19 independent reviews for Vietnam and Cambodia 15 day tour, tailor made
Reviews for Vietnam and Cambodia 15 day tour, tailor made
Kachina Inman review 11 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing so many incredible places and learning about the places we were visiting2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A little more time to explore the smaller towns.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so. The one environmental piece was we would often have two vans take us to the airport and we would have happily fit in one to van.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fabulous!Aileen Hickling review 30 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The great countries , friendly people and Vespa tour of Ho Chi Minh was a highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t bother with BaNa Hills and Golden Bridge tour from HoiAn -it was like a second rate overcrowded Disney world.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All tourism is important for both countries , especially coming out of the Covid lockdowns .we liked that we stayed in locally run hotels and used local guides .4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentSarah Fisher review 25 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Boat trip in Bai Tu Long Bay was fabulous, less busy than anticipated and we got to kayak and swim in the bay. The Vespa Street Food tour in Ho Chi Min City was a fantastic experience, not to be missed! We also booked a cooking class in Siam Reap which we thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The street food looks and smells wonderful but we did not try it at all because the standards of hygiene are dubious! Eating in small cafe/restaurants is easy, incredibly cheap and you can check reviews before you visit them. We stuck to bottled water or boiled the filtered water given in the hotel rooms to be on the safe side.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our holiday certainly benefitted the locals as they rely heavily on tourists visiting, we regularly tipped our guides and drivers too.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our holiday lived up to all expectations, we got a good insight in to the way of life of the local people in all areas. The trip was a good balance of experiences, culture and history. We would certainly recommend itPaul Byham review 22 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sunrises, both in Cambodia at Ankor Wat, and in Vietnam at Chau Doc overlooking the rice paddies from a mountain2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it now and do the bamboo workshop in Hoi An3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 stars, excellentShahram Hemmatpour review 7 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting Ankor Wat most exciting but killing fields were the most sobering. Thailand experiences were different again and surpassed our expectations.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Keep an open mind and engage with the guides and local people.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is a benefit because the local incomes are so low and being able to help people with purchases, tips etc makes ther life a little better. Visiting sites in a responsible way also contributes to their conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We had a fantastic time with every day out worthwhile.David Yates review 21 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Difficult to choose one thing. The Vespa tour was a highlight as was the cruise in the bay. The temples are unique and were worth the heat and humidity.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light as possible. Take plenty small notes for tips...they are really appreciated. Don't miss out on the Vespa tour. Try a few words in their language...its gets a smile3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Things like the bamboo workshop help locals as did the Tiger Island tour4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One if the best. Everything was planned out well. Hotels were very good and you get to interact with the local peopleLeo Picking review 17 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved the Vespa tour of HCMC, the Ha Long Bay cruise, Hoi An cooking class and Angkor Wat. V difficult to separate out as the whole trip was amazing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a great adventure discovering the histories of two beautiful countries and the lovely people. Pack light as there is a lot of moving from place to place and it is a casual holiday so only the basics required.. Try and take on you every experience offered as there are so many wonderful things to see and do.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it definitely appeared to support local people and seeing the difference this can make was quite moving.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic, well put together and run to plan. Loved every minute of it!Stuart Ramsey review 9 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Angkor Wat2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It’s a tiring itinerary with lots of early starts. Not much downtime.Vietnam in October is mainly cloudy and often wet.Cambodia is underrated. Beautiful country. Could have spent more time there.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
7/10Charles Shaw review 22 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling Vietnam and Cambodia and seeing all the amazing sights.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it while you can. I have walk-in difficulties but still managed. There is a lot of walking but didn't duck out of anything It's something ticked off my bucket list3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Both very poor countries and reply heavily on tourism especially after Covid. Also both countries rely also on agriculture4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent support from the agent especially Emma. Every thing went smoothly. My only complaint was that entry into Cambodia sights weren't covered and it cost an extra $156 on top of spending money. This was not conveyed by the travel agent in Cambodia to us. Extra expense not budgeted for as everything in Vietnam was inclusive. Finally that's why I have given 4 starsRead the operator's response here:
