Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Vietnam trekking & homestay, independent reviews
 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.