Our team of luxury travel specialists have spent almost three decades in the travel industry, and our knowledge of the world’s most inspiring places is unrivaled. We are experienced, opinionated, and discerning, and we believe that travel is one of life’s ultimate joys – it never fails to thrill us, expand our perspectives, or fill us with wonder and gratitude. We love exploring the world, and we know it intimately.

We’ve ridden motorcycles through Bangkok’s storied alleyways, paid our respects to Maasai warriors in Tanzania, danced through sunset and sunrise in Ipanema Beach, and sung as loud as we could as we crossed the Jordanian desert because the only other soul within miles was our camel, and we knew he’d never report just how terrible we sounded. Every person on our staff had their lives altered by travel; we abandoned our original plans—Wall Street, law school, you name it—because we took a life-changing journey, and now all we want to do is create life-changing journeys for other people.

Our diverse staff includes award-winning travel advisers who specialize in areas such as wellness, family travel, and safaris, and in different areas of the world, such as Bhutan and Tunisia. We have offices in New York, Cape Town, and Bangkok to make sure that our global knowledge is current and cutting-edge. We are always on the move, visiting places for the fifth or first time to make sure we can provide you with the most up-to-date and exciting travel recommendations so that you don’t just skim the surface of a country, but explore its depths. We know the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, Cape Town, and Tokyo, and we can actually get you a table at that Michelin-starred hole-in-the-wall. We know the most stunning jungle resorts in Thailand, Brazil, and Madagascar, the hippest galleries in Istanbul, Rio, and Phnom Penh, the best vineyards in New Zealand, the most luxurious yacht in the Galapagos, and even how to find Papua New Guinea’s “lost” tribes.

Seeing the world has enriched our lives in ways we can’t ever measure, and we believe that seeing the world with us will do the same for you. Give us a call and tell us where you want to go—we’ll share our stories, adventures, and expert opinions, and make informed recommendations that you won’t find anywhere else.

We are happy to work with travel agencies and travel companies who want to offer their clients the kind of extraordinary journeys that we specialize in. Additionally, if you are someone who prefers to work with a particular travel agent or travel adviser, we can easily coordinate and consult with them so you can take part in the unparalleled experiences that only we offer.

Meet our team:

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Ken’s passion for travel revealed itself when he exited his Wall Street career early for an adventure in Australia. He never looked back. Driven by his sense of discovery and fearless spirit, he continues to explore the world while inspiring others to do the same. In 1989, he founded Absolute Asia Tours and under his leadership, the company has grown to be the recognized worldwide leader in private luxury travel, symbolized by Travel + Leisure naming them the 2013 World’s Best Tour Operator. That success stems from the pioneering mentality that he first brought to his early travels and then the company he founded, an approach that is deeply embedded in the DNA of Absolute Travel. They were the first U.S.-based company to sell trips to Vietnam and Cambodia, and have continued to forge an intrepid path by bringing travelers to remote parts of the globe and innovating the luxury travel experience. When he’s not running the world’s best travel company or serving as a spokesperson for the industry, Ken is a member of Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture’s Advisory Board, and unpacks his bags in New York with his wife, Kyoko, his daughter, Kazumi, and son, Keizo. His traveling mantra is “Travel light and with a smile.” Whether at home or traveling, he appreciates wherever he is in the world.

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Panha was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. In 2013, he moved to Siem Reap, a historic place, where he joined our Amazing Bike Tours team. He's been working in tourism since 2006. Panha finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management at Cambodian Mekong University and got his Master’s Degree in Development Management at Norton University. When he moved to Siem Reap, he fell in love with the history, beauty, and culture of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. He joined our team in 2013 as the Operations Manager. With his experience and local knowledge, Panha ensures our clients have a professional and genuine experience.

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John is a passionate travel advisor from New Zealand who has dedicated much of his life to traveling and exploring new destinations. After studying marketing and management in university and running his own business back home, he decided to put his education into practice and embark on a journey through Latin America and South East Asia in 2019-2020. During his travels, John was captivated by the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of the region, and he quickly fell in love with the people, food, and way of life. In 2021, John made the bold decision to move to Vietnam, drawn by its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. He has since been working in a variety of capacities, using his extensive knowledge and passion for travel to design unforgettable experiences for his clients. John has a deep appreciation for local culture and history, and he works tirelessly to ensure that his tours offer a true taste of the country and its people. With his intuitive personality and natural ability to connect with people, John has become a sought-after guide and travel expert in many destinations around South East Asia. He has a gift for making his clients feel at home, whether they are exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City or touring via quadbike serene rice paddies of the countryside of Cambodia. He has a talent for discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that many travelers might miss, and he is always eager to share his insider knowledge with his guests. John’s love for travel and adventure is contagious, and he has inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. If you’re looking for an authentic and enriching travel experience in South East Asia, look no further than John.

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Loc - Vietnam Coordinator & Tour Host

Explore Asia with our luxurious multi-day tours, perfect for all travelers. Enjoy premium accommodations, expert guides, and exceptional service for an unforgettable experience.

Tailor-made design

Create cherished memories that will last a lifetime through our exceptional and inspiring travel experiences.

True experiences

Embark on an enriching journey to explore the world, where every sight, sound, and encounter offers valuable insights and learning opportunities.

Connect people

Reconnect with nature, engage with diverse cultures, and rejuvenate your senses through immersive travel experiences.

Connect with a certified specialist to begin planning your trip.

Feel free to call one of our experts or schedule a video appointment for personalized ideas and advice.

    • James
    • Asia Specialist
    • Linh
    • Thailand and Asia Specialist
    • Loc
    • Vietnam Specialist

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