I hope that on my next trip (wherever in the ...
Cambodia | Jan 17 - Jan 29, 2023

Scott
Scott B.
Singapore | Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023

I hope that on my next trip (wherever in the world that might be), I have another guide like Chu and his team at Absolute Tours in Siem Reap. He was energetic (most sprightly!) and fun and absolutely made the city and Cambodia come alive for us while taking us on rarely traveled back-roads and single-track mountain bike trails. We were amazed by his knowledge and his passion for sharing and teaching. While many guides seem to tick the box, Chu was ready to take us beyond the well-worn tourist trails Instagram spots and to show us the rarely visited temples and vistas. For these kinds of experiences, we were deeply grateful. Touring Southeast Asian countries during the lunar holidays can certainly provided some challenges, but none so great that I couldn't recommend going at this time of year. So while there were some hiccups with communication along the way, our two week trip ultimately will be remembered for the stunning views and the amazing experiences and the lovely people we met in these two very unique countries.

Hotel Reviews
Hidden Charm Ninh Binh
Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

This is a nice place to stay for a night, but it really leaves you feeling uninspired and isn't remarkable for either very good or very bad reason. While clean and safe, Hidden Charm ultimately lacks any real character. By trying not to offend, it's decor and atmosphere feel very sterile and impersonal. On the contrary the staff were all wonderful and incredibly accommodating even going to far as to provide us another room at a discounted rate. The breakfast was varied and had something for everyone. The walk into town was short and easy and also felt safe. Hidden Charm had neither extreme highs nor extreme lows, and sometimes that exactly what you want in a travel hotel.

Authenticity & Character
If you want to remember everything about your trip to Ninh Binh, this isn't the hotel for you. We had difficulty recalling what it exactly looked like, which could be good thing ultimately as the hotel should not be the highlight of the trip.
Location
Easy and safe walk in to town.
Staff
Like all the hotels we stayed at in Vietnam, the service was five-star. Very grateful to the front desk for not only accommodating us with another room, but also not taking advantage of our request.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The grout and tiles in the bathrooms could be cleaned or reapplied, but otherwise this was a clean and modern hotel.
Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba

Parts of this hotel reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel. The Hotel Perle is a gorgeous hotel at the end of a long road from town with stunning views, a hidden path to another beach, and a lobby and bar right out of the 1920's. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was inviting and warm, and the amenities like the spa and gym are top-notch. The two private beaches are just that, private. They are clean and sunlit and perfect for all types of travelers. Wish we could have stayed longer. We will certainly be back. Highest recommendation.

Authenticity & Character
This places oozes with charm and prestige.
Location
It's a half mile walk to town on a very safe and picturesque road. However some guests might not feel comfortable walking that far at night. We had no problems at all and actually enjoyed the stroll on both nights we were there.
Staff
The front desk staff was friendly and inviting and made us feel right at home. The hotel was short staffed because of the Lunar New Year, but we never knew it because the service was seamless.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms felt new and are immaculately maintained.
Era Cruises
Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi

While the boat staff was friendly and welcoming, the cruise itself lacked any real personality or excitement. Guests are left mostly to take in the views of the stunning bay (although floating debris and trash is a real detraction). The activities offered feel half hearted and mostly done so the boat can say the offered them. There is a real lack of earnestness in this. The fishing for squid is a great example. It was not squid season, nor were we in a spot where you'd normally catch squid, but they gave us the poles and told us to try anyway. While this type of cruise might appeal to some, it wasn't for us and so I can't recommend it.

Authenticity & Character
It felt like the boat was going through the motions of another cruise. It felt very uninspired.
Location
The views are commanding and unique to this part of the world. Unfortunately the presence of debris and garbage in the water is such that it can't be ignored.
Staff
Mr. Lee brought tons of energy and was very friendly and likable. He carried the cruise by himself.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, but older and well-used interiors. You don't go on a cruise to watch television, but I found it interesting that none of the movies played all the way through. I have no idea if there were or not, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were pirated (no pun intended).
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Quảng Nam

A serene and luxurious place to stay. The staff was amazing, the rooms were immaculate, and the food was delicious. Would love to stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
This isn't a hotel, it's a resort, and it's a very good one at that.
Location
A bit far from the main area of town, but that's also what gives it its peace and quiet. Not a far walk, but far enough if the sun is out.
Staff
The staff were amazing. They allowed us an early check-in and a late check-out. The front desk learned our names and greeted us warmly every time we were in the lobby.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our rooms were spotless and plush. The wifi was strong and fast and the hot water lasted even after the longest of showers after epic bike rides in the cold rain. I can't say enough good about how comfortable this place was to stay.
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa

After having such incredible experiences at our other hotels on this trip, this was a major let down. The rooms and beds were old and well worn. My room on the fourth floor had an ant infestation that I was only aware of after having a cup of tea in my room. The doors didn't latch properly and needed slamming which created it's own kind of disturbance as well. The location is central and walking to some parts of town is easy, but rides are required for any place really worth going. The staff was friendly but distant. Kind, but not really caring. The breakfast was also far weaker than any other place we stayed. Cold food that was supposed to be hot, dry tasteless breads and weak tea and coffee (you could buy a stronger brewed cup) made this feel more like a motel than a hotel. The pool was nice, but it wasn't anything special. While we felt both safe here and could endure the minor physical problems and blemishes this is not a hotel (and definitely not a resort) that I can recommend or would travel to again.

