Vietnam Shopping and Markets Trips

A full on 2week trip taking in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, HCM City (Saigon), Pnomh Penh and Siem Riep. Travel is mostly by minibus which was fine mostly. An overnight 16 hr train trip from Hanoi to Da Nang was not great-very uncomfortable bed and noisy. Very little sleep. Second train journey from Da Nang to Saigon has been replaced in the itinerary with a flight which was much better. Accommodation was very good mostly and in a couple of places, excellent. Our tour guide, Quang, was outstanding combining knowledge with humour and great attention to detail. Overall, a brilliant trip which would certainly recommend to others.

Our Guide, Quang, was amazing. He was knowledgeable, kind, with a great sense of humour. He took us to some great restaurants, often arranging for a set menu where we could taste a range of local foods, which were delicious. We were lucky with the weather, only being out in the rain once, but Hoi An was badly flooded 2 weeks before we got there, and inundated again a few days after we left. What resilient people! They just clean up and carry on. Hoi An was beautiful, and I enjoyed a lantern making class with my travel buddy. The overnight train ride was an experience. I didn't get much sleep, and the bunks are narrow and hard. Learning about the difficult history of both countries is sobering, but I felt it important to delve into this, to better appreciate how far both countries have developed. Go to visit the Hero Rats at Apopo in Siem Reap if you have time! The trip notes are pretty accurate, so read them carefully to ensure the trip is to your taste.

What a wonderful trip. Our tour leader Jackie was absolutely brilliant. He was knowledgeable, well organised and took care of us all so well. Jackie was good humoured and solved anything that came up. The itinerary was full on, but we loved that . The accommodation was mixed some good , some brilliant, the hotel in Ho Chi Minh was a bit ropey. Loved it thanks Jackie

The highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia trip was excellent. It was a very well balanced itinerary and our tour leader Doan ensured we were able to make the most of our time in both countries. It was nice to stay on Halong Bay overnight to see the landscape in a quieter and more peaceful time as it felt quite touristy during the day. It also allowed us to witness the fabulous sunset and sunrise across the bay. The overnight train from Hanoi to Danang was an excellent experience and the train was very clean and comfortable (I slept like a baby, which was unexpected!) Hoi An was my favourite place, not only is it beautiful but also the cooking course and lantern making workshop at not to be missed! Cambodia was also fabulous. It is a beautiful country and provided an interesting contrast to Vietnam. Phom Penh allowed us to delve into the horrendous genocide in Cambodia’s recent history, providing us with a deeper understanding of the pain felt by all Cambodians. Angkor Wat and the other temple complexes in Siem Reap were absolutely breathtaking. Overall a fabulous trip which I would highly recommend it as it is so well balanced between history, nature and time truly understanding the local cultures. (Also the food is incredible!)

A fantastic trip in every way! The itinerary is interesting and varied with a good mixture of optional activities on offer. The guide was superb - knowledgeable, interesting, efficient and entertaining. The accommodation was excellent throughout, some hotels were outstanding, especially in Cambodia. We thoroughly recommend this trip!

As always Explore delivered with this trip. The choice of guides ( especially Doan) was exceptional . His humour, care of guests , knowledge, choice of additional excursions and places to dine and enthusiasm made the trip the best it could possibly be . The itinerary was planned perfectly to include a taste of everything in each place we visited. The days we had longer to travel by coach were split by excursions en route to our next destination which made even the travelling a joy . The group size ( as always ) allowed us to share our experiences with like minded individuals whilst also allowing us to bond. The accommodation was basic and comfortable as described but the customer service in each place was excellent . My favourite accommodation was La Rosa Suites in Cambodia , their ethos and attention to detail married perfectly with Explores Values and my own. Our final hotel in Cambodia ( Hari Residence) was in need of TLC with tiles coming off in th pool but again the customer service was very good. I loved that you had changed our second train journey to a flight as this meant extra time in Saigon ( this allowed me to see my family for longer which was an added bonus). I have travelled with Explore on many occasions and recommend you to everyone who will listen . I will continue to do so as in my opinion you are THE BEST adventure travel company and I look forward to planning my next adventure with you. Thank you Jan Na Colin Blakey