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Long Dao

Hi, my name is Long. I am a young and passionate travel specialist from Vietnam. I was in love with travel since I was a child and always wanted it to be a part of my life.
My idea about travelling is creating life-long memories and bringing inspiration. I love to explore different parts of my country and Indochina, meet new people and learn something new, and I am happy to share my expertise and experience with others to create an unforgettable trip.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I have the expertise to organise any kind of trip to any part of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. We have great ideas for a romantic getaway, foodie tour or cultural exploration, we know all the best beaches in Indochina, as well as the trekking and cycling routes.
Moreover, following our concept of authentic experience our tours always have a variety of hands-on experiences for deeper immersion into local life and culture. It could be cooking lesson, learnign local crafts, farming, fishing and more. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"My parents often took me on trips to the mountains in Northern Vietnam. For me, it was like getting into another world when the narrow and cosy streets of Hanoi were transforming into emerald rice fields and the hills covered by jungles. I was visiting rural villages with friendly people who always give me a smile and live a completely different life from me. Sometimes I imagined that I am a pilgrim from the adventure books I liked to read.
Since that time it was my dream to make travel a part of my life. This is why I have chosen to study tourism at university, and since I graduated in 2014 I have been working as a travel specialist. The dream came true, I am doing what I love, I am travelling a lot and now have an opportunity to show the charm of my country to others and help them to create beautiful memories from the journey. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My most memorable trip was not long to central Vietnam. I was travelling solo and took a train to Hue, where I would have a short stay, and from where I planned to rent a motorbike to ride to Hoi An via the famous Hai Van Pass.
Because of the rain, I had to stay in Hue for a bit longer and met a few motorbike taxi drivers, who used to be the travel guides before, but because of the pandemic, they had to become taxi drivers as a part-time job to be able to wait when the travel will be back. We went to the local coffee shop to wait until the rain is over and talked a lot about travelling and our jobs. All of them went through a difficult time but still are very optimistic and happy, and already making plans for the time tourism will be recovered. It did really inspire me to see that people who are passionate about their jobs like me do not give up and are so optimistic. And somehow they have shared with me their optimism and gave me more energy to continue what I am doing. "

Long is part of the following groups: Cambodia Travel Agents, Thailand Travel Agents, Vietnam Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Long

Memorable trip to Vietnam
Vietnam | Mar 9 - Mar 17, 2024

Audrey
Audrey W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024
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... Read more

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
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
Touch the History of Former Imperial Capital - Hue Full Day Sightseeing
Hue
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hoi An Night Market and Boat Trip With Lantern  Releasing
Hoi An Night Market and Boat Trip With Lantern Releasing
Hoi An
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Halong Bay Day Trip (Jade Sails)
Halong Bay Day Trip (Jade Sails)
Hanoi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cycling in Cam Thanh & Thanh Dong Organic Farm Visit
Cycling in Cam Thanh & Thanh Dong Organic Farm Visit
Vietnam
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Mar 27, 2024

Hi Audrey,

This review truly made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your incredible Vietnam adventure and for your kind words about my role in planning it. Your satisfaction is my greatest reward! Thank you again for choosing us and for allowing me to be a part of your unforgettable adventure.

With warmest regards,
Long

Long did a great job in organising my solo Vi...
Vietnam | Jan 15 - Jan 26, 2024

Lauri
Lauri C.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024

Long did a great job in organising my solo Vietnam adventure. The trip was seamless, everything was perfect. The accommodation was great, tours as advertised and drivers to collect me when required. I want to return to Vietnam to see more. I would highly recommend KimKim

Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

Dear Lauri,
Thank you for your kind words! I am so delighted to hear you had a wonderful time in our country Vietnam. I am more than happy to assist you in planning your next vacation to Vietnam in the future.
Thank you again for trusting us with trip planning. It is awesome to know that you will be using kimkim again.
My very best from Hanoi,
Long

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... Read more

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

Vietnam out of crowd
Vietnam | Dec 28 - Jan 7, 2024

elisa
elisa c.
Italy | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024
Our tour specialist Long has been always present and available to support and help.
He is a very reliable tour specially and I would definitely recommend him.
During our trip we met different drivers and guides: all have been always on time and extremely kind with us.
Despite some challenges with communications (one of our tour guide was not really able to speak english properly) we had the opportunity to discover a wonderul country.
Read more

Our tour specialist Long has been always present and available to support and help.
He is a very reliable tour specially and I would definitely recommend him.
During our trip we met different drivers and guides: all have been always on time and extremely kind with us.
Despite some challenges with communications (one of our tour guide was not really able to speak english properly) we had the opportunity to discover a wonderul country.

