Outstanding first visit to Vietnam
Vietnam | Dec 28 - Jan 6, 2025

Garth
Garth R.
Frederick, MD | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2025

First visit to Vietnam but I have used Kimkim many times for other vacations.
Our planned Minh did a very nice job communicating with us and guiding us to an excellent 9 day long trip Hanoi to Saigon, including Minh Binh and Halong Bay.
The local tour company guides were excellent and the communication on the ground was great, no lapses or misunderstandings.
Overall, as usual, kimkim did a wonderful job.

Hotel Reviews
Hanoi Pearl Hotel
Hanoi

Great location. Comfortable room, staff very polite, accommodating. Breakfasts typical Asian but a few Western options. Disappointed variety of fresh fruit options given Vietnam produces so much.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm
Ninh Binh

Well kept hotel, very nice grounds, very closed to town (quite walkable). We were there New Years Eve and the gala buffet dinner left a lot to be desired. I cannot comment on the non-holiday food options or quality but I was definitely unimpressed with the kitchen on the Eve and New Years Day. Food rather tasteless and not kept very warm. Breakfasts also did not have the variety of fresh fruit I expected from a hotel in the fruit producing country.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Renea Cruises Halong
Hon Gai, Ha Long

Outstanding service, rooms so well prepared and comfortable given this is a rather small ship. Chef prepared amazing meals in a confined space. So tasty, good portions and variety. He was easily able to accommodate diets that were fish only or meat only. This overnight was probably the highlight of the trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were perfect, ship spotless
Au Lac Charner Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
immediate neighborhood was not as appealing as others we passed by. Would have enjoyed staying in the Opera House with better dining options close by and a better walking environment.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hanoi - Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu - Trang An Grottoes
Hanoi - Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu - Trang An Grottoes
Vietnam
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park
Ninh Binh

Primate rescue was worthwhile but the Cave could have easily been skipped. It didn't offer anything and was generally a waste of time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A day trip to the fertile Mekong delta, Ben Tre
A day trip to the fertile Mekong delta, Ben Tre
Ho Chi Minh City

Loved the authentic experience, scenery and cultural interactions excellent.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ninh Binh - Halong Port – Bai Tu Long Bay - Cong Do– Cap La island (Renea Cruise)
Ninh Binh - Halong Port – Bai Tu Long Bay - Cong Do– Cap La island (Renea Cruise)
Vietnam

Fortunately weather was very cooperative. The overall experience was outstanding and a highlight of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Awesome ship and guide. Chef top notch
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Minh Nguyen