Kimkim Trip Reviews

Staff were super friendly. 24 self laundry was awesome. The grounds were beautiful. The pool was lovely. The breakfast was so-so. We wished we had been closer/more walkable to old town - there wasn't much in walking distance from the hotel.

Great location. All the staff were really friendly. Room was great. Breakfast was outstanding.

Absolute must-do experience. The white and blue temples are unbelievably pretty and interesting. The grounds of the white temple can be explored for hours. The art by the designer of the white temple is also very interesting and he was prolific. Long drive but completely worth it.

Very very touristy experience -- tour bus after tour bus pulled up and filled the venue. But the dances were fun, the food was pretty good, and it was a good duration. The cocktails were mediocre.

Quite a long drive for an okay-ish cave. We ended up doing a different crafting village/fair another day instead of the Baan Kang Wat one, so this review is only for the cave. Most of the cave is unlit (the guide used a propane lantern and flashlight), and significant portions have been permanently closed off for safety after floods the last few years. Still pretty and interesting, but not very long and middling as limestone caves go.

Good set of activities in or near the Doi Inthanon park. Very pretty views -- waterfalls, forest hikes, hill tribes, temples.

It was a fun experience petting and feeding the elephants in a couple different spots, but the rest of the "whole day" experience was some odd random activities that were mildly entertaining (bamboo raft ride, walkaround the hill tribe village without much explanation, etc.) but would have been better spent doing other things.

The scale of the ruins was grandiose, but the lack of our (humanity's, not us the tourists) knowledge about the history of the site means that it's mostly just a bunch of ruins with very limited context to walk around. We tend to be looking to combine historical context with tours, so this one was a bit disappointing compared to our other activities on this vacation. The food stop itself was good for river prawn fans, but outside of the local river prawns, nothing special.

Our dinner at Blackitch was truly excellent.

Our time at Fah Lanna Spa was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and all our services were excellent.

This was absolutely a highlight of our trip. Our chef instructor was incredible and gave us way more than just recipes, but instead a set of guidelines for how to be creative with Thai cooking. She also helped provide tips about how to get ingredients back home. It was really fun to go around the market with her before we headed to the cookery. Everything we cooked was delicious, but I am also going home looking forward to being able to re-create what we made.

Once again, we trusted all the choices with our guide and that was not a mistake. Everything we ate (and we ate a lot!) was delicious. It was super fun hopping around in the tuktuk.

Once again, this was a perfect activity to do on a travel day. Our guide was extremely informative and we learned a lot of new things despite already having been to several temples. The views from the temple were really stunning and the overall ambiance was really lovely.

This was a really fun day - we enjoyed getting out of the city and seeing some stunning waterfalls. The hike up to the last waterfall wasn't too strenuous.

We followed our Guide's recommendations all evening and tried things that we would never have otherwise known to order. The food was delicious and we particularly loved the latter stops on the tour that were more market/street food like.

The Grand Palace and all the temples were really beautiful. We learned a lot about Thai history and Buddhist practices. Our guide was great and the pacing of the tour was perfect. We saw so many things!

This was a perfect arrival activity for when we were a a bit jet lagged. The temple was pretty and had a good view. Our guide taught us some basics about Bhuddism.

Can’t beat a hotel right downtown, such convenience.

Very nice comfortable boutique in San Blas. Breakfast was good, along with the courtyard area. No televisions in rooms, which is nice to have, but then again we were so tired that probably didn’t matter. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable about the area, and even helped me fix one of our luggage zippers!

We simply travel to go find out about places, so we certainly got out fill of being in the area long enough, but then to add this really awe inspiring mountain top city basically in the middle of nowhere was simply breathtaking. Not to mention the climb up to go down to the part of the circuit 2A we went on. Oscar was helpful getting us around as he did all week.

Basically it was all about the Pachamama, as we are a family that loves to eat. Learning a bit more about the indigenous culture, in that setting at El Albergue was fantastic. The distillery and the coffee roasting facilities were a nice surprise.

This was pretty neat, and really helped us understand where we were geographically: very high up in the Andes! So awesome! Was cool to see the local animals and birds, and see the countryside.

This was basically filler and a get to know the area excursion. I think our group was too big to make it special, as no one paid much attention and went off on their own anyway.

