Vio Travel

Despite the 42° temperature, the 12 km hike around Uluru was great. From the guide, we learned about the aboriginal legends associated with Uluru.
Had great day sailing out to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.
In Sydney, we enjoyed a tour of the Opera House where we peeked in on a rehersal for the ballet, Sleeping Beauty. On a tip from the guide, we were able to get tickets to the afternoon performance and got a discount by showing the tickets for the guided tour.

In Sydney, we had a couple of lovely meals at Love.Fish and Fish at the Rocks. On our last day, we really enjoyed our walking tour of Sydney. Just the two of us and our guide.

Hotel Reviews

Shangri-La Sydney

The Rocks

Great Service, good locationand quick check in process. Amazing buffet breakfast but can be busy on the weekend.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very helpful. Took care of our luggage while we were away for a few days

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sails In The Desert

Yulara

Authenticity & Character

Very modern decor with a large patio and swimming pool

Location

Located in a complex only a few minutes from the airport. Close by to a coffee shop and restaurant as well as a small grocery store. A few gift shops to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Port Douglas

Small boutique hotel. Comfortable room which included a fridge, dishwasher, and microwave. Quiet location with views of the beach. Nice breakfast in the morning. During our visit, the restaurant was undergoing a change in management so they were only serving the included breakfast but there are lots of places to eat out or you can buy food at the supermarket.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to the main street with lots of eateries and a supermarket.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Learned a lot about the history of the construction of the opera house and the unique material and engineering that was used.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Outback Sky Journeys - Astro Tour

Uluru

Unfortunately, the tour was cancelled due to cloudy skies but the costs were reimbursed quickly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Unfortunately, the company that was supposed to pick us up that morning failed to show up because they made an error in the date. However, it was probably for the better as the area was hit by torrential rains and strong winds. We learned later that the cable car ride and train ride were cancelled that day because of the inclement weather. After a quick Whatsapp message to Vicky, everything was sorted and a refund was issued.

SEIT Uluru Trek

Uluru

Up at 4:45 a.m. so as to arrive at Uluru before sunrise to avoid the heat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Learned a lot about stories and legends of the aboriginal people from a very knowledgeable guide

Field of Light Star Pass (Sunset)

Australia

The bus takes you to a plateau overlooking the plain below with a view of the Field of Lights with Uluru in the background. We were servered canapes and finger food with choice of beer or wine. As the sun set, the led lights began to glow. When darkness fell, we followed the lighted path to walk among the sea lights. The seating was on a narrow bench so we had to balance our food and drink on our laps. Would be better to have a picnic table to sit around. There is a more expensive version of this tour that features a more extensive choice of foods and drink but I don't think it's worth the extra cost. Read mixed reviews of the meal experience. It was very windy on the night we went so hang onto your hats. Even my backpack wad blown away.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

SEIT Kata Tjuta (Sunrise)

Uluru

The tour starts at a viewing platform to watch the sunrise over Uluru, then a drive to the base of Kata Tjuta. The guide explained the geological process that created both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Then we hiked up the trail to a canyon between two of the largest outcroppings

Vicky did an outstanding job planning and executing our Itinerary!!

Activity Review

Uluru Sacred Site & Sunset

Uluru

Tourist trap.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a terrific time in New Zealand recently and it was in large part to the arrangements that Vicky at KimKim made for us. She recommended and booked hotels in both Aukland and Queenstown; activities in both cities and worked with us to help us create the adventure we wanted in New Zealand. The hotels (Hotel Britomart in Aukland and Sofitel in Queenstown) were beautiful and catered to our every need. The staffs were attentive and engaging. Vicky planned a trip that allowed us time for curated activities but also time for us to explore and experience New Zealand. The Waiheke Island gourmet wine and food tour was everything we hoped it would be. We had a terrific time with guide Grant and small group of fellow travelers. The real surprise of the trip was how enjoyable the Milford Sound tour was. The views were amazing and Katy, the tour guide did a fantastic job explaining the region, the wildlife and the sights we saw. All around -- this New Zealand trip was an experience we will never forget. We are so grateful for Vicky's care and attention throughout the process. She even spent time with us just prior to travel to go over each day and last minute considerations and suggestions.

Hotel Review

The Hotel Britomart

Auckland

Perfect in every respect. Great staff, terrific room, great restaurant and in the very heart of city by the docks. Wonderful experience!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Milford Sound Scenic Tour & Cruise – Ex Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Breathtaking views and scenery. Katy our guide and driver was exceptional.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Katy was excellent -- knowledgeable and safe.

Transport

Large, Comfortable Mercedes Van w/Wi-Fi and comfortable seats.

Private Boutique Wine Tour

Queenstown (NZ)

Phil was a great guide. We enjoyed the day with him. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at the vineyard -- the views and ambiance as well as the amazing charcuterie platter that the winery prepared. The tastings were all good. The final tasting at Kinross with Brian was by far the best. Brian was skilled as well as knowledgable on the wine he was sharing.

Quality of Experience

Food

Excellent lunch at the winery's bistro.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine

Auckland

Exactly what we had in mind. Grant the guide was perfect for the role. The entire day flew by.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My travel agent, Jeab, set up an amazing trip to Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam over one month. I had no idea of exactly where I wanted to visit and what I wanted to see, but Jeab and I discussed my interests and the types of things I wanted to see and do.

Jeab set up an amazing month-long trip to a variety of different locations, including Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

I toured many different Buddhist temples, took a two-day cruise down the Mekong River, took walking and floating food tours, learned how to plant and harvest sticky rice, took tours on electric bicycles and motor scooters, stayed in a 5-star resort, and generally had an exceptional trip!

