Kimkim Trip Reviews

This was our second trip to the Galápagos, and Ariel made it absolutely amazing. The MC Treasure was perfect, and the crew was exceptional—warm, professional, and always a step ahead. They made us feel so well cared for, and every detail on board was flawless. Hector, our guide, was fantastic and brought every island to life with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

Ariel’s planning, communication, and thoughtful touches made the whole experience smooth and unforgettable. We can’t wait to plan our next adventure with Kim Kim!

Asko was detailed in answering questions and was immediately available to assist when there was confusion at hotel check-in. This was the first time utilizing this service and I was very impressed with the level of detail in determining the final itinerary.

Hotel Review

The Porter House Sydney

Sydney

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Day Tour ex Sydney

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney & The Rocks Historic Walking Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sydney Opera House tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our family of four used KimKim/Original Travels to create a 9-day custom tour of Morocco that exceeded our expectations. Communication with Abdellah and Said at Original Travels was outstanding from beginning to end, the selected local guides were all excellent, and adjustments to our itinerary were made seamlessly when requested.

Our enjoyment of the trip was influenced by Karim, our exceptional driver/guide, who truly made our experience in Morocco unforgettable. He was always punctual, incredibly flexible with our schedule, and consistently went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met, including a side quest to find a specific piece of pottery.

What truly sets Karim apart is his cheerful personality and genuine willingness to share personal stories and deep cultural insights. His stories brought Morocco to life in a way no guidebook ever could, and we always felt enriched by everything he shared.

The vehicle was always clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, making even long drives relaxing. Most importantly, we always felt completely safe and in excellent hands with Karim behind the wheel.

If you are looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, warm, and professional driver/guide in Morocco, we cannot recommend Karim highly enough. KimKim, Original Travels, and Karim, truly made our journey special.

Everything was first class except the very last night. I know John Mattarella was a little kind in his words, but I won’t mix the words that was way beneath what you guys should’ve gave us. Everything was excellent until that moment it was like going to a hostile quite honestly is bullshit but everything else was great except exceptionally great except that last moment, which then the last moment is what you remember I hope for your future guests you get rid of that location cause that was a joke again thank you for everything with a great time John my wife, Yvonne, and Heather did all the coordinating with you. I was a silent partner and like said it was great fantastic over the top until last night. Quite honest I think we should get a refund for that night, but that’s beside the point please do better for your next guest on that port otherwise spot on thank you Ron Zielinski

My family (husband, oldest daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandsons) completed a trip to Costa Rica organized by Serendipity Adventures. I had extensive conversations with Holden, who then crafted an amazing itinerary for us which included a variety of activities. This was important to us as my husband is not able to do much walking. I found Serendipity to be easy to work with and extremely responsive to any questions we had. Prior to departure we got a detailed itinerary, instructions for our arrival and a helpful packing list.
Upon arrival we were met by Mariano who took us to our first destination. Mariano spoke great English, had tremendous passion for his country and was so informative. He was a joy to spend time with. He worked with us if we needed to tweak start times on our excursions.
This was a trip that left us with fantastic memories. From the amazing accommodations in the rainforest or by Manuel Antonio to our adventures (hanging bridges, zipline, cocoa & coffee class,, river float, ocean sail, hikes) everything was superb. Serendipty selected guides and companies (Endemic Bird and Brisa Elegante get a shout out) that were top notch. I can’t think of enough superlatives.
During our trip the Serendipity team stayed in touch. I was impressed with the promptness of their responses – even in the evening.
I would most definitely rely on Serendipity again!!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel La Mariposa

Manuel Antonio

Beautiful rooms with great views of the ocean. Breathtaking sunsets from the pool and dining room terrace

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

All staff was friendly, courteous and eager to please. Diego at the pool bar is great!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs

Peñas Blancas

Beautiful setting in the rainforest

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

a few too many bugs but not the hotel's fault - you are in the rainforest

Activity Reviews

Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Brisa Elegante

Costa Rica

A fun crew. We were lucky to encounter dolphins and a mama whale and her baby.

Quality of Experience

boat ride was great - beautiful coastline

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Costa Rica

I'm amazed at how much Andres can spot. All the guides, although from different companies, help each other out when they find interesting things.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Andres is the best!

Big Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline

Arenal/La Fortuna

This was an exhilarating adventure. The guides here are well prepared and clearly love what they do.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Saw so many things

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private River Float on the Peñas Blancas River

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Mariano!!

Cacao & Coffee Class at Chachagua Rainforest Lodge

Arenal/La Fortuna

Very informative and fun experience. Our guide Roberto pointed out many things, especially on our hike to the finca. Got everybody involved in the process

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transfer for Passenger Arriving at a Different Time

Costa Rica

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Aloha,

Bella and the entire team was so amazing and wonderful to work with and experience Thailand for the first time was truly a dream.

Bella was quite professional, very customer oriented and truly awesome to work with.

Bella was able to work with our needs and budget and made several thoughtful plans for us to choose and whatever questions we asked, she answered it quickly. Bella was very informative and made sure that we were taken care of each part of the trip from beginning to end.

The Bangkok Team: Our guide and driver, Anita and Shin, both were super awesome as well. Both were friendly, smiling all the time and just happy. That set the tone everyday. Anita shared the cultural, historical and personality everywhere we went. We loved the temples, sights, and food experiences. The temples were truly magical and wondrous. Chinatown, Floating Market, the Railroad market and all of the other sites we’ve seen was remarkable and “you have to be there to see and experience it.”

The Chiang Mai Team: Our guide, Cookie and driver were wonderful too. Cookie shared special stories with each place we visited and as we visited different temples and attractions, people knew of her and respected her. We felt very special to be in her presence.

If you ever want to go on a trip, please contact KimKim and you won’t regret it. We’ve bumped into several people who used other services and they did not get the services that we experienced.

We loved the fact that we were taken care of from arrival to departure, from hotel to attractions, food and sights made our Thailand trip filled with cherished memories, new found friends and a lifetime of experiences.

Bella and team, we loved it and we will be back.

Me ke aloha,
Jessica & Scott

We needed help to plan a trip to Australia and New Zealand in October through November 2025. We didn’t want a multi-city tour that would lock us into a fixed daily schedule, spending our entire vacation with the same dozen people. We had specific interests (animals, culture, museums) and were not interested in the outdoor sports and water activities that are so popular in both countries. KimKim was recommend to us by family members who had taken two successful trips with the help of their agents. Once we’d outlined what we had in mind, KimKim hooked us up with Vicky, their Australia-based agent, to help us work out the details.

Working with Vicky was easy, efficient, and even fun. We said where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see and when we needed free days to meet up with friends and family. She helped us shape the schedule, arranged all in-country flights and transportation, and tours she knew would be good fits for us. After about a month we had a plan that produced the trip of a lifetime! Once, when we had a problem (of our doing), Vicky jumped in immediately and resolved it for us in less than two hours. Hotel choices were excellent. Full- and half-day tours were led by experienced guides in clean, comfortable vehicles.

Our experience with KimKim was great. The KimKim website is easy to use and served as a great reference as we traveled. Vicky was a terrific agent who kept the ball rolling as we planned the trip together, patiently guiding us through all the details needed for an stress-free international trip.

Perfectly planned and executed! Judy was an amazing to work with. She customized our 9 day trip to Japan with our family of four. The trip was comprehensive and all inclusive of hotel, transportation and activities, less airfare. All the hotels were of excellent quality and all centrally located. All tour guides and transportation specialists communicated at least one day in advance to confirm all our bookings throughout the trip. They were all very knowledgeable and provided superb, quality service. Judy had recommendations and answered all our questions. She was available and communicated throughout the whole trip. I would highly recommend KimKim and would definitely use them again for our next trip to Japan or Asia. Our trip went as perfectly as can be!

Hotel Reviews

The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji

Osaka

Great hotel. Our hotel got two people and had do split up our family of 4 into two connecting rooms which worked out okay too. Rooms were smaller than other hotels but clean, classy. Located in a business district. Hotel is more for professionals and business. One subway stop away from Umeda which is the big central station with shops. Overall very nice hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO

Kyoto

Very nice hotel. Nice, clean, green, modern. Great breakfast. Spacious room to fit our family of 4. Located in the center of action, shops and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

&Here TOKYO UENO

Perfect for families. Love that Ueno Park is across the street for a stroll. Safe. Clean. Spacious. Centrally located. Kids loved the bunk beds.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Across the street from Ueno Park, near zoo and central to transportation

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was the most knowledgeable guide we have evee experienced.

Transport

Bonsai Garden at Hoshun-in Temple (Daitokuji Temple)

Kyoto

Very beautiful trees and meticulously maintained garden.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

Nice experience of Japanese customs and tradition. We did this with our 8 and 11 year old. The event is very formal and very respectful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Kids-Friendly Tokyo City Tour with Akihabara

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Galapagos was truly an amazing adventure! Paul planned and implemented a wonderful trip! All the travel and tours were handled very professionally and the accommodations were excellent. Alex and Robert made sure we were all on the bus, boat, or airplane, as planned. Our excellent guides Javier and Karem led us on adventures every day. Snorkeling with sea lions, manta rays, turtles, sharks and schools of fish was incredible! We've never been surrounded by such an abundance of sea life. We also saw wildlife and different landscapes while exploring various islands. Daniela's tour with the giant land tortoises was another fascinating day! The Galapagos is truly a unique place that locals are working hard to preserve for all. We're thrilled we got a chance to visit!

Doris was such a pleasure to work with! She created a private tour for our family of six with ages ranging from 65 to age 5! Her attention to detail was spot on. We love the beautiful hotels she booked. The itinerary was just right, the guides and drivers were exceptional! The roomy passenger van was top notch! She booked our flights within the country and even helped us with our visas. We had a friendly driver waiting for our delayed flight and guide at the airport after a 20 plus hour flight so we were so exhausted so that was a lifesaver to be taken to our hotel and even helped with our check in.
We loved Ho Chi Minh City and learned so much on our delightful tour. It was very meaningful and special . We love the people of Vietnam and were treated with so much kindness. Our next stop was Hanoi. Another exciting city and a new guide and driver who treated us exceptionally well. Both were always on time and delightful to be with. We had an amazing day of touring Hanoi and before we knew it we were off to an amazing cruise on HaLong Bay! The ship exceeded our expectations and all of the tours from the ship were very fun. The accommodations were perfect and we enjoyed the elevated dining experience with great food. Our lovely tour guide was there to pick us up on time and back to Hanoi for our flight to Phi Quoc. Again the resort was absolutely amazing! Truly paradise ! We had the best time there and were sad when it was time to leave ! We had a seamless experience being transported to the airport back to Ho Chi Minh then picked up by a driver Doris arranged for us that also was outstanding for over overnight before our international flight home.
We were so happy to meet Doris in Hanoi. She is the most kind, hard working , professional that you could ever hope for. I don’t know how she did it, but every arrangement she made for us and every person we had the pleasure of spending time with were so kind, organized and truly went out of their way to make this the best trip we have ever been on. We are so thankful and feel so blessed to have Doris and her staff create a trip of a lifetime. We love Vietnam and hope to visit again someday. We have already recommended to our friends to contact Doris if they would like to travel to the destinations that she does travel planning for. Thank you Doris!! May we meet again!!
Laura Scott

