Kimkim Trip Reviews

Our trip to Vietnam was well planned and executed by Dat and his team mates. The guides in Hanoi, Sapa, and HMC (Saigon) were excellent and highly knowledgeable. The team made us feel at ease throughout. They were punctual and filled our days with sightseeing at a relaxed pace when needed and hectic when required. We couldn't have done this on our own and having English speaking local guides along with all local travel arrangements that were carefully designed to accommodate our wish list made it easy on us. Highly recommend KimKim for anyone planning a trip to Vietnam.

Hotels selected were appropriate comfort level, clean and well located for easy walking to most attractions. Breakfasts were uniformly excellent. Staff were friendly, helpful and conversant in English at all facilities.
Tours and guides were great. Sean in Madrid for the Palace and Prado tours was very informative, enthusiastic and fun to listen to. Juan Carlos for the Toledo tour was enjoyable guiding us in his hometown. Theresa and Jaime in Sevilla and Cordoba both were locals and entertaining and we really enjoyed both tour days. Stepan was great on our tour of Montserrat. He had a unique perspective as a non native of Spain. Ana gave us a nice overview of Gaudi architecture and Sagrada Familia visit. We have nothing but positives for all of the guides. The trains were great. No problems with any delays, etc. I believe the trip was planned really well and we were able to see many different areas of the country and both large and small communities without feeling too stressed or rushed. Alba did a great job planning and adjusting a few things on the itinerary. Her periodic check-ins and reminders were appreciated and was like having our Spanish Madre looking out for us!

Hotel Reviews

H10 Puerta de Alcalá

Madrid

Authenticity & Character

Clean, friendly and nice rooftop area

Location

Close to Retiro Park

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Las Casas de la Judería

Seville

Unique property with friendly staff. May be diffcult for some with poor mobility because of the outlay of the rooms but we really enjoyed the character of the building and proximity to attractions

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

H10 Art Gallery

Barcelona

Clean, friendly, nice greeting with Cava or juice on arrival, nice rooftop and dipping pool

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sercotel Palacio De Los Gamboa

Granada

Clean, friendly, great location

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Day Trip to Montserrat & Scenic Hike

Barcelona

Madrid at a Glance, Culture, Royal Palace and El Prado

Madrid

Sean was great!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Toledo Day Trip

Madrid

Juan Carlos was fun and informative guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monumental Seville: Royal Alcazar Cathedral and Giralda

Seville

Ultimate Córdoba Day Trip

Seville

Group Guided Tour To Caminito del Rey

Spain

Private Gaudí Architecture Walk with La Sagrada Família

Barcelona

It was a wonderful trip overall! We started our trip at Arenal, and went on to visit Monteverde, Manual Antonio and San Jose. The first hike at the lava rock trail at Arenal Volcano was a difficult one for us, I wish Randall had warned us appropriately. This was genuinely not for our fitness level and I ended up injuring my knee in the process. But the other activities were fine and we enjoyed our trip to the cloud forest reserve at Monteverde. The guide at the cloud forest was young but very knowledgeable and took time to explain what we saw and also answered our questions patiently. Randall chose very good hotels for us and the transportation and pick ups arranged were always on time. This was our first time booking thru Kim Kim and we will certainly consider this again in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

Fortuna

Beautiful resort with lush greenery and epic view of the Arenal Volcano from the resort room. Staff was amazing and very friendly and always willing to help. I wish we had more english language channels for the TV and the hotel had shuttle services to the downtown area..

Authenticity & Character

Location

The resort is in a quiet setting for a peaceful getaway but a bit far from the downtown area

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Holiday Inn San José-Aurola

San José

Location of this hotel is great, but everything else was just average.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Monteverde Costa Rica

Beautiful landscapes, comfortable stay, room was very nicely prepared for the stay

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Coffee & Chocolate Experience

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Volcano - Mistico Hanging Bridges

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

It was a difficult hike for us

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

Monteverde

Quality of Experience

Best experience at Costa Rica

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our local specialist put together an amazing experience for us. The local guides and drivers were punctual, knowledgeable, and caring. I would use Kimkim for travel again. Now that I have had the experience with Kim Kim, I think I would have the confidence to tailor the trip more to my interests. Everything Jesse planned for us was well executed with very few changes. Our pickup time was changed, in one case, to avoid traffic related to school schedules, and it was a wise decision. All the surprises were delightful ones

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Boutique Acontraluz

Valparaíso

Wow, just wow. The hosts were so gracious and caring. The views from the room verandas were stunning. The staff gave us maps to beautiful walking tours and there was nothing more we could have needed. Our only regret was booking only a single night. If you are coming to Valparaiso, book an extra day just to absorb the color and poetry of this neighborhood.

