Vietnam Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Scenery in Laos; one of the trip members falling off the elephant into the Nam Khan river (several times!); then capsizing us into the Nam Song in Vang Vieng on the very first rapid and losing her sarong.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Thinh Lai, our guide in Vietnam - the very best tour guide! We missed him on crossing to Cambodia. Other guides, with the possible exception of the Lao guide, were also very good, but Thinh was exceptional - informative, helpful, funny, friendly. He organised optional activities taiored to the group's wishes and went far beyond the call of duty.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
1. Read the pre-departure notes, and stick to the advice in it. You really don't need to take anything other than what it recommends. 2.Make use of the tailors in Hoi An - excellent value and quality of work. If you have favourite garments you'd like copied, take them with you or bring photos/patterns. 3. Make sure your insurance covers itinerary changes caused by weather. We had to but extra flights because of flooding and not all of us manged to get our money back.
Reviewed by Magdalena Styles who travelled in October 2011 on the Thai-Indochina Loop trip
Review 2
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.
Reviewed by Thomas Hazeldine who travelled in October 2011 on the Vietnam South to North trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was fantastic but I think Cambodia was the highlight for me. Amazingly friendly and happy people. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Angkor were all great places to visit. Ate tarantulas, rode an elephant & had a couple of fish massages...great experiences!
What did you think of your tour leader?
All three were excellent. Very knowledgable, approachable and friendly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just do it! Be open minded to everything, say yes to as much as possible and enjoy the whole experience
Reviewed by Andrew Davies who travelled in June 2011 on the Indochina Discoverer trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
EVERYTHING - it was FANTASTIC
What did you think of your tour leader?
ONE MILLION OUT OF A MILLION - BRILLIANT, FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, AMAZING
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Hope so,
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definitely
What advice would you give to other travellers?
go prepared to meet other travellers with similar interests to your own. Go with an open mind, but go to enjoy yourself
Reviewed by Carol Elizabeth Power who travelled in November 2010 on the Highlights of Vietnam trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
EVERYTHING - it was FANTASTIC
What did you think of your tour leader?
ONE MILLION OUT OF A MILLION - BRILLIANT, FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, AMAZING
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Hope so,
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definitely
What advice would you give to other travellers?
go prepared to meet other travellers with similar interests to your own. Go with an open mind, but go to enjoy yourself
Reviewed by Carol Elizabeth Power who travelled in November 2010 on the Highlights of Vietnam trip
Review 6
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 on the Vietnam South to North trip
Review 7
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia, it was an amazing experience to visit the country
What did you think of your tour leader?
first class, especially sam (cambodia)
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes as we managed to get off the beaten track and even went to a charity concert for a kids hospital
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
yes def
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be aware of the taxi drivers in Bangkok trying to rip you off and always ask for a meter
Reviewed by Christian Dyke who travelled in November 2010 on the Overland Indochina trip
Review 8
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The temples at Angkor Wat were amazing. So old, so much atmosphere- unforgettable!
What did you think of your tour leader?
We had 3 leaders, two in Cambodia - both delightful guys and very efficient and caring. In Vietnam we had yet another - a charming young Vietnamese who\also couldn't be faulted in his job.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Obviously the money spent on accommodation, food etc would hopefully help and goods bought from locals - tho suspect the distribution of all these things is controlled. Loved the restaurants where the disadvantages kids are helped to learn the catering trade and giving them something to build on.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Cambodia yes, found it very warm, welcoming country with charming people. Did not feel quite the same about Vietnam, where obviously it is more commercial, everyone working v hard and in a hurry.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Gosh this is difficult - I think just to travel with an open mind and be warm and friendly and you will have lots of lovely moments.
Reviewed by Wendy Plim who travelled in September 2010 on the Angkor & Mekong trip
Review 9
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The temples at Angkor Wat were amazing. So old, so much atmosphere- unforgettable!
What did you think of your tour leader?
