My Great Tour

Tammy, I want to thank you for such a wonderful tour.

It is a shame that I was not well enough to do everything but it was a very special tour.

You, Tammy, were fantastic. From meeting me after arrival to go through the itinerary, the instant refund on tours I was not going to do, and your assistance with Kein while I was overcome by heat exhaustion at Cu Chi Tunnels.

With my 50 years in tourism, I will be suggesting to you in a different email, some small things that would improve the tour.

I was concerned about using 3* hotels but it was the best I could afford. I am glad I did.

The hotels you chose in Hanoi and HCMC were in fabulous side streets where I got a real feel for the culture of Vietnam. I spent most of my time simply enjoying the cafes, street stalls and restaurants in those streets.

I think that in 5* hotels you do not see so much of the culture.

Halong Bay cruise with Le Journey was brilliant. It's where I met our great group.

The crew were fantastic, so much food we always seemed to be eating and, even though it was raining, Halong Bay is one of the most spectacular places in the world. Arrival and departure is chaotic but nothing you can do about that. They should have arrivals and departures in different areas. Once you are on your boat, you do not notice the crowds.

Hoi An is one of my favourite places in the world. If they ever change the visa rules beyond 30 days, I would look at moving there. The Sunshine Hotel was excellent and opposite my favourite restaurant in Vietnam. Tin Tin owned by the wonderful Bell. Vietnamese and Western food and all good. Very good prices. My favourite beer, Larue was only 19k dong. The market area by the river was wonderful. I spent 2 full days down there. I also found my favourite drink. Iced Coconut Coffee. Such a beautiful Heritage Listed town. I think I need to see Hue on my next trip to compare. They say there are less tourists. I like small, quiet places.

HCMC was so different from Hanoi. You can see the American influence still there with so many more street sellers, even shoe shine boys trying to polish your feet. It was fun to see but you feel sorry for the street sellers. Such a tough life carry sunglasses or watches on your back all day and maybe selling none.

My visit to the War Museum was brilliant. I learnt so much especially about what Agent Orange did. We also went to a charity workshop where people with Agent Orange disabilities create artwork for sale. It is wonderful that Vietnam does so much for those and their families that suffered.

Of course, my trip to Cu Chi was amazing. It really taught me a lot. The "real" history of the war. Not what we hear overseas. I have become so passionate about Vietnam and its wonderful people. I will never forget.

The Praha Hotel in Phu Quoc was very good. A nice quiet location which is what I needed. Some good restaurants and bars just a short walk. The hotel does not cater for Western guests in that the breakfast is totally Asian. I guess their many bus groups is the reason for that.

One of the highlights of Vietnam is the people. Everyone seems so happy and are absolutely lovely people.

Pacific Air are excellent. I paid the extra US$5 per flight to get Row 1. Very cheap for an upgrade like that. VietJet and Air Asia are much more expensive.

Tammy, as I said, all your planning and care of guests during our stay is wonderful. You are a lovely person and very, very good at your job. I am so glad I got to book through you.

Thank you from my heart,

Ian (David) Armstrong. Vietnam fan forever.