Travellers' reviews about Vietnam

4.8
27 reviews
Enjoyable Vietnam
5
Vietnam
Very interesting , warm and friendly people all in all a delightful experience.
The best parts:
The whole trip was most enjoyable , everything was as the itinerary stated.All the hotels were very good as was the guides they were all very knowledgeable , friendly and helpful with all our needs. Your agent Tuan did an excellent job and even left a gift at the hotel for us. Tuan was exceptional in responding to my emails and queries before travel. We had a fabulous experience in Vietnam and now know a lot more about the country .
The worst parts:
We wish we had 2 nights stay in Halong Bay as it is quite a long transfer there and back. for just 1 night .We were still glad we have done it .
Happy 40th anniversary
5
Vietnam
City stay in bustling Hanoi Mountain stay in Sapa Homestay in Mu Can Chai Cruise in Halong bay City stay in beautiful Hue City stay in fascinating Hoi An Wonderful beach break on the peaceful paradise of Whale Island Culture and art in Dalat Culture and history in historic Ho Chi Min City Exploration of Mekong delta History and culture in Phnom Penh Luxurious beach break chilling in Sihanoukville Wonder of the world Angkor Wat and temples in Siem Reap Fabulous end to the trip in beautiful Luang Prabang
The best parts:
We loved absolutely everything! I'm in serious danger of superlative overload here but the truth is, Tuan of Hainam Travel created an outstanding trip. Our brief was to spend 7 weeks exploring Indochina, focussing on culture, history, food, geography, ecology and meeting and getting to know local people. Tuan phoned us several times to discuss our ideas (which were really quite vague!) and then put together a programme that went above and beyond all our expectations. We had so many wonderful adventures, met so many wonderful people and had so many memorable experiences, I could write a book! Tuan got it absolutely right; the content, pace, variety, accommodation and all for a price that makes our friends and family gasp in disbelief. Our guides were all exceptional; incredibly knowledgeable, intelligent, enthusiastic people who are passionate about their countries and keen to share their intimate knowledge honestly and objectively. They were a joy to be with. The trip was our gift to each other to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. And we celebrated in some style! Tuan had briefed our hotels and excursion leaders and we were thoroughly feted and pampered. Our actual anniversary date was truly magical! We were rowed at sunset in a bamboo basket boat up a river, between banks of jungle. We alighted and were escorted down a path lined with flickering torches to our very own bamboo pavilion, floating like a boat in the rice paddy. Our very own chef and waitress were waiting for us and served us a fabulous feast while the darkness deepened and the crickets sang. Impossibly romantic!! During the 7 weeks, we travelled overnight by train, had 6 domestic flights, 3 international flights, stayed in 14 different hotels, enjoyed 1 homestay, and 1 cruise in the stunning Halong Bay. We cycled, we trekked, we snorkled, we kayaked, had numerous boat trips and many sightseeing tours. We have travelled through mountains, emerald with rice terraces, through jungles, and the mighty Mekong delta. We have lazed on white sand beaches and swam in turquoise waters. We have explored coral reefs and floating villages. We have stayed in exotic, bustling, chaotic cities and peaceful villages. We have been awed by natural beauty and by the incredible grandeur of Angkor Wat and princely palaces. We have eaten wonderful street food and had sumptuous fine dining in the Garden House in Hue. We have shopped in the most colourful, exciting street markets. And everywhere there have been lovely smiling, happy people, only a generation away from the unimaginable horrors of the Vietnam War and the Killing Fields of the Kh'mer Rouge - a distressing but necessary part of our experience. Tuan's organisation has been so good that it has all flowed seamlessly and everything happened as planned and with immaculate timing. Just fabulous!
The worst parts:
Absolutely nothing!
