Scott Yerigan * 2 pax | Vietnam

Itinerary: Tailor made tour in Vietnam

Date: Mar 3 - Mar 25, 2013

Nationality: American

We are very happy with the service that ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA provided. Our consultant, Candy, listened to our goals and provided a comprehensive program that achieved our travel goals. In addition, Candy was very prompt, courteous, and professional in all of the replies.

We enjoyed Hanoi and North Vietnam the most because we were able to see the day-to-day routines of Vietnamese people.  Trekking near Sapa was peaceful, homestays were very interesting, Halong Bay was gorgeous, and motorbiking was fun. Quyen Vu was our favorite guide because his English was excellent, and he was very patient, happy, and professional. We also enjoyed the bicycling and boating in the Mekong Delta area.

Thanks again for arranging such a wonderful tour!

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SuSan O’Brien * 2 pax | Vietnam

Itinerary: Tailor made tour in Vietnam
Date: Jan 6 - Jan 11, 2013
Nationality: American

This was an excellent trip, all staff members were professional and friendly. They all did their jobs very very well.

SuSan O’Brien

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DAVID QUISTAD * 2 pax | Vietnam

Itinerary: Tailor made tour in Vietnam

Date: Jan 27 - Feb 14, 2012

Nationality: American

Good Morning Ms. Candy,

We are now home and remembering our wonderful visit to Vietnam and Cambodia. The experience was so large that it will take months for us to fully understand and appreciate it all. Our guides and drivers were each unique and individual in their own way. All were professional and made us feel well cared for. Excellent choices! All of your lodging choices were comforting and offered great variety. The restaurant choices for lunch and some dinners was truly a work of art. Beautiful foods, beautiful presentations, excellent service and always different in style. The tour itineraries for the most part were complete, well thought out and well presented by our guides. In all cases, the guides remained flexible to our interests and went out of their way to make our visit special. We appreciated the very active days . . . not for lazy people!  It was a very nice touch for you to remain in contact with us throughout the early parts of the trip. It establishes an elevated sense of trust between the client and agency.

Regarding recommendations, you are already doing a great job. For first time visitors like us, there is much unknown so keep trying to provide as much information as possible. Also, your major strength is the quality and thoroughness of your services. keep stressing that as well as the fact that your tours are "Tailor Made" and private . . . just you, a private guide and private driver/private boat. Individual attention is a real plus. The value in your agency is your ability to help one get the most out of their visit "worry and hassle free" at a fair price. Congratulations!

Our very best regards, David and Kathy

JIM CHOWS * 2 pax | Vietnam

Itinerary: Tailor made tour in Vietnam
Date: Oct 7 - Oct 29, 2011
Nationality: American

We all really enjoyed the trip immensely. 

The itinerary you put together for us was excellent and fantastic.  The Trek was an incredible experience - the scenery, the ethnic minority villages, the homestays, the food (the porters Tonny had were incredible cooks!!!).  

In between the Trek and the Halong Bay excursion we had more than enough time to walk through all nooks and crannies of the old quarters of Hanoi which was by itself a very enjoyable thing to do.

With regards to our assigned tour guides - Tonny for our Trekking adventure, and Hai for our Hanoi and Halong Bay tours - they were both very good.  In fact, I'd like to find out from you if you have Tonny's email address as we'd like to thank him directly as well.   I have Hai's email address and have kept in touch with him.  It's always a good sign when tourists decide to stay in touch with their guides - it says "job well done"!

I will definitely be recommending your company to people who express any interest in a trip to Vietnam. 

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NOWELL UPHAM * 2 pax | Northern | Vietnam

Itinerary: Northern Highlights
Date: Oct 16 - Oct 22, 2011
Nationality: American  

I travel a lot. As does my brother. We usually do all the planning ourselves, go somewhere adventurous, and cram a ton into what amounts to 7 days on the ground. And we always go on a budget, with an intent to book last minute land arrangements, and splurge when we see a high-end value. For our recent trip to Vietnam, we did only about half the homework we typically, do, and we left the rest, and our fate, in the hands of Miss Jessie at Active Travel Asia. All my communications with her were by email. We outlined everything we found on the Web that we were interested in, and what we thought a fair price was (based on our research) and she did all the rest. She arranged our transportation (we asked for a private car everywhere), train rides, tour guides (private again), motorbikes, sail boat, as well as our hotel stays. And get this, when we cancelled our private driver for the second to last day, she actually insisted on coming to our hotel and returning $65 in USD to me, as a credit. We spent two nights in Hanoi, two nights in Sapa, and a night in Hulong Bay. Plus a couple nights on an over night train to Sapa. In Sapa, we had a terrific guide (Hi-eep is how we pronounced it) be sure to ask them for him if you go, he's the guy you want to show you around. He young, and his english is great, and he's funny, and very attentive your every need. Enjoy.

