“Brilliant Amazing Fabulous Wonderful”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2015

 

After researching for weeks about Vietnam holiday and worrying about transport I decided to contact Vivu Travel. (read reviews on TA and thought they sounded very helpful) We sent and email with our arrival and departure dates (2 weeks in Vietnam) and a list of the 5 most important things we wanted to see, with number 1 on the list being at the ANZAC Day Services at Long Tan for the 100 year commemoration. In less than a day we had a full itinerary sent thru from Mrs Kim Dung listing each days activities, what would be included and where we had a day to ourselves during the trip.

This was a private tour just one driver one guide myself and my husband, in clean very new Toyota four wheel drives or Camrys (Vios) for the entire trip. Every day we were picked up on time, with cool bottles of water waiting for us in the back seat and there we never any problems if we wanted to stop quickly along our travels. The guides like to be asked questions about their country no matter how random it may be, we really enjoyed talking to them about their families and ours and tourism in both our countries.

We started in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where we explored Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta and a family farm where we had lunch, the floating markets at Cai Be, the War Remnants museum and the Reunification Palace. From here we flew to Danang and were picked up and taken to Hoi An. Hoi An is very relaxing and has rules on access to the Old Quarter during certain hours of the day so you can walk and ride pushbikes around. We went up the river in Hoi An and hubby had a go at throwing a fishing net thankfully without throwing himself into the river. From Hoi An we were picked up and taken to Hue. Hue is indescribable so many experiences, Khe Sanh, Temples, the Citadel and Forbidden City, Kings Mausoleums, Buddhist temples,the Perfume River to many to describe here. From Hue we flew to Hanoi where we experienced the beauty of Halong Bay overnight on a Dragon Pearl Junk Boat with private cabin and ensuite. To Confucius temple to lunch at KOTO "know one teach one" where under privileged teens are taught to skills for the hospitality industry and where the food is second to none.

I could write for days about the places we visited, however this review is about VIVU Travels and its amazing wonderful kind generous guides and drivers.

Our guide in Saigon was Mr Do, what a wealth of knowledge on all sorts the war, the people, the kings, the daily lives of the Vietnamese people and the best places to eat which included a roadside café in Ba Ria where we had the best Pho Pork you will ever eat to a large restaurant in Vung Tau where you can select your fish etc for your meal. (we chose from the menu as I don't like to think about how my food gets to my plate)

As our main purpose for going to Vietnam was to attend ANZAC Day Services at Long Tan it was important this was organised efficiently. All our worries were taken away by VIVI and our guide, permission was obtained for us to visit the Cross the day before services and there were no complaints when we had to be picked up at 3.30am to get to the rubber plantation where the Long Tan Cross is for ANZAC Day Services. Mr Do was very intrigued and interested to learn about the ANZAC tradition and accompanied us to the service which was wonderful as we got to share a bit of Australia with him.

In Hue our guides name was Ngoc, what a historian he is, I don't think there is anything about Hue he doesn't know. The one place I wanted to visit was the Citadel, Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, Ngoc was able to walk around and explain all the different building's, what ones remain that were not destroyed by bombings, why the King had two houses, where the Concubines lived, you could imagine yourself back in those times while standing there from his vivid descriptions and from visiting the buildings that remain. And he never got tired of me saying "oh my goodness its beautiful"

In Hanoi our guides name was Hai,he was quite a few years younger than us, at first I was a little concerned that he wouldn't understand how much we love the history and culture of how Vietnam has gotten to where it is today, there was no need for concern, Hai is an old soul and explained all the history of the kings, the Buddhist temples and Hanoi Hilton with great passion, but was also as passionate about the new bridges, buildings and education being provided and built in Vietnam.

Every single thing was taken care of, all the entry tickets to the temples, museums and attractions, the guides escort you into each hotel check in to ensure everything is ok, will wait for you at the airport until you check in (even when you tell them you are quite ok for them to go !!) they will assist you with menus, stop at the best rest areas on long drives and if you happen to end up in a massive traffic jam that lasts a couple of hours like we did they will sit under a cool tree and talk about their beautiful fascinating country. They are happy to provide their phone numbers in case of an emergency and go over what you are doing each day so everyone is sure that nothing will be missed.

