Mai Thao Thai has worked as a local coordinator in Vietnam's tourism industry since 2014, spending the past decade organizing seamless tours and programs for international groups. She has been a trusted partner to CIEL and Mejdi Tours, among other socially responsible organizations, building relationships grounded in reliability and a shared commitment to high quality, meaningful travel. Since 2015 she has also run her own collection of tours connecting travelers with local artisans, work driven by a commitment to preserving Vietnamese craft traditions at risk of disappearing. Mai Thao believes travel is one of the most effective tools for genuine connection, and she designs experiences that move beyond the standard itinerary into the country's culture as it is actually lived, giving CIEL students an unfiltered, on-the-ground understanding of Vietnam.