Realistic Asia

We had a front-facing room with a balcony, which unfortunately reduced the usable room size quite a bit. For two people traveling with luggage, the space already felt tight, and the balcony layout made it more so. Because of street noise, we didn’t end up using the balcony at all, so it felt like wasted space. Welcoming and friendly service and an excellent breakfast, but as space matters, a quieter, non-balcony room might be the better choice.

The Gateway Inn Pu Luong's staff provided excellent service throughout our stay and were consistently attentive and welcoming. The food options were good, well prepared, and thoughtfully presented. The rooms themselves were clean to a certain extend. However, upon check-in, some of the cups in the room and the bathroom did not appear to be clean, which was a minor but noticeable issue. Some doors did not close properly which ally flys to get in. In addition, the rooms are very rustic, which may appeal to some travelers but felt overly basic for our expectations. We also experienced that the hot water running out mid shower each time.

We really enjoyed our stay at Le Close du Fil Hotel. The rooms were spacious, clean, and genuinely comfortable, with plenty of room to settle in and relax. We especially liked the French colonial vibe—the décor is tasteful, cohesive, and gives the place real character without feeling heavy or overdone. Breakfast was good . There were choices available, and everything was freshly made, which made mornings easy and enjoyable. Overall, a comfortable and well-run hotel with charm, space, and a strong breakfast. A solid base for exploring Ninh Bình.

The boat itself, Dora and all the other boats, stayed anchored most of the time, or moved very little. Practically everything—boarding at the port, excursions, and disembarkation—was done via small, simple shuttle boats. They were functional, not luxurious, and clearly built for logistics rather than comfort. In that sense, Dora operates more as a floating hotel than a true cruise ship. You eat on board, sleep on board, relax on deck, and enjoy the scenery from a fixed position in the bay. Explorations are done on a transporter boat. worth noting is that the sense of peace and quiet is not available . The Dora & Nearby boats run their engines frequently—even when anchored—and the smell of diesel and engine noise is quite unpleasant, which detracts from the otherwise serene setting. The staff deserves real credit. They were consistently friendly, attentive, and accommodating. Service felt warm and genuine. The food was good, well prepared and reliable, but not especially memorable or adventurous. The activities, while well organized, felt manufactured. They follow a polished script designed to move many guests efficiently through a curated version of the experience. it lacks authenticity, spontaneity or a sense of discovery. Stepping back, Ha Long Bay is undeniably beautiful. Still, after going through the full program, I’m left thinking that a well-planned day trip from Hanoi is probably sufficient to experience the bay’s essence. An overnight cruise adds comfort and atmosphere, but not necessarily deeper access or insight. In short: comfortable, pleasant, professionally run. but our goal is simply to understand and appreciate the bay, and we don’t need more than a day trip. But look for one the offers kayaking it was the highlight of our tripod

The room at White Lotus Hue Hotel was comfortable for two people traveling with luggage, which immediately made the stay easier. There was enough space to move around without constantly negotiating bags, and the room felt practical and well set up. Service was very good throughout—staff were attentive, friendly, and handled things efficiently. The central location is another strong point, making it easy to walk to key sights or get around Huế without much planning. Breakfast was the only minor downside. Although there was plenty of food and seating, the buffet area felt chaotic, with a lot of pushing and shoving that took away from what should have been a relaxed start to the day. Overall, a solid and convenient hotel with good service and comfort, slightly let down by breakfast organization.

Our stay at Lynnaya Urban River Resort was excellent from start to finish. We wished we coukd stay longer. The room was very comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with ample space for two people and their luggage—no feeling of being cramped or having to rearrange bags constantly. The room layout really works. The outdoor shower was a standout feature: well executed, private, and honestly a pleasure to use. It added character without sacrificing comfort. Service was top notch throughout the stay. Staff were attentive, warm, and genuinely focused on making things easy and pleasant, without ever feeling scripted or overbearing. Breakfast was another strong point, with good options and solid quality, making mornings relaxed and unrushed. Overall, this is a fantastic hotel—comfortable, well designed, and very well run. A great base in Siem Reap and an easy place to recommend.

