Our People

Liz Giannone

Asia Specialist

Specialist destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China and India.

With over 10 years in the travel industry, Liz is hard to please but Asia's rich culture, pristine beaches and exceptional scenery keep her returning year after year. Since joining Travel Indochina Liz has experienced first-hand our India Spice of the South, Cambodia and Vietnam Explorer and Inside Laos small group tour as well as tailor-made research trips in Thailand, China and Indochina.

Michelle Wong

Asia Specialist

Specialist destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Thailand and Burma.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Michelle started travelling Asia at a very young age. Bringing her first-hand knowledge to the fore, Michelle and has an exceptional talent for helping our clients develop their ideal Asian experience. Her latest research trip took her to China on our 15 day China Panorama Small Group Tour.

Nancy Triggs

Asia Specialist

Specialist destinations: Vietnam (and Sapa), Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

Nancy got the travel bug at just 16 after taking an epic trip around India by train. Since then Nancy has been to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Borneo and South America. Her favourite travel experiences thus far include eating Pad Thai in Chang Mai's night markets and exploring her favourite country, Laos. Nancy recently travelled on our 11 day Vietnam Insight with Sapa Small Group Tour.

Clare Fisher

Asia Specialist

Specialist destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Burma.

Already boasting an impressive travel background in Asia, Clare was a natural addition to the team here in Oxford and she joined us in September 2010. Since then Clare has experienced first hand our 14 day Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer and a tailor made version of our 9 day Highlights of Burma Small Group Tour.

Faith Stone

Sales Support

Specialist destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China and Mongolia.

As well as a degree in Mathematics and an unmatched eye for detail, Faith prefers to look at experiences had rather than countries visited. Her top travel moments to date are staying with a nomadic family in Mongolia, having lunch with a Vietnamese family on Marble Mountain, going for an Imperial Banquet at Fangshan restaurant in Beijing and swimming in the waters of Halong Bay in Vietnam.

Richard Swain

Business Development Manager

Richard has worked in the travel industry for over six years, after catching the travel bug on his gap year, when he travelled to the Far East. Since working in the industry, Richard has travelled back to the Far East visiting Thailand and most recently Vietnam & Cambodia where he has seen first-hand the unique experience that Travel Indochina offers.

Raj Mistry

Business Development Manager

Raj joined Travel Indochina’s UK office in mid-2012. He believes Asia has a sense of tranquility, mystique and adventure incomparable to anywhere else in the world, and is particularly enamoured with beautiful Vietnam and vibrant India. When not sharing his passion for Asia, Raj enjoys cooking up a storm for family and friends.

Elise Olver

Sales and Marketing Executive

Specialist destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Japan and India.

Elise’s first trip to Asia was on our 14-day Vietnam Discovery and she came back with a passion for Asia and the Small Group Journey concept. Since then, Elise has traveled to Laos, Cambodia, India & Japan with Travel Indochina. Her most memorable moments are wandering the night markets in Luang Prabang and seeing Angkor Wat for the first time.

Alastair Scott

General Manager - Product & International Operations

Having worked at Travel Indochina since 2002, Alastair is originally from the UK, his first visit to Asia was to play cricket in Hong Kong, but since then has travelled to Asia extensively, visiting almost all of our destinations. An early riser, he loves to be in Asia at sunrise, when daylight reveals just how much is already happening.

Bronwyn Cook

Communications & Online Marketing Manager

Bronwyn started with Travel Indochina in 2004. She has travelled to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and India and every one of them has something special which makes it a favourite. If she had to choose, Luang Prabang in Laos would be her top pick, and it is no wonder as it is absolutely packed with two things she loves about Asia, friendly people and tasty cuisine.

Amy Pethers

National Operations Manager

Amy, has been working with Travel Indochina since 2001. She’s travelled to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, India, Maldives, Malaysia, and recently took her family to Thailand. Being a real foodie and a great cook, she loves the fantastic cuisine in Asia, and keep an eye out because one day you might see here trying out for Masterchef Australia.

Ruth Golden

Financial Controller

Ruth is our Financial Controller based in the Sydney office, and started at Travel Indochina in 2012. She has a passion for food both in Asia and here is Australia, as well as her original homeland of Ireland, and you might find her cooking, trying new restaurants or reading cookbooks. She also loves the kindness of the people and the culture found in Asia, as well as exploring the outdoors.

