Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There's 2 stand out memories - Halong Bay and cycling round Hue. Halong Bay was stunning and we seemed to have the pick of the boats, which was very comfortable indeed. Ensuite rooms, excellent staff, spacious...My only regret was we didn't spend longer there. The cycle ride round Hue was a complete contrast - 2 hours of total mayhem! And it isn't even a particularly busy place by Vietnamese standards. Weaving in and of traffic and seeing some of the more local parts of town was both exhilarating and humbling.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Bao was a great tour leader. Whilst his English was a little limited he could virtually always get the message across. However, what he lacked linguistically he more than made up for which his mischievous sense of humour and insider knowledge of the best way to do things - how to avoid the crowds, where to get the best price etc. He was also very caring - going out of his way to keep us safe and make sure everyone was satisfied. In my experience that's a rare trait in guides.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just take 1 jumper (it's very warm even in the supposedly cool North) plus thin clothes to cover your legs and arms. The mosquitoes are viscous at times! Take a poncho or buy one there - a conventional rain jacket will leave your lower half sopping wet in seconds...Don't do this tour if you dislike buses - there's a lot of bus trips all be it in very comfortable buses with air con.

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

A wonderful way to experience Vietnam

Reviewed by Thomas Hazeldine who travelled in October 2011

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Halong bay

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader Linh, who was from south Vietnam, was without doubt, outstanding.. Very informative, told us a great deal of history, organised tours on free days, and calmly dealt with a very awkward and difficult member of the group or did nothing but complain for the whole 18 days

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, many locals talked to us, looked at our photos and were very friendly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Slightly, would need to go back again.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

To be open to experiences and enjoy it as much as you can and always remember where you are, in a foreign country and not at the Hilton

Reviewed by Tracy Beattie who travelled in November 2010