Vietnam Active and outdoor Trips

This is my third trip with Explore, I like the use of local guides and opportunities to visit places off the beaten track. I was a little sad that there was little flexibility when I had a problem just before the trip started, hence the 4 stars, but all's well that ends well. On the whole this tour exceeded expectations, the carefully chosen itinerary meant we avoided overcrowding in places like Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. We were a bit disappointed that we couldn't visit My Lai, putting this down to the small size of our group. Perhaps this needs removing from the options if it can't be offered. Our local guide, Long, was excellent and took good care of us. His extensive knowledge really helped us understand the many facets of Vietnam. We particularly enjoyed opportunities to see daily life, local markets and a local coconut factory. We didn't just bring home photographs, we brought home many happy memories.

Theo, our guide, was excellent. We were the only family on the trip and Theo struck a tricky balance between being there and helpful without it feeling like it was too intense. He had really interesting things to talk to us about on each longer bus journey, helping us to understand Vietnam in much more depth, and he took account of the kids and their needs if it was too hot and they were flagging! The itinerary was excellent, we particularly enjoyed the stay in Mai Chau which was a gorgeous hotel and some beautiful cycle rides and a walk with a great guide. One of the hotels was disappointing, but overall the accomodation was decent.

Nearly everything was generally good or very good. The time spent in the Mekong was probably the best, near fabulous in fact, but so was the time going round the Museum about the American war in Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh City, although I wish we had had a bit more time, and also the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi was good. I was disappointed we did not have time to go down through the trap door into the cellar of the house in Saigon from where the Tet Offensive was launched in 1968. But the main disappointment was that we did not get to see My Lai, because it was too far away, although it was billed as an option on the original tour notes. So that was disappointing for me, and I know that at least one other person on the tour felt the same. When I first started going with Explore, I seem to remember the trips being slightly longer - about 15 days plus air travel time. So just over two weeks. Now the actual trips seem to be 13 days, just under two weeks. Maybe that explains it. Anyway it was still a good trip, and the amount of time going round endless temples was not excessive. The accommodation was generally good as was the food. Vietnam airlines which you booked for me was also good, with I think better food than western airlines. Our guide Joseph was at nearly all times helpful and courteous and I would be happy to have him again if I ever went back to Vietnam.

An amazing tour of North, Central and South Vietnam. We had an excellent tour leader, Tam, who introduced us to this wonderful country. Very comfortable hotels throughout the tour and a beautiful homestay in the Mekong Delta. Wonderful local food and drink - every meal was delicious esp the egg coffee! Multiple modes of transport throughout the tour (including rickshaw, ferry, cable car, sleeper train, various boats, and bicycles) and varied excursions (including the Water Puppet Theatre, Acrobat Show at Saigon Opera House and a foody tour on a Vintage Vespa) all added to the adventure. What a fantastic trip, thank you Explore and Tam!

We had a good trip . Our guide was attentive and sensitive to our needs adjusting the program to our needs. We even got an extra helping prepare and cook our evening meal at Ben Tre homestay An early visit the Cu Chi tunnels meant we missed the cross. Hoi An we found very crowded and touristy. We would suggest the guide advises people who want to see it empty to get out at 7 am before breakfast Our guide fat the Mekong delta was great fun and had excellent English. Sometimes it would have helped to be told some options for Ho Chi Minh City. We saw an excellent Vietnamese show there called AO at the opera house. All in all we much enjoyed our tour and would use Explore again and recommend it to others.

I have already provided feedback. It was all excellent and mostly thanks to our guide Hoan! A small group, a very good balance of activities and excellent suggestions for our spare time. Our guide was knowledgeable, approachable and very obliging! highly recommended trip!