Welcome To The Son Mekong
Hi, I’m Khan Thach, a Freelance Tour Guide & Creator of The Son Mekong.
Throughout my career as a tour guide, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming travelers from around the world and introducing them to Vietnam’s history, culture, landscapes, and everyday life. Over the years I noticed that travelers often asked the similar questions about where to go, what to see, how to get around, and how to make the most of their time in Vietnam, etc. Instead of answering them one by one, I decided to create The Son Mekong —a place where anyone could find honest, practical, and up-to-date travel information.
Everything I share here is based on my firsthand travel experiences, local knowledge, and the questions I’ve been asked throughout my career. My goal is to help you plan your trip more easily, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the very best that Vietnam has to offer.
Thank you for visiting The Son Mekong. I hope the stories and travel guides you find here help make your journey through Vietnam smoother, more enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.
I wish you safe travels, wonderful adventures, and lasting memories.
My Story
I was born and raised in a small rural town in the Mekong River Delta, where life revolves around rivers, canals, fruit orchards, and floating markets.
Growing up in a Khmer community, I speak three languages. Khmer is my mother tongue, Vietnamese is my second language, and English is my third.
From an early age, I was fascinated by travel. I love meeting people coming from different cultures. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English, I decided to turn that passion into a career by joining Vietnam’s tourism industry as a tour guide.
My journey in tourism began by guiding international visitors through southern Vietnam. For several years, I introduced travelers to some main destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Nha Trang and the Mekong River Delta. Along the way, sometimes I also had the opportunity to work as a tour leader, accompanying Vietnamese groups on memorable trips to Cambodia and Thailand.
Today, I live and work on the tropical island of Phu Quoc while continuing to guide travelers throughout Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. I also occasionally lead tours to Central Vietnam, including Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, as well as Northern Vietnam, where I visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa.
When I’m not guiding tours, I enjoy spending my time writing about the places I’ve explored, sharing travel stories, and updating this website. Writing has actually been one of my favorite hobbies since my student days. I used to use my free time in university library reading books, taking notes, writing in my diary and practicing English speaking topics.
That early habit has stayed with me over the years and has naturally grown into what I do today,—turning my experiences, one article, one story at a time into a travel blog. Writing gives me the opportunity to reflect on the places I’ve visited, share my passion for my homeland, and continue improving my English while connecting with travelers and visitors from different parts of the world.
I hope The Son Mekong becomes a helpful travel resource as you plan your journey through Vietnam.
Thank you for your stopping by.
See you somewhere along the journey.
What You’ll Find Here
Private Guided Tours
If you’re looking for a local guide, I offer personalized private tours in Phú Quốc, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and beyond. My tours are designed to help you experience Vietnam beyond the typical tourist attractions, with flexible itineraries tailored to your interests.
Trusted Travel Partners
Whether you’re planning to explore Northern, Central, or Southern Vietnam, you’re in good hands. No worries.
If I’m unavailable or your itinerary takes you beyond my operating area, I’ll be happy to connect you with trusted local tour operators across Vietnam.
Throughout my more than 10 years as a freelance tour guide, I’ve partnered with prestigious travel companies from Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. This experience has allowed me to build a reliable network of local experts across the country. So even if you’re only visiting one specific region of Vietnam, I can help you with connection.
I only recommend travel companies that I’ve personally worked with and that have consistently delivered excellent service to international travelers.
Travel Gear & Local Treasures
To generate some extra income during my free time, especially during the low tourism season, while also helping support the ongoing operation of this travel blog, I’ve partnered with several international affiliate platforms to feature travel-related products on my website. I’ve handpicked a collection of quality travel gear and authentic Vietnamese treasures available through trusted online platforms that you can conveniently order online from anywhere in the world.
Browse travel essentials such as DJI Osmo Pocket Camera, noise-cancelling headphones, universal travel adapters, language phrasebooks, and other useful accessories, along with uniquely Vietnamese items including traditional Vietnamese coffee, local handicrafts, travel posters, souvenirs, and memorable gifts.
Every recommendation is carefully selected with travelers in mind to help make your journey more enjoyable before, during, and after your visit to Vietnam. And if you decide to purchase something through one of my recommended affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep The Son Mekong running and continue sharing free travel guides, practical advice, and real experiences from around Vietnam and beyond. Thank you for being part of the journey!
My Priciples
The Son Mekong is created with three principles in mind:
- Honest – Genuine recommendations without exaggeration.
- Practical – Useful, and straightforward travel advice that helps you plan your trip with greater confidence.
- Based on Real Experience – Every recommendation comes from places I’ve visited, tours I’ve led, businesses I’ve personally worked with, and experiences I’ve learned from.
Thank you for visiting, Wish you safe travels and wonderful adventures through Vietnam!
Khanh Thach
Freelance Tour Guide & Creator of The Son Mekong
