Our Story

The journey began in the late ‘90s when Steve first set foot in Vietnam. Captivated by the vibrant culture, the warm people, and, most unexpectedly, the classic two-wheelers that filled the streets, he felt an immediate connection to the country. What started as a personal fascination with restoring vintage Vespas soon became a shared passion when his wife joined him on this adventure. Together, they envisioned something far greater: a way to showcase the beauty of Vietnam and Southeast Asia to the world.

Today, Steve and his wife lead Vespa Adventures, creating unforgettable experiences for travelers. Their tours take visitors beyond the typical tourist routes, immersing them in the heart of local culture. Every journey includes stops to savor authentic street food, meet local families, and support communities. For them, it’s not just about the ride—it’s about creating moments of genuine connection and discovery.

Their mission is simple: to offer people the Ride of Their Life. Through meaningful, immersive, and sustainable travel, they provide opportunities for travelers to make lasting memories, experience local traditions, and cherish the present moment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, Steve and his wife invite you to join them. On two wheels, every mile is an adventure, and every stop has a story to tell.

About Us

"The Ride of Your Life" is a way of living. It represents adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections

The Ride of Your Life

Vespa Adventures offers one-of-a-kind cultural journeys across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand on vintage Vespas. By combining the spirit of adventure with authentic local experiences, we deliver 'The Ride of Your Life'—an unforgettable exploration of Southeast Asia that connects travelers with its people, places, and traditions in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Meet the Vespa Adventures Team

Steve Mueller

Founder

Steve Mueller moved to Vietnam in 1997 from Hawaii, originally from Charleston, SC. He travelled around the world, and of all the countries he visited, Vietnam lured him back because he fell in love with the land, the culture and especially the people, to the point that he even married Kim Phuong!

Steve started restoring and exporting vintage Vespas, but later he decided that he wanted to keep the Vespas in Vietnam as part of its heritage. He wanted to share his love for this part of the world with others so the idea of Vespa Adventures came to light and they started running tours in 2007.

Steve gives a large part of the credit for his success to his wife’s savvy and local business knowledge.

Kim Phuong Mueller

Co-Founder

Kim Phuong is the co-founder of Vespa Adventures, and also a native to Saigon. Born after the end of the war period she grew up while the doors of Vietnam were still closed.

During her childhood, she helped her family in the Central Market after school every day, and eventually started her own stall selling fresh food and vegetables.

With that knowledge and experience, she opened Café Zoom in 1999, a place for Steve and Kim’s friends and other world travellers to relax, share their stories and enjoy amazing food and drinks, and later it became the starting point of all the tours in Saigon, and the operations center of Vespa Adventures.

Bao Ton

Regional Director, Co-owner

Originally from the historic city of Hue, Bao graduated in 1993 with the major of English language and Tourism Management, later adding an MBA specialized in Marketing.

Bao was a pioneer in the forefront of Vietnam’s tourism introduction to the world.

He has more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, and continues developing Vespa Adventures into a professional and customer oriented company.

Nguyet (Moon)

Guide, Hoi An

It’s been almost 5 years since Moon started working at Vespa Adventures in November 2018. As a tour guide, her greatest fulfillment comes from embracing and exploring diverse cultures worldwide. Sharing her knowledge of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage with international guests is a privilege she cherishes. Her aim is to create a positive and enriching experience for every traveler, ensuring they leave with a deep appreciation for the local culture and its people. From visiting the Coffee Roasters, where guests are captivated by the owner’s stories and enjoy delicious coffee, to exploring the ancestral house in Hoi An, where guests gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese ancestral worship, each stop on the tour offers unique insights and memorable moments. She strives to bridge the gap between travelers and locals, creating a perfect blend of cultural exchange and unforgettable experiences.

Nhi

Guide, Hanoi

Nhi joined the Vespa Adventures team in Hanoi in 2017. Working in a dynamic international environment with enthusiastic colleagues has been a great learning experience for her. “Each tour is a new experience for me, allowing me to explore different destinations with diverse people. I learn and grow through these experiences, embracing new perspectives and respecting cultural differences”. The tea house is a favorite highlight for guests, where they can relax and enjoy a cup of lotus red tea while immersing themselves in the rare peaceful atmosphere in a little zen corner of chaotic Hanoi. Her goal is to provide guests with authentic local experiences and create lasting memories on their Vespa rides.

Tuyet (Snow)

Guide, Hanoi

Snow joined Vespa Adventures in 2018 as a driver, entering the tourism industry for the first time. The friendly and supportive environment helped her grow into the tour guide she is today. Her passion for travel developed over time, leading her to acquire additional skills and knowledge. After gaining experience as a guide through external tour programs, she applied and officially became a Vespa Adventures guide in March 2023. To Snow, being a tour guide is more than just conveying information. It’s about leading and providing guests with unique and extraordinary experiences. She aims to help them understand Vietnamese culture from a local perspective, allowing them to appreciate its beauty. Her goal is to create enjoyable, distinct, and unforgettable experiences for every guest. Just like Vespa Adventures slogan says: “The ride of your life.”

