Reviewed 30 Jul 2010 by Colesie Sterling
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We had a fabulous time and loved the whole trip. We have so many wonderful memories but if we had to pick one it would be trekking in Sapa. We loved our guide and the homestays and the scenery were spectacular. We were very moved visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ninh made the trip happen for us. All of the special arrangements she made, made everything work perfectly (dinner at her home was very special). She also met us at the airport, took us to the train, picked us up from the train and took us back to airport, it made all of the logistics manageable. I would definitely recommend the trekking in Sapa, even longer than the three day trek we did. I would also recommend visiting the Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, in addition to everything else that was arranged. It was very special. I was glad we went to Halong Bay but one night was fine. The Vietnamese people are extremely friendly and welcoming, glad that you are visiting.
It was very hot, we managed but you need to be prepared for that. It did not deter us.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we did. The people employed at the hotel, our guides, and the owners of homestays were all locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best experience and vacation we have had. We loved the whole thing.
Reviewed 18 Nov 2009 by Dinah Reed
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was memorable. Our guide was very good, the landscape was beautiful, the trekking was good and the homestays were and food were excellent. Ninh had organised the whole trip very well. We were met at the airport by Ninh and taken to a hotel to relax. She then collected us and gave us a lovely meal before taking us to the station and making sure we found our carriage. The return journey was just as well organised. Ninh stored our luggage for us while we were trekking and delivered it to our hotel on our return to Hanoi. She could not have done more for us.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The itinerary of the holiday really explains what you should expect.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The trekking and homestay in Vietnam was one of the highlights of a multi country 10 week trip. It was excellent just being the two of us with our guide, this gave us a bit of flexibility. Our guide was able to give us a lot of information about the local ethnic tribes and their way of life. The only criticism is that on the second day of the trekking a lot of the walking was around a construction site for a new power station. The guide had to follow the itinerary of the tour company, perhaps they should review the itinerary for future treks. (I did mention this on the feedback form I filled in for Ninh).
Reviewed 12 Sep 2007 by Stuart Mcneil
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There isn`t just one - scuba diving off Cham Island at Hoian, lounging on pardise beaches, eating fantastic seafood, drinking fresh beer in a beer hoi in Hanoi, treking with the local minority people in Sapa, - the list goes on!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don`t take too many clothes. It is so cheap especially having clothes/shoes made in Hoian. Leave room for local crafts from Sapa. Make sure you book a soft sleeper if going by overnight train, otherwise you share a cabin for 6 on hard beds.
Also if you want to vary the itinerary/ accomodation, don`t be afraid to ask Ninh, she will change things until you are absolutely satisfied.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes by buying local products/eating in local restraunts, staying in "homestays" in Sapa and paying a fair price for goods even when you know you could keep trying to get a lower price - a $ is nothing to us but a lot to some locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best we have had. Made all the more stress free by the personal attention of Ninh, our tour organiser,and her English husband Steve- how often do you get met at the airport and taken out for a welcome meal by the MD of the company? We even got a cake, flowers and a present on our wedding anniversary! A truly personal service if ever there was one.
Reviewed 22 Dec 2007 by Juli Grot
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The guides were excellent. Our guide in Sapa knew the area really well and changed the walk to suit our experience level, always making the trek challenging and fun. And our guide in Hanoi was amazing - so knowledgeable and she worked for the government, too, and gave us a lot of insight about Vietnam. Our tour operator even invited us to her house for dinner which as delightful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Research the hotels before committing to the booking.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, especially the guides used and hotels chosen.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent - it definitely makes me want to go back to Vietnam for a longer holiday and to see more of the country.
Reviewed 22 Oct 2007 by Kevin Stoda
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were three: hiking in highlands around Saban & kayaking and sailing around Holang Bay.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask to have a free day between all excursions and book longer stay on the bay - 3 or 4 days.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, but I would have loved to have gained much more info on each part of the trip on how this trip helped local people. This was definitely not always clear. Guides must be notified that this is of specific interest to those on tour with you.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I was disappointed with the guide on first tour day in Hanoi - not a leader. He needs to be trained in these skills, carry a flag, speak up, follow schedule, etc. The trip to the ancient capital north of Hanoi could have been done the day after Halong bay better by staying at a hotel up north near the ancient temples and caves/river. However, it was a memorable and delightful experience. (8/10) I will try to do a tour again.
Read the operator's response here:
The trip helps local people because we use local guides and eat in the local restaurants thus putting much needed money into the local economy. Also we encourage people to buy the handmade local handicrafts not the mass produced usual tourist rubbish, and of course not to be forgotten is the over night in local houses where real ethnic people get benefit from cash spent directly with them. However we take on board the comments and will instruct our guides to explain more clearly how each part of the tour is helping the local people and environment.