Hotel Reviews

Ibis Saigon Airport

This hotel was our choice to be close to the airport. It was OK clean with very small rooms, but I do have to say they’re elevator. Doors slam shot very hard and unfortunately, I slammed my elbow in it and it was very bruised. Of course I will recover from that, but I wonder about a small child getting crushed by the elevator doors. However, their room service is very good and prompt and also the shuttle was on time and the front desk was very helpful. The rooms were clean but very much just for overnight airport stays.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Green Bay Resort Phu Quoc

What a surprise this was! This resort is right on the ocean and Arvilla, which had three wonderful bedrooms in it and four bathrooms and two outdoor showers and our own private pool was more than we could’ve ever dreamed of! Thank you Doris for getting this for us, this was pure heaven!

Authenticity & Character

Location

I could’ve stayed at that resort for two weeks. I do love the beach and a quiet and peaceful surroundings.

Staff

Top notch staff were so kind and accommodating

Cleanliness & Comfort

The pool is clean daily as well as the villa we had fresh towels and a restocked refreshments. It was really nice. Also room service was very prompt

Indochine Lan Ha Cruise

Hai Phong

What a fabulous and upscale experience. The staff were perfection. The activities were really fun, and we especially loved the tour of the cave and also riding in the bamboo boat and coming across a lot of monkeys.

Authenticity & Character

This was probably one of our favorite experiences, just being out on a cruise ship and getting to spend the night in the beautiful bay. It was one of the most magnificent sunsets we’ve ever seen.

Location

It was a little drive to get there, but we had such a great tour guide and driver. The time went by so quickly.

Staff

They were all very kind and professional

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean and comfortable, and the bedding was magnificent

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hanoi

In the heart of Hanoi yeah quiet and private, and absolutely meticulously maintained and clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

They were all very kind and also wanted to add that the breakfast was amazing with the chocolate fountain that my granddaughter was so excited about

Cleanliness & Comfort

Park Hyatt Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City

Excellent in every way. Breakfast was 5 star!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right across from the opera. Michelin star restaurant right across the street.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Stunning, clean, comfortable

Activity Reviews

Phu Quoc - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phu Quoc island free day

Phu Quoc

We loved everything about this resort and we loved our accommodations! We had a private pool and ocean view right outside of our door

Quality of Experience

Food

Breakfast was great for luncheon dinner not so good

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi - Fly to Phu Quoc

Vietnam

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Halong Bay - Hanoi

Vietnam

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi - Halong Bay, Overnight on Cruise

Vietnam

What if a beautiful ship and a beautiful place we feel so lucky to be able to experience that. The weather was also perfect.!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi Sightseeing & Street Food Tour

Hanoi

We loved the Phu and ba migh ! Very good!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ho Chi Minh City - Fly to Hanoi

Vietnam

Dora had our flights planned and we were very fortunate to have our guide and driver take us directly to the airport which was a seamless experience

Quality of Experience

Food

We had breakfast at the hotel, which was very good

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sai Gon city sightseeing

Ho Chi Minh City

Singh was our tour guide and I don’t remember our driver’s name, but they were exceptional and very knowledgeable about all of the city and all of the temples and the government buildings and just the way the city works. It was really fun hanging out with our tour guide. He did a great job. He also understand English, so well, even slang and that it was so helpful for our conversations.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Eleanor was always available for help and was able to sort things out when needed. She checked on us during our trip to ensure everything was going well. All of the local guides and were very nice. It was great to experience both the urban and rural parts of Japan.

I had the most wonderful first visit to Iceland, with my guide, Gummi. The airport pickup was seamless and we immediately headed out west. I had asked that we take our time and really get to spend as much time needed everywhere, and that’s exactly how it went. The first hotel he had chosen turned out to be a great destination - great food in an area where there weren’t many options, and locals enjoying music in the lobby on a Saturday night. Also - the skies managed to clear up for a viewing of the Northern lights. After spending two days out west, we headed to the North for two - seeing the geological sites of interest, but also visiting the towns of Husavik and Akureyri. On the way back to Reykjavik, seeing more of the natural wonders, stopped at a wonderfully situated geothermal spa. Gummi not only created a wonderful itinerary for me, but personally shared with me background on the history, language, and natural history of Iceland. He was a great conversationalist and we also enjoyed some music along the way. I hope to come back some day and have him show me other parts of Iceland I couldn’t fit into this trip.

Overall, we did not find the local agency support as helpful and friendly as Yuliana from KimKim. They were not as responsive. Other specific comments: the Volcano Lodge rooms were not updated and somewhat shabby. The front desk staff not welcoming. The resort lay-out was nice, central location, breakfast was good but would not recommend accommodations. All of the tour operators were very friendly and helpful esp. Monica from Bridges Tour. I would recommend the Sloth Trail that we booked on our own. Additionally, we did not feel the Eco Thermal Experience on our last night was worth time or money. Our lodge accommodations already had thermal pools so enjoyed experience from that perspective at our own lodge. The buffet dinner was not tasty. Honestly, the location was very noisy, crowded and the opposite of relaxing. Not recommended.