Hi Charles, I'm so pleased you had a wonderful trip with us. Visa costs/directions are always listed on our literature. To cross the border the visa can only be
done locally. It was a pleasure to put together your trip. Best wishes Emma
Janet Willmott review 21 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every part of the holiday was exciting. Most memorable for me, would be Hoi An, Mekong Delta, and the Angkor Wat.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do your research, find what you want to see and do. Give yourself time in each destination. Its a large country and the distances are long. Also keep in mind you will be on the move constantly. Dont pack too much! as I did, the laundry everywhere even in the hotels, is really cheap.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I dont think it benefited local people, only the restaurants, bars, and shops where we bought souvenirs. Environmental impact is increased, as more cars are used for tailor made individual travel. We always refused plastic bags when purchasing goods, and did not buy the floating lanterns in HoI An, as they are paper boxes, and are thrown into an already congested river. I was sad to see the amount of rubbish everywhere in Vietnam, and the impact it will have in the Mekong Delta.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic in every respect. The standard of hotels, the efficiency of the arrangements in cars/guides meeting us at every step of the journey. The variety of each destination.David Hicks review 9 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire trip has blurred into one exciting memory that we will all remember forever. Elephants, biking, trekking, swimming, eating, and meeting such amazing people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and lean into it. Take one activity at a time. The schedule seems daunting but everything magically came together into a perfect situation every time. Pro tip: bring one or two extra shirts and underwear for the trekking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt the holiday benefited locals more than anything. I was happiest when we weren't at large tourist sites which was most of the time.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
From 1 to 10 this was 101!Daria Flores review 11 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tours with Vespa Adventures were incredible. The experience of Saigon and the Mekong Delta would not have been the same from the inside of a bus or car. Also fantastic was the sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, the food in Hanoi, and the shopping in Hot An.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are traveling from Hanoi to the south in the early parts of the year, be prepared for much colder and wetter weather in the north of the country. Also bring plenty of US dollars with you for both Vietnam and Cambodia.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that the holiday benefitted local people as tourism is a major source of income for many people in Vietnam and Cambodia. All of the guides and drivers were lovely and hard-working people who have pride for their craft. But I don't feel like I played a role in reducing environmental impacts. Although you are given a reusable water bottle upon arrival in Cambodia from the tour company to be used at water refilling stations, there was but one refilling station we encountered and it was at a mall. So you are constantly using plastic bottles throughout the trip. Also, Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are both in the process of being destroyed by local residents and tourists alike. The water was polluted and full of trash and the boat exhaust was a constant. If I could have done it all over again, I would have completely skipped Bai Tu Long Bay. Although it was breathtaking to witness the limestone islands and sunset over the water from a boat, witnessing the pollution and breathing exhaust for 24 hours was a total bummer. All I could think about was how I was part of the problem just by being there.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Besides Bai Tu Long Bay, it was a wonderful trip. Due to time constraints of my own doing I only had 2 nights in Saigon but I definitely should have added a third in retrospect. Thank you for a lovely time.Richard Chivers review 27 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Loved the countryside and the absence of other tourists for the most part of the destinations. The initial driver and guide were entertainers and good company as well as informative and helpful, (I understood this more and more as we bumped into other couples to share thoughts, and changed driver and guides later in the tour) which makes or breaks the experience. Loved the personal treatment.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be careful about packing the right clothing. It was much warmer and humid than I ever imagined. Travel as light as possible due to all the changes of venue. Don't worry about the food so much as many might concern themselves with, it's good and it's an experience...even the fried insects. Keep the driver and guide close to you, as they will show you better food, better sights. They will make or break the experience. Don't be squeamish, especially in the countryside.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Maybe benefited local people, but certainly benefited the local people in the "party", which is something that the company should review. One of the things I learned was that services in some instances were clearly chosen due to status of an individual within the party, not the community. I don't believe I exaggerate. I don't really believe that environmental issues or conservation was high on the agenda.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