Authenticity & Character

This is an historical building whose character and charm is preserved but carefully updated to modern standards.

Location

It's just a beautiful neighborhood. A maze of amazing treasures. Anything you could need is within walking a few blocks.

Staff

SO gracious and accommodating. We could not believe our good fortune.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Several cozy common areas and comfortable seating in rooms and verandas

Hotel Director Vitacura

Santiago, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana

This is a lovely and reasonable hotel with good amenities. It is surrounded by fancy restaurants but we decided to eat in the hotel restaurant 3 of 4 evenings, for the convenience and the varied menu. This hotel is in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods and hence very safe, but also lacking in character.

Authenticity & Character

Location

This hotel was chosen by our tour planner. I would have chosen a different location closer to museums, history and local culture. Others in our group of 6 may feel differently. This was in a wealthy and cosmopolitan area, hence very safe but also uninteresting.

Staff

The staff was great, especially in the restaurant. We encountered one unfriendly desk clerk but others were welcoming and helpful. I guess it would be asking to much for the door/security person to smile.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were large and comfortable and cleaned quickly while we were out. Views on upper floors were great.

Activity Reviews

Transfer from San Antonio Dock to Valparaíso

Chile

Our young guide was very knowledgeable and outgoing. He keyed in on our interests and gave us some awesome tours. He left us with a strong understanding of local culture that really helped us appreciate what we experienced on our own.

Quality of Experience

Plan to 2wlk and explore

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Punctual, knowledgeable and caring

Transport

Punctual and safe

San José Volcano & Andes Mountains

Santiago

The drive was a bit grueling but our guide planned it to make it less so. We began our mountain trek on a small farm, surrounded by goats, chickens, sheep cows and horses. Our guide knew the locals and was very knowledgeable about everything. Sebastián is trained in eco-tourism and we traveled leaving only footprints on this beautiful mountain trail in the shadows of volcanoes and glaciers.

Santiago City Tour - Private

Santiago

Hernan is an older gentleman but very fit and capable. Chile has a very complex history and Hernan spoke genuinely from his own experience, making this a very rich and touching experience for us. He tailored the tour completely to our interests from start to finish.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The travel itinerary for our trip to Peru was spectacular, full of so many extraordinary and special places, excursions, experiences, food, alpacas & people! Pretty much everything went off without a hitch. Our guides were all knowledgeable, organized, attentive, friendly, helpful and prompt. Very professional!
Peru is an absolutely beautiful country with amazing history and an incredible culture.
I did feel like we were a little unprepared for some things and perhaps that’s on us! Inkaterra Resort in the rainforest is magical (excursions, lodging, staff, food) but be prepared for no AC in extremely hot & humid temps, fans and electric off mid day for several hours and from 10pm-4am each evening. No wifi. Still worth it! Also, Definitely take plenty of bug spray :)
For the 8 mile Inca trail hike into Macchu Picchu it was quite a bit more difficult than expected and we had to carry all of our things on our backs for the overnight (thankfully we had backpacks), along with enough water for the full day. We had to borrow 2 hiking sticks each from our guide as there was a great deal of climbing and descending very uneven and sometimes wet and slippery terrain. Took us about 8 hours. Totally worth it however and a must do if you can!
There were lots and lots of street peddlers in many areas, predominantly Cusco, that were pretty aggressive with their selling techniques and stray dogs and puppies in various states of well being almost everywhere we went (except for Lima). A few were almost hit by our driver! That part of things was a bit stressful.
On our last day there we were scheduled to go to Rainbow Mountain but read it was a 3 hour drive there, a difficult 4 mile round trip hike to the mountain in very high elevation, followed by a 3 hour return drive. We also heard that at the present time it was covered in snow so not visible anyway. Luckily we researched that on our own and were able to cancel it and book an easier and more laid back excursion that was much closer to Cusco for our last day. If we’d gone through all of that and been unable to see the mountain we’d have been very disappointed. We are in our 50’s with a few health issues and were a little surprised with the strenuousness of some of the activities that it wasn’t fully explained or discussed (what the excursion entailed and if we were capable of it). Other than those few things to be aware of, so you do not make the same mistakes we did - we highly recommend this trip! Extremely special indeed. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this a delightful and memorable trip for us.

