Personalized trips to Vietnam
for independent travelers

Our 12-day trip across Vietnam was hands down one of the best travel experiences we have ever had, and it is entirely thanks to our Kimkim local specialist, Trang.

We packed an incredible amount into 12 days—covering Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Ha Long Bay, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh City. While that itinerary sounds ambitious on paper, Trang organized every single detail so seamlessly that the entire vacation felt completely relaxed, unhurried, and genuinely luxurious rather than stressful.

Every destination brought something special, but Ninh Bình and Hội An were absolute standouts for us. The highlight of the entire trip was the "I Am a Farmer" tour in Tam Cốc—it was an unforgettable, authentic hands-on experience that we talk about constantly.

From the very beginning, Trang took the time to tailor the itinerary precisely to what we wanted. Her support on the ground during the trip was where she truly shined: whenever we needed to adjust excursion dates or times in real time, she handled everything immediately and effortlessly. We could never have pulled off this itinerary or enjoyed it to this level had we tried to coordinate it on our own.

A huge shoutout as well to Brian, our guide in Hanoi. He was incredible at getting us settled in right away and pointed us toward some of the best local food spots we experienced all trip.

This was our first time booking an organized trip like this, and our only regret is that we didn’t try it sooner. It completely changed the way we travel. Everyone should experience this style of seamless travel at least once—we will definitely be booking through Kimkim again!

We had a great experience working with Alex to make this trip happen. We visited Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand over 18 days - our first trip to SE Asia. Alex booked guides, drivers and activities for us in each location along with hotels and airport transfers and plane tickets to cities along the way. We loved all of it. Our fave country- which surprised us- was Cambodia. The Royal Crown Hotel in Siem Riep was also our favorite hotel. And we had the best guide there, too. We enjoyed touring Ankar Wat but the smaller temples were the best. Loved the Apsara dance show, too, the first night we arrived. We loved seeing Hanoi - the cooking class, city tour, a walk around the lake and the water puppet show. Our favorite part of Ho Chi Minh City was our day spending time on the Mekong River delta. And of course Thailand was awesome, too - loved the city tour and food tour - another exceptional guide -- by tuk-tuk. And of course, the temples and elephants in Chiang Mai. Oh, and another fun cooking class! The trip was well-paced-- we had three nights in each city and even had time for an overnight on a very nice boat on Ha Long Bay. Everything went smoothly and we were met by the kindest, most gracious people everywhere we went. We had enough down time throughout- it was quite hot and humid and sometimes ya just need a couple hours in a cool hotel room at the end of the day! We also took in a couple of spa treatments and went off on our own in Bangkok- found the subway efficientand easy to use. Alex checked in every day to let us know specific details and pickup times and was to able to change a hotel reservation at the end of the trip when we asked. 10/10! Our 4th trip using KimKim.

Hotel Review

Royal Crown Hotel & Spa

We stayed 3 nights and really enjoyed the hotel. We rarely order room service when we travel but arrived late afternoon and just wanted to chill for a bit - had spring rolls which hit the spot! We liked the spa and pool - very clean--also had a drink at the rooftop bar one night. Well-located in town. We had a bigger than average room with powerful air conditioning!! Nice breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character

Friendly staff. Hotel was upscale without being pretentious.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hanoi Culture & Walking Tour with Water Puppet Show

Hanoi

Walking tour - take time to visit the Temple of Literature. Water Puppet show aws not to miss.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi Cooking Class

Hanoi

It rained that morning but we still rode bikes out to the herb-growing area. Fun, intimate experience - great food!

Quality of Experience

Food

We tried different things in each city.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I highly rate my first Kim Kim experience. I wanted an authentic local tour without the hassle of trying to plan every last detail myself. Minh and the team were incredibly responsive and easy to work with. I loved the online platform where I could comment on itinerary tweaks. I was amazed at how little back and forth was required before we finalised our dream trip with all the inclusions.

This holiday truly felt like a holiday because every last detail was managed by KimKim and I got to have a proper break while immersing the family in incredible scenes, culture and food. From a cooking school with the patriarch of a Vietnamese family (on my son's 14th birthday celebration) to a sunset bike tour through Ninh Binh's villages... we created so many core memories for the kids.

May (Sapa trekking guide) was so knowledgable and great with our teenagers https://www.instagram.com/p/DeJG8R5k81l/?img_index=6

Quang (guide for Hanoi and surrounds) was very flexible with day to day plans

Thuy was a fantastic Operations Manager and with Minh's expert help, swiftly took on board our request for a hotel upgrade in Hanoi. I loved the ease of communicating with the team on Whatsapp and felt very supported throughout the journey.

Hotel Reviews

New Livitrans Train

Such a fun experience and while cabin quarters were tight, it was a very comfortable trip. Loved waking up to the coffee and hot chocolate service.

Renea Cruise

Wow wow wow. How cool having expansive cabins that look straight out at the stunning views! https://www.instagram.com/p/DeTbDKkk0eI/?img_index=8

Le Clos Du Fil Hotel

Ninh Binh

Stunning property that exceeded expectations. Ninh Binh was my favourite stop overall. Loved the location, friendliness of the staff, extensive fresh breakfast and stunning pool :) Perfect spot to recharge.

Local Homestay in Ta Van Village

Sapa

The hosts were wonderful and couldn't do enough to care for us. The location was divine right on the river. Hot tip: there's a gorgeous pool next door that you can pay to use if you need a refresh!

Solare De Monte Hotel & Spa

Hanoi

The rooftop pool was like a bath in the hot weather. I do not recommend this hotel if it's +35 degrees and you need cooling down. We also didn't appreciate being kicked out of our room in the midday heat when we weren't leaving for Sapa on the overnight train until 10pm. Not sure whose responsibility this was to communicate to us, but it was one of the very few disappointing moments in the trip. Would recommend suggesting that future guests are offered a late checkout for onward comfort.

Activity Reviews

Cook & Dine in a 100-year-old Family House

Ninh Binh

This was a really special experience. We shared an unforgettable evening with 63yo Roi who invited us into his family home for a cooking class but gave us so much more. It was also a cultural immersion, a life lesson, as well as a birthday celebration for 14th Noah with a special cake organised by Kim Kim. Many thanks!

Free in the morning - Limousine bus back to Hanoi

Vietnam

Hùng was an incredible driver throughout our trip and deserves to be commended. We were so grateful to be transported so comfortably and reliably throughout our stay.

Hanoi - Street food on foot tour - Overnight train to Lao Cai

Vietnam

SO COOL! A real highlight of the trip. Quang was an amazing guide. He opened our eyes up to so much yummy Vietnamese food: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeXEaSEk70C/?img_index=3.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Ninh Binh

Wouldn't recommend. Least favourite activity overall. The wildlife tour was drawn out and the museum dated and unecessary. The whole National Park felt like a dated relic :( We were all left wishing that we got to Ninh Binh sooner in the day.