VIETNAM ADVENTURE

16 days from GBP1,899 to GBP2,349 including flights
Tripcode: AOV

Countries Visited: Vietnam

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 41 reviews.

David Lawn

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written January 2012
A great overview of Vietnam, its cities, its countryside, its coast, its food and its people. It's what you go away for.
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Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Watch out for bag snatchers mounted on scooters
Alan Parry

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written December 2011
A good introduction to Vietnam today. It is changing fast with more Chinese investment in huge new developments.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The overwhelming presence of scooters and motorbikes, often carrying large freight objects and livestock or 3 and even four people; this coupled with a driving style with no rules. Crossing the street is an art form to be learned, but seemed to be safe; just don't stop.
What little of the rural life we saw on this town and culture based holiday was very interesting. We would have preferred more of the rural and to have had time to see and even photograph the somewhat limited and shy wildlife.
We also found the museum relating to the war very moving and informative.
The Homestay in the Mekon delta was another enjoyable feature because it was closer to the real Vietnamese.
What did you think of your group leader?
Long was excellent and his company very enjoyable. He made good contact with each of the group and established a good spirit. He took us to many shops and markets and bought local specialities for us to try. He was very good with the locals.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for the very very long flight of 13 to 13 and a half hours London to Kuala Lumpur and then the flights to Hanoi and back from Saigon. The internal flights, being shorter were less demanding and seemed roomier.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being Country folk at heart this trip was not ideal for us, since it involved lots of towns, but some, such as Hoi An were charming. We would have enjoyed the cycling through the countryside had it not been for the monsoon rain! We also enjoyed the rather brief canoeing and could have spent longer exploring the limestone stacks and birdlife found there.
Alison Buchanan

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written December 2011
An extremely comprehensive trip covering this inspiring country. It was a real trip of contrasts, from the more conservative and overtly communist North to the more westernised South, so that you can get a real feel of what Vietnam is like today.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Homestay in the Mekong Delta was wonderful, and gave the chance to meet some of the locals and experience life away from the hussle and bussle of the cities. I loved the Imperial city of Hue, and also relaxed Hoi An - unfortunately we had fairly wet weather whilst we were in the middle of the country, so maybe didn't see them quite at their best - we were lucky to get out on bikes in Hoi An which allowed us to experience the motorbikes and scooters at a different pace than just trying to cross the road - which really is an experience (check out some videos on Youtube before you go). We also got the chance to visit an orphanage in Hoi An which was quite moving, as was the War Remnants museum in Saigon. Halong Bay is stunning, and it was lovely to get out kayaking amongst the limestone karsts and the overnight boat trip was great. The train journey from Danang to Nha Trang, whilst long and perhaps a little uncomfortable allowed you to see much more scenery than you ever do in a coach, so great for photo opportunities.
What did you think of your group leader?
Hai was extremely well organised, so all his arrangements went without a hitch and he was really keen to ensure that we all got to experience as much of Vietnam as we could in this busy trip. He was really knowledgeable, and had some great anecdotes to tell about all the places we visited.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack light, but be prepared that it might well rain a lot whilst you are there. Leave plenty of space for shopping as there are loads of opportunities through the trip to buy some great things. You can get washing done easily in Hoi An. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, this might not be the trip for you, be prepared for some long days. As others have mentioned, be really careful of your possessions when you are out and about - it is very difficult for Vietnamese to leave the country, so our passports are very valuable to them as well as to us. Keep your wits about you in the big cities, but do visit the markets and bargain, you can get some fantastic deals. If you want to get clothes made in Hoi An, take some pictures with you to give ideas to the tailors, and be prepared to go for two or three fittings - persevere and as long as you have gone to a recommended tailor (ask your guide, they will know the good places) you will get a great result at the end.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Homestay in the Mekong was more comfortable than we had all expected - we were in rooms of max 4 people, and couples got their own rooms. The food was delicious and the toilets/showers were clean and plentiful. I would have preferred to spend less time in the cities and more time out in the more rural parts of Vietnam, but if you are a city lover, you will love this trip. Remember, Vietnam is still very much a developing country, so standards might not be quite as good as you would get on a similar trip in say Thailand, but eating out and drinks are very good value, so you can get much more for your money whilst you are there. The food is fantastic too! If you want to visit Vietnam, I'd suggest you go soon, to experience it before it gets too developed and tourism spoils it!
Julia Bowman

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written November 2011
The holiday was everything I'd hoped for and more! We explored the natural world alongside the archaeological, historical and religious splendours, all ably explained by our local guide Nguyen.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I particularly loved our overnight stay in a wooden boat touring Halong Bay, soon after our arrival in Hanoi - and also enjoyed the leisurely 3 nights in Hoi An: a historical centre and a shoppers' paradise!
What did you think of your group leader?
Nguyen was a gem - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and full of energy! He was a mine of information about all things historical and did his best to enable us to have an excellent holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Watch your personal possessions! Leave valuables and passport in the hotel safe. Muggers are about in the major cities! Also take care to check your change - mistakes (sometimes intentional!) are made.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'd recommend this trip, but it's 'full on' so you need to be fit enough to cope with getting on and off buses, boats, trains, bicycles, planes and walking on wobbly pavements! Packing and unpacking is necessary on almost a daily basis! However, that said the pace of the trip enables a truly memorable travelling experience.
Sarah Prince