Hotel Reviews
Stellar of the Seas
quảng ninh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Azerai Can Tho Resort
Cần Thơ
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
Hanoi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Basic or not sufficient english
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Myst Dong Khoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Silk Path Grand Sapa
Lao Cai
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Ba Vi Eco Countryside Tour
Ba Vi Eco Countryside Tour
Hanoi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
New Year Charms by Silk Path Grand Sapa
New Year Charms by Silk Path Grand Sapa
Sapa

Terrible experience. Staff was not prepare to handle the NYE. Food was average. The mood of the dinner was quite sad.

Quality of Experience
Food
New Year Countdown by Silk Path Grand Sapa
New Year Countdown by Silk Path Grand Sapa
Sapa

Extremely sad party we left before midnight. I think the hotel is not really prepared for such initiatives

Quality of Experience
Discovery Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay (Stellar Of The Seas)
Discovery Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay (Stellar Of The Seas)
Ha Long Bay
Quality of Experience
Staff was great. Ha Long Bay is really packed by hundreds of boats, though.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walk To The Love Waterfall  And Heaven Gate
Walk To The Love Waterfall And Heaven Gate
Sapa

Nice but short walk. Not much to see, just a nice waterfall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sapa Trekking & Sightseeing
Sapa Trekking & Sightseeing
Sapa
Quality of Experience
Food
Average quality of food. Vietnam offers a lot more than that.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Beautiful Morning in Halong Bay  (Stellar of the Seas)
Beautiful Morning in Halong Bay (Stellar of the Seas)
Ha Long Bay

We enjoyed the thai chi session but it really was too much short

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre and Can Tho)
Discover the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre and Can Tho)
Vietnam
Quality of Experience
The overall experience was nice despite we felt it extremely touristic. We were not able to enjoy it at 100% as our guide was not able to communicate with us in english.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour guide should speak at least a basic but understandable english
Transport
A Peaceful Life Along The Mekong Delta from Azerai
A Peaceful Life Along The Mekong Delta from Azerai
Can Tho

The resort provided a top notch activity. Great great experience!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Can Tho
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The boat we used for the cruise was very very basic considering what we paid
Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Jan 11, 2024

Dear Elisa,
Thanks so much for your review! We’re really glad to know that you and your husband enjoyed your holiday in our country generally. Your feedback is highly appreciated, as it enables us to further develop our services. Trust us, you’ve made our day immensely better by sharing your experience.
Thanks again for the review and for being such a great customer.
My very best,
Long

A trip to remember
Vietnam | Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2023

Juliet
Juliet S.
Sunnyvale, CA | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2024
It was our first trip to Vietnam, the planning with Long was unexpectedly easy and flexible. I told him some criteria of places / things we would like to see / do and he would tie everything together with a tour guide and transfers. He came up with a few revisions and Rev 3 was what we have chosen. Long was responsive and made great recommendations. Two and a half weeks prior to our trip my mother-in-law suddenly passed away due to a heart attack, we were not sure if we were able to go... Read more

It was our first trip to Vietnam, the planning with Long was unexpectedly easy and flexible. I told him some criteria of places / things we would like to see / do and he would tie everything together with a tour guide and transfers. He came up with a few revisions and Rev 3 was what we have chosen. Long was responsive and made great recommendations. Two and a half weeks prior to our trip my mother-in-law suddenly passed away due to a heart attack, we were not sure if we were able to go because of the funeral etc.. We informed Long of our situation and he was patiently checking in with me to ensure we could recover some of our trip payment if we needed to cancel our trip. Luckily we were able to go and our trip was amazing. Long checked in with us every day to make sure the tour was on track and on schedule. The local tour guide Mr Huy and the driver were wonderful people and we were well taken care of. The Old Quarter in Hanoi was a crazy place full of motorbikes and people. The street food tour was perfect, tried out six different things in one evening and the chicken Binh mi was our favorite. Honestly we were not able to cross the street without our guide in Hanoi. After a couple of days we were fine, we enjoyed the various architectures in Hanoi and we were able to learn more about the history and people of Vietnam from the various museums. The scenery in Ninh Binh at the Trang An complex was breathtaking and the HaLong Bay Indochina Junk cruise was unforgettable. The food was fantastic and the cruise guide CoCo was just so efficient and impressive speaking three different languages. Mr Huy was also very knowledgeable and he told great stories and we enjoyed his company. Our driver was nice too, he was quiet but drove so carefully. We felt safe all the way. Though we were not in the best mood when we started our trip we felt that we were able to regain our energy. As Long said, traveling was one of the best ways to heal and we certainly agreed with him. I must say that we were skeptical about planning our trip via a website and we didn’t know what to expect. But now we would like to thank you for this wonderful experience!

Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Jan 02, 2024

Dear Juliet,
I honestly can't convey how much we all appreciate your kind words - you've literally brightened my day and made me love my job a little bit more! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your amazing feedback with us! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had an outstanding experience during your time here in Vietnam.
I'll pass the review on to the team, especially Huy and I'm sure they will really appreciate it too!
We would love to have you back:) Maybe we will meet again someday.
Wish you and Stephen a great time in our Central.
My very best,
Long

A breathtaking two week Vacation in Vietnam
Vietnam | Nov 29 - Dec 12, 2023

Leigha
Leigha L.
Plano, TX | Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023
Our two week vacation in Vietnam was absolutely incredible. My husband Paul and I enjoyed going up and down Vietnam experiencing local food, culture and daily life. Each guide was so incredibly knowledgeable not only about their specific region but the entirety of Vietnam. Ms. Mai was our tour guide in Sa Pa and she was absolutely delightful. She was local to a village in Sa Pa and knew everything about the area. She spoke with us as if we were friends. I didn't care for the lunch provided in... Read more

Our two week vacation in Vietnam was absolutely incredible. My husband Paul and I enjoyed going up and down Vietnam experiencing local food, culture and daily life. Each guide was so incredibly knowledgeable not only about their specific region but the entirety of Vietnam. Ms. Mai was our tour guide in Sa Pa and she was absolutely delightful. She was local to a village in Sa Pa and knew everything about the area. She spoke with us as if we were friends. I didn't care for the lunch provided in Sa Pa on the first day, but the hike through the rice terraces was an absolute delight and the lunch we had in the village was outstanding. The only think I wish we could have had more prep for was what to pack, especially for Sa Pa. We went on an 8.6 mile hike and that would have been nice to have that disclosed to us before we left the U.S. so we could make sure to pack correctly. Thankfully, my husband and I did pack correctly but we did not realize the extensive hike we would be going on. The lunch we had in Hanoi was very flavorful and delicious. It was so much food and we enjoyed every bit of it. Our coordinator Long was an absolute joy to work with. He was so responsive before and during our trip and had everything mapped out meticulously. We never had to worry about where our transfer would be or how to get ahold of our tour guide. He made any sort of anxiety of going to a brand new country wash away because of his careful planning abilities. Another thing that Paul and I would have liked to know ahead of time was the tipping expectations as well as how much cash we should anticipate to exchange. We felt a bit underprepared on that arriving in Vietnam. Nha Trang was beautiful as well, however I wish that we could have gone to a beach that was a bit more relaxing than the one we hung out at. The one we visited was a bit small and didn't have a lot of areas to relax on the actual beach. The snorkeling was amazing though, we truly enjoyed being able to explore the beautiful waters in Nha Trang. Our boat trip in Ha Long Bay was breathtaking but I would say that Ninh Binh was even more breathtaking. We did however enjoy the trip in Ha Long Bay being able to meet other travelers from other countries and enjoy some karaoke that night. For the boat trip in Ha Long Bay I would have paid more though for a five star experience. The boat we went on was nice but there were some things that I think could have been improved upon. I would also suggest a two-night trip in Ha Long Bay. There is so much to explore in Vietnam and Paul and I would definitely go back to explore more of their elephant sanctuaries and caves. Looking forward to booking another vacation with KimKim!

