Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many experiences make it very difficult to highlight just a few. Halong Bay and overnight on the boat, the overnight train was interesting even if you wouldn't want to repeat it too often!,the bike rides, the Mekong and the homestay and getting to know the people. On a more sombre note, the visits connected with the war were a cause for reflection. This applied to Cambodia as well with the visit to the "killing fields" contrasting with the grandeur of the Angkor Wat sites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai was a brilliant leader with great enthusiasm and a sense of humour which went down very well with our group. He made sure that we got as much out of our visit as possible by giving us numerous opportunities to sample Vietnamese life in terms of transport, food, chatting with locals and imparting his sound knowledge of his country's history when it came to sightseeing. In Cambodia, both Sokhom for Angkor Wat and Thida for Phnom Penh were first rate guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Travel Notes before committing. If you don't like early starts and and a busy itinery then this is probably not for you. However, if you want to experience as much as you can on a tour, then this trip would be no problem.

Most Inspirational Moment

The northern part of the trip in Vietnam was just brilliant

Thoughts on Group Leader

the group leader in Vietnam was an outstanding leader, i hold him in the highest regard. The leader in Ankor Wat was a very considerate and caring. The leader in Phnom Penh let us down, we rushed the Killing fields we rushed the Museum and Royal Residents. he did not turn up to take us to the airport and the taxi he sent was late

Advice for Potential Travellers

travel light

Most Inspirational Moment

Sailing around Halong Bay on a great boat (with an amazing cook!) surrounded by spectacular views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trung was a great leader; absolutely committed to giving us the best possible experience, and always with a smile and with genuine enthusiasm.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pin down just one thing that is inspirational about this trip. The journey out to Ha Long bay and trip into the Mekong Delta surrounded us with the natural beauty of two very different parts of the country. This contrast against the train journey and the chaos of the big cities left us being inspired at each turn. The museums that one visits as a part of the trip are interesting, very informative and provide much material for reflection.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Kien Le) was very well organised, enthusiastic and energetic. He was keen to impart knowledge of Vietnam throughout the trip and readily answered any questions posed to him. This helped us understand Vietnam as a country at a deeper level. Due to some unexpected heavy rains at one point in the trip he quickly organised alternative activiites at the request of the group. He was always willing to organise activities during free periods to help us maximise our time in this wonderful country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go there with an open mind and enjoy yourself. Plenty of opportunity for photography, cooking and eating...

Most Inspirational Moment

Exploring Hanoi and Saigon Halong Bay Cycling through paddy fields and past water buffalo and egrets

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was very professional and conscientious and his passion for his country was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a very busy holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wandering around the ancient temple ruins of Angkor Wat in awe at such an ancient civilisation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanh was a very knowledgeable and inspirational group leader obviously extremely proud of Vietnam his beautiful country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you try the popped rice in the Mekong Delta.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the cycling through the busy city then into the rural roads and paddy fields to a local market. Also staying overnight in a local house on the Mekong delta was really lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Danh the happy Buddha. He was great! Very funny and informative and took us to some interesting restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The overnight train trip was hard. We shared 4 to a compartment. Many of us didn't sleep that night.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the biking days. Riding through the small side streets you get to see how the locals live away from the tourist areas. The overnight on the boat was a great experience, Halong Bay is beautiful.

Most Inspirational Moment

To go to the War Reminants Museum and see the tragedies and suffering of war and how these people after the war gradually rebuild and develop their country economically and open up to foreigners with a friendly welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very organized, very resourceful and knows his country very well. Danh is also very proud of his country!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Everything on the itinerary is great with free time for us to either rest to keep up with the pace or go shopping or to the beach by ourselves. The train ride is kind of tough and don't expect to sleep well. It stops and goes in the middle of night and with a lot of jerking!

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip around Halong Bay and staying overnight on the boat was wonderful - very beautiful. I also loved Hue and enjoyed talking to some local students. I loved Hanoi and Saigon. Both very different but exciting places. The beach in Hoi An and the food everywhere we went.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was a brilliant leader. He was highly organised and made sure everything ran smoothly. He was very knowledgeable about everything from the best restaurants to the history of places we visited. He recommended great food specialities and cocktails. Danh was always smiling and helpful and went the extra mile to ensure everyone had a good holiday and took home some great memories. Nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most things are available to buy in Vietnam so you don't need to load up your luggage. Leave space for souvenirs. It is humid in August so drink lots of water all the time and take lightweight clothes. Although the rainy season is in August we actually saw little rain and if it does rain everything dries really quickly. In Saigon go up the tall tower for a cocktail with a view. Be prepared for a pacey but interesting holiday. Don't hesitate to go - you'll love Vietnam.