I cannot emphasize enough that Jeab hit the mark with setting up flights and rides to and from airports, all of the tours, and all of the information necessary to obtain online Visas for all of the countries.

Jeab, KimKim, and Vio Travel made my trip to Southeast Asia an experience that I’ll never forget. I highly recommend their services!

Brian Grumbling
Virginia Beach, VA
USA

Hotel Reviews

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Siem Reap

This resort is amazing! I rarely stay at 5-star hotels, but this is definitely one I recommend!

Authenticity & Character

Amenities galore

Location

It’s located in the middle of town

Staff

They took great care of me from the moment that I arrived

Cleanliness & Comfort

Plush bedding

The Odys Boutique hotel

Ho Chi Minh City

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bella Nara Phuket Naiyang Beach

PHUKET

Love the breakfast

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Luang Say Lodge

Pakbeng

I had my own separate room, which was a “hut” with all the amenities

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

My Dream Boutique Resort

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

4 Monkeys Hotels Bangkok

Bangkok

Located in the middle of Bangkok, it was conveniently located near many tours

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

De Lanna Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Laluna Hotel & Resort

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

L'Hôtel du LAC Hanoi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Surin and The Moken Village

Thailand

This was an amazing visit to an island of “gypsies”. Very interesting tour.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Michelin Guide Street Food by Tuk Tuk

Bangkok

This was a memorable tour of Chinatown, while getting a chance to taste different foods. Make sure you’re hungry, because the food is filling.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phare Circus

Siem Reap

The Phare Circus was a unique cultural experience. It was made even better by getting the VIP treatment in that we were able to keep the aluminum water bottle as a memory of the event.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vicky helped us plan an awesome trip in Australia, matching our interests with amazing tours and fun, knowledgeable guides. All travel arrangements were booked and timely as well as comfortable and convenient accommodations. I highly recommend KimKim for your trip.

Hotel Review

Pullman Cairns International

Cairns

Beautiful hotel in convenient location in Cairns. Modern, clean rooms with great breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character

Colonial facade with beautiful marble and wood paneled lobby

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Uluru Sacred Sites, Sunset, BBQ and Star Talk

Uluru

Learned so much about Aboriginal culture and life, was an amazing tour. Don’t miss Uluru at sunset, truly magical.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour

Cairns

Great way to see the Great Barrier Reef, especially if you want to snorkel in safe surroundings. Fun boat ride, great staff.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Mountains Small Group Tour

Sydney

An amazing experience! The Blue Mountains are beautiful, our guide Mark was knowledgeable and his love of the country was evident.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour

Australia

Jam packed full day trip from Cairns. Great way to see Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rain Forest and Cape Tribulation. Our guide Adrian H. was amazing and shared many stories to keep us entertained.

Quality of Experience

Food

Food stops tasty and plentiful food. No need for dinner .

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Some bumpy roads

Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour

Sydney

Toured different neighborhoods in Sutter would never have visited on our own. Fun stop at Bondi Beach.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Great tour of the Opera House, our guide was very knowledgeable about the history land construction.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Planning my Thailand trip became so overwhelming that I looked for a professional travel planner to guide me. I am so very happy that KimKim matched me with Jeab, my local specialist. Jeab is an excellent communicator, and she is knowledgeable and flexible, adjusting the itinerary multiple times to accommodate my requests. Jeab is also extremely patient and polite. While I was in Thailand and had questions, she was quick to respond and help me with what I needed. I am a solo traveler. Jeab's knowledge was superb when it came to choosing hotels and finding me local guides and small group tours. Top recommendation for Jeab and KimKim!

I presented KimKim with a unique challenge which they were able to respond to. I was interested in traveling to Thailand which is on the other side of the world for me, not so much for a destination trip of a lifetime, but to meet someone in person who had captured my heart. However, I had reservations about undertaking this endeavor on my own, so I reached out to KimKim and they put me in contact with Jook. Jook understood my concerns and unique requirements for this trip and was able to think outside the box of the more traditional type of trip plans and customize the itinerary to suit our specific needs. Jook created a perfect balance of free time and tour itinerary that allowed us to both get to know each other, and to allow me to get to know her homeland and its customs. Jook’s itinerary included a wonderful blend of hotel accommodation from elegant and classy, to remote and exotic with a splash of contemporary and modern mixed in. From the time I arrived in Thailand until the time I departed, I was completely at ease and comfortable in this foreign land so far away from home because I knew I had the KimKim Team with me. The scheduling and transportation arrangements were flawless and the food outstanding every step of the way. A must see for those that like isolation and remote wilderness were the float houses on the River Kwai, perhaps our favorite stop of the entire trip and our only regret was we only had one night there. If your interest is in the islands to the south a must is the James Bond Island tour provided by one of KimKim’s travel partners Sawanu Travel and a special thanks to our guide that day, Tee. I must say this trip ended up bringing two people from different cultures on opposite sides of the world closer together then ever could be imagined and felt much more like a honeymoon to both of us than a destination trip. We would not hesitate again to travel with the KimKim Team and a special thanks to Jook our local trip specialist for the personal touch and incredible effort in the arrangements.

Steve and Joonjing

Hotel Review

The FloatHouse River Kwai

Chang Wat Kanchanaburi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

James Bond (One - Day Trip)

Phuket

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vicky was extremely helpful and proactive at getting us the information we needed before and during the trip.

Activity Review

SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner

Uluru

We had a wonderful day touring Uluru and learning the history and significance of the people who have lived here.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport