Private Tour Operator for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
Nov 26th, 2006, 04:29 PM
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Private Tour Operator for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
Hello!
I have had wonderful experience soliciting advice on this forum, so here I am again. My husband and I would like to tour Vietnam, Laos (just Luang Prabang)and Cambodia. We got spoiled touring India with a car and driver, and we wonder if the same is necessary here. Does anyone have a name of an operator that could give us an upscale trip, including good rates on great hotels, like Amansara and Evanson Hideaway? We would like to stay here but think that an insider can get better rates for us, we had that luck in India.
Thanks in advance for any help.
I have had wonderful experience soliciting advice on this forum, so here I am again. My husband and I would like to tour Vietnam, Laos (just Luang Prabang)and Cambodia. We got spoiled touring India with a car and driver, and we wonder if the same is necessary here. Does anyone have a name of an operator that could give us an upscale trip, including good rates on great hotels, like Amansara and Evanson Hideaway? We would like to stay here but think that an insider can get better rates for us, we had that luck in India.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Nov 26th, 2006, 04:41 PM
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I started my trip in Indo China with a luxury 750KM cruise up the Mekong to Siem Reap. It really set the tone for the following 2 weeks, and was arguable the best 7 nights I have had in 35 countries over some 30 years. I went with the Pandaw Cruise people. Great food, excellent company and more than helpful crew. The staterooms were great, and fully self contained. I can send you my cruise report details if you like.
Nov 26th, 2006, 06:24 PM
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You won't need the same level of hand-holding that one needs in India. You may want to hire a car and driver from time to time in Luang Prabang or in VN, and you'll need a car and driver in Siem Reap. But unlike India, you won't hire a car and driver who will take you to all of those places. It is easy to set this up on your own. You really don't need a tour operator, you can arrange your air and hotels, and set up a car and driver as needed once you get there. Most of your touring in LP will be on foot, and you'll likely walk a lot in the VN cities as well. For Angkor, you'll need to decide whether you want a guide as well as a driver. If you want one of the popular guides, like Ponheary or Dara, you'll need to set that up far in advance. In that case, your guide will set up the car and driver for you.
By the way, the reviews of the Amansara have not been especially good. If I were you, I'd choose Hotel de la Paix. A local like Ponheary can get you good rates there.
In most places, you'll find you can make your own hotel reservations and get as good as or a better price than a tour operator. And your trip will be much less expensive without a tour operator.
By the way, the reviews of the Amansara have not been especially good. If I were you, I'd choose Hotel de la Paix. A local like Ponheary can get you good rates there.
In most places, you'll find you can make your own hotel reservations and get as good as or a better price than a tour operator. And your trip will be much less expensive without a tour operator.
Nov 26th, 2006, 07:50 PM
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I used to work in the travel industry and highly recommend Eli Haizlip at Bamboo Tours ([email protected]). He's in San Francisco and specializes in upscale trips to Asia, including great hotels, excellent private guides, and customized itineraries.
Nov 27th, 2006, 07:40 AM
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I think you are correct, Kathie, about Amansara, and I don't think it worth it. Hotel DLP looks much better. So you think Ponheary can help with hotel reservations? I assume someone in the industry can get better rates than I, over the internet. I am planning to visit in Feb 07, so I may need help with availability!
Nov 27th, 2006, 09:50 AM
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Ponheary will be glad to make your reservations for you, and can get you a fair price. Contact her as soon as possible.
In much of Asia isn't not so true that a travel agent can get a better price for you than either a local internet booking site or the hotel itself. I haven't used a travel agent to help with hotels for... oh, at least 15 years.
In much of Asia isn't not so true that a travel agent can get a better price for you than either a local internet booking site or the hotel itself. I haven't used a travel agent to help with hotels for... oh, at least 15 years.
Nov 27th, 2006, 10:29 AM
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I'm looking at using Asia Transpacific Journeys for a similar trip next year, and so far I've been impressed with their ability to respond to my requests. I like that they were able to grasp the feel that I was trying to create and had very helpful suggestions...
http://www.southeastasia.com/
http://www.southeastasia.com/
Nov 28th, 2006, 01:44 PM
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I appreciate all the help, I keep going back and forth based on other posts that I read. One side of me says to book the trip myself - and the other side of me loves to be pampered, to have someone meet me at every flight and taxi me to the hotel. We did this in India and it was amazing - in Africa too, never a lost ticket or mixup or misunderstanding. The first trip ever with my husband was to Thailand, and he still does not forgive me for making him stay in a $5 hut by the beach because we had no other options (this trip was planned by me.) There is an older post by connette who recommended Asianventure Tours for great service and great rates. I think i will try them and see where it gets me. She said that she did not have a guide for every day, which I would want. I want to visit Vietnam (Hanoi, HoiAn, Halong Bay, Nha Trang, as well as Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang. I want Nha Trang to be at the end, so I may bop around from country to country a bit. May need multiple visas and entries? Want to fly American Air or one of their partners from NYC to wherever is easiest.