Hotel Review

Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

San Carlos, Alajuela

Rooms not updated, staffing less than welcoming. Breakfast was nice as well as location and layout of resort. Too many other choices in the area that may be better selection. Lots of walking from front desk to rooms.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Meal

Arenal/La Fortuna

Did not enjoy as overcrowded, noisy and opposite of relaxing. Buffet was not good. Not recommended, time or money.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Volcano to El Castillo Mountain Bike Tour

Arenal/La Fortuna

Enjoyed the 20-mile ride towards volcano. Some pavement roads but many uneven surfaces. Bikes could have been in better shape. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nocturnal Rainforest Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Better than expected. Guide was so patient for taking photos and informative. Had the opportunity to see an amazing sunset with volcano view. Definitely recommend for nature trail and wildlife viewing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayak Adventure in the Arenal Lake

Arenal/La Fortuna

We were on the only ones so turned into private tour. Saw birds, monkey and beautiful view of volcano. Perfect day. We highly recommend

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch

Arenal/La Fortuna

Unfortunately, the day was heavy downpour of rain so not as much fun. Good experience. Could get crowded.

Quality of Experience

Food

n/a

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Monica was amazing!

Transport

Traditional Cooking Class - Dinner

Arenal/La Fortuna

Very hands on, good meal and friendly staff. Fun night out!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm Experience

Arenal/La Fortuna

Very informative and friendly staff.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Andriel was an amazing guide through the sacred valley.
I appreciate the KimKim team for organizing everything, booking all transportation, checking into our flights for us, etc. it made travel worry-free.
The itinerary was spot on.

I booked a trip for our family (two daughters, ages 9 and 11) and husband. My husband and I are both well-traveled (60+ countries, with and without travel agents, staying anywhere from camping/ hostels to 5-star relais chateaux properties). I used KimKim because I wanted to maximize our limited time and make the trip smoother with our girls. Over-all we had a fantastic trip and experienced the culture. We loved many of the recs the agent made: the onsen (3 nights! Worth it), which felt authentic, the Sumo experience, visiting the shrines and temples. We could have passed on visiting Akihabara area (overstimulating) and we added the Mpig cafe and TeamLabs (both shouldn’t be missed and so fun w kids) on our own. The agent was responsive, polite- we had no trouble contacting her. Despite a very successful trip, my over-all rating of KimKim is poor: The massive mark-up (over 30%!) was not justified.

Stupidly, I didn’t double-check prices before booking (in the past, when I’ve used agents, there has only been a 10% +/- markup and I assumed this was standard) and realized much later that there was an over 30% mark-up. I kept hoping the exorbitant price would be made up for by care and attention to detail, but sadly, this was not the case. Here are some examples:

* Booking through the agent made things worse
* We arrived in Tokyo at 9pm, tired and jet-lagged, and informed that our hotel was booked for 3 instead of 4 nights. The hotel was full, and the extra night couldn’t easily be added on, and we were told we would have to change rooms (and downgrade!). Additionally, they had no locked storage area- presenting some logistical challenges and burden. I knew what happened: The original itinerary I booked had us in Tokyo for 3 nights; however, the agent overlooked a small detail- that Sumo was not offered on Sundays (something clearly stated on the website-a red flag then), resulting in a whole itinerary change, adding a night in Tokyo. Apparently, my name was misspelled, and the 3+1 nights were not linked. They said they upgraded us for the 3-night stay, but the room they gave us was identical to the one in our itinerary photo, so that didn’t make sense. Regardless, it ended up working out- someone “cancelled”, we kept the room, but it was stressful and a very disappointing way to start the trip: not worth 30% markup!
* The agent sent us to the wrong location for the sushi-making experience. The new site was several blocks away, and the Sushi place said that they emailed us about the change, but, having not made the booking myself, I was never informed. We ran to the new site and made it a few minutes late.
* The agent sent us to the wrong location for the Samurai sword experience, and it wasn't booked long enough and was heavily overbooked (I think they made a mistake, as the staff looked stressed). This resulted in missing part of the experience. KimKim did refund us that portion of the experience without hesitation- they knew it was a screw up.
* For the Sumo experience, they emailed us photos, but because I didn’t make the reservation, the photos didn’t get sent directly to me, and I had to request them from the agent to get them- not a huge deal, but not VIP. Not worth paying an extra 30%!

* Luggage storage in Kyoto train station was like Hunger Games! We had to store our luggage for a day at the train station so we could make our tours and have time for lunch. I specifically asked the agent if it was easy to find lockers, knowing we had 5 pieces of luggage, and she reassured me they were readily available. Well, 30 minutes of frantically searching in the train station, we secured 5 lockers all apart from one another. Not a big deal, but certainly not worth 30% markup.

* Our two guides were kind, patient, and prompt but they were average in knowledge. They knew the brochure information but did not offer any in-depth knowledge of the areas. No one knew the best places to get food (my husband is vegetarian) or had that back-alley, in-the-know experience that exceptional guides have. Not worth the 30% markup.

