The Khiri Travel Story
Khiri’s founder, Willem Niemeijer, began working in the Thai travel industry in 1987. In 1992, Willem was amongst the first group of journalists and travelers to journey overland from Bangkok to Danang, Vietnam. Meanwhile, Khiri’s co-founder, Frans Betgem, was leading adventurous tours in Vietnam. These travel experiences were the inspiration to start Khiri Travel.
The company first started as a DMC dedicated to offering these four countries as one incredible destination. It was a time of adventure. Some of Khiri’s travelers were the first to take a boat from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in 1996. Khiri’s initial clients navigated the terrible roads between the Thai border and Siem Reap in pickup trucks. As infrastructure improved and new hotels opened up, travelers could enjoy adventures while staying in significantly more luxurious accommodation, and with less hardship on bumpy roads. Khiri soon branched out and opened operational offices throughout the region to keep on the cutting edge of product development.
Offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Siem Reap soon followed, in addition to the Chiang Mai branch in Thailand.
In 2002, Khiri Travel was entering a busy period riding a wave of fast (though not always very sustainable) growth of tourism in the region.
In 2011, Khiri Travel fulfilled a longtime dream and opened up in Myanmar.
In 2016, Khiri Travel expanded further to both Sri Lanka and Indonesia and the journey continues!
Since its inception, Khiri Travel’s vision has always been to provide unforgettable, high-quality experiences to our travelers as well as an effortless, inspiring way to contribute positively to the conservation of communities and destinations we travel to.
Khiri Reach Foundation
Khiri Reach is the independent charity arm of Khiri Travel. The foundation was registered in 2007 and operates as a social platform in which people and local grassroot organizations can collaborate to create positive change across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Cambodia.
We understand that people need both financial stability and a healthy environment for them and their families to thrive. Khiri Reach’s commitments are to help families improve their lives and protect the planet go hand in hand. Khiri Travel covers all overheads to ensure that 100% of every donation goes to the final recipients.