Thanks for any advice! This forum rocks.
Thanks for any advice! This forum rocks.
Nov 28th, 2006, 02:01 PM
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You can easily arrange with your hotels that you have booked yourself for them to pick you up at the airport...don't let that be a factor in whether you book a tour or not. Very easy to have a car in driver in the places you would like to visit too...most of us here do use a car and driver at least once in while during trips.
I've found that I can often get the best rates by contacting the hotel directly. For our next trip, I have used a Virtuoso agent to book the Peninsula Bangkok because the Virtuoso rate and benefits were better than the Peninsula's own rates by far, and also much better than any booking sites. The Evason Hideaway and Amansara are both Virtuoso properties...note though, that the Amansara isn't liked as well as some of the other Aman properties and many say it just isn't in the same class as the others.
To enter Vietnam twice, yes, you will need a multiple entry visa. I notice you listed 6 places you wanted to visit...for 6 places, I'd say you need 3 - 4 nights in each place, so 3 - 4 weeks would be nice. If you have less time, consider paring your list down.
I've found that I can often get the best rates by contacting the hotel directly. For our next trip, I have used a Virtuoso agent to book the Peninsula Bangkok because the Virtuoso rate and benefits were better than the Peninsula's own rates by far, and also much better than any booking sites. The Evason Hideaway and Amansara are both Virtuoso properties...note though, that the Amansara isn't liked as well as some of the other Aman properties and many say it just isn't in the same class as the others.
To enter Vietnam twice, yes, you will need a multiple entry visa. I notice you listed 6 places you wanted to visit...for 6 places, I'd say you need 3 - 4 nights in each place, so 3 - 4 weeks would be nice. If you have less time, consider paring your list down.
Nov 28th, 2006, 02:16 PM
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Yes I have a lot of places here but some can be day trips or overnights, no? I don't have the luxury of three or four weeks - a bit more than two is all I can do. I already felt good about it because I am only doing one place in Laos, one in Cambodia, and I cut out southern Vietnam! So many places to go, so little time... really wanted to do Bali but timing is off - maybe next year!
Nov 28th, 2006, 02:47 PM
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Nha Trang is quite far south from Hanoi...1200 km! Halong Bay could be a day trip, but an overnight would be nicer I think. Hoi An and Hanoi are each at least 3 nights to me, and Siem Reap a minimum of 3 full days meaning 4 nights, and Luang Prabang 3 - 4 nights...without Nha Trang, that's already 2 weeks. Then consider travel tiime. Since Vietnam is your primary focus, with 2 weeks I'd stick to just Vietnam, and maybe a trip to Angkor Wat if you skipped the south entirely. It would be a shame to spend two weeks running around and not have time to enjoy the places you visit.
Nov 30th, 2006, 08:01 AM
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Hi Diane - I've just come back from Cambodia and Laos and was in Vietnam in March. Kim in Japan is giving you good advice. You're trying to do a lot, but it's do-able. In Vietnam get a tour agency to zoom you around - they'll get you to the right spots - it'll be the usual tourist circuit - but that's fine for a first trip. Renaissance Riverside is good in Ho Chi Minh city - club floor, great beds - as is the Caravelle. You can get some great rates on the net yourself.
Halong Bay, in my humble estimation, is very overrated - certainly as a day trip it's a misery. 3 hours there, chucked on a boat heading off into the mist, a visit to a couple of vulgar caves, lunch, more misty invisible scenery - then it's 3 hours back to Hanoi.
By the way, if you get a travel agent and you see the words 'lunch at a local restaurant' on your itinerary, beware. Without exception, you'll be treated to a parade of horror delivered to your table and then be watched like a hawk while you try and stuff it into your mouth. They are all tourist hell holes. Take a packed lunch from your excellent hotel.
