Kimkim Trip Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Hotel Valle Exploradores was fine for a single night stay while visiting the Marble Caves, though it wouldn't be suitable for a longer stay. The place felt more like an apartment complex than a hotel, lacking some standard amenities. However, the staff were nice, and considering the limited accommodation options in the area, it was acceptable.

Our stay at Hotel Cabaña Del Lago Puerto Varas was excellent. The hotel itself is very nice, with a good restaurant and welcoming atmosphere. The location by the lake with views of the volcanoes made it even better. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Hotel Lago Grey was a standout during our trip to Patagonia. The location is simply breathtaking and the hotel offers wonderful amenities. The rooms were comfortable, the views were incredible, and the meals at the restaurant were delightful. It's definitely one of the best stays I've had in the region.

The Waterfalls & Cactus Private Trek in Atacama was a fantastic experience. We had an amazing guide who took us off the beaten path, allowing us to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more personal adventure. The trek provided great scenery and was one of our favorite activities.

Best view of rice terraces, smack dab in the middle of local life.

It was a long drive , but The drive felt seamless and relaxed and we were really happy to be able to stop in all of those places. Volubilis, was truly and amazing place to see. One of the more complete Roman city ruins. We had a guide, Karim who helped us learning about what we were seeing and that added more to the experience .

Sharif was very knowledgable and he knew the layout of the Medina in Fes really well. Not once did he hesitate about where to turn in a city that really feel like you are inside a giant labyrinth. But beyond that, he knows about all historical and current information relevant to Fes and Marocco in general, making the whole experience really pleasant and we were able to learn a lot during our short visit. Couldn ‘t have gotten a better guide.

Hasannia was very knowledgable , she knows a lot not just about Rabat but any relevant historical and current information related to Marocco. We learned a lot and she patiently took us around . Had a great time

Chateau Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail was fabulous, truly a four-star standard. I loved the place and would definitely love to go back. It was close to Saint Emilion, where we spent a good chunk of our time. It was an incredible experience overall.

The experience at Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport was disappointing. The staff was extremely rude, and there was a significant issue with the reservation, which had not been paid for. They left us waiting for an hour and a half to resolve the problem, with no courtesy or helpfulness shown. It's everything people warn about Paris, unlike the wonderful experiences we had elsewhere in France.

Hôtel La Zoologie was a great place to stay. It was unique, interesting, and very comfortable. The location was perfect, about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the city center, which made it convenient to explore Bordeaux. The staff was fantastic and the whole experience was truly enjoyable.

The Day Tour in a Citroen 2CV was an absolute highlight. It was a private tour, and the driver was fantastic, showing us extra little places that really made the experience special and memorable. I would highly recommend this activity.

The Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Bordeaux was just okay. It felt redundant because of a similar daytime cruise we did. In hindsight, doing just one of these would have sufficed as they were quite similar experiences.

-The quadruple room is an absolute perfect fit for a family of four -The hotel is directly across from the walkable, quaint town square as well as a convenient supermarket -It was so sweet to find as a welcome gift a packet of gummy bear candies on every pillow in the room

-At the center of all the action in Munich -Terrific breakfast buffet -Big, luxurious bathrooms

-At the center of all the action in Berlin -Terrific bar -Very comfortable beds

-Paul, our guide, was kind, attentive, patient, and very knowledgeable -We loved that this was a walking tour; it felt more authentic and interactive as a result -Stops at historic sites (e.g., Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie) as well as fun locales like the Rausch Chocolate Shop

I excellent location and hotel. The staff are very friendly and exceptional. I would suggest adding black tea to the breakfast menu.

It was helpful to be so close to the airport but the place itself is no frills.

Loved our guide so much. He had such a great personality & we learned so much from him

The best was how they treated us at the moment of the check-in...everything was smooth and make everyone feel at home; especially with my 5 y.o. talking about soccer and Hakimi and Lamile

Service was amazing especially BIG SHOUT to the bartender, he was incredible!

Thank you for you patience and accomodations, thoroughly enjoyed our stay

This tour was truly mesmerizing from start to finish. Christ the Redeemer was absolutely fascinating—an awe-inspiring sight and a wonder of the world that feels almost unreal when you’re standing beneath it. The entire experience felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment, something I know I’ll carry with me forever. A wonderful tour that left me breathless in the best way.”

This tour through Rio and up to the heights of Sugar Loaf became the shining highlight of my time in Brasil. Every moment felt like stepping into a living tapestry—rich with culture, layered with history, and framed by sweeping views of the bay that seemed to stretch into eternity. Standing above the city, wrapped in its golden light, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime gift. For anyone coming to Brazil, this experience isn’t just a tour—it’s a breathtaking journey you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left

Paraty was such a beautiful city. The walking tour gave us great insight into its history and cultural relevance. We loved it—informative, engaging, and wonderfully interactive!

Loved the tour—exciting, engaging, and filled with so many fascinating historical highlights. Every stop added something special to the experience.

This hotel was the gem of our trip. It is absolutely breathtaking. Our room had an amazing ocean view and a layout that made me want to sketch it so I could recreate it at home. The finishes were all pristine and modern. The bed was comfortable and the view could be seen from the couch, the bed, and even the enormous bathtub! Like all hotels in this area it's across a busy street from the beach but access is easy. The pools are beautiful. The restaurant is listed as Italian but had a menu the size of a small novel and served every kind of cuisine unimaginable. There is even a shuttle to town. Loved this hotel.

