The Personal Story Behind Golden Holiday Travel – Shared By Its Founder

Golden Holiday Travel – Your Local Partner to Explore A Charming & Authentic Vietnam

Hi everyone, I am Ban Vu Dinh, but most travellers call me Ban. Today, I would love to share with you the real story of how Golden Holiday Travel came into life, a story that grew from my deepest wish: to help you (our beloved travellers) experience Vietnam the way it truly should be: personalized, stress‑free, and unforgettable.

I feel so lucky to be born in Vietnam’s peaceful time, just right after Vietnam war ended. My childhood unfolded in a quiet small village of Northern Vietnam, surrounded by pristine rice fields, green bamboo fences and the deep-rooted traditions of my homeland. As a boy, my days were simple – studying at the village school, helping my parents tend the buffalo, and working on the family farm. I still remember the laughter echoing across the fields, the delicious meals cooked by my mother, and the joy of neighbors gathering during village festivals. These early memories shaped my deep love for Vietnam—its friendly people & its timeless beauty, and filled me with pride for our culture and history.

My Desire to Share Vietnam With the World

Years later, I graduated from the College of Foreign Languages at Vietnam National University in 2003. At that time, Vietnam had only recently opened its doors to the world – welcoming international travelers since 1995, after the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam was lifted. I was excited by the opportunities, and with my love for travel and for sharing stories, I chose to work in the travel industry without any hesitation.

I began my career as a tour guide, leading group tours to some of Vietnam’s most famous destinations like Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Perfume Pagoda, Mai Chau.. and so on. For five years, I led travelers from different corners of the world through Vietnam’s mountains, along its winding rivers, into ancient temples, and across bustling city streets. Each day was an adventure, and every group taught me something new – not just about places, but about their personal touches with local cultures.

As I guided these travelers, I started noticing something important. What truly touched visitors was not just the scenery, but the cultural connection. I saw their eyes light up as they tasted a homemade bowl of pho in a family’s home, learned a traditional dance from local children, or listened to the stories of villagers who had lived through Vietnam war. These moments weren’t in any guidebook. They were real, raw, and unforgettable. And I realized: this is what travelers really want – to truly feel Vietnam, not just see it.

The Drawbacks with Group Tours and DIY Trips

The more I worked, the more drawbacks I found with group tours and do-it-yourself trips. I saw firsthand the limits of standard group tours: the tight schedules of quickly rushing from this place to another, the crowded buses, and the lack of time for exploring the destinations.

I also witnessed the struggles of travelers who tried to plan on their own trips online and ended up with headaches, language barriers, or unexpected costs that spoiled their experience.

Even worse, I saw how scams and unlicensed tour operators hurt travelers. Many visitors booked “cheap” tours online, only to end up with poor service or even lose their money. It was painful to see their dream Vietnam vacations turn into disappointment.

I knew there had to be a better way 

The Learning Journey To Make My Dream Come True

As these experiences built up, my desire grew stronger. I dreamed of building something more than a tour business. I would love to create a place where every traveler could feel truly cared for, where their experience was tailored to their wishes, not squeezed into a one-size-fits-all schedule. My vision was to help guests taste the real flavors of Vietnamese food, learn the secrets of our culture, and connect with the heartbeat of our cities and countryside.

To turn this dream into reality, I knew I needed to learn more than just guiding tours. So, I moved from being a tour guide to working in the offices as a sales executive or a tour operator for a few big inbound travel companies in Vietnam. There, I learned everything I could about travel business : from planning and organizing tours, to negotiating with hotels, to solving problems when things went wrong. But I knew I wanted something more personal – a company built on trust, care, and truly customized trips.

Establishing Golden Holiday Travel JSC With Its Core Values & Exceptional Experiences

The turning point came in 2012. After nearly a decade of guiding, learning, and dreaming, together with a few like-minded friends, we established our own company, Golden Holiday Travel JSC. From day one, we made a promise: to put honesty, local expertise, and personalized service at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission was clear: “to help travelers explore Vietnam in the most authentic, unforgettable way possible—far beyond what self-planned trips or group tours could offer.”

Thanks to this personalized approach, we’ve continued to grow, welcoming more and more travelers – most of them referred by happy guests who couldn’t wait to share their unforgettable memories with friends and family

So what makes Golden Holiday Travel different?

Firstly, every itinerary we create is tailor-made just for you. We start by listening – really listening – to your dreams and wishes. Whether you want to trek through Sapa’s misty mountains, cruise through the hidden corners of the Mekong Delta, or taste the best street food in Hanoi, we design your journey around your interests, your pace, and your dream. You’ll never be rushed or forced into someone else’s schedule. With us, you explore Vietnam as if you’re traveling with a local friend.

Secondly, we’ve built a trusted network of experienced guides, safe drivers, and handpicked hotels who share our values: honesty, warmth, and a passion for Vietnam. Our guides don’t just recite facts – they share personal stories, cultural insights, and hidden treasures that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Thirdly, we are a fully licensed inbound tour operator (Business License No. 0105918125, issued by the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment, and hold Inbound Tour Operator License No. 01-884/2016/TCDL-GPLHQT, granted by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) so you can trust that your trip is safe, reliable, and protected from the scams and disappointments that too many travelers experience. We take care of every detail, from planning and logistics to 24/7 support during your stay, so you can relax and fully enjoy your exploration.

Fourthly, with our deep local expertise, we know the best times to visit each place, the hidden spots away from the crowds, and the stories that bring every destination to life. That is why – when doing their Vietnam trips, guests often share us their special moments: a sunrise over terraced rice fields in Hoang Su Phi,  wonderful insights of local ethnic’s culture in Sapa, or a cosy dinner with local family in Mu Cang Chai.These are the memories that last a lifetime.

From a Village Boy to a Travel Partner You Can Trust

Travel is more than just seeing new places—it’s about feeling, understanding, and connecting. With Golden Holiday Travel, you get more than a trip. You get a trusted local partner who cares about your journey as much as you do. We’re here to help you not just see Vietnam, but to feel its heartbeat, taste its flavors, and carry its stories home in your heart.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, why settle for a crowded group tour or the stress of planning everything yourself? Let us craft a private, personalized Vietnam tour package designed just for you. With Golden Holiday Travel, you’ll enjoy exceptional service, insider access, and the peace of mind that comes from traveling with experts who care.

Don’t just visit Vietnam – experience it with all your senses, guided by people who call it home. Reach out to Golden Holiday Travel today, and let’s start creating the journey of your dream vacation in Vietnam !