Steve Brady

General Manager Commercial

Asia is like a second home to Steve, where he has spent the majority of the last decade. He loves the diversity, from mega cities to rural villages, mountains, deserts, jungle and beaches. Having been with us since 2004, he’s travelled extensively in Asia to Indochina, China and the Indian subcontinent, just to name a few, but his favourite destination is Kampot province in southern Cambodia.

Timothy Cook

National Sales Manager

Tim has been with Travel Indochina since 2010, and brings extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to his role from his travels throughout Southeast Asia, China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka. He loves Asia due to its vibrancy and excitement, the friendly people and delicious food. His favourite destination in the region is the idyllic town of Luang Prabang.

Manda Churchill

General Manager - United Kingdom

Manda has been in the travel industry for over 27 years and has travelled to over 30 countries. She joined Travel Indochina in 2012 and since joining us, has already visited Vietnam, Cambodia and India. Manda says that each destination has very special memories - the people, the cuisine, the culture and sights are experiences not to be missed. First impressions of the mass of mopeds in Vietnam, the jaw-dropping Temples in Cambodia and the incredible colour of India make it difficult to choose a favourite.

Lesley Wright

International Sales & Marketing Manager

After studying geography Lesley headed off on the field trip of her life, backpacking through Southeast Asia, which led to a seven year period handling the marketing activity for a student travel company. This didn’t stop her from exploring temples of exorcism in India, elephant mahouting in Northern Thailand or taking a slowboat down the Mekong in Laos.

Mark Yacker

Director - North America

Since graduating from University of Massachusetts in 1994, Mark has worked for a selection of top small group tour operators covering destinations across the globe, and has traveled to over 25 countries. Since joining Travel Indochina in 2011, Mark has visited Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and India, all of which exceeded his expectations. Highlights include exploring the Mekong Delta in a traditional long boat, learning the art of Lao cooking, and walking through the jungle in Cambodia to watch the sunrise at the Angkor Wat. Next on his wishlist? Southern Laos.

John Black

Country Manager - Cambodia

Starting with Travel Indochina in 2005, John is based in our Phnom Penh office. He’s travelled to 11 countries in Asia, but Burma is his favourite spot to visit. He loves living in Asia for the richness and diversity of culture and the exquisite culinary delights, but won’t miss the chance to return to his home town of Victoria in Australia to see Collingwood play.

Darren Szwarcburg

Country Manager - Vietnam

Based in the Saigon office, Darren has been with the company since 2003 and in Asia, he has travelled to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Darren loves the heat, so living in Saigon suits him perfectly, and after 14 years in the region, he is still blown away by the amazing food.

Eric Finley

Senior Product Manager - Indian sub-continent & Vietnam

One of our longest serving staff members, Eric has been with Travel Indochina since 1998. He’s travelled to all corners of Asia, but returns to India time and time again to destinations like the Himalayas, Varanasi and the tropical south. He loves the living history found in Asia and the amazing buzz of the cities and towns.

Jackie Firmstone

Senior Product Manager - China, Burma & Mongolia

Jackie has worked at Travel Indochina since 2009. She’s travelled to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam, but her recent trip to Burma has cemented it as her new favourite spot in Asia. When travelling she loves to try the weird and wonderful street food and meeting the warm, fun-loving people. She is especially interested in learning about the history and cultures, especially the ethnic minorities and hilltribes.

Angela Ferres

Senior Product Manager - Thailand & Japan

Since 2002 Angela has held many positions at Travel Indochina. In her time with us she’s travelled to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore and China so is definitely an expert on Asia. She is always struck by the mix of religions and tribal culture that have shaped Asia, and loves returning for the diverse scenery and friendly people.

Aaron Edgington

Product Manager - Vietnam

Aaron is a true Asia expert, having travelled to fourteen countries in the region. He never tires of the friendly people, fantastic food and amazing contrasts he finds in Asia, and loves the feeling of peace, even amongst the chaos. It’s a real change from back home in New Zealand, where Aaron was a regional break dance champion.

Jenn Brown

Product Manager - Laos

Jenn, has worked at Travel Indochina since 2009. Based in Vientiane, she has travelled throughout Indochina as well as China & Tibet, Japan, Mongolia, Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. When in Asia you might find her at a street stall, trying the local cuisine. Our very own cover girl, she once featured on the cover of a Beijing culture & entertainment magazine.