We had 3 leaders, two in Cambodia - both delightful guys and very efficient and caring. In Vietnam we had yet another - a charming young Vietnamese who\also couldn't be faulted in his job.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Obviously the money spent on accommodation, food etc would hopefully help and goods bought from locals - tho suspect the distribution of all these things is controlled. Loved the restaurants where the disadvantages kids are helped to learn the catering trade and giving them something to build on.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Cambodia yes, found it very warm, welcoming country with charming people. Did not feel quite the same about Vietnam, where obviously it is more commercial, everyone working v hard and in a hurry.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Gosh this is difficult - I think just to travel with an open mind and be warm and friendly and you will have lots of lovely moments.
Reviewed by Wendy Plim who travelled in September 2010 on the Angkor & Mekong trip
Review 10
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling in Hue amidst the mass of other cyclists and motorcylclists was an unforgetable, if scary ( and I am an everyday cyclist)experience.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Each was obviously an individual. Our leader in Cambodia was brilliant; full of fun and enthusiasm. Regretably this could not be said of the Vietnamese leader. The Thai leader was fine.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes I do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
This is our fourth holiday with IT. This holiday probably involved the most travel time, so be prepared to either spend your time watching the world unfold, which I found fascinating or bring lots of reading matter. I did very little reading and was never bored.
Reviewed by Mark Goulbourn who travelled in September 2010 on the Indochina Discoverer trip
Review 11
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was enjoyable and memorable. in particular the country, the itinerary, the tour leader and the group. As I put in my feedback form , Nha Trang was probably the destination that was least in keeping with the tenure of the tour.
What did you think of your tour leader?
I would rate the tour leader most highly. He was pleasant, organised, sensitive and highly competent. He struck exactly the right balance between being responsive to individual and group needs without over organising. I would hope that he will receive both feedback and praise from yourselves.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
In so far as it complied with your policy of using local firms and services, yes I do.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
The itinerary and in particular the forms of travel allowed one to observe and engage in different ways at different times. Given that any form of tourism is an "intrusion" and irrevocably impacts on the direction and development of a country I think that this tour minimsed the negative impact and allowed a natural engagement. It may be that the stage of development, the nature of the regime and the characteristics of the people all combine in this instance to achieve a level of openess that allows Vietnam to stand out. There is no doubt that the itinerary and delivery complemented this.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
1. The standard of information and pre trip details are accurate, so read carefully. From my point of view this was a positive. 2. Travel light! 3. Be aware that the success of this form of small group travel depends on the composition of the group and the skills of the Tour leader as much as it does the destination. 4. Appreciate that the train journey is central to this trip and the experience. This is my first experience of this form of travel, if my experience was typical then I would rate it 12/10 !
Reviewed by Richard Burrows who travelled in August 2010 on the Reunification Express (Hanoi to Saigon) trip
Review 12
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I really enjoyed Sapa and Halong Day. I would have liked to stay in Halong Bay for a few days because it was so nice! Hoi Ann was also lovely. I also loved the Meekong Delta.
What did you think of your tour leader?
They were brilliant, really informative and also fun too.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes i think it did as we met people from some remote areas and brought things that we knew were ethically sound because they had been made by the people we brought them off.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, i feel like we saw a diverse range placed such as the delta and Sapa as well as the busy cities of Saigon and Hanoi.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Buy a sleep sheet for the overnight trains!
Reviewed by Elspeth Muir who travelled in June 2010 on the Vietnam Encompassed trip
Review 13
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.
Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 14
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.
Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 15
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
mekong delta
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
a little bit
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
more or less
Reviewed by Andreas Pasnocht who travelled in November 2007 on the Vietnam Adventure trip
Review 16
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia - loved the people (especially the little kids) loved the atmosphere and loved the scenery. I also enjoyed the unusual truck ride from the border to Siem reap!!
What did you think of your tour leader?
I found the tour leader a little patronising but he had some extremely useful local knowledge. He was also very keen to stay as part of the group and joined us for meals etc which i thought i was nice.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Our tour guide did mention about some local projects but not in any great detail
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
We were only in each location for a few days at a time so we didnt get to fully experience each country (but that isnt a negative of the trip as we were looking for a short tour)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
What ever price they offer you - don't be embarrassed to cut it in half!!
Reviewed by Sian Peach who travelled in May 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip
Review 17
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
To many memorable parts to list, but I guess it would be a tie between Halong Bay and the challenges of the floods !!!
