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Private Tours in Vietnam and Bangkok


djandbj
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  • 1 month later...

i am so sorry to everyone who wanted Tommy's details- for some reason I was not receiving notifications and I was away for a little while

 

so, here is his email address:

 

tommyxuanha@gmail.com

 

he also has a lovely facebook page for any of you who'd like to take a look at him- you can see some lovely photos with people he has taken on tours :

 

https://www.facebook.com/tommyxuan.dao?fref=ts

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my info about Bangkok would be a bit outdated

 

we used www.tourwithtong.com

 

she was very professional and very sweet and we did a fabulous day's tour to River Kwai, the Tiger Temple and a gorgeous temple/pagoda and the Floating Market

(actually my avatar is of me with a tiger at the Tiger Temple from our tour)ut,

 

If you can do a visit to the Tiger Temple, it is an incredible experience, but, depending on how long you are in Bangkok, probably best to take a tour to all the big temples (they are magnificent) and a tour to the floating market is always fun.

 

The last time we went to Bangkok we stayed at the Mariott Riverside Resort and Spa and it was gorgeous.

 

 

If you are stopping off in Pattaya, we went to the Elephant Sanctuary- that was another amazing day

but there are lots and lots of new hotels available now.

Edited by raringtogo
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I am in two minds whether to have injections or not because here it is a lot of bother. We have to go nearly 100 miles to see a specialist and apparently he gives us a prescription for our G.P.:confused: Anyone any idea whether we really need them or not?

 

Di

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  • 4 weeks later...

I went to Saigon in June 2012 on Voyager of the Seas and used the guide which has glowing reviews mentioned the most times on this thread "Z---" and unfortunately I had a very different experience.

Please read my post here, before booking him:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=36220737#post36220737

 

I am just back from my third similar segment on the QM2 today and would like to highly recommend "Vietravel"

I asked a friend who is a ex-Vietnamese from HCM and owns a inbound travel agency for Vietnamese to Singapore to recommend a guide. She put me in touch with Vietravel, which is supposed to be the largest tour agency in Vietnam.

We corresponded with Sheila (very prompt and very good English) and were assigned a guide called Dang.

What a change 1 syllable made! There was no self-absorption and self-promotion and no pressure to take us to the lacquer factory to shop. It wasn't even mentioned! The tour was exactly as we requested.

 

Here is an excerpt from the email I just sent to them:

"We have just returned from our cruise today and I would like to write to thank you for your generosity and the very excellent tour we received on 5 April 2014.

 

While we were just exiting the ship, there was an Australian lady who had been stranded as her friends were sick and their tour was cancelled. She had no idea how to get to Saigon and she requested to come with us. I was afraid to further impose on your hospitality and so I said that I would have to check with the guide first. Your guide Mr Dang was very gracious to allow her to come along on the trip even at this last minute.

 

We were very pleased with the quality of the tour received and the flexibility of Mr Dang who went along with a last minute request to change the FITO museum tour to the Ho Chi Minh City museum instead. He spoke English excellently and was informative and helpful. He showed us around the War Remnants museum prison area and told us how to view the exhibits indoors. He also took us through the city museum stopping to show us the major exhibits. He also shared many personal stories with us in a humble manner and gave us many insights into the Vietnamese culture and people which I had not received from other guides on previous trips to Vietnam.

We enjoyed our day very much.

 

We would also like to add a word of commendation for the driver. Although some roads were rough and the traffic was messy, he drove in a very safe manner and got us back to the ship with plenty of time to spare.

 

Myself, my husband, Mr and Mrs Lee and Jackie (the Australian last minute addition) would very much like to thank you for the gracious hospitality that we have received.

"

 

We had 1 hour each at the 2 museums we requested (quite enough as he showed us the highlights), a multi-course Vietnamese lunch (with all the representative Vietnamese foods, [including much better pho than the one we had in Pho 2000, which was noisy, cluttered and dirty]) in a private room at a beautiful serene restaurant, with 2 waiters dedicated to us. We were also allowed plenty of time to shop in Ben Than market as we requested rather than having our requests blatantly ignored as "Z---" had done.

And beat this - despite the last minute addition who also ate lunch, there was NO extra charge!