Luang Prabang: Stay at Maison Souvannahpoum - I stayed there for 8 days - 'excellent'is the word and the most attentive, wonderful staff. You won't do better - off season rates are amazing. Go to their website - its connected with Colours of Angsana - Stay in town, you'll be walking everywhere - not at the Pansea resort outside [overpriced] and be aware that L.P. can be a little disappointing at first glance - 'is this all there is?' I went after a day - 'can I go now?' I was wrong. Let the place sneak up on you. It's a little miracle. I ended up extending. Eat at L'Elephant for dinner. You are correct to ignore Vientiane.
In L.P. you can organise everything yourself on the spot. Grab a tuk tuk and head out of town to the waterfall. You really don't need guides, just transport.
Siem Reap: I've been 3 times, this time for 6 days. I decided to try the Hotel de la Paix on their internet rates - off season. Check out their site and look carefully at the promotional packages. You'll find that you can stay at a suite for not much more than the normal rooms. Do it. The suites are just fabulous. It's a knockout. Wow, what a great place, very cool indeed.
You can organise everything you need yourself while in town. I guess a guide is worth it but make sure you get a good one. I'm content now just grabbing a tuk tuk and heading off round the circuit. There is O.K. food just by the entrance to Ankor Wat at the Artisans d'Ankor restaurant. Your guide and driver will get a free lunch there as well. That'll put a smile on their faces.
It's easy to get 'templed-out' in Siem Reap. Pace yourself.
If D.L.P. is not available Raffles is good too - I prefer the contemporary chic of D.L.P. - great food too.
I know you don't have much time but Phnomh Penh is worth a day or so too - but be aware that Pol Pot and genocide are on the menu. If you want to begin to understand Cambodia you really do need to see S21 and the Killing Fields. Upsetting but essential. Stay at Raffles there.
I organised the whole 3 months in S.E. Asia myself on the net - you can do it. Generally I just go to the hotel's website and hit that 'promotions' button. Careful study brings rewards.
The real clue is to travel in the off season, just on the cusp of the tourist season. In Laos and Cambodia August September, some places till the end of October. Book it yourself - it's fun.
Be aware that in March, April, just before the monsoon season it can get incredibly hot. Go for the air-conditioned car.
Who did you use for India? I'm heading there in Feb.
Halong Bay, in my humble estimation, is very overrated - certainly as a day trip it's a misery. 3 hours there, chucked on a boat heading off into the mist, a visit to a couple of vulgar caves, lunch, more misty invisible scenery - then it's 3 hours back to Hanoi.
By the way, if you get a travel agent and you see the words 'lunch at a local restaurant' on your itinerary, beware. Without exception, you'll be treated to a parade of horror delivered to your table and then be watched like a hawk while you try and stuff it into your mouth. They are all tourist hell holes. Take a packed lunch from your excellent hotel.
Luang Prabang: Stay at Maison Souvannahpoum - I stayed there for 8 days - 'excellent'is the word and the most attentive, wonderful staff. You won't do better - off season rates are amazing. Go to their website - its connected with Colours of Angsana - Stay in town, you'll be walking everywhere - not at the Pansea resort outside [overpriced] and be aware that L.P. can be a little disappointing at first glance - 'is this all there is?' I went after a day - 'can I go now?' I was wrong. Let the place sneak up on you. It's a little miracle. I ended up extending. Eat at L'Elephant for dinner. You are correct to ignore Vientiane.
In L.P. you can organise everything yourself on the spot. Grab a tuk tuk and head out of town to the waterfall. You really don't need guides, just transport.
Siem Reap: I've been 3 times, this time for 6 days. I decided to try the Hotel de la Paix on their internet rates - off season. Check out their site and look carefully at the promotional packages. You'll find that you can stay at a suite for not much more than the normal rooms. Do it. The suites are just fabulous. It's a knockout. Wow, what a great place, very cool indeed.
You can organise everything you need yourself while in town. I guess a guide is worth it but make sure you get a good one. I'm content now just grabbing a tuk tuk and heading off round the circuit. There is O.K. food just by the entrance to Ankor Wat at the Artisans d'Ankor restaurant. Your guide and driver will get a free lunch there as well. That'll put a smile on their faces.
It's easy to get 'templed-out' in Siem Reap. Pace yourself.
If D.L.P. is not available Raffles is good too - I prefer the contemporary chic of D.L.P. - great food too.
I know you don't have much time but Phnomh Penh is worth a day or so too - but be aware that Pol Pot and genocide are on the menu. If you want to begin to understand Cambodia you really do need to see S21 and the Killing Fields. Upsetting but essential. Stay at Raffles there.