* Food recs were non-existent. The agent offered no specific food recommendations based on personal experience, nor did the guides. No one had firsthand knowledge of the restaurants in the heavily touristed areas we were in. The onsen has a very challenging menu as well - we braved it one morning with the Japanese breakfast, but it was so fishy and pickled, it was inedible to us (I normally am an adventurous eater, but this was too much!). The western breakfast was price-fixed with soupy scrambled eggs, weird cuts of meat… For some, this might be a luxury, but for most Western folks, especially those with kids, this is not worth the money. It would’ve been nice to have that firsthand information and have someone give us some recs of nearby restaurants that were open early (very few were open before 9 or 10 am in Arashiyama). Again, all issues we expect while travelling, but by using an agent with a huge markup, these details needed to be managed.

* Hotel recs were hit and miss. We loved the onsen (except the breakfast) because it felt local and authentic. We slept so well! The Karaksa chain hotels were good hotels- clean, good breakfast, but I struggled with the locations. They were convenient next to the train station, but they were not close to cool areas of town, and there weren’t a lot of dining options near the hotel in Osaka.

Over-all, we had a wonderful trip but I would not book through KimKim again- If they are going to charge these prices, every small detail should be managed and they simply were not…. (and even then, 30+ % markup! I blame myself for being so gullible and not fact checking…) All of our tours/ experiences could have easily been booked through GetYourGuide or basic website searches- there was nothing special that KimKim offered that couldn’t be done on your own. Don’t make my mistake! Do your homework on pricing first.

Hassan helped us organise a fabulous trip around Morocco for 7 nights. With our amazing driver and guide Khalid we saw several parts of the country, each beautiful and unique. Our favourite part of the trip was spending a night in Merzouga desert camp, but we also enjoyed Chefchouan, Fez and Marrakesch tremendously. Along the road we got to see some startling wonders like Ait bin haddou and the Todra gorge that look like places from another time.
The trip, the stays, guides and meals were all very well taken care of by Hassan and Khalid.

Planning our trip through KimKim was an incredibly smooth and stress-free experience. The initial setup was simple, and we were quickly connected with our local Vietnam specialist, Camellia, who was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was responsive, accommodating, and consistently offered thoughtful solutions that made our itinerary even better.

Throughout the trip, Camellia and her team (Ms. Thuy) stayed in close contact via WhatsApp and email, always replying quickly and ensuring we had everything we needed. Even during the record flooding that occurred during our visit, they seamlessly adjusted our plans so well that we barely felt any disruption.

Most of the activities and guides arranged for us were excellent, knowledgeable, and easy to understand. Our two favorites were Heidi, a Vespa Food Tour in Saigon, and Ms. Linh, for an all-day City and Food Tour in Hanoi. Both were extremely accommodating by adjusting the tour's destinations based upon our initial feedback. A couple of activities in our itineraries ended up being more tourist-heavy than we preferred, but that was more a reminder for us to be extra clear on our preferences during planning.

Overall, KimKim—and especially Camellia—made our Vietnam trip feel personalized, well-supported, and wonderfully memorable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a well-organized, locally informed travel experience.

Hotel Reviews

Au Lac Legend Hotel

Ho Chi Minh city

Au Lac Legend Hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance of Ho Chi Minh City’s top attractions, including the Independence Palace, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, and the Ben Nghe Street Food Market. The convenience continues right outside the front door, where numerous local food stalls make breakfast and lunch options incredibly accessible—and for those craving something non-Vietnamese toward the end of their trip, Jollibee is only a block away. The hotel offers several solid amenities, including a small but pleasant pool area with a sauna and an upper rooftop lounge featuring great views. The gym is well-equipped but extremely compact. Rooms are a good size and impressively quiet given the busy surroundings. Staff throughout the hotel, including laundry services, were consistently friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was average, and the bar and restaurant offered nice views with a menu that was just okay. Afternoon tea was a thoughtful touch, though not the strongest execution. The biggest inconvenience was the hotel’s single elevator, which often resulted in delays. Overall, Au Lac Legend provides strong value through its excellent location, warm service, and comfortable rooms—despite a few limitations in its amenities and dining.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

White Lotus Hue Hotel

Hue

White Lotus Hue Hotel is well-situated within easy walking distance of Hue’s lively tourist area—surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, clubs, the waterfront, and the iconic Truong Tien Bridge. The property shines in its amenities, especially the impressive pool area and what may be the largest, most well-equipped hotel gym I’ve ever seen, complete with an unexpected outdoor mini golf practice range. Staff throughout the hotel, including laundry services, were friendly and accommodating, and the breakfast buffet offered a generous and varied spread. The bar and restaurant boast beautiful views with a menu that’s decent, though not remarkable. Rooms, however, felt a bit small, and the open bathroom concept—with the combined toilet/shower and a raised water threshold—was not ideal and proved easy to trip over. Overall, White Lotus Hue delivers strong value with excellent facilities and service, even if the room layout isn’t for everyone.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa

Hoi An

Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and genuine Vietnamese hospitality just outside the bustling heart of Ancient Town. Its location strikes a great balance—close enough for an easy walk to the main attractions, yet slightly removed from the crowds. Rooms & Comfort The rooms were a standout surprise. Spacious, beautifully designed, and far more luxurious than expected, they offered a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets. Service & Staff The staff deserves special mention. Service was consistently warm, attentive, and thoughtful, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Whether arranging transport or providing recommendations, the team went above and beyond. Surroundings & Noise Considerations One thing to note is the large Bia Hoi establishment located right next to the hotel. It’s a lively spot popular with locals for cheap beer and open spit-roasted goat—a fun and authentic experience if you’re in the mood. However, the noise from the crowds can carry into the night, which may impact light sleepers. Overall Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa delivers a high level of comfort and service at a great value. If you don’t mind a bit of nighttime noise—or plan to join the festivities yourself—it’s a fantastic base for exploring Hoi An.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dragon Legend Cruise