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Just returned from VOS and can reccommend some day trips for you..

Thailand we (group of 8) did the overnight to River Kwai with Bangkok Day Tours, great alternative to doing the usual Bangkok, Pattaya etc.

"Green" our guide was superb her englich excellent..included was accommodation and all meals which was all perfect and elephant ride and tiger temple also the floating market, gave us a great insight into the Thai people and how they live.

In Vietnam we used Loc from Tours by Locals, he was there waiting at the gate of the port, this is not the issue made out by some to be either, quick flat 5 mins walk at the most.

He took us to Long Tan and Nui Dat and the Australian sponsored Kindergarten then we had a good look around Vung Tau, another great alternative to Saigon in one day.

Docking in Singapore at the end we used Phil from Tours by Locals and we (group of 8 still) arranged for him to collect us and all luggage and take us on a four hour tour of Singapore and then drop us off at the Hotel.

This worked perfectly for us and we saw most of the main attractions of Singapore and worked out which we wanted to go back to over our next few days.

Whilst the ships promote there own tours sometimes they do not offer what you are looking for and these are some alternatives, we were never made to feel by the ship that because we had not booked through them we had to get off last etc either and the staff were all really interested in what we did on shore.

Just a bit of homework and research and you can do some amazing things in Asia....

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We have been looking at hotels in Bangkok and quite like the Chatrium Hotel. It has very good reviews on Trip Advisor. Has anyone stayed there and knows what it's like, ie. is it fairly close to tourist places?

Di

 

We just stayed there about 2 weeks ago. It is in a safe area - i.e. the riverside area is not in protest zones. Not as central as some riverside hotels but the hotel has a free ferry service to the main ferry / transit point (Sathorn / Central Pier). Easy enough to get anywhere along the river or elsewhere from there.

http://gothailand.about.com/od/transportationflights/p/Guide-To-Bangkok-Boats.htm

You can't really walk anywhere from there but taxis, tuktuks and ferries are cheap.

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We are using Tong in Bangkok, Zoom in Saigon and Mrs Ha (Vietland Tours) in Da Nang and Hanoi. They have come highly recommended. If you look on the Asia Forum, you will see information about them and how to contact them. We are on the March 7 Pride from Bangkok to Hong Kong.

I have followed your advice since 2011, using Zoom for Saigon several times. From the many number of his requests Zoom used affiliate guides and therefore, came a matter. In short, once you men want to book Zoom's tours be sure Zoom will be your guide. He will never lose your trust but one of his affiliates might. I had many good memories but one not good about his affiliate guides. I then asked him to change and the change is his guiding service is to be clear at the first mail. The possibility of joining with some other people will be discussed.

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  • 3 months later...
knowing Vietnam so well now, as I go there every year during our winter- I understand how important it is to have a really well-recommended contact. It is not worth the aggravation if using an unknown and it all goes pear-shaped, ruining what should be an amazing experience in a truly amazing country with wonderful people.

 

with regard to HCMC - we used (and continue to use) SASCO or SATCO (two difference transport companies. I think both of these can pick you up from the port. as an alternative I would like to highly recommend a lovely young man called LOC for Saigon (or HCMC) - another honest and reliable young man who will arrange a wonderful tour of HCMC from a cruise ship. If anyone is interested in LOC'S details- please reply back here and I will post his details.

 

Hi - could you send LOC's details to me at kevinatcorriganmaildotcom (replacing the at & dot) please

We are in Vietnam in November on Celebrity Miillenium

 

Regards

 

Kevin

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i am so sorry to everyone who wanted Tommy's details- for some reason I was not receiving notifications and I was away for a little while

 

so, here is his email address:

 

tommyxuanha@gmail.com

 

he also has a lovely facebook page for any of you who'd like to take a look at him- you can see some lovely photos with people he has taken on tours :

 

https://www.facebook.com/tommyxuan.dao?fref=ts

 

Hello Raringtogo,

We have already booked a tour with Tommy for Jan 2015. Thank you for sharing your knowledge as he seems like a very nice man. Can't wait to meet him.

 

Now we are wondering if you could help us with our pre-cruise trip. We will be flying to Bangkok from Canada and discovered the city on our own for about 4 days. Then we will fly to Siem Reap, then HCMC. We want to visit CU Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta. We are only 2 persons. Do you know of a good tour company to deal with? We would like to join a small group as the prices will be more affordable...

