Amazing three week trip to Vietnam in Thailand - perfectly crafted itinerary!
Vietnam
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Sep 29 - Oct 20, 2026
The itinerary that was proposed for our three weeks in Vietnam and Thailand was ingeniously crafted for inclusion of a great variety of meaningful experiences and interactions with people. Hien was delightful to work with and very responsive to our questions as they came up during our travels.
All of our guides, Dung Jun in Hanoi, Quoc in Ninh Binh, Finn in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong, delta and Kat in Bangkok we’re very personable, knowledgeable, responsible, and willing to adapt our itinerary to maximize our learning and needs. A special mention of Finn, who was very thoughtful in providing a birthday cake for Marty and taking my wife on a motor scooter when her knees would not allow for her to ride bicycle.
Would highly recommend Coco Riverside Lodge, and their concept of community tourism. This place is off the beaten path but very worthwhile making the effort to get there. Such a beautiful relaxing setting with a very engaging owner and excellent staff. The community programming that they offer to visitors is amazing and comprehensive.
Our four days at Rocky’s resort in Koh Samui was such a fitting place to end our three week trip. The general manager talked with us numerous times, the staff were so attentive . The grounds were beautiful and well maintained. The programming with traditional, live Thai music and dancing, as well as the fire dance show provided excellent entertainment and education.
Everywhere we went the food was of exceptional quality, and quantity. The street food tour in Hanoi our first night was a wonderful way to start the trip. Two cooking classes were also memorable.
All of our van drivers were punctual and safe. They helped us to feel relaxed in the midst of very chaotic traffic.
At the end of our travels, we commented that there was nothing that we would change about this trip. It was obvious that Realistic Asia and Hien had understood our priorities for travel: people, culture, nature, and education.
Would highly recommend Realistic Asia and their talented team to craft a Southeast Asia trip.
Hotel Reviews
Even though this property is remote it is very worthwhile visiting. Their concept of community tourism where they take their guests to multiple neighbors and local attractions to learn about many crafts, traditions, temples, factories, and a frog farm. We had several conversations with the owner and found his vision for involving the community in providing educational experiences for his guests very contagious. Such a relaxing, beautiful peaceful place. Staff were very friendly and thoughtful. The rooms were well appointed.
Excellent experience. We wish we would’ve scheduled for three days and two nights. Our state room was spacious and welcoming. Staff were very helpful. Food was excellent.
Great views from our window out over the city. Breakfast buffet was amazing. Our room was spacious and well appointed.
Great location in old corner. Could walk to so many things. Great breakfast buffet. Small enough for the staff to get to know you.
The main lounge area for the hotel and restaurant was artfully decorated. Great views from our room balcony out over the rice patties. Friendly staff.
Very large two room suite. Plenty of room to stretch out comfortably. On site restaurant was excellent place for evening meal and the buffet breakfast was amazing. Good location for walking to multiple things.
Exceptionally beautiful beachside resort with multitudes of flowering plants and trees. General manager talked with us numerous times and made us feel like we were welcome and important. Staff were very friendly. Two swimming pools were great. Evening entertainment with traditional Thai music and dancing as well as a fire dance show was exceptional. Breakfast buffet as well as the other meals served were all very tasty. This coming at the end of our three week trip was pure serendipity for us. Would highly recommend this place for those needing relaxation, immersion in beauty and the need to be cared for.