Hon Gai

Review: Dragon Legend 3-Day, 2-Night Cruise Experience We joined the Dragon Legend cruise directly from Ha Long Bay, though the company also offers convenient pick-up and drop-off options from Hanoi—including a village tour and traditional water puppet show on Day 3—for those wanting a more curated, all-inclusive experience. Check-In & First Impressions: The starting point was serviceable but could use improvements. Amenities were limited while waiting to board, and the check-in process felt awkward at times. Staff called out last names and room numbers in front of the entire group, along with announcing anyone who still had an outstanding balance to pay before boarding—something that could easily be handled more discreetly. Cabins & Comfort: Once on board, the rooms were a highlight. They were remarkably spacious, clean, and offered a comfortable retreat between activities. Dining Experience: Meals were generally enjoyable, with breakfast and the farewell lunch offered buffet-style. All other meals were served family-style, which works well for groups but may feel restrictive for some. That said, the staff is very accommodating and will gladly provide additional portions upon request. Activities & Onboard Programming: For a multi-day cruise, the activities could use some enhancement. The programming felt repetitive—especially if you choose not to kayak both days—leaving some downtime that wasn’t optimally filled. The spa, however, was a pleasant surprise; the therapists were excellent and well worth booking during the trip. Facilities & Common Areas: While the cabins and spa shine, other areas of the boat fall short. The pool area lacked appeal, and the upper lounge deck also felt underwhelming and outdated given the otherwise premium experience Dragon Legend aims to deliver. Disembarkation: Unfortunately, the final experience didn’t end on a strong note. Shuttles that were supposed to take passengers from the pier back to the main terminal never arrived, leaving everyone to walk the distance instead. Luggage retrieval was also slow, with bags taking quite a while to reach the terminal’s baggage claim area. Overall: Dragon Legend provides a comfortable and scenic cruise with standout cabins and excellent spa services. Staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. However, there’s room for improvement in the check-in process, onboard programming, and disembarkation logistics. With a few refinements, the experience could easily match the beauty of the landscape it sails through.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Garden View Court Suites

Garden View Court Suites offers an ideal location in the former District 1, with beautiful views overlooking the Independence Palace and easy walking access to many of Ho Chi Minh City’s top attractions. The service stands out immediately—every staff member is warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive, making the stay feel welcoming from start to finish. While the pool and gym area are pleasant, the presentation via their website photos creates an expectation of greater luxury than what's actually offered. The breakfast buffet is a pleasant highlight, featuring a generous spread of options including an egg station and a comforting pho station. While the suites are spacious and impeccably clean, they do feel a bit dated and reflect more of a mid-tier extended stay hotel. Overall, it’s a comfortable, well-situated choice with standout service and great value.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hanoi - Da Sy knife making village

Hanoi

We spent an unforgettable morning in Da Sy learning how to craft our very own knives, and the experience was incredibly rewarding. While the metal is pre-stamped and modern grinding tools help speed up the process, it’s completely reasonable—and impressive—to leave with a finished knife in just half a day. The hands-on portion was absolutely the highlight. From shaping to grinding and refining, we got to be involved in each step, guided by skilled artisans who made the process both safe and engaging. Feeling the weight of a knife you helped create is surprisingly satisfying, and it offered a fascinating window into the craft that Da Sy is known for. Overall, it was a very cool and unique experience—highly recommended for anyone interested in craftsmanship or simply looking for something different to do near Hanoi.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi hidden heritage - Street food on foot tour

Hanoi

Our full-day Hidden Heritage and Old Quarter Street Food Tour in Hanoi was unforgettable, thanks entirely to our amazing guide, Ms. Linh—truly the best we could’ve asked for. She took us to an impressive variety of truly local establishments, the kind you’d never find on your own, each stop offering a deeper look into Hanoi’s everyday flavors and culture. Along the way, we experienced the city exactly as locals do—from sipping lime tea and snacking on sunflower seeds on tiny plastic stools in the shadow of St. Joseph’s Cathedral to enjoying beers and small bites on Train Street as the train rumbled past just feet away. Beyond the food, Ms. Linh brought Hanoi’s heritage to life with her passion, depth of knowledge, and engaging storytelling at every historical stop. The day was the perfect blend of history, culture, and street food adventure, and it left us with a true appreciation of the soul of Hanoi.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ancient Town Walking with Street Food Tasting

Hoi An

Our walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town was the perfect blend of culture, history, and incredible eats. Before the tour even began, our guide brought us to one of Hoi An’s highly recommended tailor shops—one of the many the city is famous for—where we were able to get custom suits and dress shirts made with impressive speed and craftsmanship. From there, we explored the heart of Ancient Town, stopping at beautifully preserved Chinese cultural assembly halls and crossing the iconic Japanese Bridge. Along the way, we sampled a fantastic lineup of local specialties, including banh mi, coconut coffee, Mi Quang, and the uniquely Hoi An dish, Cao Lau. Although a couple of the destinations were clearly geared towards tourists, each stop offered a deeper appreciation of the Hoi An influenced flavors and stories behind the food. The tour wrapped up perfectly timed for us to stay and experience Hoi An’s magical transformation at night, when lanterns illuminate the streets and the famous night market comes alive. It was a memorable, immersive way to experience the charm and culinary richness of Hoi An.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A day trip to the fertile Mekong delta, Ben Tre