Kim Dung from VIVU there are not enough words to express our gratitude for all she organised for our trip and tour. The fact that you pay a deposit and then not another cent until you arrive and are picked up by your guide gave us great confidence that we didn't need to worry. We had several emails back and forth for example to confirm flights and to decide which night to stay at Halong Bay. Everything is clearly in front of you with a detailed itinerary provided including internal flight numbers, included meals etc.
Please feel free to contact me thru a message if you have any queries about our Vietnam trip and VIVU. (we have travelled extensively around the world and had never used a travel agency until tis trip to Vietnam - it couldn't have been more perfect.)

 

Duc696chic
Perth, Australia
Visited April 2015

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TOUR NAME: BEAUTIFUL TOUR FOR JANINE HINDS COUPLE ON APR & MAY
DESTINATIONS: HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA – CU CHI – VUNG TAU – LONG TAN – HO CHI MINH – HOI AN – HUE – HANOI – HALONG BAY – HANOI & DEPARTURE

GUEST’S NAME: JANINE HINDS COUPLE ON APR & MAY

 

ITINERARY

23rd Apr     Ho Chi Minh arrival
Meals: None
+ Guide

Vietnam tops list of the most attractive destinations and tours of Vietnam are diversified. Moreover, your travel in Vietnam organised by Vivutravel, will definitely be the best holiday ever. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, welcome by our private Vietnam tour guide and driver and transfer to you hotel for check in. Ho Chi Minh, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful Vietnam Tours and cities to visit in Vietnam.

Free time at leisure. Overnight in a Ho Chi Minh hotel.

Accommodation: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe

24th Apr     Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels - Vung Tau
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

08:00    Pick up at your hotel and enjoy a half day excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from former Saigon. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.

Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war must have been like. The tunnels have been widened for our benefit (otherwise we would not be able to enter them!) For those interested there's even the opportunity to try an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range.

After having lunch, continue transfer to Vung Tau which takes around 2.5 hours.

Overnight in Vung Tau.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel / Superior

25th Apr     Vung Tau - Long Tan - Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

After having breakfast, we will drive to Long Tan village and join Anzac Day Dawn Services which is commenced at 05:15. Then visit the Long Tan Cross which was re-built by Australian veterans for 18 soldiers who pass away in the battle of Long Tan in 1966; then The Horse shoe- fire support base; Long Phuoc Tunnel, museum.

Continue go to Hoa Long village. Visit Nui Dat - where Australian soldiers set up the base in 1966. Visit The old bunkers, Kangaroo pad, SAS hill( Nui Dat hill),  Lusbcome air field, the battalion’s Flag pole.                                                         

Visit the Nui Dat Kindergarten which is built by Australian Veterans for children in the village.           

Accommodation: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe

26th Apr     Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be floating market - Ho Chi Minh  
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

Today, we continue our Vietnam travel with the interesting visit to Cai be floating market. 6 am : Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for Cai Be by private ca, stop to take photos in Tan An town overlooking the picturesque flat rice fields. On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then wander into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising to Vinh Long through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village, the green pearl of Vinh Long town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a delightful walk through the bonsai garden. Meet the car/van in Vinh Long. Return to HCMC. Arrive back at your hotel at around 5pm. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe

27th Apr     Ho Chi Minh city tour half day - Flight to Danang - Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

This personalized private tour is one of the best ways to explore and to discover what Saigon has to offer to visitors. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest and busiest city in Vietnam with a population of 7 million people. Much of the daily life takes place on the streets, which are lined with shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath. Don't miss the bustling Ben Thanh Market - a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are several interesting sights in Saigon . The War Remnants Museum has a wealth of images from the wars, the most moving being a gallery entitled 'Requiem' which is dedicated to Vietnamese and foreign journalists and photographers who perished during the French and American conflicts. The Reunification Palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. Close to the Palace some of the best examples of French colonial architecture are represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. For all of its French colonial history, Ho Chi Minh City is by far Vietnam's most modern city. It has numerous shopping malls, cinemas, discotheques and a bewildering number of bars.

Then continue transfer to the airport for flight to Danang VN 124 15:45 17:05. Upon your arrival at Danang airport, pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoi An for checking in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort / Deluxe

28th Apr     Hoi An free day
Meals: Breakfast
+ NO Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town - highlight of any tour to Vietnam that no Vietnam Tours maker would skip, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

Day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. Or relax on the white sandy beach of the famous Danang Beach. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort / Deluxe

29th Apr     Hoi An - Drive to Hue
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

After breakfast, leave Hoi An for Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam, well-known for magnific architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in small villages and surrounding hills and one of the most popular cities for all the Vietnam Tours. En route have a look at the famous Danang Beach and visit Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Upon arrival in Hue, check in and overnigh in Hue.