Khanh Ho (Kathy)

Guide, Saigon

Kathy’s journey to becoming a tour guide was a delightful twist of fate. While studying International Business Management, she discovered her true passion for speaking English and desired to improve her language skills. In October 2018, Kathy joined Vespa Adventures, combining her love for English with her desire to share Vietnamese culture with international guests. Kathy is dedicated to breaking stereotypes about Vietnam and showcasing the vibrant culture and growth of Saigon. At Vespa Adventures, she finds joy in enjoying the journey alongside her guests, from exploring hidden gems to cruising through the bustling streets of Saigon, Kathy believes in creating unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Giang Tran (Vivian)

Guide, Saigon

My journey with Vespa Adventures began in law school, working part-time at a backpacker motel on Saigon’s Bui Vien street. Starting as a guide with limited English skills on Free walking tours, I discovered the world of tourism. After three rounds of interviews, I proudly joined the Vespa Adventures team. Each day brings new experiences, but my joy lies in cherishing each tour moment and the friendships made along the way. As a Vespa Adventures guide, I introduce travelers to Vietnam’s diverse cuisine. One dish I love sharing is “Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese Pancake.” Beyond its taste, crafting it evokes cherished childhood memories. Sharing this dish with international friends, I emphasize that cuisine is more than just food; it’s experiencing cultural values, traditions, and stories that enrich our lives. Interacting with travelers from diverse backgrounds has led to meaningful connections with Vietnam’s local culture. Witnessing their joy and the impact of cultural exchange, I realized the beauty of human connection, transcending borders and languages.

David

Guide, Siem Reap

David comes from Battambang Province, in the western part of Cambodia. He has been a tour guide in Siem Reap since 2008 and enjoys sharing stories of Cambodia’s history, culture and civilization with new people. With Vespa Adventures, David’s favorite Siem Reap tour is ‘Our Angkor Tour’ which takes travelers through the forests around the Angkor Archeological Park. His passion for nature carries through to his free time when he likes to go into the forest and rice paddies for bird watching.

Poleak

Guide, Siem Reap

Poleak’s name means ‘energy’ and every day he pours his energy into guiding amazing trips for Vespa Adventures in and around Siem Reap! He loves sharing the real Cambodian culture, traditions and history with travelers. Some of the highlights on Vespa Adventures tours, according to Poleak, are the countryside activities like sticky rice making and basket weaving. He also loves Ta Phrom temple and taking guests to the local market on our Siem Reap After Dark Vespa tour. When he’s not guiding, Poleak keeps busy by working as a bike mechanic.

Van

Guide, Hanoi

After meeting with a famous tour guide in 2007, Van knew what he wanted to do in life! The guide’s confidence and speaking skills inspired Van to channel all of his energy into studying Vietnamese culture and history to become a professional guide! Since obtaining his guide license in 2009, Van he has hosted guests from around the world, sharing his passion for Vietnam and introducing them to the country’s rich culture and friendly people. He joined the Vespa Adventures Hanoi team in 2018 and loves the company’s innovative itineraries, fun colleagues and bright orange shirts! Joining a Vespa tour with Van, you’ll see a truly local side of Hanoi and experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality!

Bhurm

Guide, Chiang Mai

Bhurm has been a Thailand tour guide since 1989, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to Vespa Adventures tours. He is deeply proud of Thai culture and traditions and loves meeting guests from around the world and serving as a cultural ambassador for Thailand! Visitors to Chiang Mai have many interesting places to see and things to do, according to Bhurm. One of his favorite places on Vespa Adventures Chiang Mai tours is Wat Doi Kham, a hilltop temple with panoramic views over the city and surroundings. On his days off, Bhurm enjoys exercising and making traditional coconut jelly dessert- a small side business he started during the COVID pandemic. He welcomes you to come experience Thai culture and traditions on a Vespa Adventures tour!

Vu Tien Trong (Chris)

Guide, Hanoi

Guide Chris hails from Sapa, a beautiful town nestled in the mountains of north Vietnam. He moved to Hanoi five years ago to work as a tour guide in the capital and absolutely loves his job! Chris is passionate about connecting guests to the local culture and history of Hanoi. He loves nothing more than sharing little-known facts about Vietnam and taking travelers to hidden gems, off the tourist trail. When he’s not guiding Vespa Adventures tours in Hanoi, Chris enjoys playing basketball, cooking and listening to R&B music.

Safety

Your safety is our priority. Every Vespa is meticulously maintained, and our guides are extensively trained to ensure your journey is as secure as it is memorable. From helmets to local route knowledge, we take every precaution so you can focus on the joy of the ride, knowing you're in expert hands.

In addition to the extensive safety procedures on Vespa Adventures tours, we also have insurance policies in each of our destinations. These policies cover you, our guest, when riding as a passenger on the Vespa (pillion). Should any incident take place on tour, our local team is first-aid certified and will assist in getting you to professional medical care as fast as possible.

Purpose

At Vespa Adventures, our purpose is to connect travelers with the cultures, traditions, and people of Southeast Asia. We aim to create immersive journeys that have a positive impact on our guests and the communities we visit. By embracing sustainable tourism, fostering respect, and celebrating shared experiences, we turn every ride into a meaningful adventure.