Hotel Reviews
La Siesta Classic Hang Thung

Beautiful hotel to stay in while in Hanoi. The French toast they have in their breakfast buffet is absolutely incredible, best French toast I have ever had. This is centrally located next to where everything is happening in Hanoi. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Truly enjoyed this experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adora Art Hotel

Unfortunately not the best experience at this hotel, the bed was very hard, the bath mat in the bathroom had a ton of mold on the bottom of it and the room in general was very small that we booked. The staff was mediocre, did not seem very inviting at all.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazing Sapa
Sa Pa

I wish we could have seen more, but the fog was so thick we couldn't see the views we paid for. I wish it was disclosed that the views would not be the same in the winter as the summer. The breakfast was ok, there were too many lunch options and not enough breakfast options. There also was not a bar area to hangout in. The actual room we stayed in was comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hidden Charm Ninh Binh
Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

I wish we stayed more than one night at the Hidden Charm hotel. This was a beautiful hotel with all the amenities we were looking for. The staff was so friendly and inviting. We would love to go back and stay longer. I loved this hotel room as well, it was large and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not very close to the main strip
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Pandora Cruises
Hai Phong

I wish I could write a rave review about this cruise but was mediocre. There was not enough awake time on the cruise to be able to enjoy and experience it. We hardly got any warning about any excursions that everyone was going out on and it was entirely too early to wake up and run out to an excursion, 6:50am was when the boat was leaving to go to the cave excursion and that was not fun to have to run out of bed scarf breakfast and go out. The bathroom was atrocious. I couldn't bare to go in to use it and any other bathrooms on deck were just as bad, one didn't even have a women's seat. I liked the people I met on this cruise but didn't like the cruise itself.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bathroom smelled so bad the entire time.
Amiana Resort Nha Trang

Five star experience at the Amiana Resort. It's not in a convenient location but you have everything you need at the resort. The staff was friendly and really enjoyed talking to us. I wish there were more food options for dinner, but the breakfast buffet was unreal. They had absolutely everything, and it was very tasty. I wish I stayed the entire time in Nha Trang at this resort.

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully built.
Location
Staff
Very kind people who work here
Cleanliness & Comfort
Incredibly clean and comfortable.
Au Lac Charner Hotel

This breakfast buffet was nothing compared to the others we had during our trip, it was almost zero breakfast food. It was centrally located which was good because I didn't want to hangout at the actual hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was so hard it felt like a rock
Activity Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Ho Chi Minh City

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as this day had a lot of walking around Ho Chi Minh. A wonderful experience and make sure to bring tissues for the Vietnam War Museam.

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

Visit a few historical places on this day. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking around the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sapa Trekking & Sightseeing
Sapa Trekking & Sightseeing
Sapa

Incredible, amazing, breathtaking and a very difficult hike if you are not accustomed to hiking. This was 8.6 miles of hiking through hills. The beauty was unreal and amazing to see the villages.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mai is the best tour guide.
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

Truly was in awe in the boat tour, just superb. I loved the lime stone rock structures, they were so beautiful. This is a two hour boat tour that was so gorgeous.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay (La Pandora)
Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay (La Pandora)
Vietnam

This was a nice boat cruise but I wish we would have paid more for a fancier boat. There is a 45 minute boat ride from the harbor to the boat though so make sure you prepare for a long transfer boat ride. The bathrooms were really bad on the boat though so keep that in mind too.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walk To The Love Waterfall  And Heaven Gate
Walk To The Love Waterfall And Heaven Gate
Sapa

Visit in August if you want the best views. The fog was so thick we could hardly see any views. We loved the hike to love waterfall and that it was cooler weather though.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mai was the best tour guide.
Transport
Dark and Bright Cave - Ha Long Bay (La Pandora)
Dark and Bright Cave - Ha Long Bay (La Pandora)
Vietnam

The wake up call for this experience was way too early at 6:50am we had to leave the main cruise boat and go out. My husband and I didn't even get to have breakfast and enjoy the scenery before we had to go out. I really wish we booked two nights to have a more relaxed time.

Quality of Experience
This was a beautiful experience but it was really short.
Food
Missed breakfast because the excursion was too early.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Islands And Snorkeling Tour
Islands And Snorkeling Tour
Nha Trang

Enjoyed the snorkeling very much but didn't like the beach that we spent time at after the snorkeling. We were also the only ones at the restaurant. we ate at.