The hotel is beautiful. The view of the river is nice. The staff is extremely accommodating and friendly.

The staff at this hotel are the stars of this review! I have never, no matter the rating or class of hotel or the city in which it was located, felt so catered to or cared for. There wasn't an encounter with any of them that was 100% above any expectation. I could have had. The front desk, bellman, bar, restaurant, and room service staff were all impeccably dressed, professional, warm, and genuinely thoughtful of their guests. No one missed a single opportunity to make us feel like not just guest but literally celebrity guests. The room itself was comfortable and clean and though it could use some updating to finishes was in the perfect location to explore downtown. We had an amazing view and felt safe at all times. Highly recommend this hotel.

Absolutely stunning. The experience was one for the books. Can't recommend enough. Our guide - Pineapple - was a hoot! Our group was small and fun. The tour itself was such a great experience.

The jewel of our whole trip. I loved this tour so much. We have seen the space shuttle launch, nearly touched whales jumping near our ship off the coast of Sidney, gazed at the Northern lights, dog sledded in Alaska, and traveled to many many places and this is hands down the coolest thing we have ever done as tourists. The village is rugged and simple but beautiful in both. The people were all warm and kind. The tour itself was so much fun. There was so much to do and see. I was terrified of the bamboo raft but within moments felt secure and found myself lost in the sights around the river. Watching and even petting the elephants as they moved through the forest path beside us was magical. When they chose they left the path and climbed hills to graze on vegetation and then rejoined us. I would have never experienced bathing an elephant otherwise! That even sounds odd to say but splashing water on an elephants back as she lay in the river beside us was the coolest thing ever. She literally made eye contact the whole time. I wasn't sure which one of us was more interested in the other. Even our lunch by the river was so authentic and cool - served to us in a hut in banana leaf with a bamboo spoon with veggies cooked in a bamboo shoot! Feeding the elephants was so much fun. The trek to the waterfalls and even watching braver guest go under it was so much fun. Our guide Sam made everything perfect. Even in such a rugged place he made us feel safe and went out of his way to make sure my clumsiness didn't ruin the day! He was always there with an outstretched hand to make sure I was steady. He even made me a very helpful bamboo walking stick - which was later swiped and eaten by an elephant - and even that was cool! His guidance made this the best day ever. Later watching the baby elephant interact and play with his teenage handler would put any western notion about exploiting animals to rest. It was completely clear in this village the elephants call the shots and the villagers are there to care for them. There were no cages to be seen, no walls or enclosures, no leads or leashes, no rides or saddles. I never even saw a rope on an elephant. They literally went where they pleased. The baby elephant was even leaping and running and mimicking the noises of his minder. The boy would lay in the grass and the baby would run to him and stand over him. The bond was clear and experiencing it was touching. There is so much to see and do on this tour. Experiencing the beauty and simplicity of this place and the people and animals here will deeply impact the way you view much in life. Highly recommend.

I couldn't believe how new and different this felt after two full days of temple tours. Our trip was arranged well with one day of very ornate grand temples in Bangkok, followed by a day of historic temple ruins, and then this tour in Chiang Mai. I was worried it was too much; but each felt different and this was no exception. The architecture was unique and just as beautiful. I loved the monk chant and wishing lanterns. Our guide, Kan, made this a truly special day by timing everything just right. We caught the monks chant, then saw sunset in the perfect spot, and then experienced beautiful temples illuminated at night. I would have never been able to have done this without her. Loved it.

Game (our guide) made this tour deeply meaningful by explaining the history of the site. I would not have understood how moving this place was without the context she provided. On its own beautiful and tranquil. The ruins themselves feel intimate and sacred. Even walking the grounds and path around the water make you feel connected to the very long history of this place and the people.

Deeply touching experience. Guide Game and Driver Dan made this a truly magical day.

We had such a great time with Sorcha on this food tour and are so glad we booked it for our Thanksgiving celebration. The tastings were delicious and the places we visited were the perfect way to experience the local scene. Our guide Sorcha was friendly, fun, and clearly passionate about her job. Each stop was well chosen, offering generous portions and a great mix of flavors. The walk between tastings was just right and helped us see different parts of the neighborhood along the way. I highly recommend this food tour and guide to anyone who loves good food and wants a fun way to get to know the city

Our walking tour through Dublin was a highlight of the trip thanks to our fantastic guide Sandra. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm personality brought the city’s history, culture, and stories vividly to life, and the time flew by as we explored. She was incredibly knowledgeable about Dublin and Ireland, sharing historical facts, local legends, and personal anecdotes in a way that was easy to follow and always engaging. The route covered many of Dublin’s key sights as well as a few hidden corners that we would never have found on our own. The guide also gave excellent tips on where to eat, drink, and explore later, which really helped us make the most of our time in the city. This walking tour was an excellent way to get oriented in Dublin, learn about its past and present, and experience the city through the eyes of a local. I highly recommend Sandra and her tour to anyone visiting Dublin who wants an informative, fun, and memorable experience.