Kathie

It is not uncommon for the first response from a company not to meet your needs. I always write back and tell them again exactly what I want. I often name my preferred hotels. If after the second request, I don't get something closer to what I want I'll give up on a company. If they have given me closer to what I want, I will continue to fine tune with an agency. Remember, there is a language barrier between you and any local company. There was no language barrier with A&K, and they still did't get it right. Also, be aware that how hotels are rated means that "big commercial hotels" are more likely to be 5 star than the small boutique places, as the boutique hotels won't have as many amenities. If you provide the names of the hotels that you want, this won't be a problem, but if you just say "5 star" this may be a problem. No agent can read your mind and local agencies are at a greater disadvantage in knowing what you want, so you need to be really specific. You aren't going anywhere that is really remote, so you won't have the problem of "best available" not meeting your standards.

Most regulars here have extensive trip reports. Just click on the poster's name and look at trip reports on their profile page. Indeed, for many of us, you'll need to click on "show more trip reports."

susiesan

I have not been on my trip yet, it is next Feb. 21 when I arrive in hanoi. If Liliana is the agent who answers you be sure to tell her Susie from Kansas City sent you.
One of the places I am going that not too many people do is Phong Nha Ke Bang. I really want to visit the big cases before the area becomes too touristy and overbuilt.

Star ratings don't always mean much in Asia. Look at reviews on TA and also the ones on booking.com. Unless you are using hotel points I'd stay away from big US hotel chains. You won't even feel like you are in another country. Just ask the CVT agent what the best local hotel is in each city.

Lolazahra

Hi. I echo everything that Kathie said. You have to be specific with what you want. Every traveler is different and you can't expect the agent to read your mind. By the time I called, I knew every museum and temple I wanted to visit. And I told them. But what I needed their help was to craft very unique bespoke one of a kind local cultural experiences that I could not do on my own. What they came up with made our trip magical and completely special. I was also vocal on how many days I wanted in each city even if they quoted less or more. I also stayed at the type of properties I think you want -- and I needed suites as I had four children. We were at the Park Hyatt in Saigon, the Metropole in Hanoi, the Nam Hai in Hoi An and on a luxury junk. Our properties were similar in Laos and Cambodia. But I told them what I wanted. I actually appreciate that they don't automatically quote the highest properties unless you tell them too as they are respectful of all budgets. In every instance they were able to get lower rates at these top hotels than I was able to get. All of their guides were fantastic and their vans were great for touring. They made restaurant and spas reservations and put e erything together with the right timing. More important,y everyone was helpful and patient with any changes we made along the way. You don't have to use Vietnam Stay -- they might not be for you. But whoever you use, please speak up and tell them what you want. Otherwise you could be disappointed with whoever you choose. Good luck.

CaliNurse

Ditto to all above replies re: travel agencies, and the advantages of, and best way , to use their services. I know not everyone agrees on whether to book yourself or with travel planner agency, but having a reputable agent has "saved" my trip---or at least, a day of it-- in Kenya, uganda, India, and VN. There are other posts on the plusses/minuses, but do,as Lolazahra says, be clear with your chosen agent about what your needs/interests/etc.
Sometimes, an agent might disagree with your particular choice. maybe you're influenced by which hotel is #1 on some site, but the agent may have a broader sense of the place, based on personal experience and their own client feedback. If they can explain the rationale, and it is not based on only what brings the most margin to them, i am glad to listen and consider. Agencies booking your hotel (IME) often charge the same or less than if you booked yourself, and you may find perks/upgrades/added on.

ALL 3 agencies I enquired of previously for VN, and now for a tentative trip to VN and Cambodia, give different levels of hotels and their specific names for the level you want. But these are flexible choices! These are usually categorized as "price per night" or "budget/superior/deluxe" etc. So far, I've had one totally outrageous quote (from indochina odyssey) and am about to enquire of my proven wonderful contact at Custom Vietnam Travel to compare.
No matter whom you choose to work with, RJ, you'll have a memorable thirtieth anniversary trip!!!

BethM1968

The itineraries look similar to our Vietnam and Cambodia trip last few years, but we not been to Bangkok. We used a wonderful local tour operator in Cambodia and the trip was for just the 2 of us and we had a driver and English-speaking guide the whole time and they offered very cheaper prices compare to ours US. operator.

here some reviews of our local agent https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...-Cambodia.html

Kathie

We've had a lot of spam here from Global Travel recently.

rjbriskin

So.. I went to Vietnam Stay at the recommendation from many of you here. I so appreciate all your help. Their itinerary seemed pretty good. I am going to review it further but wanted to make sure that anyone that has used them has had an amazing experience and that their guides are also great. I find that makes all the difference in the world.

Also- The Nam Hai resort will be under construction at the time we are scheduled to be there. It looks great but if there will be a lot of renovation going on I am not sure it will be worth it?? Any thoughts?

rjbriskin

OOPs- I made a mistake it wasn't Vietnam Stay that I looked into it was Custom Vietnam Travel. Sorry about that!!

Kathie

Nam Hai is located in Hoi An, which is in the area that has heavy rains and flooding in November. That's the reason not to stay there, not any construction being done. I'd cut Central VN (DaNang, Hoi An, Hue) from your itinerary and add those days to other places you are visiting.

susiesan

rj: If you do go to Hoi An, take look this hotel, Maison Vy
http://www.maisonvy.com
It was suggested to me by CVT. I opted not to stay there due to the cost, but it does look lovely. I liked the fact that they have the cooking class there included with a stay. it rates high on TA for what that's worth.