offers a wide selection of western and Asian options. There was a nice touch of free neck and shoulder massages being offered each afternoon for a few hours.

Authenticity & Character
Although its a relatively new hotel it exudes the comfort of a well worn arm chair
Location
A short tuktuk to the night markets and restaurants of Old Town
Staff
Greeted by everyone, even in passing by. Polite and sincerely looking to ensure you have everything you need
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bangkok Symbolic Temples
Bangkok Symbolic Temples
Bangkok

Having a guide makes a tremendous difference to the experience. All the official guides have to do extensive courses before they are allowed to "guide" and so one gets to hear the history of the various buildings and their significance of their time

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Annie was great and well informed
Transport
AD was great navigating the mass of traffic and yet somehow always dropped us off very close to the attractions and very quick to pick us up at the end of the tour
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Bangkok

Until one goes to Bangkok you cannot describe the night scene. We toured by the flower market which operates only at night, passing by multiple street vendors selling their wares or food offerings.The food is diverse and interesting predominantly chicken.

Railway Market & Floating Market
Railway Market & Floating Market
Bangkok

Organized chaos! Take a long boat through the narrow waterways bordered by vendors in boats along the banks, and more vendors on the sides of the waterways.

Quality of Experience
Very uniques experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Love Chiang Mai cooking experience (Morning session)
Love Chiang Mai cooking experience (Morning session)
Chiang Mai

Lynn met us at the local market, which is an experience in itself, where she/we purchased the products for the meals that we would be making. Then we went off to her house which had a kitchen area set up with multiple cooking stations. Lynn talked us through the cooking process which entailed making predominately local delicacies. Unfortunately for us westerners this included offal , water buffalo blood, and other "delicacies" us westerners are not used to.....but we gave it all a try.

Quality of Experience
Doi Suthep Temple & monk blessing
Doi Suthep Temple & monk blessing
Chiang Mai

Perched atop nearby mountain accessible by cable car one has panoramic views to the valley below. The buildings lends one to wonder how they built these amazing structures in such a remote area. Some very intricate carvings on site

Quality of Experience
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Morning session)
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Morning session)
Chiang Mai

This is a refuge for elephants. They are treated with kindness and respect by the staff. A wonderful experience to interact up close with these amazing animals

Quality of Experience
Half Day - Half Night Hike at Khao Sok National Park
Half Day - Half Night Hike at Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok

Our guide, Man, used to live in the jungle and has an amazing ability to know where various species would be. We were fortunate enough to see monkeys, snakes, tarantulas, a plethora of spiders and other creepy crawlers. once we got to the half way point Man cut down some large bamboo proceeded to fashion some plates and cups, and went to work making a delicious curry dinner all cooked inside some bamboo, over a fire. While Man was cooking we took advantage of jumping in the nearby river to cool down. On the return trip to the hotel night had fallen; however, with the powerful LED lights provided, it was easy to pick up the reflection in the eyes of various creatures in the jungle canopy.

Quality of Experience
Food
Khao Sok - Transfer to 500 Rai Floating Resort - Leisure Time
Khao Sok - Transfer to 500 Rai Floating Resort - Leisure Time
Khao Sok

A remote paradise. After jumping on the "hotel provided" long boat one waves through spectacular waterways, ending up at this lovely private get away in the middle of nowhere. Greeted by friendly staff one is invited to relax and decompress. Cool off by diving from your rooms deck, or take your assigned kayak for an explore around the quiet waters. One can take a sunset cruise in their long boat and see some of the nearby waterways.

Quality of Experience
Hong Islands Discovery with Snorkeling by Private Premium Long-tail Boat
Hong Islands Discovery with Snorkeling by Private Premium Long-tail Boat
Krabi

An opportunity to visit some of the islands within the national park. Jump off the long tailed boat and relax on the white sand beaches. Climb the 450 steps up to a lookout where one gets a wonderful view of the islands from above. On to another very small island where our guide cooked up a lovely lunch on the beach. Then off to monkey island where we were able to tempt some of these monkeys to swim (yes.... swim) out to our boat to feed on fresh fruit we fed them.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Kien Nguyen