Alex Sheal co-founded Vietnam in Focus in 2012, combining his passions for adventure, photography, and storytelling to help visitors experience the real Vietnam. Over the past 16 years, he has explored all corners of the country, and become a trusted voice on travel in the region, contributing to both international and local media.

Before making Vietnam his home, Alex backpacked extensively through India, Nepal, Mexico, and North Africa. These journeys shaped his perspective and ability to connect with well-traveled guests. With his British roots and international outlook, he has a knack for curating experiences that resonate with seasoned explorers.

Alex’s expertise has also been sought by leading media organizations. He has participated in productions for Globe Trekker TV, including the Vietnam episode of the show Tough Trains, and provided insights for major players like Discovery and Lonely Planet. He recently contributed to an article in Time Magazine about Hanoi’s ‘Train Street’, which Vietnam in Focus pioneered as a travel experience.

As a writer, Alex’s work has featured in publications such as The New York Times, Southeast Asia Globe, and Los Angeles Review. In 2013, he edited Survivors of Trafficking in their Own Words, a book created in partnership with the NGO Peace House Shelter. He also collaborated on Fokion Zissiadis’s photography book Vietnam (Rizzoli, 2020), the culmination of two epic trips with Vietnam in Focus.

Alex’s passion for storytelling and his deep ties to Vietnam have shaped Vietnam in Focus into a company that offers more than just photo tours. Blending cultural insight with creative exploration, Alex ensures guests leave with cherished memories, and images that reflect a deeper appreciation of Vietnam.