Authenticity & Character
I don't think the hotel was really trying to be authentic unless heavily worn and dated is an authentic look. Lots of stains on floors and walls, mismatched paint, loose woodwork, and basic furniture in the bedrooms told the story of a hotel where no one really cared about maintenance or appearance.
Location
The location was probably the best part about this place. Easy to bike from here around the city and to the temples. Easy walk to restaurants and Pub Street. I'm not entirely sure it was 100% safe to walk from there late at night, but it was only about 800m.
Staff
The mainly kept to themselves behind the desk in the lobby. No doormen, bellhops, or concierge offering assistance of any kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
I think the hotel covers the basics like changing sheets and towels, but there was little evidence of much else. Years of dirt and grime build up certainly point to the contrary.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Quảng Nam

You cannot beat this location! However, in being walking distance to nearly everything, you also end up with lots of noise. Some of this is city noise and some of it is from the hotel, but regardless, if you're a very light sleeper, there might be a better option. The breakfast was superb and the wifi was strong through out the property. There was a small gym, but it was dated. What really sets this place apart though is it's location. While not affiliated with the hotel, the Blue Butterfly restaurant across the street was also delicious and offered generous servings.

Authenticity & Character
La Siesta provides a very western feel without the chain atmosphere. The lobby and restaurant were warm and welcoming, but parts of the building felt dated but not quite historic.
Location
Located on a safe and quieter street, you cannot find a hotel better situated than this. A ten minute walk from the front door got you just about everywhere in the old city. We also felt very safe walking around from the hotel at night.
Staff
The front desk went above and beyond in helping us with maps, recommendations, and reservations. The changed money for us and even mailed postcards for me. Top-tier service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were clean, but decorations and styling were dated. The mattresses in our rooms were firm, but had evidence of use in the middle. There were usb outlets beside the beds which was nice. The real difference between La Siesta and a five-star hotel is the noise. Doors opening and closing, people talking in the hallways passing by your room made me wonder if I had left the door ajar. City noise from outside the window isn't something the hotel can control, but the car horns and music from passing traffic was also noticeable while trying to fall asleep.
Activity Reviews
Ninh Binh - Trang An - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc
Ninh Binh - Trang An - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc
Ninh Binh

After cycling for a couple hours, we stopped for a late lunch at a tourist dive. It was fine. Nothing special. It might have been authentic, but it was mass produce for tour buses. We walked around town on our own and found a great little hostel by the river which had bonfires set up and bar. That was the coziest part of our stay here. The next day we took a 45 minute boat ride first thing which was peaceful and uncrowded. It was nice until the boat operator stopped us in the middle of the river and tried to sell us the goods in her bag. We floated there for five minutes and kindly and politely said "no thank you" until she gave up and started rowing again. It was a major turnoff and we felt pressured to buy since her rowing was the only way for us to get to dry land. The ride through the cave and the peacefulness of the morning wasn't ruined, but it did spoil the moment prematurely.

Quality of Experience
Food
There has to be more options than the two places we ate. The first stop for lunch was strictly a tourist stop. The second spot for lunch on day three was an old bus stop. Neither seemed like a place they took the idea of food very seriously.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fouck was our guide and he was personable and friendly. I could tell he really wanted to help us enjoy ourselves, but both he and our driver were smoking a lot and for two athletes, that's hard for us to want to be around. Also with the Lunar New Year on the horizon, I could tell they both wanted to get home, so we finished our riding day four hours early which I think they appreciated, but still left us feeling underwhelmed. I think asking clients if they mind smoking is a great first step rather than assuming they don't. Getting into the van after a ride and having our bags and clothes smell like smoke definitely was off-putting.
Transport
The van was spacious and comfortable and our driver was safe and courteous. The bikes were too small for our size (1.88m and 1.9m) and they had several mechanical problems along the way. We were able to compensate, but it wasn't a fun of an experience as I thought it might otherwise be because of the small and unreliable nature of the bikes.
Cat Ba National Park Trekking
Cat Ba National Park Trekking
Cambodia

This was a fantastic hike in a beautiful part of the island. Not too easy and not too difficult. A good stop along the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cat Ba free day
Cat Ba free day
Cát Bà

I wish we had more time here. What a fantastic little town with stunning beaches. We sat and read and wrote and went for run. The LNY celebrations were loud and festive. We will definitely be back next year.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Start exploring Lan Ha Bay  (Era Cruise)
Start exploring Lan Ha Bay (Era Cruise)
Ha Long Bay

Our driver from the hotel to the pier left us on the dock with no instructions. Two hours passed before a boat came to pick us up. We asked several other boat skippers if they were our ride and they made calls to the Era on our behalf. Finally I called Alex who was able to get in touch with the boat. Mr. Lee called me and said 20 minutes. 30 minutes later he called again and said 20 minutes. We were very lucky the day was overcast and hot and sunny or raining as there was no shelter on the pier.