 

Finally, we are planning to just get a taxi with a/c in Siem Reap. Do you know of anybody that could provide this service?

 

Thank you for your help.

Cashmeremypuppydog

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hi cashmerepuppy

 

I can give you a few tips about HCMC as I am there every year.

 

how many days will you be there? do you need recommendations for a hotel or have you chosen already?

 

wih regards to the Cu Chi Tunnels - it's also good to add the Cao Dai Temples as they are colourful and so interesting. this would be a one day tour with the two places combined.

 

As you will be in HCMC- if you wanted to book a group tour, you can book those up everywhere- but they are larger groups in a small bus or van. these tours are very cheap.

I don't think they offer small groups but i'll be in hcmc in a few days time, on my way home, and i'm happy to ask for you.

 

You'd probably have two choices...either join a large public group, or book a car and driver and do your own tours. these can be fairly expensive.

 

If you want a private tour with your own car and driver I can give you a recommendation of how to book that- let me know.

 

About the Mekong...are you thinking about one day (separate from Cu Chi?)

 

once you answer these questions, I will get back to you with the answers.

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hi cashmerepuppy

 

I can give you a few tips about HCMC as I am there every year.

 

how many days will you be there? 3 nights. 2 full days ( I am not counting the days we arrive and leave) and do you need recommendations for a hotel or have you chosen already? We are staying at Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel. Well rated on booking dot com and I think with a good location. What do you think?

wih regards to the Cu Chi Tunnels - it's also good to add the Cao Dai Temples as they are colourful and so interesting. this would be a one day tour with the two places combined. Thank you for the info.

As you will be in HCMC- if you wanted to book a group tour, you can book those up everywhere- but they are larger groups in a small bus or van. these tours are very cheap.

I don't think they offer small groups but i'll be in hcmc in a few days time, on my way home, and i'm happy to ask for you.

 

You'd probably have two choices...either join a large public group, or book a car and driver and do your own tours. these can be fairly expensive.

 

If you want a private tour with your own car and driver I can give you a recommendation of how to book that- let me know. No I believe going with a big group will be sufficient as it will be only for 2 tours (and it will be fun to meet people): one day for Cu Chi Tunnels/Cao Dai Temples and one day for Mekong Delta

About the Mekong...are you thinking about one day (separate from Cu Chi?) Yes. I believe that we should pick a tour company that deliver long tours. I could be wrong but I think we should pick a tour that is as long as possible. At least 12 hour tour as I believe the drive itself is 2 hours each way... We might never come back so we want to see as much as possible... What do you think? Is there specific places I should make sure the tour cover?

once you answer these questions, I will get back to you with the answers.

 

THANK YOU so much for answering our above questions. You are really a great CC member!

Cashmeremypuppydog :D

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how many days will you be there? 3 nights. 2 full days ( I am not counting the days we arrive and leave) and do you need recommendations for a hotel or have you chosen already? We are staying at Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel. Well rated on booking dot com and I think with a good location. What do you think? well, it is in the ‘back-packers’ location- I have stayed in that location one time and it’s not my most favourite neighbourhood but it is very popular.

what is your age group? and how much per night are you paying for Beautiful Saigon 3? have you booked and pre-paid?

wih regards to the Cu Chi Tunnels - it's also good to add the Cao Dai Temples as they are colourful and so interesting. this would be a one day tour with the two places combined. Thank you for the info.

As you will be in HCMC- if you wanted to book a group tour, you can book those up everywhere- but they are larger groups in a small bus or van. these tours are very cheap.

I don't think they offer small groups but i'll be in hcmc in a few days time, on my way home, and i'm happy to ask for you.

 

You'd probably have two choices...either join a large public group, or book a car and driver and do your own tours. these can be fairly expensive.