Tuan
Tuan’s agency
Dear Cheryl and Roger, Thank you so much for taking time to send us your feedback after 7-week holiday to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. I am delighted to know that you thoroughly enjoyed your your holiday, especially the 40th wedding anniversary day: “Our actual anniversary date was truly magical! We were rowed at sunset in a bamboo basket boat up a river, between banks of jungle. We alighted and were escorted down a path lined with flickering torches to our very own bamboo pavilion, floating like a boat in the rice paddy. Our very own chef and waitress were waiting for us and served us a fabulous feast while the darkness deepened and the crickets sang. Impossibly romantic!!” As a local travel company we know well all corners of these countries and we put a lot of love and passion in our work. I am thankful for your appreciation of our work and you cheered us up with a great feedback. We will continue keeping up our good work and hope to welcome you again to Vietnam, perhaps at your 50th wedding anniversary. By the way, thank you for sharing your holiday pictures with us! All the best from Vietnam! Tuan
Find out more about Tuan’s local agency
18 reviews
eman salem
5
Vietnam
found vietnam one of thee best didn't imagine it will be that nice loved sapa and halong bay .. like the idea of the night train it was our first time to try it even the kayaking was our first
The best parts:
everything was great and well organized the agency took care of everything and the guide were great and helpful and always there to make everything easier was one of the best trips
Pinky
4
Vietnam
Although we had travelled in Asia before (Singapore, Japan, Bali), this was the first time we saw the 'real' Asia. We were initially shocked by the population density, the traffic frenzy, the noise and the pollution. As we got accustomed to the Vietnamese life, we appreciated the kindness and the hospitality of the locals, and at the same time we made new friends by meeting other travellers and sharing our experiences over a cup of Vietnamese coffee. We strolled around the small roads of Hoi An or the Imperial Citadel of Hue and perceived the smart outcome of the combination of Chinese, Japanese and French influence. We tried every delicious dish of Vietnamese cuisine, from high-end restaurants and alternative fusion cooking, to basic street food, and we just fell in love with it. We adored Saigon, a city with a long history, claiming now its new modern identity. We would easily come back to spend some time here. However, we left with a bitter taste due to the pollution and over-exploitation of natural beauties that seem to decline without any legislation to protect them. If nothing is done, in the next few years many of the highlights of Vietnam will be completed destroyed, as we saw happening in Halong Bay.
The best parts:
By far the best part of our tip was trying the Vietnamese cuisine. We fell in love with the fresh ingredients and their combinations, and our guides suggested us some excellent restaurants, from expensive candlelight dinners to almost for-free street food. The picturesque little historical city of Hoi An and the Imperial Citadel of Hue were oases in the busy Vietnamese life. The workshops of lantern and kite-making, as well as the water puppet show and the traditional music concerts were the highlights of the trip for our 7-year old son. We fell in love with Saigon. Our guide in Hoi An and Hue and the guide we had for the lantern-workshop. They were not only professional and knowledgeable, but also friendly, motivated, funny and made us feel at home. They will stay in our hearts forever.
The worst parts:
In the general planning, we think that the program was too intense at times. For example, the during the last 3 days of the trip, we spend 1,5 days in the car plus one hotel change, to experience one 2-hour and one 1.5-hour excursions in the Mekong delta. It is true that we had approved this program and we could check how much time is needed to cover this distance with the roads of Vietnam, but it would be better to have been informed for the length of the travel. In that case, we would have decided to spend the last days in Saigon, so as to relax the last days before getting back to the frenzy work schedule. A couple of specific problems: - Our guide for the last third of the trip had inadequate knowledge of English, while the few information he bothered to provide was often wrong. His attitude was rude at times and was pressing us constantly to buy products. We communicated this to our local agent at the end of this part of the trip, who informed us that our initially attributed guide had been changed last minute, and he reimbursed us for the relevant expenses. So, despite for our dissatisfaction for the choice of the guide, rendering the experience of the last third of the trip frustrating at times, the local agent did his best to make it up for us. Should we had contacted him the first day in Saigon, maybe we could have another guide for the rest of the trip. - The 1-night cruise to Halong Bay was also a disappointment. In part due to the fact that the area is spoiled by pollution and over-exploited touristically, and in part because of the choice of the cruising company. The boat was dirty and smelly and the cabin so tiny, that the two of us should be on the bed to leave space for the third to go to the bathroom or to dress up.
Good Morning Vietnam
5
Vietnam
Favourite Moment - Crab fishing with the kids as well as Crocodile feeding in Saigon.........Crabs tasted great as well
The best parts:
Definitely the service was excellent. There was no problem at the airport and drop off at hotel. Ms Duong was always a phone call away and always ready to assist. The Hotel in Hanoi was a bit small and not up to a 4 Star standard. Halong Bay was great except for the food. Hoian - Hotel was great. Nice places to visit, especially the proximity to the night markets......Bargain is a must Saigon - Great hotel location and we loved the place and food Best tout ever on monkey island and crab fishing
The worst parts:
Hotel size in Hanoi Way too many motorcycles in Hanoi and Saigon Very very HOT GUIDES - Hanoi/Halong Bay - 4 Star Hoian - 3 Star Saigon - 4 Star Transportation - GREAT
Chino
5
Vietnam
I already explained above. But this trip was a graduation present to My Vietnamese born Son and it exceeded all Our expectations. The Guides were excellent,friendly,professional and always having Our interest and opinion in mind. The variety of the tours was enough and enjoyable. My Son was extremely happy and loved every minute. We felt pleased with all that was planned. Guides,Drivers and Mrs. Houng made sure We had a great time. The Hotels, the Foods and the trip will always be special and for sure We will return and contact You,Evaneos. Thank You.