Thank you to Olman at KimKim who helped build a really exciting and enjoyable itinerary travelling by shuttles, private transfers and buses around Cost Rica. We stayed at some great hotels, some of which had wonderful wild life in and around hotel grounds. The Belmar has its own micro brewery too. The network of transfer vehicles joining up all the key destinations makes it so easy to travel around the country. The trips Olman recommended were excellent (we went on trips around Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and Manual Antonio). Unfortunately the bad weather around Arenal meant we could not see the Volcano as it was cloudy and very wet for three days, but at least the Hot Thermal Springs made up for that. We had to contact KimKim twice by message during our stay and both times they responded within two minutes answering our questions, which was really impressive!

Hotel Reviews

Gran Hotel Costa Rica

San José

Well located for the market and old quarter. Good breakfast

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mawamba Lodge

Tortuguero

In the middle of the rain forest with Sloth, monkeys and other wild animals around the grounds. Very nice breakfasts, efficient transfers along the waterways to/from the meeting point and well versed local guides taking us out on canoe/boat. Although the rooms around the gardens do not have aircon, the tranquility and ambience of the hotel gardens easily made up for that !

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, good showers, no aircon

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Fortuna

The hotel is luxurious and the on-site hot thermal springs are amazing both night and day. Lots of animals to observe around the grounds. The only downside is the cost of F&B. All the hotel cafes and restaurants were expensive, with little choice under $30 for a main course (plus sides/starters/deserts drinks) -so a family of four were spending $200 every night . However, food was excelllent and breakfast was fabulous and included of course.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Belmar

Monteverde

Really nice hotel, located out of town (walkable) with gardens full of colourful noisy birds, their own farm, their own micro-brewery and great food. Cocktails at happy hour, admiring the views was a highlight!

Authenticity & Character

loved that they had their own brewery and farm to table food options

Location

just out of town but walkable

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Parador Nature Resort & Spa

Manuel Antonio

Amazing hotel which felt like we were in the rain forest with monkeys, sloth, iguanas all around the grounds. We had a Vista Room with views of the sea and bay and forest.

Authenticity & Character

Location

views and situated in the forest

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

San Jose - Tortuguero

Costa Rica

Efficient transport to the meeting point at the docks. However, the organisors moved our pick forward from 6.45am to 6am and as first pick up, we were on the bus for 50 minutes before we even left the City and the roads were then busy for the first half hour. We were picked up at the dock by Mwamber Lodge boats and enjoyed an amazing trip down the estuary right to our hotel, passing monkeys and birds along the river bank. I would give this part of the journey 5 stars!

Quality of Experience

Food

basic rice and beans

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we were on bus for 50 minutes picking others up

Enjoy the Beauty of Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero

We saw so much wildlife ! We went on various canoe, kayak and boat tours to spot wild animals and colourful birds

Quality of Experience

unique

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

very knowledgeable and engaging

Transport

boats and canoes down the river

El Silencio Volcano Hike & Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal/La Fortuna

Difficult to review as it was wet and cloudy but our guide was enthusiastic and engaging

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Callidryas Sloth Watching Tour

Arenal/La Fortuna

Saw many sloths. The guide ensured we saw them through telescopes as they are often up high in the trees

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining

Monteverde

13 Zip lines within and above the cloud forest, the final one being 1KM long. Great fun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Zip Line guides push you on quite quickly so little time to take photos or look around at scenery

Transport

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Costa Rica

Good sightings of monkeys, deer, birds, sloths and finished with swim at the beach.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sara was exceptional at helping us plan our first trip to Brazil. She was very knowledgeable about where to go and how much time to spend in each place, and she was extremely patient with me as we locked in the fine details. Once in Brazil, she and Thiago were very communicative and helpful. Everything that Sara planned for us went extremely smoothly. Our drivers and tour guides were punctual and added new dimensions to our trip. We had a very kind tour guide in Paraty, who taught us about the town's history. We so appreciated Thiago and Eder helping us make our transfers as early as late in the day as they needed to be. Our tour guide in Foz do Iguacu was very flexible as there were some weather impacts on our trip there. However, he made sure we got to see as much as we could and even helped us fill some time before we had a late flight out of town. Our tour guide in Sao Paulo likewise rolled with the weather and brought us to a bunch of highlights in the city. Thank you Sara (and Thiago) for making our first trip to Brazil one that we will never forget!