Quality of Experience
Food
Squid, shark, and prawns all very good.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat driver did not interact with us at all.
Free Time in Ho Chi Minh
Free Time in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City

Self-guided walking in Ho Chi Minh is really hard when you have no idea where to walk to or what to see.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Dec 22, 2023

Hi Leigha,
I'm so glad you and Paul had an incredible vacation in Vietnam! Thanks for sharing all the details with me, it was a pleasure to read your insightful review. Your feedback is highly appreciated, as it enables us to further develop our services and organize memorable trips for our future clients.
Thank you so much for choosing our services. It is awesome to know that you will be using kimkim again.
Happy holidays to you🥳!
Long

Knowledgeable, authentic and trustworthy - an incredible and thought provoking journey in North Vietnam.
Vietnam | Dec 2 - Dec 15, 2023

Jane
Jane M.
Australia | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023
My two week adventure in North Vietnam as a solo traveller in December 2023 was a great success, due in no small part to the services on Long Pham. My particular interest was in the embroidery and textile techniques of the ethnic groups in Vietnam (over 54!), so after a short stay in Hanoi I went to Sapa and then on a 3 day 'trek' (walk, but at times difficult) through rice paddies and villages and was able to see first hand the techniques of the very skilled tribal women as they wove, dyed... Read more

My two week adventure in North Vietnam as a solo traveller in December 2023 was a great success, due in no small part to the services on Long Pham. My particular interest was in the embroidery and textile techniques of the ethnic groups in Vietnam (over 54!), so after a short stay in Hanoi I went to Sapa and then on a 3 day 'trek' (walk, but at times difficult) through rice paddies and villages and was able to see first hand the techniques of the very skilled tribal women as they wove, dyed and embroidered their traditional outfits. The homestays arranged were good, comfortable and very authentic. I spent a further 5 days in Hanoi, with a day trip to Halong Bay on one day. All was wonderful and very well arranged by Long. I changed arrangements during the trip and Long handled everything with immense patience and ease. Finally, I would like to give a shout out to guides: Andy on my vespa food tour of Hanoi, Bach on my full day seeing the sights of Hanoi and Lu on Sapa walking leg. Andy and Bach in particular were very knowledgeable about the history of Vietnam and generous in sharing their personal histories and experiences in modern Vietnam. Terrific holiday. As a solo traveller (older woman) it was important to me to have someone I could contact if needed, and Long was available 24/7. Highly recommended.

Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Dec 23, 2023

Hi Jane,

Your amazing review made my day! Thrilled you loved your North Vietnam adventure, especially the Sapa trek and Hanoi's charm. Adapting your itinerary was my pleasure, and knowing you felt supported as a solo traveler brings me immense joy. Your kind words about Andy, Bach, and Lu warm my heart – they remember you and sends their warm regards. Thank you again for trusting me and our company, and we hope to see you again!

Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Long

Everyone of the drivers and guilds were amazi...
Vietnam | Nov 17 - Nov 28, 2023

S
Sibthain a.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2023
Everyone of the drivers and guilds were amazing. Read more

Everyone of the drivers and guilds were amazing.

Hotel Reviews
Palm Garden Resort - Hoi An
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doris Cruise
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Dec 06, 2023

Dear Sibthain,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. It's wonderful to hear that you had a positive experience, and we are thrilled that you were satisfied with our services. We aim to provide the best experience possible, and it's rewarding to know that we've achieved that with you. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you again in the future.

Warm regards,
Long

You must go to Vietnam!
Vietnam | Oct 21 - Nov 4, 2023

Ed
Ed H.
Greenwood Village, CO | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2023
The trip was amazing. Long did such a fabulous job on every level. There was not one part of the trip that wasn't fabulous. The people of Vietnam are friendly, hard working, funny and just a joy to be around. The culture, history and determination of Vietnam's people should not be missed. We had several great guides and drivers. Special thanks to Alex
Willie
Jackie
Mr Wee
Our guides saw to every detail and ensure we had a blast. I loved the entire trip but you absolutely... Read more

The trip was amazing. Long did such a fabulous job on every level. There was not one part of the trip that wasn't fabulous. The people of Vietnam are friendly, hard working, funny and just a joy to be around. The culture, history and determination of Vietnam's people should not be missed. We had several great guides and drivers. Special thanks to

Alex
Willie
Jackie
Mr Wee

Our guides saw to every detail and ensure we had a blast. I loved the entire trip but you absolutely must take a vespa tour around Hanoi. We visited small villages, ate with friendly amazing people, visited cities and so many wonderful places. It is definitely a return destination.

