From the streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the remote coastlines of Canada, Thuan Khuu has built a career blending outdoor adventure with cultural storytelling. After graduating from College of the Rockies’ Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) program in 2020, he has pursued two complementary paths—guiding international travelers and shaping the way adventure tourism is shared with the world.
Today, he works as a full-time tour leader, guiding kayaking trips in Canada and cycling expeditions through Vietnam and has also taken on the role of Head Marketer at Mr Biker Saigon, where he manages brand strategy, digital marketing, and customer engagement. This combination of guiding and marketing allows him to connect directly with adventurers while also broadening the reach of authentic travel experiences.
His first role after graduation was as an assistant overnight sea kayaking guide on Vancouver Island. Over multiple seasons, he honed his skills while also earning his Level 2 certification from the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC). These experiences taught him the importance of industry standards, safety practices, and leadership. Later, when he returned to Vietnam, he applied this knowledge to train younger guides and support the growth of adventure operations where formal guiding qualifications are still emerging.
Reflecting on his education, he points to the Risk Management course with Don Webster as especially transformative. The principles he learned there continue to shape how he leads tours, plans trips, and even mentors colleagues. In fact, he has created a “mini” version of the course to share with his team in Vietnam, helping to spread these practices to places where such training is rare.
Over the past nine years, he has built not just a career but also a reputation for professionalism, judgment, and leadership. What he values most is the trust he has earned—from clients, colleagues, and the students he now trains. That trust is his proudest achievement.
Looking ahead, his vision is to share Vietnamese adventure stories with the world. He hopes to attract more travelers who value slow, meaningful journeys and to highlight the voices of Vietnamese explorers embracing outdoor culture. By weaving these stories into his work, he aspires to inspire both international visitors and local communities.
When reflecting on his time at College of the Rockies, he recalls the strong sense of community and belonging. As an international student, the small-town campus and close connections with classmates and instructors left a lasting impact. Field trips—whether backpacking, climbing, kayaking, or camping—stand out as defining memories that combined skill-building with friendship. “Those trips,” he says, “captured exactly why I chose this field in the first place.”
His advice for current students? “Get out there, learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes, they are some of your best teachers. Take personal trips outside of work, connect with people, and remember to recharge. Adventure guiding can take you in so many directions if you stay curious and passionate.”