Had a very good experience with Kimkim connected my family with local travel agent Huyen in Hanoi Vietnam and the customized, private family tour that she helped us put together for us to make our way from Hanoi to Hoi An and Saigon. It was a packed itinerary but traveling between locations was very streamlined with her help and the guides she found for us in the various parts of the country we visited, and our day plans included many creative activities and visits to terrific restaurants we might never have stumbled on otherwise. Given the cultural and language difference having a plan with set meals that offered a wide selection of local delicacies for many of our lunches and dinner was great and we were happy with the mix of unstructured time and predetermined destinations. Vietnam is such a beautiful country and it was a huge privilege to spend time exploring and are grateful to the hospitality of Huyen and our travel guides Pham, Vo, and Vinh.

Hotel Reviews

Acoustic Hotel & Spa

Hanoi

Spacious rooms and very good food with an amazing old city view in a unique, very atmospheric city.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Violet Train

An adventure traveling an iconic route along the coast through lush mountain passes between northern and central Vietnam overnight. Be aware that though the private sleeper bedrooms on train are reasonably comfortable it is not necessarily immaculately clean especially the public bathroom on board.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Orchid Saigon Hotel

Ho Chi Minh

Beautiful hotel in a good central location with verdant tree lined streets and museums nearby. Rooms weren’t huge but totally adequate and very clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Saigon By night street food tour (Join in Group)

Ho Chi Minh City

Great experience having our family ridden around Saigon on motorcycles to highly recommended restaurants for delicious food. Guides were great and very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Using Be a Greek was the best choice I made in planning my vacation. There was so much I didn't have to worry about. And if anything confused me, I would send a text to the team and be answered immediately. Their local providers were all top-notch. The Greeks are pros since tourism is their biggest industry, and so many of them seem to know exactly what makes a visitor feel safe and at-home. We are history buffs, so the personalized tours and Ph.D. level tour guides were worth any added costs. But it was Maria who helped me plan the trip and gave me the most personalized experience. She even came to tour one of the sites with us! I felt like I made friends with the people at Be a Greek. I recommend this company without hesitation or reservation.

Hotel Reviews

The Foundry Suites

Athens

Fabulous and unique. Being here with our two teens was a great way to start our visit to Greece. The lobby looks like a little library, and a hotel staff person was always sitting there waiting to welcome you at any hour. We loved breakfasts on the rooftop. Great for those who care about design. I recommend without reservation.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Residenza Vranas Boutique Hotel Chania

Chania

We got a spacious suite on the top floor of this adorable little place. The balcony overlooking the harbor alone was worth the cost. We also soaked in the hot tub during our chilly March visit. The staff, like George, were so eager to please and to help. I recommend this beautiful place with no hesitation!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ibis Styles Heraklion Central

Heraklion

The photos of the "family suite" did not represent what we got. Maybe I should have looked closer, but there is no sitting room, desk, or any social space to hang out as a family. The joined rooms were small with a single window. The worst part was the beds for our teens. They were both hard futon-like mattresses, and my tall son was barely supported by the cot frame. We ended up switching hotels. This is a business hotel, and seems perfectly fine for that purpose. Safe and clean. Just not good for families!

