Hi
Has anyone used Ethnic Travel: Viet Nam? If so, what did you think? We are looking at going to Viet Nam next November and would like a semi-independent vacation. We would like transportation as well as some sites handled by English speaking guides. Does anyone have suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by
Edmonds WA
243 posts
We have not used them but did not have any issues getting around or finding english speaking guides. We went off Tripadvisor recommendations and booked tours and hotels where they had english speaking help that made our transportation arrangements for us. They love Americans and many of the younger generation are studying english and tourism in school. You will love it.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
I went on my own, stayed in Hanoi and Saigon. I was told ahead of time to wait and book tours there, a lot cheaper than doing it in advance. I planned a 2-night gap in my Hanoi stay (I booked the Hanoi and Saigon hotels in advance) and had no trouble booking a small group tour to Halong Bay for those dates. I also booked a cooking class at one of the restaurants in Hanoi. In Saigon I booked one day trip to a nature reserve. I had previously taken a day tour to the Mekong Delta and highly recommend doing it.
Get a data plan for your phone. Public transportation in the cities is poor. Download the app and use Grab (like Uber). I used DK Eyewitness Vietnam and Lonely Planet Vietnam. DK was useful to get a good idea of what I wanted to see and do. LP was much better for details on the ground.
Posted by
OP
681 posts
Aly-Where did you go in Viet Nam? and for how long?
Chani-Love reading your trip reports. How long were you in Viet Nam? I think we have too much we want to do. Hubby wants Hue and Sapa. I want Halong Bay and Hoi An. We would be flying in and out of Hanoi. Probably for a week in Viet Nam, one week in Tokyo and Kyoto and 4-5 days in Ankor Wat. I know it is a lot.
Thank you for your insights and keep them coming!!!!