The best parts:
Our trip was very well designed by very knowledgeable personnel. The attention to make Our trip enjoyable and meet all Our needs to exceed Our expectations. The Guides were professional yet friendly and always had Us in mind. The different activities and variety of activities were well balanced. The trip was a well planned out trip by Mrs. Houng and She Called often to ensure We were satisfied and She also took Us to a train station. I highly recommend Evaneos to anyone looking for an experience You'll never forget.
The worst parts:
The part I disliked was the train ride only because I don't like bugs and We handsome.
Elsa
5
Vietnam
Vietnam is a really lovely country to visit, we really like Hanoi as a city, beautiful temples ! And the street food was one of the best food ever ! We were very impressed by the number of scooters, it was crazy. We had the best time in Pu Luong Reserve, which was a wild place in the rice fields, and no tourists. We met with locals, such a nice experience! Finally, we love the city of Hoi An, which is really colourful and relaxing, nice to walk around.
The best parts:
The agency advised us to go to Pu Luong Retreat. We absolutely loved this place, it was so quiet, the hotel was amazing, the view was incredible and the food was really good and in big quantities ! Tony, our guide is so nice, we had a good time with him. Tony took us for a walk around the rice fields and to the house of local people and it was a lovely experience. It really felt special. In Hoi An, the agency booked for us a 4 starts hotel, Little Central Hotel, which was a little paradise. Really nice swimming pool, really friendly staff, the shuttle to the beach is a big bonus !
The worst parts:
In Hue, Thanh Lich 2 Hotel was not very nice, the staff was too pushy, trying to sell us tours, pick ups, scooters, even when we said we didn't need, asking us to review the hotel on Trip advisor, the guy almost took my phone to do it himself! We didn't feel comfortable in this hotel. It's a shame because the room really nice.
katiebse2
5
Vietnam
Journeying from the north to south of Vietnam in one trip made it easy to see the differences in culture and landscape than taking in each part in a separate visit. Similarly seeing Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in the same trip highlighted the individualities of the three countries.
The best parts:
My favourite part of the trip was the time I spent in Sapa, it is so beautiful and unspoilt.
The worst parts:
There was nothing I didn't enjoy but I found Nha Trang was far more tourist developed than other parts of Vietnam.
Le Rosbif
5
Vietnam
See above.
The best parts:
Arriving on Thursday early morning in Sapa by night train and minibus f I'm Lau Cai we were met at our hotel rendezvous by our guide, Há. She is a delightful four foot tall Hmong who led us on our three day walk through woods and paddy fields like a sprite. Há made the whole trip for us, a trip which was stunning in itself. Every step gave a huge view over the terraces landscape or revealed the detail of buffalo grazing, ducks and ducklings paddling in the mud of the contoured fields and a dog having a snooze. The dresses of the women were varied and identified Hmong or Dao or this village or that hamlet. The walking was hard at times. Luckily the weather held. But Há took us mainly on out of the way paths wriggling along the mountainsides. We also thoroughly recommend the two nights of homestay. This gives you a real feel for the people, to their lives, livelihood and houses. We were well fed. The second night in Lao Chai was particularly lovely staying with a very happy family, watching their pig wandering around the terrace. We sat to a great dinner with ten people around the table. A brother, cousin and brother in law were there as they were helping build a pig house (for aforesaid pig) as well as a complement of five children - three siblings and two friends. It was just my wife and me. A memorable time. Thank you Há!
The worst parts:
On the first night's homestay there was a French family of four (who were with another tour company) who said they had booked the homestay exclusively. They tried to get us to move and even did not want to eat with us - difficult in a homestay. Our own guide was very good but we insisted on eating together and it was OK. I think the agency should complain to the other toru comapny for not checking this!
Happy Holidays
5
Vietnam
We had a 14 day tour of North to South Vietnam. Highlights of our trip were experiencing all the mopeds in Hanoi and seeing the old quarter, Halong Bay, The Marble Mountain, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.