Accommodation: Romance Hotel / Deluxe City View

30th Apr     Hue - DMZ – Hue
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

7h:00 AM Pick you up at your hotel in Hue and drive to Dong Ha Town, then continue to drive on national route No 9 to visit Dakrong Bridge, Rock Pile, Khe Sanh Combat Base, ethnic minority villages, The Ho Chi Minh Trails, then return to Dong Ha town for lunch.

PM: Hightway No.1 visit Hien Luong bridge, Ben Hai river, the 17th parallel, Doc Mieu and Vinh Moc tunnels.

Tour end in Hue about 6h30 PM.

Accommodation: Romance Hotel / Deluxe City View

01st May     Hue city tour - Flight to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City and favorite destination for all Vietnam Tours. After breakfast, our tour starts with the visit to Imperial Citadel before taking the beautiful boat trip on the romantic Perfume River and visit Hue's best-known religious site-Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleums of former emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes and the tomb of King Tu Duc.

Then continue transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi VN1544 20:55 22:05. Upon arrival, our private Vietnam Tours guide and driver will welcome your Vietnam Holiday, pick up and transfer to the hotel for check in. Hanoi, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality.

Free at leisure. Overnight in a Hanoi hotel.

Accommodation: Lan Vien Hotel / Superior

02nd May     Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
+ Guide

Halong tour must be the most beautiful tour in Vietnam for any Vietnam Holidays. We start at 8.00 A.M for the 3 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River Delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes, embroidered paintings, stone statuettes and all kinds of gems mined in Vietnam such as star rubies or sapphires... Our destination is the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. The bay offers some 3000 mountain islands and islets towering in the Gulf of Tonkin in the East Vietnam Sea.

Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed on board our luxury junk and treated with wine and fresh local seafood. As our junk gliding further into the tranquility of Ha Long Bay amid the towering mountain cliffs and on the emerald green water, you'll have relaxing time combining the fine tastes of the wine and the freshness of Ha Long Bay. During the cruise, we'll stop some times for visiting the amazing Sung Sot cave and the Ti Top white sand beach before anchoring for the night. Overnight on board the junk in the wild of Halong Bay.

Accommodation: Dragon’s Pearl Cruise

03rd May     Halong bay - Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
+ Guide

It is said that your Vietnam Tours will not be complete without a tour to Halong Bay and spending one night on romantic Halong Cruise. People describe Halong Bay as majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious and words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.

After breakfast, we'll take a little sampan to visit a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that our cruise takes us further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island, and the Duck Islet... to the studio site where the famous Indochine film was shot. Around noon, our junk travels back to the harbor, pick up and drive back to Hanoi. Stop in Bac Ninh to visit the famous But Thap pagoda that located among picturesque villages, rice paddy fields...,transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight in a Hanoi hotel.

Accommodation: Lan Vien Hotel / Superior

04th May     Hanoi city tour
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

Hanoi without a doubt is a beautiful stop for your Vietnam Travel. Today, we enjoy a full day city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum (or Museum of Fine Arts, Army Museum, History Museum, Woman Museum, Hoa Lo Prison), the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword.

Late afternoon we take a cyclo tour for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Enjoy a glass of "Bia Hoi - draught beer - included" at Ta Hien Street before we enjoy a fantastic traditional water puppet show.

Accommodation: Lan Vien Hotel / Superior

05th May    Hanoi departure
Meals: Breakfast
+ Guide

Free time at leisure for you to wrap up your memorable Vietnam Holiday until Vivutravel's private guide will see you off at the airport with the sincere thanks for your travel to Vietnam with Vivutravel. We hope that you have enjoyed your Vietnam trip and look forward to welcoming you back for your next Vietnam Tours, goodbye and see you again!!!

 

END OF SERVICES!

 

SERVICES INCLUSIVE:
•    Economy flight tickets: Ho Chi Minh – Danang & Hue – Hanoi
•    Private transportation as program
•    All entrance fees & boat trips to indicated sights
•    English speaking guides
•    Meals as mentioned
•    Visa on arrival to Vietnam (Except for stamping fee at the airport)

 

SERVICES EXCLUSIVE:
•    Tips
•    Drinks
•    Personal expenses
•    Insurance