Incredible trip to Vietnam!
Vietnam | Jan 10 - Jan 21, 2024

Yulia
Yulia W.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

I cannot recommend using KimKim to plan and book a trip enough! Start to finish the process was incredibly simple and quick and transparent. Our local specialist, Long, was always quick to respond, helpful, passionate about travel and always willing to adjust the itinerary to ensure we were happy and comfortable with it. He always had a different activity to suggest or a route for our trip that made the most sense but also maximized our experience and destinations! We had 12 days to work with in Central and Northern Vietnam and Long made sure we had the perfect balance of guided sightseeing tours and free time to explore ourselves. Before departure, Long was also very helpful with answering questions about our Visas and double checking all the information to ensure we didn’t have any problems at the airport or upon arrival in Vietnam. Once we arrived, Long checked in with us to welcome us to Vietnam and ensure we were taken care of almost immediately. From then on, Long checked in with us at appropriate intervals to ensure we were having a good time and had no issues. It was so comforting to know we had a solid contact in Vietnam for any issues or questions! The trip itself was beyond incredible. Hoi An was magical with all its lanterns and amazing restaurants and cafes. We had a delicious private food tour and sightseeing tour with Mr Chanh (please forgive the spelling if it’s incorrect) and it was clear how passionate he is about Vietnam but also providing a great experience to his travellers. We also took part in Ms Vy’s cooking class which was an amazing experience where we got to visit the Hoi An market to see where all the ingredients are sourced from and then took part in many cooking demos and tried so many wonderful dishes. We even got to meet Ms Vy at the end and have her personalize her cookbook for us which is such a special souvenir now. We also had stops in Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. Hanoi, the most hectic of all, was also meticulously planned. We enjoyed a great sightseeing tour and food tour there as well. We really enjoyed all the free time we had to explore and walk around ourselves. Ninh Binh was breathtaking and I’m so grateful to Long for not letting us miss it or skip it on our itinerary. It truly was one of the highlights! Our 2 night cruise on Ha Long bay was nothing short of incredible. A few days before our departure to Vietnam, Long contacted us to let us know that he has received some concerning reviews from a traveller regarding the cruise we were originally booked on. Long was quick to reassure us that he took it upon himself to rebook us on a better cruise and that there would be no impact to us, our wallet, or our schedule. That right there solidified our confidence in Long but also in Realistic Asia. What a special gesture to ensure our satisfaction and experience. It truly meant a lot to us and the result was a wonderful cruise with absolutely no issues and service to the highest standard! Every hotel that Long suggested and booked was top notch, and so was every activity and mode of transportation. We cannot wait to plan future trips with KimKim! Thank you, Long, and to all our guides and drivers!

Hotel Reviews
Silkotel Hoi An

The hotel is centrally located and is within walking distance to the old town and many other amazing restaurants. It’s also a very short 10 min drive away from An Bang beach! The rooms are large and very comfortable and clean. The staff were so accommodating and so incredibly helpful when the airline lost our luggage upon arrival in Vietnam. The front desk staff went out of their way to speak to the airline and airport to find out information for us. The breakfast buffet was really great each morning with different dishes to choose from daily and lots of fresh fruit!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Soleil Hanoi Boutique Hotel
Hanoi

The hotel was in a really great location. Only a few minutes walk to the old quarter and a couple minutes away from train street. The location could not have been better. The only downside was the size of the room which was a little small compared to other hotels on the trip but I know that was because of the style of hotel and how narrow the buildings are in Hanoi. It would be quite difficult to open a medium or large sized suitcase in that room so we ensure we only used our small carry-ons for that part of the trip and it was fine. The staff were exceptional and very kind and accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Le Clos Du Fil Hotel
Ninh Binh

The hotel was gorgeous and it was immediately clear how committed they are to every detail! The embroidery theme was evident immediately with beautiful touches in the room and throughout the property. The room was large and comfortable and had a gorgeous view. It was also in a perfect location to walk to restaurants and lounges along the Main Street. We had the best massage of the entire trip at this hotel! They even accommodated a later time for our treatment because they were fully booked.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Erina Cruise

