Ken FJ Her - Laos Travel Expert & Brother Tours Co-founder

Name: Ken FJ Her

Title: Laos Travel Expert, Speaker, Tour Manager, and Co-founder of Brother Tours

Early Life: I was born in northern Laos amidst the mountains, belonging to the hill tribe ethnic group of Hmong. Raised in a village a full day's walk from school, which took approximately 10 hours to traverse, I endured the challenging journey each week to pursue my education. During the weekdays, I resided at the school, immersing myself in learning. After completing primary school, my educational journey led me even further down to the town, where I made a pivotal decision to become a Buddhist monk or "Mini Monk" at around the age of 12. It was during my initial 10 days in the temple that I discovered my passion for language, particularly English, igniting a dream to become proficient in the language. Thus, I embarked on my English language learning journey while remaining in the temple for six years during my high school years. My early life experiences in Laos instilled in me a deep appreciation for my culture and a desire to share it with the world.

First Career: Upon leaving the temple, I pursued higher education at university and eventually got married, being the youngest son in my family. My first job as a waiter at a local restaurant served as a means to practice my English skills officially. My love for food led me to transition into a chef role, where I found more opportunities to communicate in English while indulging in my favorite cuisines. In 2008, I began my career as a mountain hiking tour guide, leveraging my adventurous spirit and expertise in activities like kayaking and cycling. After two years of honing my English skills and gaining confidence, I pursued becoming a national tour guide. In 2010, I successfully completed the Lao national tour guide training and examination, marking a significant milestone in my career. My inaugural tour, leading a group of German senior travelers, ignited my passion for guiding and sharing the beauty of Laos with visitors. Over the next four years, I expanded my horizons as a Southeast Asia trip leader until the onset of the pandemic.

Pandemic Period: The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, yet I managed to navigate through this period relatively unscathed, remaining untouched by COVID-19 in Laos. Despite the upheaval, I adapted by taking on various roles, including financial consulting, to weather the storm.

2023 and Beyond: In 2023, emerging from the pandemic, I seized the opportunity to co-found Brother Tours with my fellow tour guide colleagues. With a mission to offer travelers a unique and immersive experience in Laos, Brother Tours goes beyond traditional itineraries. My team and I are renowned for our friendliness, flexibility, and expertise, always eager to unveil hidden gems and provide unforgettable journeys that delve deeper into Laos's rich cultural tapestry.