Vietnam Explorer

Well paced trip that covers highlights of Vietnam. Even time spent on buses to cover the large distances was entertaining, viewing lovely countryside and people going about their lives. Trip doesn't just do the big city tourist attractions but gets you out into the highlands to see more rural life.

This was a packed agenda that perhaps could do with some pruning. Some travel days to the highlands for example were long and mistimed so we spent very little time at the tented camp in daylight which was a pity as it was excellent. We loved Halong Bay and Mekong river trips, Hue was a highlight, Kon Tum decidedly less so. Overall great, I felt like we really saw Vietnam.

Loved the holiday, the leader was a bit intransigent at first but soon realised that it was our holiday and then quickly adapted. Some of the fellow travellers were difficult and, at times, impossible. The extras, arranged by our guide, were superb (lantern making, traditional fishing etc). I would recommend less time on travelling through the Central highlands (far too many long drives) and more time (extra days?) at Lak tented camp. Overall, brilliant especially all the boat elements: Halong bay, dugout canoes, Mekong delta. Hoa, the leader coped extremely well with some extremely difficult fellow guests and managed to make the holiday special despite some of the other guests.

This Adventure does Need to be ReViewed & Improved, as We All agreed onda Trip, that itinerary needs to be reviewed, the Eco Lodge being only 1 night, when We would ALL have like 3 ...to put da ££ to local people & not corporate hotels. Essentially miss out Hue & fly IF Viable or Train. To Eco Lodge, twas 2 days travel & same with da Homestay on Mekong, 2 Nights & ££ goes to local people. Twas fab to view dynamic scenery & Guide did his Best to accommodate cuisine dynamics. Oh, Halong Bay!¡ .Stunning, We All would have appreciated another 2 nights. That definitely started da adventure off wiv A Bang🤩