Paula Harrigan

Tour Leader

Paula has lived all over the world and her passport is her most prized possession. Becoming a tour leader for Travel Indochina in early 2007 was a dream for Paula as it meant she could further her passion for responsible tourism and the wildlife of South East Asia. She finds the diversity and contradictions in Asia fascinating, and loves a good show tune!

Tiana Hopper

Tour Leader

Tiana has been sharing her passion for Asia with our travellers since August 2012. She loves everything about Asia from the wonderful cultures to the natural beauty and fascinating history. Originally from the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast in Australia, her favourite place is Vietnam and she enjoys working with people and sharing her passion for travel.

David Hardy

Tour Leader

Dave has been with Travel Indochina since the beginning of 2010, and his favourite part of the job is living and travelling in Asia. He’s spent time in Indochina, Thailand and Malaysia, but his favourite of these is Luang Prabang in Laos. He’s pictured here at the Hai Cafe cooking class in Hoi An, something he enjoys sharing with his passengers.

Krista Routledge

Tour Leader

Krista joined Travel Indochina as a tour leader at the start of 2010. She loves being able to share her favourite parts of Asia with her passengers and says there are too many to mention, but Hoi An in Vietnam and Luang Prabang in Laos are definitely at the top of the list. She’s also travelled through Thailand, Cambodia and China.

Heather Van Hull

Tour Leader

Heather has travelled extensively throughout Asia and joined the Travel Indochina team in September 2012. She loves the laid back lifestyle, the friendly and welcoming people as well as the food that Asia has to offer. Her favourite place is northern Laos and enjoys exploring Luang Prabang, Nong Kiau and Muang Noi. Heather’s little secret? She loves to salsa dance!

Matthew Reeves

Tour Leader

In late 2010, Matthew started working for Travel Indochina, having spent many years living in Asia, including Japan, and he speaks fluent Japanese. During this time he travelled to over 15 countries in Asia and his passion for the region stems from its diversity. He especially finds that the people are wonderfully hospitable and the food is amazing.

Franck Malezieux

Tour Leader

Franck joined Travel Indochina in late 2010 bringing with him great knowledge and affection for Asia. He has travelled to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, saying that he could not choose a favourite from so many beautiful places. He loves the friendly smiles in Asia, and the laidback attitude in everyday life.

Nikki Zimbler

Tour Leader

Nikki has been leading like-minded travellers around Asia with Travel Indochina since mid-2011. She is drawn to Asia’s welcoming people and wide array of delicious cuisines. She admits the weather is much more agreeable than that in her native London. From Indochina to Borneo to Sri Lanka, Nikki has traversed much of the region, and of all the places she’s visited her favourites are the charming towns of Luang Prabang, Hoi An, Siem Reap and Bagan.

Brandon James

Tour Leader

Brandon has been leading tours with Travel Indochina since 2011, sharing his passion for the region. He has extensive travel experience in Asia, including much of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. He is drawn to the continent for its diversity of cultures, the friendly people, fantastic food and natural beauty. He finds all of this and more in Vietnam, his favourite country in Asia.

Ian Richards

Tour Leader

Starting with Travel Indochina in 2010, Ian has a keen interest in photography and loves to capture Asia on camera. He seeks out the friendly smiles of the locals and is most at home when he is off-the-beaten-track. Ian has been based in Asia as a tour guide for many years and his experience and enthusiasm make popular with our travellers.

Kathelijne van Soldt

Tour Leader

Joining the Travel Indochina team in late 2012, Kathelijne brings with her a passion for Asia. She loves the climate, wide variety of food and the easy going happy people. Her favourite place is the jungle in northern Laos and she also enjoys exploring Hoi An. The only thing she misses is her racing bike!

Amanda McKay

Tour Leader

Amanda joined the team in early February 2012 and feels right at home in Asia. The people, the culture, the food, the smell – she loves all of it! Amanda’s favourite country is Laos and she enjoys exploring northern Thailand. Make sure you stay close to Amanda when travelling…apparently mosquitos don’t bite her!

Jacqui Sato

Tour Leader

In early 2012, Jacqui joined Travel Indochina as a tour leader. Her favourite place in Asia is Japan and she loves the food, history, culture and friendly locals. Listen closely! Jacqui’s voice has featured on many Japanese television commercials and in the early 2000’s she made the English announcements on Japan’s Shinkansen-Bullet trains.