Testimonials - what our guests are saying about us
For many travelers planning the vacation starts with finding a trustworthy tour operator. Especially going to a foreign country where you’ve never been to. We are proud to provide you with some of our traveler reviews after they recently traveled with Vietnam Alive Travel. We’ve been written up by many popular travel guide articles such as New York Times, Chicago The Sun Times. Popular Travel Forum have given us positive feedback from travelers that have used our services. What’s most important is how we can make your vacation a memorable one.
Ms. Katie Ford - New York, USA
I highly recommend Van at Vietnam Alive for travel in Vietnam. I was lucky to be introduced to Van a few days before I left for Vietnam. My plans were incomplete because I was looking for several things which were customized.
Van was able to find a lovely private boat to take us around Halong Bay, as well as arrange flights, guides and hotels at the last minute. He was very flexible when we changed plans once we were in Vietnam. He listened carefully and was able to find exactly what I was looking for. He goes beyond expectations of what is possible.
The Heyckes - United States
Our family of 5 enjoyed a wonderful tour with Vietnam Alive, visiting the Cu Chi tunnels and experiencing a home stay in the Mekong Delta. It was simply fabulous. There are now numerous companies arranging Mekong Delta homestays. From what we've read, many of them have become very touristy. The homestay arranged for us by Vietnam Alive was exceptional. It was in a more distant area of the delta, that must not get much tourist traffic -- since we didn't see another westerner for the entire stay. We got to see firsthand how ordinary people in the Delta live (and have lived for centuries), learning how to create roofing out of palm fronds; how to make poon sticks for lighting, and how to make puffed rice cakes (really cool). In the short span of three days, we felt like we developed a wonderful cross-cultural connection with some really sweet, interesting, and genuine people...
Mr. Charles E. Flam - Canada
I have had the pleasure of working with Vietnam Alive for several trips to Vietnam and SE Asia. On each occasion, the advice given and the arrangements made by Van were superb. Above all, Vietnam Alive is totally reliable and Van's knowledge, both of his country and the needs of his clients, never ceases to amaze me. Because of my own very positive experiences with Van, I have recommended Vietnam Alive to many friends and family members. Without exception, these travellers raved about Van and the trips he arranged. The most common comment I received from them was: "this was the trip of a lifetime". A visit to Vietnam should be a "must" for everyone who loves to see our world. The country is beautiful, the sights are amazing, the hotels and restaurants are world-class and the people I have met are all wonderful and interesting. While prices have gone up significantly since my first visit more than 10 years ago, everything is still affordable. Hanoi and Saigon are remarkable cities and it is heartwarming to see how the country is developing and the enormous progress that is being made. Special treats are a voyage up the Mekong and the CuChi tunnels.
Ms. Kiki Miedema - South Africa
We prepared an itinerary and with only 14 days before flying, I surfed the internet for a travel advisor to co-ordinate our plans, as there were so many things we wanted to do. Mr Van Nguyen of Vietnam Alive replied within minutes and in a week, all the detail was in place and booked. We travelled north to south, experiencing the full spectrum from homestays to 4 star luxury. The buzz of the cities and small towns stitched together with rice paddies, to the remoteness of the mountains and hill tribes, Halong Bay, cooking and cycling near Hoi An, the Phong Na caves in Central Vietnam, Hue in typhoon rains, the backwaters, floating markets and island cycling in the Mekong, were part of the kaleidoscope of this wonderful country and friendly people. And after 3 weeks fascination of the 1000’s of motorbikes, feeling like locals on the back of Miss Vi and Ny’s motorbikes, we did an awesome food tour of Saigon markets – an absolute winner!...Laos and Cambodia are on our “bucket” list and when the time comes, we certainly will arrange our plans with Vietnam Alive Travel again.
Mrs. Helene & Mr. Tom Griffin
My husband and I are from New York, used Vietnam Alive to book a 23 day trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos. What a pleasure it was to work with Van. He created an amazing itinerary and was very responsive to our requests. Even though he is in Saigon, he was prompt and informative in handling all the details communicating through Skype or email. We visited Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Can Tho, Siem Reap, and Luang Prabang. There was not a single hitch. The hotels exceeded our expectations. Special dinners were arranged in several cities including a private royal dinner in Hue, a lunch in Can Tho at a small family restaurant down a canal and a dirt path, a hindu baci ceremony in Luang Prabang at a private home and with Van in Saigon. We had the trip of a lifetime and without hesitation would use Vietnam Alive again and highly recommend to anyone considering visiting Southeast Asia.