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent. I've travelled with many adventure companies but Kate is the best tour leader I've had.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. As well as the "usual"" we supported local businesses at I time when they really needed it due to the floods."
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Travel with an open mind and make the best of all situations.
Reviewed by Mark Forrester who travelled in November 2007 on the Vietnam Explorer trip
Review 18
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting the tribes.....all the amazing tailors in Hoi An....the madness of Hanoi....and generally just a damn good itinerary! It's hard to say which was my most memorable part because I loved it all!!
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very knowledgeable....very passionate....; just one criticism though is that I often felt I had to do something because it was expected, rather than because I wanted to....whether this is just over enthusiasm I'm not sure....but overall they are very good!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so - spending time with them certainly benefitted me.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
yes....I do think that's one thing you guys get right! well maybe it's because I've only been on your tours, but I guess it's fair to say if I wasn't happy about the tours I wouldn't come back to you! I think it's great that you have tour leaders who know the country so well & can communicate too.....I think my tour to Vietnam was all the more enjoyable because I had a Vietnemese tour leader.....who was very passionate about his country.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Make sure you get out of the country and the tour what you want.....and make sure you have total respect for the locals.....interact with them too....! Choose a tour company which represents you.
Reviewed by Elena Dickson who travelled in November 2006 on the Vietnam Explorer trip
Review 19
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in the Mekong Delta was very interesting. It was good to see how other people go about their lives, make money, live, do their shopping etc.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent. Krista was very knowledgeable throughout the tour.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, we had local guides, and were encouraged to go to restaurants and cafes that helped the local communities.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, I think so.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be prepared for the cold weather!!! Its further north than Bangkok, where most people fly in from, and much cooler!!!
Reviewed by Emily Ashdown who travelled in February 2008 on the Vietnam Highlights trip
Review 20
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in the Mekong Delta was very interesting. It was good to see how other people go about their lives, make money, live, do their shopping etc.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent. Krista was very knowledgeable throughout the tour.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, we had local guides, and were encouraged to go to restaurants and cafes that helped the local communities.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, I think so.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be prepared for the cold weather!!! Its further north than Bangkok, where most people fly in from, and much cooler!!!
Reviewed by Emily Ashdown who travelled in February 2008 on the Vietnam Visas trip
Review 21
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Temples at Siem Reap were beautiful and that was probably my favourite day of the tour.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, you could tell that Krista loves Cambodia, and enjoys showing others around the country.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, we gave blood at the Childrens Hospital in Siem Reap, and took fruit and supplies to the Landmine Museum, amongst other things.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, absolutely.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Reviewed by Emily Ashdown who travelled in February 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip
Review 22
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes definetly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, every country I visited.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.
Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 23
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes definetly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, every country I visited.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.
Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Vietnam Forum Feedback
Vietnam Currency
We are off to Vietnam on 22 May (Vietnam Highlights) and I was just looking into currency and noticed the Post Office don't supply Dong. Is it worth getting some prior to arrival or is an ATM easily found in Hanoi? We are being met on arrival by ImTrav.... We will have some US$ but I was hoping to have some local currency on arrival.
Indochina Adventure, 18/12/09
So, I took the plunge and booked this tour today, and I know time's going to drag between now and December as a result, particularly as I pretty much can't have any time off work until I go! Anyway, I just thought I'd get in early and start a topic for anyone who's taking the tour, to say hello etc. Apparently only me and one other person have booked so far (feel free to step out of the shadows and say hello, whoever you are), so we could do with at least another 4 of you signing up too - that way the tour will be guaranteed to run. :D Look forward to hearing from you! Dom
Beyond the Ho Chi Minh Trail departing 1st Aug 2009
Hi - My wife Val and I are looking forward to our first trip to Asia. If you are going on the same holiday please feel free to swop brief emails. dsmith_@ntlworld.com Regards Dave
Vietnam Adventure, July 4th
Anyone out there going on this one? Eric and Ashley Las Vegas
Vietnam vISA
What is the easiest way to get my Visa for our Vietnam trip? We are doing the Viatnam Adventure and Hanoi to Bangkok back to back. Eric and Ashley Las Vegas
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