Our stay at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel was genuinely enjoyable and easy. The location is a real advantage. The hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town and many key attractions, which made getting around simple and relaxed. The free bicycles were a big plus for us—we used them and especially enjoyed a morning ride out to the rice fields just outside of town. Quiet roads, flat terrain, and a peaceful start to the day. The room was clean, well maintained, and practical, with enough space for two people and their luggage. The hotel has a calm, classic feel that suits Hoi An well. Staff were welcoming and attentive, and service felt genuine rather than rehearsed. Breakfast was solid, with good options to start the day. Overall, a comfortable, well-located boutique hotel with thoughtful extras that actually get used. A great base for exploring Hoi An, both on foot and by bike.

Very nice place to stay in the Old Quarter. Convenient location. The staff were awesome! They were so helpful and kind.

Very nice hotel. Quiet location and unique experience. I wish we would have had more time here to explore. They had a beautiful store with handiwork. The embroidery was beautiful. Our room was very comfortable and the food was excellent. The staff were all very responsive and helpful.

Wonderful experience. All the staff were very responsive and helpful. We had a very nice time on this cruise. The room was beautiful. We did the one night trip - I wish we had scheduled the 2 night trip. Sara did a wonderful job of coordinating all the events and our server Dian seemed to anticipate our needs and was very helpful. It was a great time. Highly recommend.

Beautiful Hotel. One of the best. The FROGS

It's 2 star at best but the location is amazing. There isn't much in the area. The people who work and own the resort are what make it special. An update to the pool would be helpful.

Really nice hotel and a beautiful room. Excellent service and breakfasts were very good. Loved the location. Great restaurants and walking around area. A good experience and good value.

Just wanted to relax on the boat with a cappuccino in the early morning so we did not participate.

This was worth every penny.

Highly recommended . Loved this. Great feel for driving in Ho Chi Mingh. Crazy!

Tour was great . Notre Dame was under repair. Could have left the Post Office out and a little longer at the War Museum. A lot to see and experience.

this tour was a little too contrived or touristy for me. I would have loved to hear more about what part the Mekong Delta played in the war. Interesting but a little to touristy.

Loved the cave experience. Really not for people with mobility issues or stamina issues. The cave was impressive and I really enjoyed going in.

Perfectly situated in old town. Very clean and wonderful service.

This place is stunningly beautiful.

Had an amazing view from our very large patio. Super clean and staff were very friendly.

Guide was be try knowledgeable and friendly.

Highly recommend going to Pu luang to see the small rice villages and mountains.

Such a wonderful way to see the mountains of this town. Would highly recommend doing this.

Lovely, charming well-located hotel with incredible customer service. We were having breakfast the first morning when a staff came to apologize if our sleep was disturbed by a fire alarm that went off mistakenly. The alarm was so soft, my husband couldn't even hear it when I asked him. Our final morning breakfast, a server came to say she knows we will have a 3-hour road trip to Ha Long Bay and could she pack a lunch bag for us. Amazing. During breakfast, I completed a review of the hotel, rated it the best, made a recommendation for a 2nd chair in the room and when we were checking out, the Hotel Manager came to personally thank us, gave us a small gift and thanked me for my recommendation. This is one hotel you must provide for all your guests in Hanoi. Amazing, phenomenal service, great breakfast, great location, comfortable and very clean room and all-around very attentive staff from doorman to reception to Restaurant staff. I have stayed in many 5-star, superior hotels but this one ranks way above the best because of its stellar, extremely attentive customer service. Definitely goes the extra mile!

Great Cruise Leader. Amazing customer service in the dining room from chef down to servers.

Great location by the river and bridge

Lovely experience - delicious food and great guide

Incredible, very helpful

Loved it. Unique experience being propelled through crazy downtown traffic. Very skilled and entertaining cyclists

Very enjoyable

Ha Long Bay is amazing. Stunningly beautiful. A must-do.

Interesting

Loved the Citadel. Uniquely beautiful with heavy French influence.

Very fun and unusual experience. Sailing down the river, nice and the spinning boats, great for the young

Amazing experience riding pillion on a Vespa scooter and being ferried from restaurant to restaurant to enjoy the best food. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Spectacular, amazing show. A MUST-SEE!

A little boring but our guide tried his best. The choice of places to visit should be reviewed.