Staff Picks
Pham Thi Hoa Ly - Travel Consultant
I have been lucky enough to travel throughout most of Vietnam and I have to say that Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Site Heritage- is my favorite destination. Overnight on board a boat in Halong with some friends is a beautiful and relaxing experience.
At just 3.5-hours drive from Hanoi, the first step getting on board brings me a sense of something different. The boat then cruises into Halong Bay to see rock formations and local fishing families going about their everyday life which bring me peace and inspiration. After the cruise, I like to go kayaking around some isolated islands to local fishing houses and talking to these local people fills me full of energy and enjoyment.
On the overnight boat trip I get the chance to chat with my friends, which we don’t have much time for if not on holiday, then the following morning waking up early to enjoy the scenery, it’s a great chance to connect with nature which I rarely feel in the city.
The holiday to Halong Bay always gives me a feeling of a real holiday and total relaxation from work.
Traveler's Review
Jennie & Vi
Sally,
Happy New Year!
Deborah left for USA today and Vi and I will carry the torch. Just arrived in Cambodia, Raffles Hotel is wonderful.
Feels like we have fallen down the rabbit's hole in Alice in Wonderland. MAGICAL Journey!
Part of the magical journey was meeting Daniel Hoyer (our wonderful cooking guide in Hanoi). Daniel was wonderful and we experienced a day that we would have not had otherwise. We loved sitting on our little milking stools and eating food cooked by families on the bottom floors of their homes. Luckily we are an adventurous gaggle of women who wanted it ALL! He was thrilled that we were fearless eaters.
Ms. Dobbs comments "Daniel Hoyer bridged the gap between Americans and Vietnamese".
Our guide Nam had a huge smile on his face while Daniel explained about Hanoi food and culture, you could tell that Nam was happy with Daniel's passion for his heritage.
Daniel was thrilled that Vi spoke Vietnamese and they had great conversations. Will forward cute photos of our culinary morning upon returning home.
We loved the market, the one photo which I'm sorry I didn't take was the cooked dog with his teeth bared, he fought to the end!
What a wonderful gift Lee and we give Daniel Hoyer TWO THUMBS UP! Our only complaint was it was only 1/2 a day and we were too full. As Auntie Mame says "Life's A Banquet!
Also we had a wonderful dinner with your lovely associate at Mandarin, great food and company. Ms. Thuy speaks beautiful and very proper English, made us girls from Texas sound like hicks.
It's a good life,
Jennie & Vi
Traveler's Review
Barbara
Dear Thuy,
I have been meaning to write and thank you for all your excellent organisation for our trip since our return 2 weeks ago. It contributed to an unforgettable experience filled with so many different but wonderful memories of your country.
Everything went perfectly and we were thrilled with all our accommodation. At the Majestic they upgraded us to their "family suite," which was absolutely magnificent and at the Life Resort we were given "two interconnecting rooms directly overlooking the pool".
I could not help but wonder if our good fortune was because "Exotissimo Travel" had arranged our booking? All transfers went smoothly making our journey worry free.
You were the most organised travel agent and your prompt replies were very much appreciated.
Finally, I must also thank you for looking after our dear friends, the Howards.
Thank you again, Thuy and we hope that the New Year is filled with fun and laughter.
Kind regards,
Barbara