How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Extremely well organised and willing to share personal experiences of recent history.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

In hoi an look around tailors etc early in the morning and get your orders in by 10, you'll then have plenty of time for fittings.
In saigon recommend la habana bar for a lively last night[very good live music],turn left out of asian ruby hotel then first left and its about half way down the block.

Do you have anything else to add?

"Food excellent if you stick to fish and possibly chicken
Locals very friendly and helpful if you get lost
Don't over pack, loads of lovely cheap silk tops and t.shirts available everywhere , I don't normally shop on explore holidays but oh dear!"

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

 

Vinh couldnt have been better, he listened to concerns and any were sorted 

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

 

 

The train journey is dreadful, cockroaches in the sleeper cabins and the toilets overflow on the floor, why not fly this bit Explore? Hotel in Halong bay a bit musty but looked clean, I know others were not that impressed

Do you have anything else to add?

 

 

Prices at "group meal restaurants" seem to be inflated for the benifit of the tour company handling the tour for explore in vietnam, this was confirmed at Hoi an, two of us checked the menu the following day and prices were lower, this would explain the lack of menus at the restaurant for the group. I am sure this wasnt the tour leader!!!

 

 

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

It gave you an opportunity to see all the major sites/towns in Vietanam without feeling rushed. Tour Leader Diem was great. A local who knew about culture and the history of Vietnam.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Bring earplugs for the overnight train to Hue. Also the train trip was an experience and nothing like the reviews I had read on TripAdvisor.  

Do you have anything else to add?

I love Vietnam and their people and would recommend visiting this country to anyone.   This tour could be improved by spending the night on a boat in Halong Bay, as the boat cruise was not long enough.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Long was a good guide. He was knowledgeable and gave good insights into history and his country. He was assisted well by Vinh.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Vietnam currency is fine and really all you need, though it is worth taking say $50 for the visa entry to the country and a little spare.

Do you have anything else to add?

"In order to improve the holiday experience, I would suggest stopping the Royal meal at Hue – the food was average and it was a somewhat ‘cheesy’ night.
 
Furthermore, we felt that a number of the restaurants that we went to with the group were average rather than good and that was slightly disappointing as everyone had told us prior to our trip that Vietnam has fabulous food. When we went away from the group, we used the Lonely Planet guide book and we ate at better restaurants.
 
Whilst we enjoyed the rickshaw ride, it was unsettling to be hassled by the drivers at the end, for bigger tips.  

The Hotel in Saigon (Asian Ruby) whilst centrally and well located was poor, the shower was always cold, we had a cockroach in the bathroom and the breakfast was not good."

Brilliant! Wow I never thought I'd have to learn how to cross the road again at my age but learn I did. I'm still amazed at what they manage to transport on the back of a bike, has to be seen to be believed. From relaxing in Ha Long bay and the Mekong Delta, shopping in Hoi An to the thought provoking visits to My Lai massacre sight and the Cu Chi tunnels. Everyday of this trip was brought alive by the local tour leader. His knowledge and enthusiam for Vietnam was inspiring. The food was delicious, so fresh and tasty, didn't try dog or chicken feet but the seafood, soups, noodles, rice paper spring rolls etc Yum!  Vietnam is a facinating country with wonderful people living there. (VN - 20th November 2010)

Day one, Hanoi City- waking early to the sounds of eastern music; loud, close with a tinny piped quality; I'm momentarily confused. Realization quickly dawns; the square opposite the hotel has transformed itself into a huge Tai Chi arena. Many diverse groups, some waving red flags others wielding batons are all moving rhythmically with uninhibited focus. It's immediately exciting, exotic and totally different. in true "Explore" fashion we are thus introduced to Hanoi City and North Vietnam. From learning to cross the road, I joke not (just walk steadily and the millions of motor cycles will part and allow you to cross unscathed) to enjoying Halong Bay with its incredibly dramatic islands we begin to appreciate and love this amazing country. Highlights would have to include; the over night train journey south, dress design and construction in Hoi An for my daughters wedding, the mind blowing Cu Chi tunnels and the beautiful fascinating Mekong Delta complete with home stay.  Travelling with Explore has once again been a fabulous experience; educating and thought provoking; leaving enduring, very special memories. (VN- 16th Januray 2010)