I organised the whole 3 months in S.E. Asia myself on the net - you can do it. Generally I just go to the hotel's website and hit that 'promotions' button. Careful study brings rewards.
The real clue is to travel in the off season, just on the cusp of the tourist season. In Laos and Cambodia August September, some places till the end of October. Book it yourself - it's fun.
Be aware that in March, April, just before the monsoon season it can get incredibly hot. Go for the air-conditioned car.
Who did you use for India? I'm heading there in Feb.
Nov 30th, 2006, 08:23 AM
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We are travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia, and wonder if it is necessary to take Malaria pills? We are going on a guided tour, and do not expect to spend too much time in the back-country, as most tours stick the the normal tourist sites. Any advice?
Nov 30th, 2006, 10:34 AM
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re: Malaria
read the cdc website: www.cdc.gov/travel
The area around the temples at Angkor is malarial risk. Really, the only part of Cambodia that is not malarial risk is PP. Some parts of VN are malarial riak, some are not. The Mekong Delta, for instance is risk, but the cities of Hanoi and HCMC are not.
Know the risks, take appropriate precautions. It only takes a bite by one infected mosquito to give you malaria. In any case, prevent mosquito bites as best you can (denegue is also endemic there). Consult with a travel med professional before you go - not only about malaria, but also about vaccines.
read the cdc website: www.cdc.gov/travel
The area around the temples at Angkor is malarial risk. Really, the only part of Cambodia that is not malarial risk is PP. Some parts of VN are malarial riak, some are not. The Mekong Delta, for instance is risk, but the cities of Hanoi and HCMC are not.
Know the risks, take appropriate precautions. It only takes a bite by one infected mosquito to give you malaria. In any case, prevent mosquito bites as best you can (denegue is also endemic there). Consult with a travel med professional before you go - not only about malaria, but also about vaccines.
Nov 30th, 2006, 01:49 PM
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dogster, my wife and I are heading for India in March-April, but will primarily be in Assam doing a cruise along the Brahmaputra. Looks very similar to the Pandaw, and is operated by the Assam Bengal Navigation Company. http://www.assambengalnavigation.com/index.htm
Dec 2nd, 2006, 12:58 PM
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Hi John, it's Nigel. Yes, I know about the Brahmaputra cruise - and if my memory serves me right, I told YOU about it. LOL - enjoy your freebie. You might, if you're extremely unlucky, see me on that very trip.
Dec 3rd, 2006, 11:07 AM
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Hello Dogster,
Thanks for the advice! How was the weather in Vietnam in March? We are hoping to go end of Feb 07 - March so I have to get cracking. I still think I will get a private tour person to do it, I love how they take care of you. I found Asianventure tours here, and I got a good price from them so far, just have to customize it.
May fly into Bangkok, then do Angor Wat, Luang Prabang, then up to Hanoi, then go down Vietnam, ending with relaxation at Nha Trang. Then only have to enter each country once.
Dogster, in India I used Varsha Gupta at Compass Travel. She was very nice and prompt, and we had an excellent experience with them. India was amazing, I think my best trip yet, and I am nervous nothing else will ever be so rich in culture. We finished up that trip with 5 days in Maldives, and I don't think any other place in the world can compare. I would love to know if anyone out there thinks there is a better beach vacation in the universe. We stayed at Huvafen Fushi, tiny island where you walked from one side to the other in 7 minutes. Amazing. Gorgeous. Terrific service and food to boot.
Thanks for the advice! How was the weather in Vietnam in March? We are hoping to go end of Feb 07 - March so I have to get cracking. I still think I will get a private tour person to do it, I love how they take care of you. I found Asianventure tours here, and I got a good price from them so far, just have to customize it.
May fly into Bangkok, then do Angor Wat, Luang Prabang, then up to Hanoi, then go down Vietnam, ending with relaxation at Nha Trang. Then only have to enter each country once.
Dogster, in India I used Varsha Gupta at Compass Travel. She was very nice and prompt, and we had an excellent experience with them. India was amazing, I think my best trip yet, and I am nervous nothing else will ever be so rich in culture. We finished up that trip with 5 days in Maldives, and I don't think any other place in the world can compare. I would love to know if anyone out there thinks there is a better beach vacation in the universe. We stayed at Huvafen Fushi, tiny island where you walked from one side to the other in 7 minutes. Amazing. Gorgeous. Terrific service and food to boot.
