Karla Wilson, our APAC Account Manager, had Vietnam on her personal travel wish list for years. So, when the opportunity came to host a FAM trip for our trusted travel agents while also visiting Vietnam for the first time, she was both excited and curious. It felt like the perfect combination of work and wonder.
As a vital next step, Karla worked closely with our Head of Reservations in Vietnam to design a 7-day itinerary that would give agents a taste of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An.
She says, “These locations offered a mix of iconic experiences and cultural depth, perfect for both first-time and returning visitors. Although our time was limited due to agents’ schedules, we packed it with immersive highlights. After the main trip, I extended my visit to explore Ho Tram and Ho Chi Minh City, getting a glimpse of southern Vietnam as well.”
Once she reached Vietnam, Karla recalls the country as being a feast for the senses. The colours, the sounds, the flavours, everything felt vivid and alive, meeting everyone’s expectations. In fact, Karla is already hoping to be back in 2026 with her husband for a more in-depth and culturally rich adventure.
Reflecting on the FAM trip itinerary, Karla notes that it was designed with both first-time visitors and seasoned Vietnam sellers in mind.
“It struck a strong balance between ‘bucket list’ sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Based on the feedback we received, the agents left with renewed confidence in promoting Vietnam to their clients, which is exactly what a FAM should deliver,” she adds.
From witnessing spectacular limestone cliffs while cruising the emerald waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay to cycling through the Hoi An countryside, the agents had an authentic and purpose-driven travel experience that offered them a glimpse into Vietnam’s rural life and interactions with vibrant local communities.
Speaking of one more of her memorable experiences, Karla says, “After concluding the FAM trip, I extended my journey to Ho Chi Minh City, where I set off on one of our Signature Experiences to the Mekong Delta. This full-day journey truly reflects what Discova does best: immersive, meaningful experiences. We visited frog and fish farms, a honey producer, orchid gardens, and more, all of which were operated by locals. What makes this tour so special is the rotating stops model, which ensures that the economic benefit is spread across the wider community.”
Throughout the trip, both Karla and the agents were reminded of how Discova’s local teams are central to the quality of our experiences. From thoughtful logistics to knowledgeable guides and carefully chosen community stops, everything ran smoothly. The agents frequently commented on how professional and passionate our local teams were, which is what sets us apart as one of Asia’s leading Destination Management Companies.
“I had high expectations for Vietnam and how the group would respond, and both were exceeded. Vietnam offers so much diversity, and while we focused on key destinations, it’s clear that Discova has the reach and local depth to take travellers further, beyond the usual tourist hotspots,” reflects Karla.
As Vietnam continues to grow in popularity as one of Southeast Asia’s most-visited destinations, Discova is committed to promoting sustainable, responsible tourism by creating access to lesser-known regions and building capacity in local communities, helping combat overtourism while showcasing the full breadth of what Vietnam has to offer.
Even this FAM trip itinerary struck a chord, providing agents with stories and insights they could bring back to their clients, making them feel more assured while selling Vietnam as a worthwhile destination. Several of the participants even left inspired to start planning group departures or tailor-made itineraries for their clients, a clear sign that the trip made a lasting impact.
As Karla says, “Hosting this FAM wasn’t just about showing off Vietnam, it was about discovering it together. The memories made, connections built, and knowledge gained will stay with all of us. If you’re thinking about Vietnam for your clients or yourself, know that the magic goes well beyond the headlines. And with Discova, that magic is delivered with care, insight, and purpose.”
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