Most rail tours of Vietnam and many Cambodia and Laos tours are escorted by Frank O’Brien; a former soldier & officer in the Australian Army who served as a soldier/linguist in South Vietnam during 1969/70.  (1)

As a young soldier, Frank studied Vietnamese in Australia for a year and then spent his tour of Vietnam  living within the local community at Ba Ria, touring all districts of Phuoc Tuy Province on a daily basis.    The experience led him to continue his studies of the language, culture and history of Vietnam long after he returned home in 1970. 

His military career began as a 15 yr old Army apprentice in January 1964.   After language studies, his specialty became weapons systems - particularly on armoured vehicles.    As an 18/19 yr old he served a year as a member of a military "burial party", acting as pallbearer at military funerals for young men struck down by the Vietnam War - a decade later he was a member of the casket party at the funeral of Sir Robert Menzies ...the Prime Minister who sent Australian troops to Vietnam.           Frank served through the Army's ranks to Warrant Officer and then to Lieutenant Colonel, and besides Vietnam saw service in Singapore, W. Germany, Israel, Egypt and Beirut.     His last military appointment was as Commanding Officer at the Australian Army Command & Staff College, Fort Queenscliff in Victoria.

*Frank's story now published (Oct 2022) in a new book

"The Competitor" by Frank O'Brien with Max Carmichael

(Available online and at most good book stores)

Frank has returned regularly to Vietnam since 1989.   On one visit, in 1992, he participated in the very 1st "rail tour" ever conducted in Vietnam.      After that experience he left the Army and became a tour manager on Dorothy Button’s (Vietnam Ventures*) rail tours in Vietnam.    In 1995 he started an import/retail business (FEONS P/L) and by 1996 had ceased touring but continued visiting Vietnam on business - sometime later (before 2000) Dorothy closed her rail tour business.   (*see "Background to our Rail Tours of Vietnam" )

In 2003, following renewed and growing demand by Australian tourists and encouragement by the Vietnamese Government, he set about resurrecting the rail tourism sector in Vietnam and established his own travel company:

FRANKO’S Rail Tours of VIETNAM
 

Frank's knowledge of the Vietnamese language & culture has certainly served FRANKO'S well ...opening many doors.

Over the years he has witnessed the war era, the years of economic hardship, and the later re-emergence of Vietnam as an intriguing tourist destination following years of isolation from the West.    After more than 80 visits, he remains fascinated by the people, their past, their future and their beautiful country.
His passion is VIETNAM and THE TRAIN!

His football team is the mighty GEELONG CATS!
He likes Tiger Beer!

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