Asia Trip Leader

David Henley

David Henley was born and raised in England, where he studied as a commercial photographer before embarking on an extended adventure throughout Asia. He eventually settled in Chiang Mai, where he has been living for over 25 years. In addition to trip leading and traveling throughout Southeast Asia, David continues to nurture a passion for photography. He is the Managing Director of CPA Media, a mixed media company, and also owns and operates an online picture library that deals in historical and contemporary images of Asia. His guidebooks include Insight Guides and Eyewitness Guides, and his photography has appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines including the Washington Post, National Geographic Traveler, and Hemispheres. David is a founding member of Chiang Mai’s renowned Writers Club. Whether he is photographing people and places, or sharing his historical and cultural knowledge of temples and palaces, his trip members appreciate his keen intelligence, depth of knowledge, and engaging personality.

Our Team

Upcoming Trips with David

Treasures of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Dec 6 - 21, 2024

Jan 9 - 24, 2025

Feb 13 - 28, 2025

Dec 20 - Jan 4, 2026

Jan 11 - 26, 2026

Nov 15 - 30, 2026

View Trip

Client Testimonials

David was a superb trip leader. Always available and responsive on every issue. Extremely knowledgeable about the territory we were covering, including the history and the people. Quick to address any concerns, and sensitive to individual needs. Watched over us like a shepherd overseeing his flock! He has also nurtured very good relationships with each of the local country guides, who were also excellent.

Alan G.

Sarasota, FL
Indochine

We always travel with Wilderness because we believe you have the best guides and David certainly reached that high bar. He was well organized and so knowledgeable about the histories and cultures we visited. He’s traveled and lived in the region for so long that his understanding of these places and people is both broad and deep. Also, he engaged with the group very well—he’s easy going, has a relaxed approach, makes it fun and interesting and still gets the job done in a really effective way. We thought he was terrific. And we always felt well taken care of.

Barbara and Bill S.

Chicago, IL
Indochine

David was an excellent choice. He did a fabulous job showing concern for all 16 of us.

Barry R.

Norwich, VT
Burma: Wonders of the Golden Land

David looked after us so well that it made the trip really relaxing for us. He was also a mine of information in answer to our questions.

Brenda J.

Santa Fe, NM
Indochine

David is the ideal guide—knowledgeable, articulate, generous, considerate, and sensitive to the needs of his clients.

Catherine L.

Strafford, PA
Indochine

David is a terrific trip leader—flexible, knowledgeable, and just a delightful person, full of humor, understanding, and a pleasure to know. He went out of his way to share his understanding of the culture and people of Burma.

Gail S.

Fairfax, CA
Burma: Wonders of the Golden Land

David is extremely knowledgeable of the history and modern world view of the places we were taken on this trip. He has an uncanny knack for being able to intuitively provide for the needs of the individuals in the group. He was definitely what made this trip so special for me and others.

Gerry F.

Windsor, CA
Indochine

David is a wonderful trip leader and travel companion. His knowledge of the different countries and religious and historical aspects is top notch.

Jim and Carol B.

Kensington, MD
Indochine

In addition to his strong leadership qualities and extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the various areas we visited, David Henley's warm, friendly, and enthusiastic personality was a perfect match for guiding our compatible group of participants through the many ancient sites and temples we toured.

Joan B.

New York, NY
Indochine

David’s deep knowledge of the region in all its apects, infectious curiosity, and enthusiasm, mastery, and attentiveness to every logistical detail and his sense of humor and good cheer made him a highlight of the trip.

Jon B.

Washington, DC
Indochine

David was absolutely wonderful.

Larry S.

Fairfax, CA
Burma: Wonders of the Golden Land

Being guided and inspired by David Henley was a special and core feature of the trip. He is highly experienced, knows the area in great depth, and constantly brought new insights to our journey. David is also a caring person with a lovely personality—engaging, warm and extremely attentive to the needs and interests of those joining him. He is most personable and always happy to engage in conversation, answer our endless questions, and address any concerns we might have had.

Larry S.

Great Neck, NY
Indochine

Personable, knowledgable, always ready to go the extra mile, a joy to travel with!

Nancy F.

New York, NY
Burma: Wonders of the Golden Land

David was one of the best trip leaders I have ever had. He is a real gem!

Nancy G.

Wynnewood, PA
Indochine

David is an incredible trip leader. His knowledge and experience are beyond compare. He made each site seem special, pointed out details that we would have missed, and did special things for each of us. In all of my travels, I have not had a better leader.

Sandra P.

Blue Bell, PA
Indochine

David was really great. He was very friendly, took time to check in with everyone in the group each day to make sure everyone was doing well, and answered all of our many many questions with good humor.

Sara Z.

Alexandria, VA
Burma: Wonders of the Golden Land

David is a rare individual, whose sense of people, places, culture, history, and environment is a tribute to Wilderness Travel, and one of the top reasons I continue to come back for more!

Steve A.

La Jolla, CA
Indochine

It is not exaggerated to put ‘excellent’ for every category for David. I already miss his good-natured humour and wonder for the culture and sites we traversed. He never appeared impatient, irritated or what. And talking to him is a very easy task.

Susan R.

Coronado, CA
Burma: Wonders of the Golden Land

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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