Incredible experience on this cruise! From the moment we boarded, we had Mr Vodka assigned to us as our server and assistant for the duration of the 2 nights. Vodka was kind and funny and ensured we were well taken care of! My husband got sick right before the cruise and had to miss out on some activities but Vodka was so kind as to check in on him and bring up a plate of refreshments for him when he missed lunch. The large jacuzzi was great and their cocktails were also incredible! The restaurant and food were all top notch and I cannot rave enough about the standard of service and the staff. The excursion to Cat Ba Island was also out of this world and a major highlight of the entire trip!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hoi An Sightseeing and Food Tour
Hoi An Sightseeing and Food Tour
Hoi An

This tour was fantastic. We visited so many points of interest within the Hoi An old town and it was clear how passionate and knowledgeable our guide was! The food we tried was amazing as well! We got to try a lot of the Hoi An specialities like white rose dumplings, Cau Lao and Banh Mi. We were stuffed by the end of it. The only downside and something that I think could be done better is the stops at the tailor shop and silk factory. We were not interested in either and felt the sales tactics were a bit pushy by the staff at those locations. Perhaps the guide can ask the visitors before starting if they are interested in visiting those locations to get their feedback.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was mostly a walking tour but we did take rides to some further locations which was quick and efficient.
Ms. Vy’s Cooking class - Holiday Master Class - Joint in tour
Ms. Vy’s Cooking class - Holiday Master Class - Joint in tour
Hoi An

We really really enjoyed this experience! We had a very small group (4 people) which was great. Our guide, Autumn, was so passionate, funny and knowledgeable. Our walk through the Hoi A market was amazing and she did such a great job explaining everything about the ingredients and teaching us how they are used. The cooking class portion itself is more like many different demos than a full cooking class but it was still really enjoyable. We got to try so many different dishes and had a chance to taste everything. We were stuffed! Come hungry!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hanoi Evening Walking Street Food Tour
Hanoi Evening Walking Street Food Tour
Hanoi

We really enjoyed walking around the old quarter and trying Banh Mi and Pho with our guide.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore the History and Beauty of Hanoi - Full Day Sightseeing
Explore the History and Beauty of Hanoi - Full Day Sightseeing
Hanoi

This tour was really great. We visited temples and pagodas and Ho Chi Minh complex. Unfortunately some of the museums were closed that day because it was Monday but it did not take away from the tour. Our guide was quick to suggest different points of interest and we also stopped at a beautiful lacquer art factory where we bought incredibly beautiful art to bring back home that is very unique to Vietnam.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Trip Exploring The Natural Beauty of Trang An & Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Boat Trip Exploring The Natural Beauty of Trang An & Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Vietnam

The boat trip was really beautiful and a highlight of this trip. We really enjoyed trying mountain goat for lunch as well and the sightseeing of the temples and surrounding area.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Onboarding - Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trai Dao/ Tra Bau (Erina Cruise)
Onboarding - Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trai Dao/ Tra Bau (Erina Cruise)
Ha Long Bay

Truly a first class experience from beginning to end. The service, food, quality of drinks were all top notch. The room was spacious and gorgeous, the balcony was great and the large bathtub with a large window to see the views was breathtaking. Nothing but praise, appreciation and accolades to the whole Erina cruises team.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cycling At Viet Hai Village – Kayaking & Swimming (Erina Cruise)
Cycling At Viet Hai Village – Kayaking & Swimming (Erina Cruise)
Ha Long Bay

Such a wonderful excursion. Beautiful sights on the boat trip to Cat Ba and so much fun riding bikes in the island and exploring a bit of the national park. Kayaking was a massive highlight! It’s just so beautiful and peaceful!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Dark & Bright Cave – Disembarking cruise (Erina Cruise)
Visit Dark & Bright Cave – Disembarking cruise (Erina Cruise)
Ha Long Bay

A really fun way to end the cruise! Really enjoyed the boat tour through the cave and the views and company.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Feb 01, 2024

Dear Yulia,
What an amazing and detailed feedback! I honestly can't convey how much we all appreciate your kind words. I will pass it on to the whole team that you met during the trip.
Thank you again for your glowing review. It motivates us and kimkim to continue exceeding expectations and creating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients. We hope to have the pleasure of planning your future adventures in future.
Best wishes!
Long