6 independent reviews for Vietnam family vacation
Reviews for Vietnam family vacation
Kay Wan review 24 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It is hard to say as all of our Vietnam vacation was so fantastic and special! The scenery and nature in all locations was stunning. The rowing boat tour in Trang An in Ninh Binh was a particularly exciting and spectacular experience! Ninh Binh is a beautiful place to cycle around in and the uphill hike up Hang Mua was very rewarding, like the Great Wall of Vietnam! The caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park were breathtaking and my 8yo daughter’s favourite. She loved the adventure of exploring the dark cave (and mud bath) and the water playground with zip lines etc. We only had 2 days there but you can take the 4 day trek if you are a fan of caving. We think Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a lovely alternative to Sapa. It was a peaceful place and not touristy. The Pu Luong retreat is a very special place with its infinity pool and lovely restaurant. It was hot and hard hiking in the rice terraces but beautiful views. The overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi was exciting and it was interesting to look out the trains window as we were leaving the city!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you’re going to Phong Nha and wanting to take the main zip line to the dark cave, be aware that the minimum weight is 30kg. My daughter was disappointed to miss out on this because she was too light but there were smaller zip lines she went on. We originally had 2 nights booked on the Paloma cruise on Halong Bay but because of stormy weather, we had to change to 1 night. This was enough and we still got to visit a beach, go sea kayaking and take a boat trip to see a fishing village. We actually think 2 nights might even be too long on the cruise, although the cruise itself is great and we enjoyed the food and service. You need to tip the local people who help you, so it’s a good idea to plan roughly how much to tip. We brought too much Vietnamese dong in the end as we didn’t factor in how much cheaper it would be and many of our meals were provided anyway. You can get a bowl of pho for £2. In Hoi An you may want to get an outfit made. I recommend a little place called Life, 313 Nguyen Duy Hieu - Hoi An. They made me a beautiful jumpsuit in less than a day for $28, much cheaper than the main shop everyone seems to go to called Bebe.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We always tipped our guides, drivers, porters and rowers. We were glad to stay in homestays rather than hotels as this was more directly beneficial to local people and we also enjoyed talking to homestay staff who were very hospitable. The homestays were very comfortable and clean.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! The company did a great job in organising a wonderful itinerary which allowed us a perfect balance of active adventure, nature and city highlights. They were responsive and helpful from the start and we highly recommend them for family vacations. The local tour guides were excellent! They were very helpful, informative and friendly and we didn’t have to worry about anything during the trip as we felt in safe hands! We particularly enjoyed having the lovely and excellent Tuan with us for the first 8 days of our trip. He swiftly dealt with the unexpected change in our itinerary (due to the storm) and things worked out even better for us in the end with an extra day being active in Ninh Binh.Pritham Tanno review 8 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The cruise on Ha Long Bay was a great family activity for everyone.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for loud parties if you plan on booking over the New Year. Also, it was much colder than we had anticipated.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I only felt that one activity (the biking the backstreets and spring roll lesson)directly benefited local people. The other activities were quite touristy and almost like Disneyland.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We all enjoyed the safe and comfort of having a private tour. It was very well managed.Caroline Wilkinson review 6 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Immersing ourselves in the local culture and markets. Meeting local families and learning about their traditions.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the humidity and wear loose clothing - this is the summer months. Do not worry about mosquitoes. Embrace the culture and the local food.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our vacation did benefit local people. Tourism is very important to the nation and Manh people are employed in the industry. They also depend on tips. Local families working as host families for cooking sessions for example also benefit. Their economy is now growing as a result of tourism. We travelled with a local tour operator who employ many people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was an exciting adventure for all the family. We saw a lot of the country in one trip but be prepared for a lot of traveling. The trip was varied and kept us interested; this is important when meeting the needs of different family members. It is a culturally diverse trip and educational at the same time. Had we more time we would have liked to have visited Sa Pa in the far North of Vietnam. The reason I have given 4 stars and not 5 is because we were slightly disappointed that we could not do swimming whilst in Halong Bay and would have liked more swimming opportunities.Muriel Jerome review 20 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was memorable. We very much enjoyed the food tour in Hanoi, the bike rides, the cruise on Halong Bay and the home stay in the natural reserve of Pu Luong.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are hesitating to go to Vietnam for a family vacation, don't! It is an amazing country. We have been very well looked after from the moment we contacted the travel agency. The guides in the country were very friendly and knowledgeable and always adapted to the needs of our family.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. All our guides and drivers were locals. We spent 3 days in a homestay which benefited the local family. The company chosen for the cruise was environmentally friendly and is following a programme to clean the bay.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an amazing vacation. I want to start it all again.Sarah Marsh review 30 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was amazing from beginning to end. Our tour operator were superb.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes boat trip in Halong Bay did its to help local environment and all our visits benefitted local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent we are really inspired to do another tripAngela Reid review 11 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in the hills in North Vetnam, really connected with the people off the tourist trails. Stunning.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for simple accommodation and reasonably hard walking. Although not very long walks, about 15km in a day it can get quite hot and hilly. Wish I was fitter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, staying with families and local businesses is very important to the development of the tourist industry. Always ate in small restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very highly, well planned, great guides and the logistics were perfect.Holiday Reviews
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