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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Luxury holiday in Vietnam, independent reviews
 Reviewed 13 Mar 2008 by Alison and Paul Crowe |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all highly memorable. We particularly liked our visit to a village outside Hanoi where we met with local people and were able to ask questions. We also loved staying at the Metropole in Hanoi and the Residence in Hue which were both outstanding hotels and great bases from which to explore the cities. The local guides were both excellent - it was the next best thing to having a friend who could show us round. It was great to be able to ask whatever questions we liked and get interesting and informative answers.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Whilst it is good to have some of the meals included/paid for as part of the itinerary, you may wish to consider not having quite as many included as was suggested by the tour operator as this allows you to control your intake (generous portions meant we felt somewhat obliged to eat everything!). We would have preferred to arrange our own evening meal during our visit to Hue as the restaurant was not the greatest - other restaurants on the itinerary were fantastic and well worth visiting. We are used to being quite independent but we know that some people prefer to be 'guided' so your preference will dictate whether or not this advice is relevant for you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We felt that money was going into Vietnamese pockets, apart perhaps from our stay at the Accor Group Hotels. However, even there, the staff are clearly benefiting from tourist income which is great. The use of a car to transport us with our guide was probably not ideal but we would have hated to have been crammed onto a coach with a lot of other people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent. A really great introduction to Vietnam which we hope to return to at a future date.
| Reviewed 3 Dec 2007 by John Richardson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too many to mention!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - though of course we have to accept that our flights were very long.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The tour operator is a superb company - highly recommended.
| Reviewed 17 Sep 2007 by Mark Stamper | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying with the family in the homestay near Sapa - great fun.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Longer in Halong Bay - and try to stay on a boat that allows you to swim / kayak more.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Most staff were local so obviously some economic benefits. Not sure about minimising the impact on the environment though - at the Evason the coral reef is badly damaged and the ropes for the buoys still drag on the coral, they are planting non-indigenous plants and burning existing vegetation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - very interesting, some spectacular scenery and great weather and people.