Our time aboard the MC Treasure was outstanding from start to finish. The yacht is beautifully maintained, comfortable, and designed for an amazing Galápagos experience. The cabins were spotless and cozy, the common areas were spacious, and everything felt both welcoming and luxurious. But what truly sets the MC Treasure apart is the crew. Every team member was warm, attentive, and incredibly professional. They anticipated our needs before we even asked, made us feel completely at home, and added so many thoughtful touches throughout the trip. The food was fantastic, the service was flawless, and the atmosphere on board was relaxed and friendly. Combined with the remarkable Galápagos landscapes and our excellent guide, this yacht made the journey unforgettable. Highly recommend the MC Treasure for anyone seeking a first-class experience in the islands.

Luxury accommodations. Beautiful pool. Great restaurants and bars with nightly musical entertainment.

Beautiful hotel with great views. Three restaurant options - all good. Breakfast buffet excellent. Outdoor patio spaces were fabulous.

Great location, fabulous room with a private terrace, lovely pool, delicious dining options. Spa options were great.

Beautiful hotel, excellent staff, lovely breakfast.

Fabulous food and wonderful vibes. Glamping at its best.

This felt like a hostile nothing on the walls, pure white twin size beds after having a first rate first class top-notch experience of first place places we’ve been to and then we go to this hostile looking place. It was clean and nice, but it wasn’t the first class experience that we had through Kim Kim and should’ve stayed throughout the trip.

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

Beautiful setting in the rainforest

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

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.

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

Saw so many things

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

Layalina Hotel in Phuket was quite unique due to its hidden location; you'd almost miss it sandwiched between other businesses. Once you find it, though, its proximity to the beach and local spots is ideal for exploration. It had a charming quality about it, and I did enjoy my time there despite Phuket being a bit too touristy for my taste.

De Lanna Chiang Mai was a lovely hotel, located in a peaceful area. I enjoyed the quietness and proximity to food and massage places, and it was close to a 7-Eleven, which was handy for those unexpected needs. The mosquito spray I got there was a lifesaver considering the presence of mosquitoes in Chiang Mai. Overall, a very pleasant stay.

The Silom Serene Hotel in Bangkok was fantastic. It's in a superb location, close to markets where you can grab fresh produce and smoothies. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, always greeting us with smiles. I felt so safe and well taken care of, even when I arrived late at night. They guided me to my room and ensured I was comfortable. It truly felt like a home away from home.

The Chiang Mai Cooking Class Experience was just incredible! It was such a personal experience, reminiscent of visiting a relative's house and exploring the local farms for ingredients. Our teacher was amazing, making sure we felt comfortable throughout. I loved the warm, family-like atmosphere. The class being small was a bonus, making the experience intimate and enjoyable. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

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.

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.

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

Very beautiful trees and meticulously maintained garden.

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.

Our time on the M/Y Monserrat was enjoyable. The guides and staff were wonderful, and the dinner on the last night was delightful. However, the overnight journey was rough due to choppy seas, which made it uncomfortable and resulted in a sleepless night. It seems to be a known issue that it gets rough on the last night, and a little heads-up would have been appreciated.

Patio Andaluz in Quito was a wonderful place to start our trip. It's located in the old historic part of the city, which was quite charming and added to the experience.

We had a clean, modern room at the Acacia with a lovely central patio area for gathering. The staff was very friendly, honest and professional. They made sure we had a delicious breakfast with our coffee every day and provided tips on where to eat dinner. Highly recommend this hotel.

The excursion to the uninhabited island was quite an experience, although it involved much more travel than anticipated. After spending several days on the M/Y Monserrat, this day was mostly in transit with a long bus and boat journey. It was a bit tiring, with limited time on the actual island, and we would've preferred to explore more locally around Puerto Ayora.

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.

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!

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.

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

Excellent in every way. Breakfast was 5 star!

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

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

We loved the Phu and ba migh ! Very good!

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

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.

Incredible location, wonderful restaurant, local cultural experience

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Very informative and friendly staff.

Clean, authentic experience. The breakfast was inedible- both Japanese and Western. I recommend going to nearby cafes for breakfast!

Clean, good breakfast, convenient near train station

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.