Who We Are

FOUNDER OF AUTHENTIC ASIA

Read about Tina and Authentic Asia’s story of origins here.

HEAD OF CREATIVE MARKETING

Nisa has led Creative Marketing for Authentic Asia since 2013. An avid traveler with Persian and European roots, her diverse heritage fuels her passion for travel, culture, languages, and cuisine, and has taken her to over 30 countries. Nisa is also a photographer, writer, and yoga teacher.

Natalie has worked with Authentic Asia since we planned our first tour to Asia in 1999. Natalie helps organize and lead our trips to Southeast Asia and Bhutan.

INTERN

Helen, our youngest team member, is passionate about travel and has joined Tina as a tour leader on educational trips with prestigious universities. An accomplished equestrian, she follows the call of the horizon, connecting with kindred spirits worldwide.

BHUTAN GUIDE

Mr. Kinga has led our Bhutan tours for 20 years, earning a reputation as a loyal friend and exceptional guide. Having lived in Austria and traveled across Europe, the Himalayas, and Israel, he was honored as one of Wanderlust magazine's “10 Best Guides in the World.” He resides in Thimphu with his wife and three daughters.

CAMBODIA GUIDE

Mr. Dara, who lives with his family in Siem Reap, has been guiding visitors through the renowned Angkor ruins for over 10 years. His knowledge of the history and architecture of Angkor is impressive, and he never grows tired of sharing it with our clients.

THAILAND GUIDE

Miss Kie will take you off the beaten tourist path to local markets, hidden monasteries, and small tucked-away restaurants for the perfect pad thai. Ms. Kie is a dear friend who loves her work and enjoys every minute with our clients.

VIETNAM GUIDE

Our friend Mr. Peter has led many of the Authentic Asia tours to Vietnam, including three trips for Vassar College. Mr. Peter lives with his wife and two children in Hue. He is one of our most sought-after guides, beloved by our travelers for his sense of humor, his extensive knowledge of Vietnam's history, and his ability to share his incredible and heartbreaking life story, having grown up after the war. 

NORTHERN INDIA

With over a decade of experience leading tours across India, Rohit brings a deep appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage to every journey. Since 2010, he has curated immersive journeys for international travelers, blending historical insight with authentic local encounters. Whether discovering hidden gems or exploring India’s most celebrated landmarks, his tours intertwine traditions, stories, and regional flavors that capture the true spirit and essence of each site.

SOUTHERN INDIA

Charles Gnanaraj has been working as a freelance guide specializing in leading tours through Southern India for 15 years. He is known for his love and interest in wildlife and the many national parks of the region. His natural storytelling abilities and sense of humor create a wonderful sense of community among our travelers, and his photographs do justice to the natural beauty of the region. Mr. Charles was educated at the Madras Christian College in Chennai, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree before moving to Perugia, Italy, for several months to pursue a degree in Italian. 

SINGAPORE GUIDE

Sarah is an experienced licensed tour guide who loves to share her passion for culture, art history, and heritage with visitors from around the world. Her academic background in geography and archeology, combined with her active involvement in the culture and art scene in Singapore, adds unique depth and flavor to her tours. Sarah started her career over 30 years ago as a government-licensed tour guide in Israel, specializing in Christian pilgrimage and archeological tours. As a Singapore Tourism Board-licensed tour guide, she focuses on local heritage, arts, architecture, culture, and customized tours. You can learn more about Sarah on her website.

LAOS GUIDE

Mr. Khampheng was born and raised in Luang Prabang and lives with is wife and two children in Luang Prabang. He has been working as a tour guide since 2007 and is known as a “local ambassador” with the ability to engage travelers from different countries and backgrounds and introduce them to the beauty, culture, and history of Laos.

LAOS GUIDE

Ms. Chansouda originates from the north of Laos and today lives with her father and younger sister in Luang Prabang. Our guests have praised her for being attentive and making everyone feel cared for during their stay in Laos.