Varied Guides quality

Thailand | Jan 16 - Feb 5, 2026

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.

This was truly one of the more unique cultural experiences we’ve had in Vietnam. The Hanoi city tour itself was very informative and engaging. It gave us useful historical and cultural context, not just the usual checklist of sites. We walked away understanding the layers of the city — imperial history, French influence, modern Vietnam — all woven together in a way that made sense. But the highlight was unquestionably the private water puppet experience with Artist Phan Thanh Liem. Meeting the artist himself — the puppeteer who actually creates the puppets — and his wife in their home studio added an entirely different dimension. This wasn’t a staged tourist production. It felt personal. Intimate. Authentic. Seeing how the puppets are carved, painted, and brought to life made the performance far more meaningful. The show itself was charming and skillful, but what stayed with us was the conversation afterward. Hearing about his family’s history in this traditional art form, and the effort to preserve it, gave real depth to what we were watching

This particular activity felt somewhat manufactured and lacking meaningful context. We were hoping for a deeper introduction to the local indigenous community — their history, traditions, and way of life — but that connection was largely missing. The bike ride itself was pleasant enough, but it felt more like a staged tourist add-on than an authentic cultural experience. Without proper background or real interaction, it came across as something designed primarily for visitors rather than something rooted in genuine local engagement. It wasn’t unpleasant — just a bit superficial. With more context, storytelling, or direct community involvement, it could have been far more impactful.

Boarding the Dora was smooth and handled efficiently. Everything worked like a well-oiled machine — organized, structured, and clearly something the crew does day in and day out. That said, it also felt mechanical. The process was efficient, but somewhat impersonal. There wasn’t much of a personal touch or sense of welcome that made us feel like guests rather than passengers being processed. It wasn’t problematic — just slightly transactional. A small gesture, a warmer introduction, or a moment of genuine engagement would have made a noticeable difference.

The final day of the cruise felt somewhat staged and less authentic than we had hoped. The activities seemed designed more to fit a standard program than to offer a genuine sense of place. It gave the impression of a scripted experience rather than something organic. Disembarkation, much like boarding, was efficient and well organized. Everything moved smoothly and on schedule, which we appreciated. Overall, the logistics were handled professionally — we just would have preferred a more natural and immersive close to the journey.

Hoi An was beautiful, but also extremely crowded during our visit. The volume of tourists significantly impacted the experience. The city tour ended up being cut short because the streets were simply too congested to move comfortably or pause for meaningful explanations. It became more about navigating through the crowds than actually absorbing the history and atmosphere of the old town. The evening boat ride and lantern experience, which we had hoped would feel magical, came across as rushed and highly commercialized. With so many boats operating at once and constant activity around us, there was no sense of calm or spirituality. Instead of feeling reflective or intimate, it felt more like a coordinated production line. There is still charm in Hoi An, but timing and expectations matter. In peak hours, the experience can feel more touristic than transcendent.

This was, without question, the highlight of our time in Vietnam. Two full days of hiking through Pu Luong’s valleys, indigenous villages, farms, and layered rice paddies — it felt real, unfiltered, and beautifully human. The landscape is stunning . Green. Alive. Walking through working farms and seeing daily life unfold gave the experience depth. Nothing felt staged. It felt authentic and grounded. The hike to Hieu Waterfall was equally rewarding. Lush surroundings, fresh water, and a sense of calm that you simply don’t find in the more touristic areas. Exploring the large cave added a different dimension — rugged, natural, and impressive in scale. It was an active two days, but deeply satisfying. If someone asked me what felt most genuine in Vietnam, this would be it. A fantastic experience.