Family Friendliness

Activity Review

The Real Cretan Cooking Small-Group Experience

Chania

I loved our experience with the family who showed us how to cook! First of all, the meal we made was the best thing I ate in Crete, and I ate many great meals. The experience is long but well-paced. The only thing was that the history lesson offered was a little redundant for us, and my 11 year old drifted off. I might shorten the experience just a little. But if you want to get your hands into the herbs and veggies that Greek food is so famous for, take this excursion! The people are sweet and fun. You won't regret it.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Just got back from a three week trip to Australia. What a beautiful country and such friendly people. Our travel advisor Vicky did a fantastic job. We could contact her anytime and she was willing to help. I would definitely recommend her!
We visited Sydney, Melbourne, and Uluru. Vicky took care of the transportation which made it so easy for us. She planned our local activities, which were a blast! It’s hard to choose a favorite, but probably watching the sunset in Uluru with a barbecue under the stars.⭐️

This trip was one of my wife's and my favorite vacations ever. Joao did an excellent job, first in curating an itinerary that fit our preferences, and then in providing a uniquely personal and interesting guiding experience. The three of us got along very well; our experience was almost like traveling the country with a good, experienced, and knowledgeable friend. Thanks to Joao, we had excellent accommodations at acceptable prices and we tasted Portuguese cuisine at a wide range of restaurant types--from elegant, formal dining to neighborhood cafes where people who work nearby come for lunch. This was not just touring; this was an experience. A unique experience. PS Don't miss the Fado in a neighborhood venue.

Hotel Reviews

PortoBay Flores

Porto

Almost sumptuous rooms and a very friendly and competent staff. Very well located for tourist purposes.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Balthazar

Lisbon

Well located, very professional staff, and a great location. This hotel provided a great start to our visit.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

BURGUS Tribute & Design Hotel

Braga

We had a room and a half at the hotel. That is, we had a very nice regular room, with a loft above containing another bed and another bathroom. We had a great view of the street. Excellent breakfast.

Location

Staff

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos

Our room was extremely compact, and arranged in an unusual manner. For example, after using the toilet, one had two walk around the shower a few feet more to find the sink. However, the accommodations themselves- for example, the bed- were fine. The breakfast was excellent, and the staff were very friendly.

Staff

Hotel República

Tomar

We regret only that we had only one night here. The hotel is a pleasure to the eyes as well as providing excellent accommodations. The staff are friendly and competent.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Dinner with Live Fado Music

Lisbon

Fado music is unique. Hearing it performed in a neighborhood Cafe/ restaurant, by local singers and musicians (plus a proprietress who took a personal interest in our being served and enjoying the multi-course meal.)

Quality of Experience

Food

Local recipes, nothing fancy, but good, solid fare. We go back if we again come to Lisbon.

Food Tour

Porto

The leader of the tour was knowledgeable, very friendly, and quite humorous. We had a wide range of food and wines. I recommend the experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It was a last-minute decision to go to Colombia and we are so glad we did. Michael was exceptional, he was able to put together a trip that included all the things we wanted to see and do in 24 hours. I did not feel stressed out or anxious about the planning once and Michael was always available to answer questions, with quick replies and very helpful suggestions.
We ended up making a change to our Cartagena itinerary when we were already in the city, and Michael was not only supportive and put together a detailed list of different activities, but he also covered half the cost of our trip to El Totumo Mud Volcano (we decided against a second beach day). Our visit to Medellin surpassed our expectations. Our guide Manuela was wonderful, very knowledgeable and very passionate about her country and her city that she made us fall in love with it too. We visited Hato la Aurora near Yopal and that was another exceptional and one-of-a-kind adventure. Although we did not see any jaguars (the guides tried very hard until the last minute to find them), we saw a lot of wildlife. The staff at Juan Solito were the friendliest and kindest and our guides (Samantha, Anisetto, Jason, Carlos…) were all fantastic. Our guide Jorge in Cartagena was very professional, very polite, and very considerate and I highly recommend Nacar Hotel Cartagena.
I can’t say enough good things about Michael. It was really a joy to work with him. He was so reliable, had an answer to everything and made us feel really valued as clients.

Hotel Reviews

Landmark Hotel Medellín

Medellín

Very nice hotel, friendly and helpful staff and they have a washer and dryer for the guests, which was super practical and nice not to pack dirty laundry. More hotels should have that.

Authenticity & Character

Location

it was in a really nice and safe neighborhoods, close to good restaurants that we could walk to at night alone.

Staff

all of them

Cleanliness & Comfort

the rooms were very clean, but the towels, sheets and mattress could be better.