 

If you want a private tour with your own car and driver I can give you a recommendation of how to book that- let me know. No I believe going with a big group will be sufficient as it will be only for 2 tours (and it will be fun to meet people): one day for Cu Chi Tunnels/Cao Dai Temples and one day for Mekong Delta then that will be really simple for you to book on your arrival- you can either go to one of the many travel agencies in the street, or more preferable is to book at the desk of your hotel- they will be able to show you what’s available.

but, here is an example of a day tour to these places:

http://vietnamdiscovery.com/day-trip-to-cu-chi-tunnels-and-cao-dai-temple-7

About the Mekong...are you thinking about one day (separate from Cu Chi?) Yes. I believe that we should pick a tour company that deliver long tours. I could be wrong but I think we should pick a tour that is as long as possible. At least 12 hour tour as I believe the drive itself is 2 hours each way... We might never come back so we want to see as much as possible... What do you think? Is there specific places I should make sure the tour cover? once you answer these questions, I will get back to you with the answers.

please check out this page for example- I believe Viator do have good tours and these look interesting and quite good prices http://www.viator.com/Ho-Chi-Minh-City-attractions/Mekong-River-Delta-tours-tickets/d352-a1691?pref=02&aid=g1359

this one looks really interesting to me and is a full day tour: http://www.viator.com/tours/Ho-Chi-Minh-City/Private-Tour-Mekong-River-Cruise-Tour-from-Ho-Chi-Minh-City/d352-2514SGN_

 

THANK YOU so much for answering our above questions. You are really a great CC member! you are very welcome.

by the way- every evening at 7pm at Ben Thanh Market- on the streets around the market they set up a night market where they barbequed Red Snapper Fish and all food restaurants- it’s great atmosphere, delicious food and lots and lots of fun.

if you are back in time for dinner- another really beautiful traditional restaurant in hcmc is called HOA TUC : http://hoatuc.com/

THE BEST EVER THING WE’VE EVER EVER DONE IN HCMC – the XO FOODIE TOUR - http://xotours.vn/ check it out...

I’m not sure if you’d have time to do this, but it is AMAZING.

 

Cashmeremypuppydog :D

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Hello Raringtogo,

Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel is only US$108 for the 3 nights (breakfast included). It's rated 8.6/10 on booking dot com which is quite high. We understand that it's only a 2 stars hotel but we only need something clean, safe and quiet. We are in our 60's and have looked at the latest reviews from "mature couple" and it's quite well rated. We have not pre paid and can cancel without charges. Do you have a better place to suggest? What is your favourite neighbourhood?

 

I have looked at all the links and it has helped me a lot. Now knowing we can just book at our hotel makes it super easy and stress free. We are very easy going and will be just happy to discover something new.

 

It's our first trip to Asia and will be gone for 11 weeks. After the 28 day cruise (from Hong Kong to Singapore) we will spend 1 month in Bali. Flying is so expensive for us in Canada so we thought we would really discover as much as possible. I really hope we are not over doing it but better do it when we still have our health...

Thanks again and have a great trip to HCMC.

Cashmeremypuppydog :D

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i think you've read the reviews and are happy - it's only 3 nights and I believe it is a very good hotel.

it certainly is very cheap.

 

usually we prefer to stay in a much quieter location (Dong Khoi and the Japanese area up on Thi Sach Street which is behind the Opera House) but it's much more expensive in those locations. If we are spending more than a few nights in HCMC then we stay in those two locations. If we are just one night- we stay close to Ben Thanh Market.

 

We are leaving HoiAn tomorrow morning and I'm feeling so sad about that - we just adore HoiAn.

 

(tommy will transfer us from our hotel to the airport and as usual, he has been tremendous and a lovely young man- you will enjoy his company very very much i'm sure.

 

we will spend one night in HCMC tomorrow night at Sunflower Central hotel, (we stayed there last year for one night on our way home also... and we will do the XO FOODIE TOUR tomorrow afternoon.

 

I think if you go with an open mind, you will enjoy Vietnam- be aware that HCMC is CRAZY-BUSY the traffic and the noise are insane.

 

oh, before I forget- absolutely under no circumstances be tempted to take a ride on a cyclo (that's like the rickshaw/bicycle with men driving and a carriage/seat on the back) they will offer you the world- but they are horrible and dishonest and it can be a scary experience when they demand more money than you originally agreed upon.

 

If you do want to take a ride on one of those- ask your hotel to book it for you and don't try to do it yourself.

 

I agree that you need to do all these things while you still have your strength- that's what we're doing.

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