Quality of Experience
It was relaxing and peaceful. They should focus on that strength and not try to offer activities only to offer them. If you're going to give guests a chance to fish, they should actually be fishing, not just waving a pole in the water hoping to hook something other than trash.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mr. Lee was doing the best he could and I appreciate his sincere and straightforward nature. He brought as much energy as he could, it didn't go unnoticed.
Transport
Being left waiting on the pier is not a great start. If the boat is to pick us up at 11:30, and we leave our hotel and are on time, there shouldn't be a two hour delay in getting picked up. I felt bad for the other guests too as lunch wasn't served until we had arrived.
Dark & Bright Cave - Halong Bay - Hanoi (Era)
Dark & Bright Cave - Halong Bay - Hanoi (Era)
Ha Long Bay

It was nice to get off the large boat and into a smaller one to explore the coastline more closely. The sun was coming up and we saw moneys in the trees and birds starting to stir. It was a peaceful time and nice excursion.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hoi An cycling in the countryside village - boat trip on the Thu Bon River, interaction with the locals
Hoi An cycling in the countryside village - boat trip on the Thu Bon River, interaction with the locals
Hoi An

Exploring the old town and riding up the coast was a nice change to the tourist areas we had been seeing. Stopping by the inlaid wood artisans was nice although they pressured us to buy their art, we politely declined. The boat ride would have been nicer but the weather didn't cooperate which wasn't anyone's fault, just bad luck. However the highlight of this day was definitely the cooking class with Hu. The family owned restaurant was exactly the type of experience we were looking for. Hu was funny and quick and a great teacher. I would definitely recommend going to see him and his family if you want something of a more authentic interaction where no one tries to sell you tourist bobbles.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cycling Hoi An to Marble Mountain
Cycling Hoi An to Marble Mountain
Hoi An

Good roads and an easy bike ride as long as the weather cooperates. Decent views from the top and lots of caves and history to learn about while visiting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hoi An Half-Day  Sightseeing
Hoi An Half-Day Sightseeing
Hoi An

Walking around the old town is great for people watching and picking up more authentic souvenirs from local artists. There are a fair share of stalls and eateries and places to get cold drinks while looking at the different historic architectural styles. We enjoyed getting off the bikes and doing the walking tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our local guide Qulk was very good. He was safe on the roads while cycling and very knowledgeable about the area and sights he took us to.
Transport
Cycling to visit Angkor Wat and Banteay Kdey
Cycling to visit Angkor Wat and Banteay Kdey
Siem Reap

Chu was a fantastic guide and gave us exactly the experience we were looking for. He was quick and agile and kept the tour from getting bogged down behind lines of tourists. He knew the shortcuts and bike trails which took us off the main roads and to the lesser known temples and ruins. His knowledge was excellent and his energy was contagious which helps when you leave the hotel at 5AM for the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Chu was by far the strongest cyclist and more fit than our other guides which allowed us to see and do more than a traditional van or bus tour.

Quality of Experience
A long day from sunrise to sunset, but it was outstanding from start to finish.
Food
The restaurant we stopped at for lunch provided generous serving sizes of delicious food. Contrary to the experiences we had in Vietnam, we felt like the food portions were made for us, not for the masses. I'd eat here again.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Next time we go to Angkor Wat, we will be calling Chu. He was fantastic.
Transport
Bikes are absolutely the best way to see these sights.
Siem Reap by night for adventure tour
Siem Reap by night for adventure tour
Siem Reap

A chance to try street food! My travel partner ate a fried tarantula and kind of enjoyed it! It was great to get away from the tourist lines and experience the city that the locals know.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
On bikes is the only way to go.
Cycling to Banteay Srei  - Kbal Spean - Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira
Cycling to Banteay Srei - Kbal Spean - Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira
Siem Reap

The Landmine Museum is a MUST DO! To understand history, you must look at the parts that aren't as easy to digest and the museum does just that. Mr. Akira is a fantastic storyteller and we spent close to an hour with him learning about his life and mission.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ha Dinh
Ha
Ha Dinh
Local specialist in Hanoi | Replied on Feb 06, 2023

Dear Scott,

Thanks so much for your review! We’re really glad to know that you enjoyed your holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia. Thanks for your kind words about Chu and our Absolure Teams in Cambodia, he is very happy to know that you enjoyed your trip and sends his warm regards. Your honest feedback is highly appreciated, as it enables us to further develop our services. Thanks again for the review and for being such a great customer.

Best regards,
Ha