Juan Solito Ecolodge

Hato la Aurora

It was a charming lodge in the middle of nature, but I wish the rooms were a little cleaner. I don't mind bugs in the room that are alive given the location and the nature of the lodge, but there really should not have been dead ones in the room. It just means that it was even as much as swept before we got there, which is the bare minimum.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton

Cartagena

Beautiful and charming hotel in a great location. Highly recommend it. Spacious rooms, nice amenities, comfortable beds, soft linens and good towels. Great little pool, perfect for chilling with a cold beverage.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Fruit Market Tour

Medellín

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Medellín Transformation Tour

Medellín

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip

Medellín

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Llanos Wildlife Tour (4D/3N)

Colombia

i think it would have made for a much more enjoyable stay had our rooms been a little less dusty and full of dead bugs. hot water would be nice so would AC.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cartagena City Tour

Cartagena

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cartagena Street Food Tour

Cartagena

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rosario Islands Day Trip

Cartagena

This was the least fun activity. The beach was very small and a couple water activities only. We went snorkeling (very unhealthy reef, which is super sad. they feed the fish, also did not feel right) and somehow lost our guide and boat, so it was a little stressful trying to find him and the boat.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour to Totumo Volcano

Cartagena

we did not expect to have this much fun at this volcano. one of a kind and very memorable experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The initial planning stages to the execution of our trip, Kim Kim Travel exceeded our expectations. The accommodations recommended were top-notch, and the itinerary was well-organized, allowing us to make the most of our time at each destination. Our favorite hotels were Meninas, H10 Croma, and Hotel Casa Luz. I think we prefer the self guided instruction versus guided tours, so that we can do more on our own timeline. However, both tour guides were wonderful. Marta and her back up were fantastic to communicate with for additional recommendation's and even making reservations. Having a specialist at your fingertips that had a vast knowledge of where we were traveling definitely made this less stressful and most enjoyable. Looking forward to the next adventure.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Meninas

Madrid

Very comfortable and loved the black out shade to sleep in to cure the jet lag.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha

Madrid

We were given an upgrade to 1,100 sqft suite and it was the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in. The staff was 5 star.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Self-Drive {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Ronda

Spain

This was a great experience. Beautiful drive and worth the day trip to have lunch over the gorge.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Free Day to Explore Málaga

Málaga

This was my kids favorite spot. They loved the walk to the beach.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Visit of Seville

Seville

The tour guide was a wealth of knowledge and very pleasant.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Flamenco Experience

Spain

Great culture, but not for the kids. lol

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our flight was cancelled that required a major change for the first several days of our trip. The kimkim team was amazing helping us get rebooked in tours, alternates to a missed train transfer, hew pickups and more. In a world with almost no customer service, I was shocked at how wonderful they were!

Hotel Reviews

Aparthotel Palacio Almagra

Granada

Wonderful location but very small for 5.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

No staff to soeak of

Cleanliness & Comfort

Apartamentos Cuna 41

Sevilla

Very strong smoke smell on outdoor space in the apartment

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Seville Countryside Horseback Riding with a Private Guide

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

No e

Tapas Cooking Class & Market Visit

Málaga

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We were 4 friends coming together from different parts of the world for a holiday together. We were meeting after a really long time . Doris from Asia Aventura put together a trip to remember. Planning this trip with Doris was a dream - I found her to be prompt, extremely responsive, quick to understand what we wanted and intuitive to plan ahead. She was unafraid to give us advice when we were overdoing our itinerary and I found her to be extremely forward thinking. The trip itself was seamless. From the selection of the hotels, the guides, the drivers, the kind of sightseeing/experiences - everything was on point. Whenever I reached out to Doris with a question or concern, she responded in less than a minute. Doris is an absolutely wonderful travel planner and I strongly recommend her. She is the kind of travel planner you'd want on your side when planning a dream holiday.

Everyone was wonderful, especially Horn. He was always available and helped us a lot.

Hotel Reviews

Penh House

Phnom Penh

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sokkhak Boutique Resort

Siem Reap City

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Champey Academy of Arts

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Royal Palace

Phnom Penh

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Central Market

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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{{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Spean Praptos, Santuk for lunch & Skuon

Cambodia

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Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Ox cart ride, Village Activities & Sunset drinks in the rice fields

Siem Reap

Transport

Hidden Temples Cycling (half day)

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Afternoon at leisure (guide and driver at disposal)

Siem Reap

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Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Tuol Sleng & Russian Market

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Late afternoon until evening foodie tour

Phnom Penh

Food

Angkor Thom (morning) by remork

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

HAVEN Restaurant

Siem Reap

Food

Sunrise (and return to hotel for breakfast)

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Siem Reap City Tour with Apopo HeroRats & Artisans of Satcha

Siem Reap

Phare, the Cambodian Circus (Seat B - open seating in the rear half of the middle seating area)

Siem Reap

A morning with the elephants at Kulen Elephant Forest (transfer by car to/from starting point in Siem Reap town)

Siem Reap

Foodie Tour at 3 of Siem Reap's best restaurants

Siem Reap

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Airport (for Christian & Vanessa)

Cambodia

Our first guide Duke was fantastic, so knowledgeable and kind. He was wonderful. Always on time, showed us amazing animals, could not have been better. Then we went to Saloma's homestay. What a lovely person and house! Again she knew so much about jungle cuisine and took us to amazing places. We had a great tour of a longhouse by Jordon? And then William took us around a village and for a night tour. He was so interesting to listen to. The highlight of our trip was Saloma and her parents taking us to their jungle farm for a wonderful lunch. The waterfalls were beautiful. After the homestay we went to Damai Resort. While it looked a little tired it was very comfortable, great staff and an outstanding pool. The nearby cultural village was wonderful. John and Hum took us for a great river tour where we saw dolphins, crocodiles, and monkeys, which was amazing. I forgot to mention that Duke took us to Bako National Park, excellent, the orangutan sanctuary (fantastic) and the amazing fairy cave. All throughout the people were lovely and the food was amazing

Hotel Reviews

Limetree Hotel

Comfortable bed, wonderful food and helpful staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very close to chinatown

Staff

Made us a take away breakfast

Cleanliness & Comfort

Saloma Homestay

This was an outstanding experience. Saloma and her family were so kind and welcoming. We had a magnificent jungle meal, swims in waterfalls, met the children in a local school, the house was so beautiful everywhere you looked, I just loved it!

Authenticity & Character

Alot of the house of made of bamboo and rattan which made it beautiful

Location

Near a waterfall, the jungle and a village

Staff

Saloma herself, I felt like I had known her for ever, she is lovely, funny and kind! Such a great example of a person! It's great how she involves the local people in her business

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed and pillows were perfect!

Damai Beach Resort

Great pool and lovely staff

Authenticity & Character

Maybe it's due for a refurb

Location

Near wetlands and a cultural village

Staff

They answered every question and were helpful with luggage and a late check out

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nice big clean room and the pool was really clean

Activity Reviews

Arrival Transfer from Kuching Airport to Hotel

Kuching

Duke was right on time and lovely to us

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

So patient kind and knowledgeable

Transport

Comfortable van

Bako National Park Daytrip

Kuching

Saw so many things, beautiful jungle, probiscus monkeys, and two other kinds of monkey. Saw snakes, a perfect length walk

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Duke knew an incredible amount about everything!

Transport

Comfortable

Semenggoh Orangutan Centre Visit

Kuching

This was a real highlight. We were six metres away from a massive orangutan who stuck around for about an hour! Incredible to see him break open a coconut

Quality of Experience

Amazing to see such a large wild animal up close

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Duke knew so much

Transport

Mangrove & Dolphins Cruise

Santubong

Seeing dolphins, crocodiles and monkeys, so great! And beautiful mangroves with John and Him being able to see where animals were so well

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Moonika was always quick to respond to my questions. She also was able to make adjustments to the itinerary when I was delayed arriving in Helsinki so I didn’t miss any activities.

We loved our trip to Italy! Overall, we found Italian people to be extremely friendly and welcoming. In Rome, Charme Spagna was a lovely hotel with very helpful staff. The location is convenient and offered delicious breakfast and coffee. We enjoyed the outdoor courtyard area. The staff provided excellent restaurant recommendations and was helpful in making dinner reservations. Tania provided an excellent tour of the Vatican and Davide was extremely knowledgeable about the Colosseum and Forum. Our cooking class was fun, learning to make tiramisu & fettuccine. In Florence, 7B was another lovely hotel with a convenient location near the train station. Again, excellent restaurant recommendations. We were appreciative of the staff helping make our dinner reservations and coordinating our taxis. We loved our afternoon tour with Gilda. She did a wonderful job of sharing her love of the city’s art and history. We also enjoyed our day tour of Tuscany, especially our lunch and wine tasting at Tenuta Torciana. In Venice, Carnivale Palace was another very nice hotel! They were very helpful with nearby restaurant recommendations and reservations. It was fun to learn how to row like a Venetian with Nan and the cichettas were delicious! Our visit to Murano and Burano was also very nice. I loved everything about our trip. Experiencing the Italian culture, art, landmarks, language, pasta, gelato, coffee & wine was truly special!

