About Marnick Schoonderwoerd

I’ve been living in Vietnam for more than ten years and have explored every province of the country, often multiple times. Together with my Vietnamese wife, Nhung, I founded Local Vietnam to create tours and travel experiences that are genuinely local, small-scale, and honest.

As a long-term expat, traveler, and writer of over 1,000 Vietnam travel guides, I combine deep local knowledge with a global travel perspective. I’ve lived in several regions of Vietnam — from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to Dalat, Pleiku, and Ha Giang — and traveled through more than 50 countries worldwide.

My goal is simple: to help travelers discover the real Vietnam with realistic, trustworthy advice — not the over-polished stories you often find elsewhere.

My Journey

Early Passion for Travel

Growing up in the Netherlands, I traveled extensively across Europe from a young age and made my first long journeys to the United States and South Africa.

This curiosity about the world later led me to study Tourism in Rotterdam, where I learned the foundations of travel planning, hospitality, and sustainable tourism. During my studies, I gained practical experience with internships in a luxury resort in Costa Rica and a backpacker hostel in Australia — learning both sides of the travel industry.

2015: The Turning Point

After working near Rotterdam for several years, I realized I missed the road. In 2015, I took a sabbatical and began a long journey through Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

While traveling in Cambodia, I met Nhung, who was already one of Vietnam’s few solo female travel bloggers — exploring the world on a shoestring budget and inspiring others to do the same. She introduced me to Vietnam, and it didn’t take long before I fell in love with the country, the culture, and the idea of building a life here.

2016–2020: From Blog to Business

A year later, I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, and together we transformed Nhung’s travel blog into what would later become Local Vietnam.

We spent the following years traveling constantly — across Vietnam, India, Nepal, Korea, Japan, Ecuador, and throughout Southeast Asia — gaining experience and insight into how travel could be both meaningful and well-organized. Back in Vietnam, we explored every region, sometimes taking new trips every month. We even opened a small homestay in Dalat, which deepened our connection to local life and hospitality.

2020–Today: Local Vietnam and Beyond

During the pandemic, we moved to Pleiku in the Central Highlands and later to Quy Nhon and Da Nang, where our son Noah was born. With a young family, our focus shifted to traveling more deeply within Vietnam — and that’s when Local Vietnam evolved from a travel agency into a true tour operator.

We began designing and operating our own tours, focusing on authentic local experiences that were often hard to find through standard partners. This hands-on approach eventually led us to Ha Giang, where we now live part-time and own our own lodge, combining western comfort with local ethnic architecture. The goal is to create meaningful stays that support local communities while offering travelers a genuine connection to the region.

Travel Style

I began as a budget backpacker, evolved into an adventure traveler, and today travel as a family — always seeking authentic, balanced experiences.

This journey allows me to understand what travelers of every style value most: freedom, honesty, and genuine connection.

What I Believe

Travel shouldn’t feel like checking boxes on a list. The best journeys happen when you meet local people, stay in small places with character, and see Vietnam beyond the tourist trail.

Through Local Vietnam, I hope to keep showing travelers that it’s possible to explore responsibly, comfortably, and authentically — and to always travel with purpose.

Expertise and Philosophy

Degree in Tourism (Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Over 10 years living in Vietnam and visiting every province
Author of 1,000+ detailed travel guides
Deep knowledge of both Western travel expectations and Vietnam’s local culture
Hands-on experience developing community-based tourism projects and boutique lodges
Passion for real, sustainable travel and honest storytelling