The overwhelm of Hong Kong was nothing compared to the rush of our first cab ride in Vietnam. I didn’t realize the level of motorbike traffic until we were right in the thick of it — there seemed to be no rules, no braking, just a steady stream of people weaving in and out and around each other, hitting roundabouts and entering the flow of traffic moving like a huge school of fish. The honking at first seemed excessive, even aggressive, but I quickly realized it was more of a polite warning to let others on the road know you were right behind them; no one made any sudden moves, everyone co-existed, made space, found a route around and through. As we made our way to the outskirts of Da Nang and into the historic riverside town of Hoi An, the traffic started to calm. Soon, green fields and rice paddies appeared, cattle and water buffalo roaming, tails flicking lazily in the heat.
Our hotel in Hoi An made a good home base, as it was walking distance from Old Town, where we could explore the night markets and watch the soft glow of lanterns from boats cruising the river. We found a good perch in the center of town to enjoy a local beer (at a whole 75 cents each!!) and kick back for some people-watching. Although Hoi An screamed "tourist town," our spot seemed popular with the locals and away from most of the wandering crowds.
After our night of exploring and acquainting ourselves with the town, we woke early in the morning for our countryside bicycle tour. I was a bit nervous at first for the tour, especially considering the others in the group weren’t really into guided experiences at all. Our shuttle led us to a small bike shop tucked inside a quiet alley, where our guide for the day waited. He greeted us with a cold drink and told us that our group would only be 9 total — which seemed promising for a nice intimate adventure! It turned out that we were not disappointed; the tour eased us into the hustle and bustle of the town and eventually out into the tiny surrounding villages of Quang Nam Province, down local dirt paths through rice paddies and fields of produce growing in the sun. We stopped and spent time in several family homes, where we learned to make rice paper cakes, watched the weaving of reed mats, and tasted home-brewed rice wine. It was refreshing to get out of the busy town for a day and interact with the people of Hoi An’s rural communities; everyone seemed delighted to share their homes and many we passed greeted us with wide smiles. By the end of the day, our whole group declared the tour was a highlight and well worth the time, as we likely wouldn’t have ventured out on our own as far without a guide in the first place.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.