The itinerary that was proposed for our three weeks in Vietnam and Thailand was ingeniously crafted for inclusion of a great variety of meaningful experiences and interactions with people. Hien was delightful to work with and very responsive to our questions as they came up during our travels.
All of our guides, Dung Jun in Hanoi, Quoc in Ninh Binh, Finn in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong, delta and Kat in Bangkok we’re very personable, knowledgeable, responsible, and willing to adapt our itinerary to maximize our learning and needs. A special mention of Finn, who was very thoughtful in providing a birthday cake for Marty and taking my wife on a motor scooter when her knees would not allow for her to ride bicycle.
Would highly recommend Coco Riverside Lodge, and their concept of community tourism. This place is off the beaten path but very worthwhile making the effort to get there. Such a beautiful relaxing setting with a very engaging owner and excellent staff. The community programming that they offer to visitors is amazing and comprehensive.
Our four days at Rocky’s resort in Koh Samui was such a fitting place to end our three week trip. The general manager talked with us numerous times, the staff were so attentive . The grounds were beautiful and well maintained. The programming with traditional, live Thai music and dancing, as well as the fire dance show provided excellent entertainment and education.
Everywhere we went the food was of exceptional quality, and quantity. The street food tour in Hanoi our first night was a wonderful way to start the trip. Two cooking classes were also memorable.
All of our van drivers were punctual and safe. They helped us to feel relaxed in the midst of very chaotic traffic.
At the end of our travels, we commented that there was nothing that we would change about this trip. It was obvious that Realistic Asia and Hien had understood our priorities for travel: people, culture, nature, and education.
Would highly recommend Realistic Asia and their talented team to craft a Southeast Asia trip.
Hotel Reviews
Rocky's Boutique Resort
Amphur Koh Samui, Suratthani
Exceptionally beautiful beachside resort with multitudes of flowering plants and trees. General manager talked with us numerous times and made us feel like we were welcome and important. Staff were very friendly. Two swimming pools were great. Evening entertainment with traditional Thai music and dancing as well as a fire dance show was exceptional.
Breakfast buffet as well as the other meals served were all very tasty.
This coming at the end of our three week trip was pure serendipity for us.
Would highly recommend this place for those needing relaxation, immersion in beauty and the need to be cared for.
Authenticity & Character
The resort blends in wonderfully with the natural elements around it
Location
Beachside property with beautiful flowering gardens and trees. Lots of birds to watch.
Staff
The general manager was exceptionally friendly to us and willing to share information with us that help make our stay particularly enriching
Cleanliness & Comfort
Swimming pools, were well-maintained, the grounds were clean and the rooms were large and clean.
Silom Serene Hotel
Bangkok
Very large two room suite. Plenty of room to stretch out comfortably. On site restaurant was excellent place for evening meal and the buffet breakfast was amazing. Good location for walking to multiple things.
Authenticity & Character
Character of the hotel fit in with the area that it was located in
Location
Good centrally located hotel.
Staff
Helpful, remember us when we came back a couple days later for one more night stay.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable.
The main lounge area for the hotel and restaurant was artfully decorated. Great views from our room balcony out over the rice patties. Friendly staff.
Authenticity & Character
A fairly new property built in authentic way to reflect the area
Location
Easy to access from the main road. Great view of the valley.
Staff
Very friendly, express concern when one of our party was not feeling well. Several people offered extra services going out of their way to try to be helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel & Spa
Hanoi
Great location in old corner. Could walk to so many things. Great breakfast buffet. Small enough for the staff to get to know you.
Authenticity & Character
Small, well maintained property with details, reflecting the French influence.
Location
Great location in Old Quarter - in walking distance of many things.
Staff
Very friendly and provided personal service. Got to know us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Acnos Grand Hotel
Ho Chi Minh
Great views from our window out over the city. Breakfast buffet was amazing. Our room was spacious and well appointed.
Authenticity & Character
A pleasant modern appearance. Not overstated.
Location
Close to many attractions and parks
Staff
Very helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Excellent experience. We wish we would’ve scheduled for three days and two nights. Our state room was spacious and welcoming. Staff were very helpful. Food was excellent.
Location
The hotel is in a ship on water. Unique experience in lovely landscape.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and very comfortable
Even though this property is remote it is very worthwhile visiting. Their concept of community tourism where they take their guests to multiple neighbors and local attractions to learn about many crafts, traditions, temples, factories, and a frog farm. We had several conversations with the owner and found his vision for involving the community in providing educational experiences for his guests very contagious. Such a relaxing, beautiful peaceful place. Staff were very friendly and thoughtful. The rooms were well appointed.
Authenticity & Character
assisted guest in learning about the community and it’s people
Location
river side rooms
Staff
Very attentive and thoughtful. Provided a cooking class to make Vietnamese pancakes.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Large welcoming rooms. Impeccably clean.