Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

On our bike ride when we were in Hoi An visiting with the veteran from the war with Cambodia. Hearing his story, listening to him sing and watching the awe that our bicycle guide had on his face as he listened to him sing was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was excellent. As said previously, he was extremely organized and kept a close check on each member of the group, making sure we were all doing okay. His attitude was always positive and he gave us insight into the Vietnamese people and culture. His love of his country and his people was evident in all he did and said. He made sure that whenever possible we visited and ate at places that supported the more needy in Vietnam. As I stated, I am used to traveling on my own and pretty independent. At times this may have been a bit difficult for him, but I felt I had enough time on my own and he worked with me allowing me the freedom at times I needed. A wonderful kind and caring guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sight of the Taj Mahal through the windows of the Red Fort in Agra reduced me to tears - it just shimmers on the horizon and is so incredibly beautiful. But also Bundi, an absolute delight and assault on all senses, and we were lucky with a late Diwali that meant we caught the beginnings of the camel fair at Pushkar which was huge fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was just amazing, his knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness made him the perfect guide. He knew the best places to eat, from a palace on the shores of the lake at Udaipur to street food (and the best samosas ever); he organised fireworks for Diwali, tuctucs in Udaipur, a trip to a Bollywood movie, going out of his way to give us all the best experience possible, and adding in extra elements when he discovered our interests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take existing clothes to be made up in hours from local material - I didn't know about it so didn't take anything but wished I had! I took a daily pro-biotic but on the one occasion I felt a bit dodgy it was sorted with some charcoal tablets that one of the other ladies let me have.

Most Inspirational Moment

That's an odd question, but if anything the calm and generous nature of the people gives much food for thought. In our society everyone is rushing about their business trying to get from A to B with no consideration for others, getting wound up in traffic jams, road rage etc. In Vietnam the traffic flow is something to behold! Unnerving at first, but the mopeds merge and move like a flock of birds or shoal of fish and it all works - no one gets cross and there seem to be few accidents. (And its fantastic cycling through it all -other than in Saigon and Ha Noi which are much busier.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was a great group leader, kept us informed (amusingly so at times, due to his accented English!). Dealt with issues arising such as disruption to schedule caused by adverse weather and the odd mishap along the way calmly and professionally. Friendly and very good humoured, very much part of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would suggest arriving a day or so before official start date as little time to explore Saigon and likewise a couple of days at the end as no time to explore Ha Noi. Be aware that the days can be fairly long, necessitated by the distance to be covered. Worth it though!

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional excursion of the mangrove swamps

Thoughts on Group Leader

He tried his best.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the souk and walking out to see the Treasury

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good and friendly and knowledgeable. I did feel that we could have had longer at certain places and I felt rushed on a couple of occasions to get to the hotel. When we were at Aqaba we only had 3 hours at the resort and this wasn’t long enough to relax properly... we had to eat lunch all together on a set menu and I think we could have got our own lunch when we wanted it and then we had to leave at 2pm and go to our hotel with nothing to do in the afternoon. We should have stayed at the resort for the day or been given the option to get a taxi back to the hotel.... I also felt our time at the Citidel in Amman was rushed - there wasn’t enough time to walk around the site which is disappointing as we could have stayed much longer. The Citidel is incredible

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book the trip - you won’t be disappointed... But I’d say get a taxi back to the hotel and stay at the seaside resort in Aqaba all day....

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the top of Ooty hill, at last. Spotting a tiger on the jeep safari The hindu temple at night, with dancing, fire and elephant. Swimming in the brakes of the Arabian sea The food! The glorious tea plantations, they are so pretty

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put in a bit of training. Pack warm clothing too. Bring a pen! Book it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Orangutans. There was a moment when a baby was one tree away from it's mother and the mother reached her hand out for the baby to take before helping her swing into the other tree. It was such a human-like moment between a mother and child, wonderful to spend time with such a beautiful species.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was brilliant, every things she did was to ensure we enjoyed the trip and made fantastic memories. She kept an eye on us all when snorkelling, ensured we had the best photo opportunities and gave us ointments to put on sunburn when needed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a t-shirt / rash vest for snorkelling, the sun is incredibly strong and it's very easy to get burnt.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. Swimming with the whale sharks, the pirouetting of the mantas, following turtles across the reefs, floating above 15 to 20 sting rays, laughing all through dinner, breakfast with the sunrise etc etc

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kamey was a great guide and combined great knowledge with an easy and supportive manner. He pointed out countless sights on the reefs we would not have spotted while quietly supporting the lesser swimmers. Shafi was a great captain and dive leader. He has a sunny personality and huge skill and experience in all of his roles in managing the boat. He has done 4,500 dives and is completely first class at managing a relatively novice diver like me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Rash vest and go pro/tough camera are musts! Bring loads of sun cream. A travel towel was great as an addition to my bed sheet as the air con is efficient. Bring your favourite shampoo, conditioner and shower gel as only hand soap provided. Also - let the crew tell you what the best opportunities are on each day rather than hark back to the itinerary. You will see more and better wildlife that way! And maybe have a party night too!

Most Inspirational Moment

Descent from Ooty Quite stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thoroughly good man Knew just how to keep the group together and safe. Reliable and calm

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t worry about the recent floods The food is fabulous and safe!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming with the manta rays was extraordinary.