What I asked for was delivered...credit to the tour operators. There are things that I would have changed in hindsight, mostly to do with the timings and the agenda, and I would be happy to explain this further. We took away many great experiences and sights, and would certainly book through this operator again.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Richard, thank you ever so much for your fantastic and productive feedback - we are always looking at ways of improving our services and the experiences we offer, especially in the more regions we operate in, and your comments are invaluable in achieving this. We strive to ensure all of our trips benefit the local community as much as possible, such as working with a number of local families to host homestay experiences so that it is not just one party that benefits. We are also working closely with our local partners to raise the awareness of environmental issues across Vietnam. For example, we have chosen to no longer operate cruises to Halong Bay due to the negative impact that the mass of tourism to the area has had and instead now sail in Bai Tu Long Bay, a far quieter bay with fewer licensed boats. Nonetheless, there is always work to do and rest assured we will continue to strive for better standards so future travellers can enjoy a meaningful adventure safe in the knowledge their presence is having a positive impact. We look forward to hearing from you in the not so distant future for your next trip!
Cicely Olive review 19 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We had a tailor made itinerary for 18 nights and opted to include Hue and the Cardamom Mountains. Most memorable parts: many! Bai Tu Long Bay, the Angkor temples and in particular the jungle temples of Ta Prohm and Beng Mealea / Koh Ker.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check the weather: avoid the rainy season which varies with location ( North, Central and South Vietnam are different!). Bare in mind that travel plans (especially by road) may be affected 'post' rainy season ( extensive road repairs and much longer journey times). Lengthy journey to Cardamom Mountains due to road repairs currently in progress. Hue and the jungle temples at Beng Mealea and Koh Ker are amazing.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes: theatre and arts performances supported local communities; local markets and traders,4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent in all respects. The organisation, quality of guides and transport arrangements were outstanding. All accommodation was excellent. The personalised itinerary allowed us to achieve all our goals and more. On reflection, we may have chosen to spend more time in Hue and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) instead of the Cardamom mountains ( total journey time in November by road and boat was approx. 8/9 hours each way)Warren Gardener review 17 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Angkor temples, Bai Dinh, Hanoi water puppet show.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Research thoroughly beforehand, be prepared for heat, humidity and mosquitoes, wear long sleeved light clothing, traffic is manic in Hanoi.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definately.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing! Truly the holiday of a lifetime.Hazel Gibsons review 21 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Vespa trip and Cambodia temples2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take less clothes!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, local guides and local partners used4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentHefin Salisbury review 28 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Many things. Trip to Halong Bay, Hoi Ann, Food Crawl on a scooter in Saigon, boat trip up the Mekong, and Angkor Wat2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do reasearch on Hanoi and Saigon you are only there a full day and don’t have time to find your way about effectively. Also take a breakfast bag from the hotel when going to Angkor Wat, saves returning back to hotel for breakfast.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The Bamboo workshop showed the use of sustainable material. The vegetable farms were interesting4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very interesting, varied and good value for money.The only downside the long haul flights.Sarah Putt review 10 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing a completely different culture. Travelling to different places.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Remember passport photos for visas. Make sure rest days factored in for older travellers. Travel light.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guides were local. Places we stayed were supporting local tourism. Found the amount of rubbish and plastic waste at tourist locations upsetting. We were given lots of small water bottles as we always needed water to drink. Could the operators not use big containers for tourist to refill bottles?4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very well organised. Perhaps would have omitted Cambodia. Found the tipping process difficult - didn’t know how much to tip. Would appreciate advice on how much to tip and who expects to be tipped.Geoff Wilson review 4 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Vespa tour in Saigon! Fantastic fun.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take loads of sweets to hand out to the kids along the way!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
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