Mrs. Marsha Wietecha, LA - USA
Vietnam Alive is the perfect name for this exceptional company. I highly recommend making personal arrangements with Van. He is so passionate about his country and will make your experience one to remember for a lifetime. We were able to discover Ho Chi Min City, DaNang, Hoi An and Hanoi. From the Mekong Delta in the South to the resort in Central Vietnam in Hoi An and Halong Bay in Hanoi along with fantastic food!
Our group was privileged to have Van's for 10 days. There is so much to see, I recommend setting ample time to experience all his company has to offer.
Ms. Stefanie Faye, Chicago - USA
My husband and I spent a week in Vietnam in the end of June 2013. I searched apx. 7 months before and found Mr. Van Nguyen and his tour company. Leaping on faith, I set up a travel itinerary through Vietnam with him. All I can say is WOW. Not only does he respond to inquiries quickly, but he is knowledgable, friendly and a truly wonderful person. And the friendliness continues with all of the individuals that assist in leading the tours. I would never travel throughout Vietnam without this company. It's truly an individualized experience. We stayed in Saigon first, traveled to the Mekong Delta, flew to Hanoi, stayed on a junk boat in HaLong Bay, flew to Danang, stayed on a beach resort in Hoian, and went back to Saigon. Everything was timely, smooth and impeccable. Van's hotel recommendations were spot on and each was a wonderful place to stay at. We felt like royalty. Please do not hesitate to contact this company. They really strive to make this an amazing experience.
Mr. Jeremy Podeswa,
Los Angeles - United States
Dear Van, many many thanks for making our trip to Vietnam so absolutely wonderful & memorable.
Dr. Lauren Eder, Rider University United States
I have taken undergraduate and graduate business students to visit Vietnam to learn about culture, history, economy, and business. On each occasion Van shared his expertise about Vietnam and provided reliable and outstanding logistical support. He is personable and energetic and will give 110% to make sure his clients are satisfied with their travel experience in Vietnam. I highly recommend Van and Vietnam Alive to travelers for both business and recreation
Mrs. Shirley & Mr. Max Konisberg
Montrial -Canada
"Dear Van, you made our Vietnam vacation very easy, interesting, adventurous, delicious food, enjoyable, fantastic support and companionship. We will never forget you & your wonderful tour. We hope to meet you again. Love. Shirley & Max"
Mr. Brian Adler - Florida, United States
We were on Celebrity Millennium. Our group of 8 had a last minute cruise itinerary change which put us in Ho Chi Minh for two full days. We immediately reached out to several tour operators and selected Vietnam Alive based on their prior well-deserved positive reviews and Van's extraordinary responsiveness. While we were at first disappointed over the itinerary change as we had already been on a cruise tour in Ho Chi Minh in the past, our experience with Vietnam Alive was perfect and so different than our prior tour that in the end we were thankful for the itinerary change as we had a totally different experience. Vietnam Alive was flexible, responsive and courteous. They adapted to our needs and could not have been more accommodating. I can not imagine touring the area with anyone else. There is a reason they have a 100% recommendation from their clients. Don't wait....book with them before someone else takes your spot!!!!
Mrs. Sue & Mr. Ian Fordyce - UK
We returned from Vietnam last Tuesday, the jet lag is behind us. What a wonderful experience! All thanks to Van and his colleagues at Vietnam Alive. From the minute we landed in HCMC to the time we left Hanoi, every detail was meticulously planned and executed! We were met by a young man in the terminal who helped with our visas, Vi met us in the arrival hall, Van took us out for dinner. The journey begins here. Each day was busy with an early start. Each morning we were met by knowledgeable guides and driven through amazing streets and countryside. Each and everyone of our guides and drivers were polite,friendly, nothing any bother. When we needed a seat or a coffee, that's what happened. The highlights of our tour. Hammock coffee, the pineapple from the floating market in Can Tho, the cookery class on the outskirts of Hoi An, floating a candle and making a wish at the Japanese bridge in Hoi An, our stay at La Residence, Hue, our cruise in Halong Bay.