Visited October 2011
Source: Tripadvisor

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Eric Dean McCammond * 2 pax | Mai Chau | Vietnam

Itinerary: Trekking Mai Chau 4 days
Date: Sept 12 - Sep 15, 2011
Nationality: American

Mr. Hai was wonderful. He is an entertaining, knowledgeable guide. We were constantly engaged in entertaining dialogue, exploring everything from local customs to Vietnam history and politics. I can't imagine a better English-speaking guide in Vietnam.

Thanh was unbelievable. She led us down slippery trails and through river crossings wearing only her flipflops. Each day, following the day's hike, she would cook the most amazing meals over a wood fire. She was the first one awake, greeting us each day with a delicious breakfast.

Mai Chau is unspoiled. Not once was I approached to provide change or to buy something. The people all seemed pleasantly indifferent to us. Smiles and greetings were exchanged, but I never felt any pressure common in similar tourist situations. The people of Mai Chau seemed to be proud, friendly, and respectful.

Planning the trip was easily done via email. Ms Sunny helped me up until she took leave to deliver a baby. After that, Ms Candy ensured we were taken care of.

I don't know what else I can add. It was simply wonderful!

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Janet Noll Naumer | Angkor Wat | Cambodia

Itinerary: Angkor Wat Insight Tour
Date: Jan 6 – Jan 10, 2011
Nationality: American

Mr. Rany, my tour guide, is excellent- knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Cambodia. Because of him, this has been a special, memorable visit. He went way beyond what most tour guide do. Promote him. Not only is he an excellent representative of Cambodia, but also of your company, Active Travel.

Steve * 5pax | Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Tunnel | Vietnam

Itinerary: Mekong Explorer and Half day Cu Chi Tunnel
Date: Dec 24 - Dec 28, 2010
Nationality: American

Hi Sunny!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas. Ours was very good and we enjoyed our time together in Vietnam biking together on a family trip.

We did enjoy our trip and stay in Vietnam. We thought the trip was well organized, Phuc our guide was very good and easy to work with and the driver Chong was also fine and very friendly. We enjoyed the ride in the late afternoon the best. It was on quiet roads and canals and we could see the daily life. The homestay was interesting and unique. Our guide was flexible and had nice trails to ride on.

We saw lots of nice countryside areas along the Mekong - very interesting and informative. The driver was always there as planned with some nice fruit snacks and cold water during the day.

Everything worked out well - Thanks for your help to pick good guides and drivers and organize everything.

Brent Sandweiss & Stefan | Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trails | Vietnam

Itinerary : Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trails
Date: July 29 - July 31, 2010
Nationality: USA

Our experience with Active Travel Asia was absolutely outstanding. Trang corresponded with us, via email, very professionally and timely. She went out of her way to assist us with each and every question. At great inconvenience to herself, she drove across town on very short notice to personally meet with me and setup our trip. Her English is very good. Her personality is even better. And, I feel quite fortunate to have met her online. She is a class act. As Trang was leaving, I asked her if our guide would have English as good as hers. She responed by saying yes and you will really like our guides.

Within minutes of meeting our guide, Luan, I could tell that we were going to have a terrific time. Once again, Trang was spot on!

Luan picked us up the next morning and we stopped off to pick up our motorbikes and allow Luan time to assess our skill sets. After he was confident of our motorcycle skills, we got a general briefing at an out of the way historical museum*. After a few false starts (we were riding authentic Russian made Minsk motorcycles!) we got the bikes up and running!

Luan was absolutely fantastic! Not only was his English amazing. But, his personality was even more amazing! To say that we had a trip of a lifetime is an understatement! We rode through beautiful rice paddies, limestone monoliths popping up everywhere, gorgeous mountain passes and caramel colored rivers and green and blue lakes. But, most important, it was the great good fortune of meeting warm, sincere and generous Vietnamese people everywhere we went that will remain etched on my mind for the rest of my life. The home stays were incredible. The food was amazing. A true life experience that will never be forgotten. Oh…and did I mention that Luan was amazing? !!

Prior to this trip, we spend time in Thailand & Cambodia. In each place, we worked with several guides. Many were quite nice. None came close to the professional and first class treatment offered by Luan. He was terrific in every sense. Sharp enough to keep a professional, timely tour. But, more important, very funny, down to earth, easy to understand and eager to assist us with any needs. It takes a very special person to operate as a guide 24/7 with new clients from a different culture. Luan’s ability to execute this enormous responsibility flawlessly earned our respect and gratitude. He is a true gem and it is my great pleasure and honor to write this review.