Ho Chi Minh City

Our full-day Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City offered a rich blend of culture, scenery, and hands-on learning, supported by a private driver, boat, and knowledgeable guide. The stops at a coconut brick factory and a coconut candy production shop provided fascinating insight into local craftsmanship and traditions. A visit to a nearby village added to the experience with a relaxed lunch and opportunities to shop from local vendors. While the overall day was engaging and educational, a couple of the stops clearly catered to large tour groups, which made some moments feel overly staged. Still, the mix of river exploration, cultural learning, and village life made the journey a meaningful way to experience the Mekong Delta.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay with Dragon Legend Cruise

Vietnam

We joined the Dragon Legend cruise directly from Ha Long Bay, though the company also offers convenient pick-up and drop-off options from Hanoi—including a village tour and traditional water puppet show on Day 3—for those wanting a more curated, all-inclusive experience. Check-In & First Impressions: The starting point was serviceable but could use improvements. Amenities were limited while waiting to board, and the check-in process felt awkward at times. Staff called out last names and room numbers in front of the entire group, along with announcing anyone who still had an outstanding balance to pay before boarding—something that could easily be handled more discreetly. Cabins & Comfort: Once on board, the rooms were a highlight. They were remarkably spacious, clean, and offered a comfortable retreat between activities. Dining Experience: Meals were generally enjoyable, with breakfast and the farewell lunch offered buffet-style. All other meals were served family-style, which works well for groups but may feel restrictive for some. That said, the staff is very accommodating and will gladly provide additional portions upon request. Activities & Onboard Programming: For a multi-day cruise, the activities could use some enhancement. The programming felt repetitive—especially if you choose not to kayak both days—leaving some downtime that wasn’t optimally filled. The spa, however, was a pleasant surprise; the therapists were excellent and well worth booking during the trip. Facilities & Common Areas: While the cabins and spa shine, other areas of the boat fall short. The pool area lacked appeal, and the upper lounge deck also felt underwhelming and outdated given the otherwise premium experience Dragon Legend aims to deliver. Disembarkation: Unfortunately, the final experience didn’t end on a strong note. Shuttles that were supposed to take passengers from the pier back to the main terminal never arrived, leaving everyone to walk the distance instead. Luggage retrieval was also slow, with bags taking quite a while to reach the terminal’s baggage claim area. Overall: Dragon Legend provides a comfortable and scenic cruise with standout cabins and excellent spa services. Staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. However, there’s room for improvement in the check-in process, onboard programming, and disembarkation logistics. With a few refinements, the experience could easily match the beauty of the landscape it sails through.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Da Nang - Fly to Phu Quoc

Vietnam

If flying VietJet, highly suggest flying business class. The Skyboss status had its own private check-in desk, its own security line, priority boarding and deplaning with private shuttle (if not connected via jetway). For any checked bags, they're ensured to be off-loaded first. You also get a meal onboard no matter how short the flight. If traveling during peak tourist season, this upgrade is definitely worth it. Vietnam Airlines does have their own check-in lounge in the bigger airports.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi - Fly to Hue

Vietnam

If flying VietJet, highly suggest flying business class. The Skyboss status had its own private check-in desk, its own security line, priority boarding and deplaning with private shuttle (if not connected via jetway). For any checked bags, they're ensured to be off-loaded first. You also get a meal onboard no matter how short the flight. If traveling during peak tourist season, this upgrade is definitely worth it. Vietnam Airlines does have their own check-in lounge in the bigger airports.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi tunnels - Street food by vespa (private)

Ho Chi Minh City

A full day in and around Ho Chi Minh City offered two unforgettable experiences that I’d recommend to anyone looking to truly understand the city’s past and present. The Cu Chi Tunnels were absolutely worth the visit—especially for anyone interested in war history. Exploring the underground tunnels provides eye-opening context to the Vietnam War, and for an additional cost, the on-site shooting range even allows you to try Vietnam War–era weaponry, adding an immersive (and adrenaline-filled) element to the tour. In complete contrast, the evening Vespa street food tour was an electric and delightful way to experience the city’s modern-day culture. Riding on the back of a scooter through Saigon’s bustling traffic is an experience in itself—made stress-free thanks to skilled local drivers who handle the chaos effortlessly. Our guide, Heidi, originally planned a mix of bars and restaurants, but once we mentioned we wanted to focus on authentic local delicacies, she immediately adapted the itinerary. What followed was an incredible culinary journey through hidden gems and street-side favorites across the city—an experience that felt both personal and perfectly curated. Together, these two tours offered a powerful blend of history, adventure, and culture—making it a standout day in Ho Chi Minh City.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nhat was a very good guide. His English skills was good but his passion and knowledge of Vietnamese history kept us engaged throughout the tour.

Transport

HCM City arrival - Transfer to your hotel

Ho Chi Minh City

The driver was very friendly and professional. He was waiting outside of baggage claim with printed name sign. I arrived around 11pm so it was great to have this stress-free experience to get to my hotel in HCM.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we had the most amazing time during our trip to New Zeleand. Monika was of great help! Not only she gave us really good recommendations of places to visit and experiences , but she was also extremely helpful in accommodating changes along the way. Highly recommend this platform and Monika!

