Travel agency recommendation
 

While a US-based travel agent can be helpful, be aware that they will subcontract out many services to local agencies and add a significant mark-up. It is not uncommon for a price from an agent in SE Asia to be half (or less) than the price from a US-based agent.

It is remarkably easy to make your own travel arrangements in SE Asia. What do you need help with? Maybe we can give you enough info to make you confident of doing this on your own.

Agree with Kathie!
It is easy to DIY in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (Make your own plan and book with some local agent on your arrival).
Travelfish is a good site to do some research on which places in each country appeal to you.

The worst thing to do is to approach a agency of your country ; its employees know nothing about the countries and, above all, it sub-contracts all the services except the international flight toa LOCAL agency, so you pay double commission, your agency and the one overseas.

DIY is easy in Cambodia and in Laos,where, all things considered, there are not an awful lot to see compared with Vietnam, but certainly not in Vietnam, where ground transportation can be a nightmare and some of the best destinations, such as Dong Van, Babe Lake or the Pu Luong Regional Park, are easily accessible only with a car with driver and English-speaking guide, a thing that a tourist will not find alone

As far as agencies are concerned, every body has its own favorite. Mine is Oriental Bridge Travel. Just open their web site and you will understand why.

In addition to all the advice mentioned (i.e., that using a US-based agent is a terrible idea), beware of any agency who claims to "specialize in upscale vacations." That's code to attract sucker Westerners with lots of money to throw around, and rip them off. Any of the well known/respected local agencies (such as the agencies that regulars on here will recommend) are equally capable of providing great trips for travelers on a budget and travelers who want the highest level of luxury.

The thread is 6 months old and the OP hasn't been on Fodors since -- probably not looking for a TA, US-based or not . . .

There is more serious in the travel forums than agencies claiming their upscale services. In all forums except this one, there are agencies who ask their employees to open accounts and present themselves as "clients" coming back from a trip to Vietnam absolutely delirious about the agency's services. The forums connaisseurs can spot those messages immediately ; the "client" posts only one, which always uses the same words and expressions qualifying the services : "sensational", marvelous", "extraordinary guide", "best vacation", etc. No details of the trip is given and, if you ask for some, there is never an answer. Two agencies are the kings of that scam ; each has already posted a total of over 600 messages. The scam has been denounced by the moderators of one famous French-speaking forum ; contrary to us, those people have the capability of detecting the origin of the messages, which is the same for practically all,

Tonkin is great.

Use Trip Advisor to check out each hotel suggested and ask here.