Hotel Reviews

Charme Spagna Boutique Hotel

Rome

Excellent location, delicious breakfast and coffee. Enjoyed the outdoor courtyard area. Appreciated the staff’s restaurant recommendations, and assistance with reservations.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

7Florence B&B

Florence

Lovely hotel, excellent breakfast options. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Appreciated their help with restaurants and taxis. Location is very convenient to train station.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Carnival Palace

Venice

Very nice hotel, excellent breakfast options and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Highlights of the Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour

Rome

Tania shared so much history & knowledge!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pasta, Ravioli & Tiramisù making class in Rome

Rome

It was fun to learn to make tiramisu & fettuccine! Our teacher was kind, patient & very knowledgeable!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Florence Historic Walking Tour

Florence

Gilda was an excellent guide! She personalized our tour for us. She is wonderful at sharing her love of Florence’s art & history.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tuscany Day Trip: San Gimignano, Siena & Monteriggioni

Florence

We especially enjoyed our lunch & wine tasting at Tenuta Torciano!

Quality of Experience

Food

Explore St. Mark's Basilica and The Doge's Palace

Venice

Sarah was extremely knowledgeable about the history & did a great job sharing with us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum

Rome

Davide was very knowledgeable about the history of these sites. We learned a lot!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cicchetto and Gondola Experience | Row and Eat Like a Venetian

Venice

Nan was a fun & patient teacher! The cichettos were delicious.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

What a fantastic trip to Vietnam and kudos to Long, my local Travel Specialist at kimkim (Real Asia) in planning and booking a memorable action packed trip.

Long was professional and responsive from the initial planning phase to the last day of our trip. The itinerary went through various iteration due to unexpected flight changes (no fault to kimkim), and from planning a solo trip to a couple's trip. Long was flexible, always with a positive attitude and made changes (sometimes on the same day) as needed.

We had a short 9 days in Vietnam and covered quite a lot of grounds & sights (Ho Chi Ming City, Hue, Hoi Ann & Hanoi). Some of the highlights were:
- Saigon vespa by night : street food with female riders in traditional Ao Dai. Our tour guide Jenny and her team mate Titus were both lovely and we had the most fun zipping around on a Vespa the city eating, and sightseeing.
- We enjoyed visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and learning about the network of underground passages used by Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
- Visit to the Hue imperial citadel & Hoi Ann is a must
- 1 day cruise to the HaLong Bay with Jade Sail - It was the perfect day on a luxury vessel with attentive staff and good food.

We were more than thrilled with the hotels. In particular, we were most impressed with La Siesta in Hoi Ann and Silk Path Grand in Hue. These two properties are just wonderful and exceeded our expectations in everyway (the service, the ambience, etc). We wished we had more time to enjoy the spa, amenities & facilities thoroughly.

Overall, we were very happy with our Vietnam trip and we have Long and the wonderful local guides to thank. Big shout out to Jenny, Titus & Tony in Saigon and James in Hue/Hoi Ann.

Hotel Reviews

Caravelle Saigon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Quảng Nam

The spa is phenomenal! Wished our stay was longer!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Silk Path Grand Hue

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Saigon By Night - Vintage Vespa Street Food Tour

Ho Chi Minh City

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jenny & Titus were superb and so much fun to spend the night with.

Transport

Stylish and well maintained Vespas!

Touch the History of Former Imperial Capital - Hue Full Day Sightseeing

Hue

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Hoi An Night Market and Boat Trip With Lantern Releasing

Hoi An

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Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City

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Halong Bay Day Trip (Jade Sails)

Hanoi

Quality of Experience

Food

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Cycling in Cam Thanh & Thanh Dong Organic Farm Visit

Vietnam

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Food

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