Activity Reviews

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ) on Navigator or Wanderer

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hell's Gate Experience (Geothermal site and Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa)

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Holden and the team at Serendipity created an amazing trip for me in Costa Rica! All the pickup drivers were punctual, friendly and safe. The itinerary fit my interests and needs perfectly and allowed me to have an amazing time.
Holden kept in touch with me throughout my time in CR and made sure everything was running according to plan.
In summary, I had a great trip thanks to the KimKim & Serendipity teams.

Hotel Review

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Monteverde

I already wrote a detailed review of this hotel and its manager Lilian. To reiterate - the hotel was comfortable, clean and had everything I needed. Lily was welcoming, helpful and made me feel at home.

Authenticity & Character

It has an amazing garden with a walking trail.

Location

Beautiful surroundings, close to cafes & restaurants.

Staff

Lily

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Alex was a very fun and good guide who helped me overcome my fear of heights.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I gave Angel an almost impossible task, which was to see all the best places in Chile in 30 days. So, he delivered, and then some! To get it all in, we ended up at 32 days, and we covered so many amazing places in this amazing country!

We started our journey in Vina del Mar. This beautiful area is right on the Pacific Ocean, with numerous great choices on where to dine. It was a nice place to recharge after the long flight to Santiago. Our next day was right next door, with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Valparaiso. Our guide was Grex, and he led us through this famous city, showing the architecture and street art across this unique colorful town. We tasted local foods, and met many of the famous street artists. Very cool!
Next we did some wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley, and had a cooking class in Santiago with Angel's awesome wife, Jennifer. The food "we" made was wonderful!

Our next leg of our trip was flying to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) for 5 nights. What an incredible place! You just have to see the island to appreciate how special it is. Our guide was Andres, a lifetime resident and island researcher. His knowledge and insight made the tours exciting. We stayed in the in town so we could walk to dinner, and meet the locals, and see the indescribable sunsets. We also scuba dived and saw the local dance show...something I did not expect to enjoy, but really did!

Atacama was next! What a contrast to Rapa Nui! We had another strong tour guide (Marco) who took us to Laguna Cejar (salt lagoon), where we had some amazing pictures of the valley, and floated in the salt waters! The next day we hiked a little known canyon with Andrej. The river was flowing strongly, with lots of small waterfalls. We had to scale the walls in a few spots. It was a blast, and we saw no one the entire hike! We finished one day with a horseback ride during sunset. Our last day we traveled to Puritama Hot Springs, high up in the mountains. It is a series of pools fed by warm spring waters. Really nice!

Next we flew to Balmaceda, got a rental car, and drove to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. This drive was one of our favorites, as the area is a series of gorgeous valleys, mountains, and rivers. It is lightly populated, and 2/3 of the roads are dirt. We stopped a lot. We saw the endangered huemul deer, and 3 condors. The town we stayed in was very small, but had a wonderful restaurant. The highlight here was kayaking to the Marble Caves. The water in these glacial lakes is so clear, and our guide, Victor, was outstanding...we did not even get wet! From here, we drove to Coyhaique, where we took a catamaran to some hot springs on the side of a fjord. Incredible!

We then flew to Puerto Montt, and drove to Huilo Huilo Reserve. Note that these roads were very easy to drive. The few hour drive was beautiful, and the scenery was great. In Huilo Huilo, we stayed in a very unique hotel (it was round, with trees in it and a stream running through it!), with a great restaurant. We hiked a lot here. The rivers were flowing strong, and the numerous waterfalls were amazing. A very relaxing area. We then drove to Puerto Varas next. It is a popular tourist town for both Chilean and international visitors. The lake is the 2nd largest in Chile. From our hotel we could see the amazing volcanos and snow capped mountains. Here we did a challenging and fun hike at the base of a volcano called Desolation Pass. And we ended this leg at the hot springs in Termas del Sol.

We then flew to Punta Arenas. For being so far south, we were surprised by the size of the town, as well as the beautiful architecture downtown. Here, we boarded a catamaran, and headed out to Magdalena Island, where we spent time with penguins! We then took a bus to Puerto Natales, about a 3 hour ride. Here, we had a boat ride to visit Serrano Glacier. Very nice! From here, we drove to Torres del Paine, the iconic view of Patagonia. The hotel was wonderful (Hotel Lago Grey). where we had endless views of the mountains, and sat right on the edge of the glacial lake.

We then flew back to Santiago, where we had a special dinner high up on a rotating restaurant (Giratorio). The next day we drove our rental to Colchagua, where we visited VIK. We had a wonderful 7 course lunch here, which lasted almost 3 hours, with plenty of wine tasting! The next day we visited Vina Santa Cruz, another beautiful winery in this area. Before heading back to Santiago, we visited the lush and beautiful Maipo Valley, where we hiked and rode horses.

Our last day we visited downtown Santiago. This took us to main plaza, as well as walking through the fruit and vegetable markets. We ate and enjoyed the afternoon, and had a final light snack and wine with Jennifer at a hillside with a great view of Santiago. A great way to end a great trip!

A couple of thoughts-
1) We used private tour guides in a number of places. We found them to be very good, and they could focus on us. With so many international visitors, many tours end up repeating things in at least 2, or more, languages. This obviously takes more time.
2) Car rentals were easy, and allows you to stop where you wanted. We found the road infrastructure to be very good.. While roads in some areas were not paved (including Torres Del Paine), they were still maintained.
3) With Angel as our specialist, he could set up just about anything we wanted...and he also set up things we did not know we wanted! He and his staff, especially Gabi, responded to questions and requests immediately. We were very happy with how they set up and guided us through our adventures!