Ladies,
First of all, we would like to renew our thanks for your welcome on our arrival in Hanoi, your availability, your attention and your details.
The whole group wanted to share with you their satisfaction with the organization of the circuit, and the quality of the services and share with you more detailed assessments.
The paths
Well balanced and in line with our wishes
The vehicle
Comfortable and always very clean, THANK YOU PHUC.
Not always adapted to the state of the roads: did not allow to go to the Hmong village, planned in the program (mud areas on the road)
Consider repairing vehicle ceiling vents
Volume was suitable for 6 people and their “numerous” pieces of luggage.
An armrest at the end of each bench seat or grab handles would have allowed us to hold on better during winding journeys.
Suggestion for your next vehicles: have higher bay windows in order to better and more easily appreciate the landscapes.
The chauffeur
Much appreciated by all of us.
His driving has always been smooth, precise and reassuring in Vietnamese traffic which is very surprising and disconcerting for Europeans. Cheer
Always smiling, available, caring, considerate and attentive.
Despite his lack of knowledge of the French language, PHUC has always made the effort to communicate with all of us and very often with a lot of humour.
You have a quality staff that continually seeks to improve and learn. We really enjoyed it.
The guide
Also very smiling, responsive to our requests but too passive and relaxed…
We were able to see that over the course of the trip he made less and less effort at pronunciation in French.
Overall, we had very few explanations, little or no details on the ancient and contemporary history of your country, the ethnic groups, their ways of life, their traditions and on the daily life of the Vietnamese.
The answers to our questions were often not precise enough. On the whole, quite a few proposals from him.
Fortunately, we had a guide (book) and Michel (of Vietnamese origin) who was of great help to us during walks and in restaurants. (you should make it work)
We can regret this little participation of the guide.
On the other hand, he was always attentive and careful to adapt the walks according to the physical limits of each of us and tried, for the planned meals, to guarantee a vegetarian menu for Jean Claude.
We believe that Than was more of a “guide-translator” than a “guide”.
But that did not call into question the quality of the trip, the response to our expectations and our satisfaction.
Compliance with the program
In accordance with the announced program apart from the impossibility of accessing the Hmong village, THAN was able to organize a walk for us with the discovery of a traditional Hmong house.
Also, visit a farmer who distils corn with tasting…strong…
Sometimes the departure times were not very suitable.
Halong Bay Cruise
The site is still extraordinary and beautiful. In addition, we benefited from splendid weather.
But in 20 years Halong Bay has lost its authenticity and its charm. Disappeared or almost, the population on the water and the multitude of small boats, replaced by hotel boats for tourists. Good for business…
Slightly disappointing cruise
Boarding at 1 p.m., return the next day at 12 p.m.
Certainly on 2 days with one night, but not a 2 day cruise.
Navigation of 2h1/2 in all…too short
Stop at the beginning of the afternoon in a sheltered area for the night, but in the shade, so not the possibility of taking advantage of the upper deck. Too bad.
Ask the Swam company to stow the “tender” at the back of the boat and not on the side along a room (n°105) because it knocked all night on the hull.
Visit of the cave: no explanation from the guide
We think a day’s walk was sufficient.
Suggestions: integrate or offer tourists the discovery of the very beautiful “Vietnam Women’s Museum” in Hanoi
In summary
A superb stay. Everything was there.
Beautiful warm weather… but not too much
Little or no rain
A Halong Bay under the sun, congratulations to Horizon Travel
A country always so endearing, with a warm, smiling population that is never harassing.
Overall a good choice of hotels and an excellent choice of homestays.
A special mention for the Calypso hotel in Hanoi… room, breakfast, staff, PERFECT.
Thank you again for these moments of escape, and the good and beautiful growth of your company.
Keep your concerns about the quality of services and your listening to travellers.
We appreciate that.
We will talk about you.
Mylène and Claude CAMOU
Isabelle and Jean-Claude JULIENNE
Christiane and Michel KA
