Vietnam was an amazing and varied place and Explores itinerary managed to pack in a huge variety of scenery, activities and education including places and people I wouldn't have managed to find alone. Long's leadership was brilliant keeping the teenagers engaged and encouraged to try new experiences and food.
An excellent fortnight exploring Vietnam by foot and bike.
The cycling was relatively easy and relaxed (even the chaotic bits in the cities) and Binh our guide was very safety aware and led our routes well taking time to stop and explain the views and attractions along the way.
The hotels were mostly good (one was a bit lower standard but even that was fine) and the food available varied and tasty.
The itinerary was varied and covered all the key features and was flexible enough to accommodate the wishes of the group.
The included food lunches or dinners were all excellent.
We did the optional extras and the cookery class in Han Oi was superb.
We had 2 weeks of splendid weather - one day of rain which meant that the itinerary that day was changed to a walk from a ride - we would have preferred to have cycled but safety awareness prevented this.
Some small tweaks to the itinerary could improve things for us but overall the itinerary was both well planned and varied.
We were a small group and we had an excellent time with our fellow travellers and Binh.
It was a great trip with fantastic game viewing and knowledgeable guides. The accommodation was unique & comfortable, but Rhino lodge at Kosi bay was the poorest -the rooms etc were lovely but there was a decidedly run down aspect to the site and the dinning room service was notable lacking -2-3hr wait after ordering but the food when it came was fine -very understaffed and pushed, not helped by sharing facilities with an inebriated wedding group. Wernan the guide was competent, knowledgeable and did all he could to facilitate the experience -including re driving thro the mountains so we could see Gods Window etc as our first journey was thro thick fog etc with no visibility. Great trip, especially for the kids.
What an amazing trip, couldnt fault a thing! From start to finish, it was organised so well and our tour guide was so knowledgeable. A gentle introduction to Brazilian life on the beautiful island of Marajo with its golden beaches and buffalo was a great idea.
The public ferry was pretty basic but gave a glimpse of river life, relaxing on a hammock as we sailed up the Amazon. Yes, the food was plain and a bit repetitive but it was freshly cooked, tasty and plenty of it.
Santarem was a delight, just like a seaside resort. The jungle hike there was a bit tough (but so worth it!) with a local guide showing us all the ways the plants and trees are used by the local people, and a swim in a cool stream was most welcome.
The private boat trip was fabulous; sleeping on deck listening to the sounds of the night-time jungle, canoe rides to see the wildlife, fishing for piranha and another hike were exciting. The food on the boat was superb!
TV programmes on the Amazon just don't cover the scale and magnificence of the river and jungle so if you're looking for adventure, maybe a little outside your comfort zone, then go for it. For me, this was the trip of a lifetime!
Doni was an excellent tour guide and is very knowledgeable about the areas we visited.
We were only a small group and through his leadership we immediately felt like a family.
The only feedback I would like to leave is that it should be included that participants in this tour will be expected to walk 12000 steps on a daily basis, and not always on flat ground. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip but may have reconsidered it due to my health issues.
Ines, Fatima and Koffi tried really hard under very difficult circumstances to make this trip a success. Very fulfilling trip with many interesting sites and experiences. I highly recommend it.
Explore have exceptional guides and exceptional itineraries. You really get to see and explore a country in a safe and sustainable way. With lots of smiles and memories to last a lifetime. We will definitely be travelling with Explore again!
Great tour itinerary with 2 x night accommodation at quality, well-located, hotels. Daily schedules included stops at highlights both en-route or at designated city stopovers, as well as sufficient “at leisure” time to explore independently. Our excellent Tour Director, provided insightful knowledge of destinations and recommendations throughout the tour. The coach transport was first-class as was our Driver. Availability of the on-board Wi-Fi and electronic device re-charging was particularly convenient. The Local Guides were engaging and professional.
Ive just finished the 13 day tour in Thailand with the wonderful team leader Molly!! This trip has honestly been the best thing I have done in life, its been absolutely amazing!! each day was truly jaw dropping, we done some absolutely amazing things! Molly has been such a pleasure to have as a team leader, she is so nice and makes you feel so relaxed from the minute you get off the plane until you get back on! Im already planning another trip with Intro cannot wait to go back! Would recommend anyone of any age! Suitable for all! ˜˜
