Meet Zachary Sewell – Our Storyteller in Southeast Asia
From the UK to Vietnam, Zachary Sewell has spent nearly three years immersing himself in the vibrant culture of his adopted home as our Product Manager for Southeast Asia. Zach has not only fallen in love with Vietnam but also has a passion for storytelling and bringing people together through the power of travel.
WHERE THE STORY BEGAN: FROM BATH TO VIETNAM
Hailing from Bath, England, a city steeped in Georgian and Roman history, Zach’s love of history and storytelling was shaped by his hometown’s unique character. From Jane Austen-themed walking tours to vibrant pub scenes, every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage city seamlessly blends history with modern charm.
But our Bathonian’s life story took a remarkable turn in 2018 during his first 10-day tour to Vietnam. From Hanoi and Halong Bay to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, the more he discovered about Vietnam, the more mesmerised he was. “The trip was incredible—I was captivated by the food, scenery, people, and culture. But I knew I had only scratched the surface” – Zach shares, reflecting on his initial journey
Back in England, Zach attempted to recreate a bowl of Pho – Vietnam’s national noodle dish – but his efforts turned into a culinary disaster. As he watched the typical British Winter weather outside over his bowl of disappointment, he found himself reflecting on the vibrant Vietnam he had left behind. Eventually, this reflection turned into a defining moment during a train ride home for Christmas: “It was clear to me: I needed to go back”. However, his desire to return wasn’t just about revisiting the country—it was fuelled by a commitment to helping others experience Vietnam as authentically as he had.
SHARING STORIES, SHAPING JOURNEYS
Fast-forward to today, Zach has made Vietnam his home and his dream a reality. Now as our Product Manager for Southeast Asia, he dedicates his affection for the country and its culture into crafting the most heartfelt experiences for travellers. “I wanted to create travel excursions that showcased Vietnam’s beauty and depth. Truly living and breathing a destination is essential to delivering remarkable travel journeys” – Zach shared.
Now well into his third year on the job, Zach’s passion for his work remains as strong as ever. It is the people and the meaningful connections he forges with them that keep him moving every day. After each trip, our Briton eagerly shares stories of the places he’s travelled, the people he’s met and the cultures he’s experienced, drawing inspiration for designing products others can enjoy. He takes pride in knowing these experiences will play a part in shaping how his fellow travellers will discover and get to know these incredible destinations.
HIT THE ZACH-POT IN EACH DESTINATION!
When asked about his favourite trips in Vietnam, our travel connoisseur had a hard time picking just one, sharing his top three – one from the North, Centre and South:
In the North, Zach loves exploring the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang and Cao Bang where golden rice terraces blend seamlessly with majestic limestone mountains. A highlight for him is the simplicity of sharing a home-cooked meal with a local ethnic minority family—an authentic and unforgettable experience.
In central Vietnam, a day spent exploring the lesser-known Ky Anh war tunnels with our Local Legend, Mr. Ta, remains a standout memory for Zach. Hearing Mr. Ta’s vivid stories from a life shaped by war offers a profound connection to the region’s history. He also recommends travellers to visit a serene beachfront distillery to sample the region’s local rum. “The sound of the ocean combined with the scent of spiced rum ageing in wooden barrels makes for an idyllic evening” – Zach shares.
From magnificent mountains, bunkers and barrels to the serene rivers of the south, Zach’s most unforgettable moment was cruising the Mekong aboard the Cai Be Princess Sampan. A standout memory was connecting with a local family on the riverbank over a cup of tea and hearing the story of a cacao farmer’s first taste of chocolate—a gift from an American soldier during his childhood.
ABOUT HUMANS OF VIVU JOURNEYS
The “Humans of Vivu Journeys“ series is about celebrating the humble and dedicating people who bring our company to life. More than a glimpse into the travel industry, through their stories of passion, adventure, and dedication, we hope to show you the heart and soul behind the journeys we create for our beloved customers.
Stay tuned for our next feature where we’ll introduce another inspiring figure who also never stopped shaping unforgettable travel experiences. Reach out to [email protected]to learn more about the behind-the-scenes stories of Vivu Journeys!