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written October 2011
I've never felt sad when leaving a country to come home, but I did when I left Vietnam. What a wonderful and amazing place, full of history, fabulous food and a friendly culture.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Where do I start! From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquillity of Halong Bay everywhere we visited was inspirational. But, to pick one place, it would be Hoi An. The beaches, the market, the river, the restaurants and all the charity work that happens there from the Streets cafe to the handicapped workshop making silver jewellery and embroidery. The old town, where we could walk and chat to the residents about what they were doing. Everybody was friendly and welcoming.
What did you think of your group leader?
Thang was a very informative group leader and gave a vast amount of knowledge about all aspects of Vietnamese culture and history. He was friendly and fun and gave great insight into how the Vietnamese live and what they have been through to get where they are. He is very passionate about his country and I wouldn't have known 90% of the information without him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't take too much clothing, or too many dollars. ATM's are available everywhere, and so is WIFI.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is the first time I have travelled with a group, generally I go alone, but this trip was a real eye opener for me to visit a country this way and have learnt so much more that I would have done otherwise. I have fallen in love with this country and will be back at some point in the future. The War Remnants Museum was hard to deal with but worth the visit, and the Cu Chi tunnels were amazing and it really made me realise what a resourceful people they are, and no wonder they won the war over the mighty force of the Americans. Also, they are a generous people in their forgiveness.
David Risley

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written September 2011
A truly fantastic holiday. Group Leader, Linh, was brilliant and added a very personal insight into Vietnamese history and culture. Connections were seamless and essential to cramming so much into two weeks. I firmly believe it would be impossible to have experienced so much without a great guide and itinerary.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Halong Bay is amazing. We were there when the rain was pouring down and then when the sun was shining. It's one of those places that you have to stop and really appreciate where you are. Unforgettable. Equally unforgettable, but completely different, was being pedalled around Ho Chi Min city on a three-wheeled bicycle. The motorcycle traffic that envelops you for the whole journey is indiscribable - you'll just have to try it for yourself.
What did you think of your group leader?
Priceless. Linh, is a great team leader who works tirelessly to make your holiday as perfect as it can be. However, what sets him apart from most other guides is his ability to explain things from a very personal perspective. You can read as many books as you like, but none of them will provide Linh's personal touch. He also takes you to places you'd never find in a guide book - restaurants that are tucked away on a back streets and the homes of local people.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take enough clothing for a week and wash it when you get there. It costs about £1 per load. That will give you plenty of luggage allowance to buy a super cheap suitcase in Hoi An and fill it with ridiculously cheap tailor-made clothes.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Visit Vietnam before is becomes too developed. It is changing so fast that there is no time to lose.
Polly Fenn

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written August 2011
A busy and packed trip with lots to see along the way. A chance to experience the culture, sights and people of this very unique country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling in the beautiful countryside of Hoi Ann, past paddy fields, shrimp farms and banana plantations, spotting water buffalo, local dwelling places and fishermen along the way. A true snapshot of real Vietnamese life. Don't forget your camera and plenty of water!
Also the water puppets in Hanoi and the lantern festival in Hoi Ann were spectacular.
The cottage industries were very interesting (you can see rice paper, coconut candy and much more being made and then you get to sample the finished products!).
What did you think of your group leader?
Linh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely well organised, yet sensitive to the group's needs. Humerous and with an impressive command of English, Linh went way above and beyond expectations to ensure that everyone had a good time and was well looked-after. His knowledge and expertise of the country was second-to-none and his interesting and informative talks gave me a real insight into Vietnamese history and culture. We were all enchanted by the impromptu singing moments!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I travelled in August, so it was very hot and very humid, with short occasional bursts of rain, so pack accordingly. Vietnamese people dress modestly (I didn't once see a local lady wear a skirt) so slacks, T-shirts and long-sleeved light tops go down well. A brolly is great because you can use it for rain or as a parasol (if you're a lady)! Walking sandals were fine for most occasions. I didn't have a problem with mosquitos but I did take precautions so that's probably why!
Crossing the road: much has been said about this and it's all true! Pandemonium in Hannoi and slightly more rdered chaos in Saigon. Fear not! Cycles and bikes WILL make a path around you - but keep an eye out for cars and vans, which are less forgiving!! Don't be phased by the incessant horn-beeping: you haven't done anything wrong - it's just their way of telling you they are there...! And if in doubt, cross with a local!
You can get your laundry done very cheaply at Hoi Ann or Nha Trang (local family, NOT at the hotel which is expensive!), so pack lightly. You'll probably be taking back more clothes than you brought because you can get clothes made to fit in Hoi Ann at very good prices.
Contrary to previous reviews, the Mekong Delta homestay is NOT communal sleeping - you will be in threes or fours and couples are given their own 'room'. The rooms are clean and comfortable and I had one of my best night's sleeps there! Mosquitos nets and bedding are provided so no need to take your own. Enjoy the experience - it's one I'll never forget!
Oh- and do take US dollars (as well as GBP) as you get a better rate of exchange and it's widely accepted.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The only thing that slightly marred the holiday for me was that I found the accommodation in the twin berth cabin on the junk cruise boat (Halong Bay) very claustrophobic and uncomfortable. This was partly because the air con didn't work and so it was incredibly airless making sleeping out of the question. It's 'only one night', but do check the air con works!!!!
There were one too many boat trips for me (I counted at least six) and I would have preferred more cultural outings, but overall a fantastic and varied trip. It is pretty full-on though so don't expect to feel 'rested' at the end of it!