Hi

I am planning a trip to Vietnam and have been given the followign three companies, Handspan, Explore Tours and Topas Adventure. Has anyone used any of these and what are your thoughts?

I used Exotissimo, they are very responsive.

Nicinici

Do try Tonkin Travel. Alison on this board had a very successful trip with them. They have been extremely responsive with me so far and their quote is very competitive. I contacted Topas but they were rather high-priced.

Our bicycle tour company (Spiceroads) used guides from Exotissimo to take us around Angkor and Siem Reap last February. They were very bright, funny and spoke perfect English. Had a set plan each day, but were very accomodating according to our group's interests and energy level. I'm thinking of using them on our trip to Vietnam next February.

We used Topas for travelling the Dien Bien Phu loop. They were hopeless! Our transport was a 25 year old (at least) Toyota landcruiser with no lights, intruments and bald tyres. Not great for travelling the mountains in the fog! plus they point blank refused to go off the beaten track which was the whole point of using them. We ended up getting a partial refund when we got home.

Don't discount a DIY trip. It is la lot easier to travel in Vietnam than it used to be.

You are all very helpful. I was also told about Green Trail Tours? Has anyone had any experience with them?

I prefer Exotissimo if I use private tour and luxury service.

I have had correspondence with two agencies in the US and three or four in Vietnam. Report card for planning:Tonkin Travel very responsive and good price, E-mailed Exotissiomo 2x and never heard from them, e-mailed Handspan 2x and never heard, Ann Tours in Vietnam 2x price of Tonkin, Asia Pacific Journeys very responsive but $$. Hope this helps. We will most likely go with Tonkin.

Had a good experience with Exotissimo while on a Spiceroads bicycle tour, but we are using Tonkin Travel to help with arrangements for our February trip. They responded when no one else did, and their price is right. I've been emailing back and forth with Mrs. Nhung. I email her in the afternoon and have a reply by next morning. Didn't love one of the hotels she suggested, so chose a few alternatives and went with the one she liked best.

When I post my report after the trip, I'll let you know how everything worked out.

I booked through Handspan for a Halong Bay overnight on the Dragon Pearl - worked fine. Avoid Brothers Cafe. Sinh Cafe is OK if you're on a budget, and can figure out which is the "real" one (I think it's this one: www.sinhcafevn.com).