Thank you so much for orchestrating the trip of a lifetime. Before I met you, I loved Vietnam. After meeting and touring with you I love Vietnam even more. Toi Thich Vietnam!!

Sincerely,

Brent Sandweiss


*The war is a painful episode in our shared history as I think we all realize that both countries suffered greatly. For my part, I hope the Vietnamese never fight another war. They are a beautiful people with a beautiful country and they need and deserve a long lasting peace to fully develop their potential. Their willingness to embrace us (Americans) as friends says so much about their deeply ingrained sense of honor and their ability to accept and move forward.

Kristy Pitman | Cat Ba National Park & Halong Bay | Vietnam

Itinerary: Trekking Cat Ba National Park and Kayaking in Halong Bay
Date: April 21, 2010
Nationality: American

We very much enjoyed our tour with Active Travel. The only suggestions I would make for improvement to the package would be to state it was a hut for the accommodation on the beach and not include the tent option on a secluded beach in the itinerary as it isn't really what you get.

Also maybe you could consider rock climbing incorporated in the package? We saw people doing this while we kayaked and would have enjoyed the experience of this during our trip.

Regards

Rod Richardson & Victoria Crook | Sapa | Vietnam

Itinerary: Sapa Trekking & Homestay
Date: May 12 - May 15, 2010
Nationality: American

Hi Sunny,

We're dodging riots and curfews in Thailand at the moment!

We had an absolutely excellent experience on our Sapa trek and homestay; definitely the highlight of our 2-week holiday in Vietnam. The organisation was excellent, from the moment we were met in Hanoi to the moment the train departed Sapa.

The trek itself was superb and the guide was really good; very knowledgeable and friendly. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone and we hope to use your agency again when we return to Vietnam in the future.

Many thanks,

Cheryl Johnson | Ho Chi Minh Trail | Vietnam

Itinerary: Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trail
Date: May 16 - May 18, 2010
Nationality: American

Excellent!

Great Tour!

Both guide and driver very helpful, fun and knowledgeable.

Hamid Giuseppe & Maria Arjomand | Halong Bay, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh | Vietnam

Itinerary: Biking hidden paths Mai Chau & Ninh Binh and Kayaking Halong Bay 3 days
Date: April 22, 2010
Nationality: American


Dear Sunny,

Thanks for your follow-up email.

The trip was fantastic and exceeded all my expectations. I was amazed every single day by the charm and beauty of Vietnam and the warm hospitality of everyone we met.

Quinn (Quyen) was a great host and guide, and spared no effort to accommodate us in the best possible way, as well as daily providing us with interesting background information about places and history. He really knows his stuff.

Finally, thank you and the rest of your staff at Active Travel for your assistance in organizing this trip.

Best regards,
- Hamid

Leah Honicky & Andrew Troicki | Sapa | Vietnam

Itinerary: Sapa Long Trail
Date: April 26, 2010
Nationality: Australian & American

Excellent, very good food!
Homestay was very good!

Zach Johnson & Shari Therneau | Sapa | Vietnam

Itinerary: Conquer Mount Fansipan - Heaven Gate Route
Date: April 9 - April 13, 2010
Nationality: American

We had a excellent and timely service the entire tour. We definitely got a nice experience of Sapa.

The tour guide-Son and the porters did an exceptional job when my sister was sick and helping her down the mountain. It was great how the reacted in a difficult situation. Very awesome! Job well done!

Red Spider Group | Ho Chi Minh Trail | Vietnam

Itinerary: Motorbike Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam
Date: January 16 - January 30, 2010
Nationality: American & United Kingdom

The 4 USA and one British biker want to say what a great trip we had with Active Asia on our 1,857KM motorbike ride from Hanoi to Nha Trang. The trip was excellent, we saw unique things, met friendly people and it was the best experience anyone had ever had. What a great way to see the country of Vietnam and learn its history.

We want to especially thank the travel coordinator Sunny who helped us make the whole arrangements, and especially thank Kenny, Luc and Quyen our guide, drive and mechanic for the trip. We became great friends during our travels for 10 days and really enjoyed their company.

As far as the trip itself we had great bikes and problem free. They were the Honda 250's and ran great. The overnight stays were all fine, we lived rural and it was great fun roughing it. Only one hotel probably needs to be dropped from the list and that was the one in Tan Ky. But other than that all was fine on the accommodation and food side.

Feel free to check out our web site which we created for the trip which has many pix and videos. It is peterb.yolasite.com

Thanks to Active Asia for a great trip!

Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293924-d1469397-r54930432-ActiveTravel_Asia-Hanoi.html

David Paul | Mai Chau & Ninh binh | Vietnam

Itinerary: Biking Hidden Paths of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
Date: November 7, 2009 - November 10, 2009
Nationality: American

Dear Ms Julia,

Thanks for your email. Actually we are back in the United States because our biking tour was at the end of our visit.

We had a wonderful time visiting Mai Chau, Buoc Village, Ninh Binh, and Tam Coc and enjoyed the biking very much!

The driver was very safe and very good and very patient and relaxed.

Mr Quyen was an excellent guide and companion on our entire trip. He answered so many questions we had about the trip and about Vietnam, the people, the land, the customs! He always made sure we were comfortable and happy and ok! He always let us know when to expect meals, where to meet, distances we would travel, and kept us informed very nicely!
He was very patient in biking with us because we wanted to stop so many times to take photos and he encouraged this! Both my brother and I would ask for his services again if we were to return to SE Asia. He was a wonderful help, a great person, and friendly, and a nice sense of humor! Many thanks to him!!!

The homestays were very nice and the people so friendly. We enjoyed the performances at Pom Coong in the evening (that some groups had arranged), enjoyed the delicious foods, and the quietness and relaxation in the villages! We did have some difficulty sleeping, but what can you do about the barking dogs and crowing roosters! That's all just part of the experience! Delightful!

The biking length and challenge were good because Mr Quyen took us on some very nice routes...perfect distance and terrain!

Biking along the Tam Coc was very relaxing and pretty, and the rafting was very enjoyable also...just the right time and distance on the boat!

The hotel in Ninh Binh was good. We liked the set dinner and lunch in Ninh Binh and they were delicious!

And your communications throughout the entire process (and Ms Jessica also), were excellent and appreciated, thank you!

So we would give the entire experience the highest ratings! Thank you for your services.

Would you please share with me Mr Quyen's email address. I'd like to thank him again and send a few pictures to him also.

Please enjoy these pictures. Thank you again!

Best regards,
David

Cheryl Buhay | Angkor Wat | Cambodia

Itinerary: Angkor Wat Discovery
Date: September 4 - September 7, 2009
Nationality: American

Had a great time!

Thanks you for arranging all this for us. We will take away plenty of good memories. Our guide & driver are the best – punctual, polite, hospitable and flexible. They look after us well. They gave us suggestion for other activities eg traditional dance, others.
Thank you once again!

Cherry & Virtane

Rebecca Chen | The Ho Chi Minh Trail | Vietnam

Itinerary: Motorcycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail - Half Challenge
Date: March 26 - April 09, 2009
Nationality: American

Hi Sunny,

The trip was one of the best travel adventure trips I've done in my life -- and I've traveled quite a bit. The itinerary was planned perfectly to allow a balance of cultural learning, historical learning, enjoyment in riding the great roads, and allowed us to see the country in a way most would not in a bus tour. Ken was a major part of how smoothly the trip went -- I truly admire his patience, his leadership skills, and his knowledge of the country and roads. More importantly, his mechanical skills were very necessary and he was able to, on many occasions, fix the Minsks for us. I really think that Ken is a major asset to the company and hope that he is seen as such. He was able to prepare so much for us -- with the driver in Hanoi, with translating in local areas, with setting up meals, and most importantly, gauging how our feel was for the day in terms of the type of riding we wanted, the pace, and when to take a break.

The drivers of the van were really great to be around and were so delightful with their company. They added to the overall spirit of the trip. You yourself, Sunny, helped give me assurance by emailing answers promptly when I was half a world away -- something very
important when someone is in the US looking at a website and not really knowing the service that will be provided.

I really hope to go to North Vietnam with ATV again in future. Both Ruch and I truly enjoyed our trip. Please also ensure that Ken is given the due praise for his services. He was a true asset to the trip.

Thanks so much for all your help. Let me know if you have any more questions. If I plan another Vietnam trip in future, I'll be sure to contact you.

Many thanks,
Rebecca

Sarah Withcomb | Mekong Delta & Cu Chi tunnel | Vietnam

Itinerary: Biking Mekong 3 days and half day Cu Chi Tunnel
Date: March 23 2009
Nationality: American

Hi Sunny,

"We had a wonderful family vacation thanks to Active Travel Vietnam! Despite our different ages and interests, it was an unforgettable trip for all of us... my brother, my mom and me. Thank you for working out all the details and allowing us to make such special travel memories together. We will never forget our home stay on the Mekong Delta or the beautiful bike trails or the kindness and generosity of our guide Loc. We loved every minute of our adventure!"

Sarah