Mrs. Judi & Mr. Michael Arum -
New York, United States
Having been disappointed in the past by shore excursions offered by cruise lines, we were most anxious to explore Vietnam on our own. From a friend in the travel industry from Pro Travel, we were lucky to learn of a wonderful tour company. She arranged with Van Nguyen, the owner of Vietnam Alive, for private tours in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Van met us at the port and, while driving to Ho Chi Minh City, asked us many questions to learn what we were most interested in seeing and experiencing. He then proceeded to create a totally customized tour like no other! Immersed in the culture and daily life of Vietnam, we found ourselves to be the only Westerners in most places he took us...and we absolutely loved it!...The treatment in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi was so professional and personal, we could not have asked for more! If you are visiting Vietnam, the first call you should make is to Van at Vietnam Alive. It is an experience of a lifetime!
Mrs. Nanette & Mr. David Douglass, CA - United States
Happy Guests with Vietnam Alive Travel - Mrs. David & Nanette Douglass, CA, United States: "Dear Van, We are finally rested and back at work. Thank you again for arranging a great trip for us. It is rare that we finish a trip and we conclude that if we did the trip again we would do everything the same way. In the case of our trip organized by Vietnam Alive Travel, we would not have changed anything. The itinerary and lodgings were fantastic. We especially appreciated the generosity and hospitality extended to us by you and your team. We also appreciated your flexibility in accommodating some of the changes we requested during our trip. We wish you and the entire Vietnam Alive Travel organization much success and are happy to help you grow your business in any way. Please do not hesitate to use us as a reference for your fine firm. Warm regards, David & Nanette".
Mr. Peyton Millinor -
Texas, United States
I was introduced to Van - Vietnam Alive Travel through a US-based travel agency and paired with him during a tour of Vietnam. I have been on many guided tours in various countries, but Van's friendliness, knowledge of his own country, keen observations of my preferences and willingness to go the extra mile for me was felt from the time I stepped off the plane (and greeted with a bottle of cold water) to being dropped off at the airport (with a cup of wonderful local coffee) made this travel experience complete and memorable. I would not use anyone but Van from Vietnam Alive Travel for my visits to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Dr. Chuck DuVal - Florida Southern College, United States
We highly recommend Vietnam Alive Travel for the commitment and the professional arrangements for both MBA, business trips, and leisure trips if you want to have a hassle free reliable tour company in Vietnam. We were so pleased we are returning next year and frankly, would not consider doing so if it were not for Vietnam Alive Travel.
They are the most efficient travel company I have come across in all my contacts with travel worldwide. Contact Mr. Van Nguyen who will arrange an itinerary to your satisfaction.
Mrs. Anu Mohan
California, United States
We planned our entire trip with VietnamAlive. There were 7 of us, we all have our personalities and needs. We wanted to only do a personal tour because we were looking for flexibility. Although Van did an excellent job in planning our entire 16 days trip up to precious details, we made some changes along the way due to heat. It was really hot some days, and we really did not want to be out for long with kids. So Van made the changes as quickly as possible with our request. That was the key to our trip's success. Because we travel a lot and we are picky when it comes to service, hotel selection, tours, flexibility, cleanness, safety, and food selection. All was taken care of by Van's team as we requested. I recommend everyone to use Van for their next trip. You will get what you request. They will meet you at the airport on time, they will show up for all your tours on time and be at your services. They plan really well and usually does not require your input but if you have a special request as we did, they will ensure to take care of it. Thank you, Van, for a great tour to Vietnam and Cambodia!
Mr. Matthew Temple, The Director of Kellogg School of Management
Vietnam is a must-go destination for today’s executives and entrepreneurs. It is a very dynamic country and many American companies have their eyes set on it today.
We have done several trips to Vietnam. Mr. Van's team from Vietnam Alive Travel was friendly, organized, efficient, flexible, and professional.
I highly recommend Van and Vietnam Alive Travel.