The best parts:
The organisation was perfect. Everything went very smoothly. The itinerary was interesting and varied. Whilst making initial enquiries, Tuan was the best of tour operators at getting back to me without being pushy. He listened to my requests and made any necessary amendments The 3 tour guides all complimented each other and gave us different insights into the various parts of Vietnam such as the history, politics, culture etc
The worst parts:
A little hot for the time of year!
Pseudonym
5
Vietnam
We flew from Japan to Ho Chi Minh, drove to Cho Tha and took a speed boat to Phnom Pehn. I wish I had known this was a 5 hour speed boat. I may have opted for a flight instead, regardless it was a beautiful and relaxing experience.
The best parts:
Personal Tours of the Village life in Siem Reap Cambodia. The tour guide, Pidor, was very knowledgeable of the history of his village and his country. He was passionate and loves his country, wants visitors to learn from its history and make a better future for the children. I loved how the tours were balanced through out the day. There was so much to see and do, but we still had time to relax and feel like we were on vacation.
The worst parts:
Recommendations - when we are visiting temples and shrines remind foreigners that they should pack a few clothes that cover their shoulders and go below their knees. Also remind tourists that if they are paying in USD they need to have 'newer' bills, many vendors would not take USD if their were small tears in the bill. Worst part - everyone on our trip in Ho Chi Minh had money stolen from their bags. All members of our party believe it was the driver as he was the only one who was alone with the bags. Our tour guide was with us at all times. We had over $500 taken from our bags. We know that we can't prove that the driver 'Juan' took our money but he was the only one left with out bags. I myself had the money at the bottom of my bag so that would mean that he had to dig through it. We did not let this ruin our trip. We moved on, learned that our bags would never be left alone again and had a wonderful trip. I would never blame the agency for this, it was the act of a dishonest person.
Discovery Expedition
5
Vietnam
Wonderful destination - hope to return. Many thanks for all your help!
The best parts:
Excellent tour guides - especially Mr. Hai Immediate follow-up when the trip had a problem good hotels overall Excellent organization and recommendations for planning the trip Prompt follow-up Outstanding work of Duong and her conscientiousness (to even meet me personally) Small boat and intimate group in Halong Bay
The worst parts:
Hotel/restaurant in Hanoi was average Service poor in Hanoi hotel
Orland
5
Vietnam
I think we had a wonderful introduction to Vietnam, taking in the main cities and some spectacular scenery and historical sites. We loved our day driving from Hoi An to Hue taking in the Marble Mountains, the Hai Van Pass with a meal at a local restaurant, Ming Mang's tomb, finishing with a trip on the Parfum river. We also enjoyed our kayaking in Ha Long Bay and wished this activity had been a bit longer.
The best parts:
Having a bespoke programme designed for our needs and wishes. Having our travel arrangements, transfers and trips all arranged and paid for prior to departure. Having wonderful guides just for us.
The worst parts:
One of the trips was quite a long way which I hadn't appreciated at the time of booking. Our coach trip to Halong Bay was long and uncomfortable. It was quite difficult to know about tipping appropriately, although we were helped by our guides.
TravelWiki Jo
5
Vietnam
A 24 day trip allowed us to see and do a huge variety of things: Hanoi- Pu Luong- Ninh Binh/Tam Coc - Ba Tu Long Bay- Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park - DMZ area - Hue -Hoi An- Saigon - Mekong Delta - Pu Quoc Island - Fly home The trip exceeded our expectations in many ways .
The best parts:
The whole trip was excellent . If I had to choose then the ultimate highlights were -Pu Luong, Tam Coc , Hoi An and the Saigon Vespa Foodie Tour and the Vietnamese food in general - loved it! The pace of the tour was good. There was a great blend of history, culture , geography, getting out and about in the country beyond the main tourist trail and enjoying the delicious Vietnamese food. Overall the accommodation was very good. We also appreciated the personal service provided by Huong both in the planning of the trip and actually during it. She regularly checked with us that all was in order.
The worst parts:
The very early morning starts though necessary especially in the hotter south. The hotel in Saigon. Our room was extremely noisy because of the number of air conditioning units on the walls outside the room. We asked to be moved which was immediately accommodated and to a room with a very large comfortable bed. However, there was no apology at all about the noise and the breakfast here was by far the worst of all the places we stayed. I would not recommend this hotel .
yes
5
Vietnam
Trip was well planned. Guide had good knowledge and was courteous. We had wonderful experience in cruise.
The best parts:
Tour was well organised. Hotels and cruise were very good. Hotel staff and Guide were courteous and gave personal attention.