A special thanks to Kimkim and Long. He did such an amazing job setting this up. He put up with tons of questions and made sure it was perfect (which it was). I will continue to use Kimkim for any adventure. Thank you Long! You are the best!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - MGallery

Perfect location in the old quarter! breakfast was amazing and the staff incredible.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Silk Path Grand Sapa
Lao Cai

I wish I could have spent more time here. The hotel is amazing and the spa and pool were awesome!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pu Luong Retreat
Thanh Hoa

This is a great place surrounded by rice fields and friendly people. We did a 10 mile hike around small villages and it was simply amazing. This was a great place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tam Coc Garden
Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

This is a gem of the wild.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Halong Capella Cruise
Halong

This was a great adventure. I enjoyed the Kayaking the most. The schedule is tight and timely but it was an amazing experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pilgrimage Village Hue
Hue

Hue was probably my favorite place on the trip and this hotel and staff were by far my favorite. Everyone was good but this hotel was in a perfect location and a perfect staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

great spot for visiting the downtown and getting clothes made. The hotel is awesome and the people amazing. if you want to walk to the market and boats this is the place to go.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Halong Bay Exploration on Cruise
Halong Bay Exploration on Cruise
Ha Long Bay

Do the Kayaking

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Disembarking the cruise
Disembarking the cruise
Ha Long Bay
Imperial City Tour - Boat & Bike Ride to Rural Villages
Imperial City Tour - Boat & Bike Ride to Rural Villages
Hue

Amazing!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hanoi Vespa Tour
Hanoi Vespa Tour
Hanoi

Alex was awesome! you absolutely have to do this. It was a highlight of my life.

Quality of Experience
Food
All of it. Alex took us to the most special place (Obama restaurant).
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hanoi Afternoon City Exploration and Street Food Tour
Hanoi Afternoon City Exploration and Street Food Tour
Hanoi

Did Vespa all day! It was amazing

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Cam Thanh Village
Day Trip to Cam Thanh Village
Hoi An

This was a lot of tourists but so fun. It is worth the trip

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hidden Trails of Pù Luông
Hidden Trails of Pù Luông
Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Jackie and the group did an amazing 10M hike. So fun to see the culture and talk to the local people

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hoi An Sightseeing Tour
Hoi An Sightseeing Tour
Hoi An

Got to visit the ancient places in Hoi An. it was a great morning and then we bought to many lanterns.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Remote Villages of Ban Khoang & Ta Giang Phin
Explore the Remote Villages of Ban Khoang & Ta Giang Phin
Sapa

This is why I went to Vietnam. The people were amazing. yes they want you to buy a few small things but it was well worth it.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trek to Lech Dzao & Thanh Kim Villages
Trek to Lech Dzao & Thanh Kim Villages
Sapa

Loved the local culture and crafts

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ma Tra - Ta Phin
Ma Tra - Ta Phin
Sapa
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hue - halfday city tour with lunch
Hue - halfday city tour with lunch
Hue

Hue was my favorite place. The bike ride was awesome and we loved the citadel

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking and rafting in Pu Luong
Hiking and rafting in Pu Luong
Pu Luong Nature Reserve

This was awesome! Out in country but you can just explore local villages on your own if you wish.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hoa Lu - Tam Coc (Half Day)
Hoa Lu - Tam Coc (Half Day)
Vietnam
Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Nov 08, 2023

Dear Ed,
Thank you so much for such a detailed review. We are so glad to hear that your group has enjoyed this trip to Vietnam and that you are happy with all the services from our team. It was our great pleasure to organize and support you on this vacation. Thank you again for trusting our company, and hope to welcome you again on your next holiday in South-East Asia in the near future!
Sincerely,
Long

The KimKim/Realistic Asia team ❤️
Thailand | Oct 26 - Nov 4, 2023

N
N S.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 05, 2023

Long was incredibly professional, helpful, engaged & respectful from start to finish
He helped us create the perfect Thailand adventure for our specifications & budget.
He knocked it out of the park!
Our local guides & drivers were all fabulous. Available to answer questions, help with directions/requests/last minute activities. They all made us feel special at every turn.
Thank you Long, Saiyamarn, Kai, Noot ❤️

Local specialist: Long Dao
Long
Long Dao
Local specialist in Vietnam | Replied on Nov 06, 2023

My dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I truly appreciate it.
I am honestly thrilled that you and Kari loved this trip. I'll pass the review on to the team and I'm sure they will really appreciate it too!
Wish you another amazing journey in the North. I'm so excited to see your feedback on after finishing it😍.
My very best <3,
Long