About Us
“Growing Together”: We planted 2000 trees in Kalaw 2023 and 2024 with the support of our wonderful guests and team.
Welcome to Discovery DMC — crafting extraordinary, tailor-made journeys across Southeast Asia since 2013.
Our Story
Discovery DMC was founded in 2013 out of a deep passion for authentic, immersive travel. With decades of industry expertise, our mission is to create personalized journeys that go beyond the ordinary — offering rare insights into Southeast Asia’s vibrant cultures, fascinating history, and breathtaking natural beauty. What sets us apart is our deep-rooted regional knowledge, cultivated over years of hands-on exploration and trusted partnerships across the region.
About Our Founder
Mika Itavaara, the visionary behind Discovery DMC, is one of Southeast Asia’s foremost travel experts with over 30 years of experience in the region. After serving as country director for a leading DMC group, Mika founded Discovery DMC to pursue his passion for experiential, authentic travel far beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. His unrivalled understanding of the region and extensive network of industry connections allow him to design seamless, exclusive, and truly unforgettable journeys.
Our Expertise
Mika and the Discovery DMC team have a distinguished track record, having organized bespoke trips for top CEOs, high-net-worth individuals, National Geographic photographers, film crews, anthropologists, biologists, and acclaimed travel writers — providing access to some of Asia’s most remote and untouched destinations.
We are also a premier organizer of incentive travel and corporate delegations, having played a pivotal role in facilitating high-level business delegations for Mika’s native country, Finland. In 2024, we were proud to host the Asia Xchange Conference in Bangkok, where world leaders and key stakeholders gathered to discuss climate change and sustainable solutions for the planet’s future.
Our Services
Our team of dedicated travel experts excels at crafting personalized itineraries that leave a lasting impression. With an extensive network across Southeast Asia, we curate journeys that showcase the region’s extraordinary diversity and charm.
We partner exclusively with top-tier hotels, resorts, sustainable lodges, and service providers to ensure the utmost comfort, luxury, and quality for every client. From airport transfers and private tours to spa treatments and private yacht charters, we handle every detail so you can travel stress-free.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Travel
At Discovery DMC, we are deeply committed to ethical, sustainable, and responsible tourism. We actively collaborate with local communities and organizations to promote eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the places we visit — and the people who call them home — benefit from every journey we create.
Our Personal Touch
We pride ourselves on the personal attention we give every guest. Unlike larger companies focused on high volume, we intentionally remain boutique-sized to deliver meticulous attention to detail and truly personalized service. From your very first inquiry through to the final day of your trip, the Discovery team goes the extra mile to ensure your experience is exceptional. We cherish the opportunity to host you.
Photo credits: Lost & Found
Our Insight
Discovery DMC takes delight in designing tours tailored to the precise wishes of our guests. We are passionate about sharing the depth of our regional expertise. Beyond our curated group tours, we specialize in off-the-beaten-path adventures, educational journeys, and spiritual travel experiences.
Our Guides
We take pride in assembling a team of highly trained travel professionals and engaging, knowledgeable tour guides. Each guide shares personally researched insights and firsthand experience, ensuring our guests enjoy rich, memorable encounters at every stop.
Our Ethos
We believe tourism plays a vital role in Southeast Asia’s future and the prosperity of its people. That is why we strive to operate sustainably — creating authentic experiences designed to protect local cultures and ecosystems for generations to come.
Our Promise
With Discovery DMC, you will never encounter a faceless, high-volume travel factory. When you choose us, you are looked after by a dedicated tour operator who genuinely cares about your experience. The Discovery team will work tirelessly to bring your dream trip to life. Wherever you wish to go and whatever you wish to do, our partner network has the experience and expertise to make it happen.
Thank you for considering Discovery DMC for your next Southeast Asian adventure. We are committed to creating a journey that will leave a lasting impact — and a lifetime of memories.
