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Annikki and PierreIndochina Customized Tour ( Nov 11th 06 ) /Mr. Pierre Herbert / Tour Report from Pierre
Hello Mr Dac Danh, Annikki and I hope you are very well and we wish you, according to our western calendar, a very Happy New Year for 2007 and a lot of success for TNK Travel. We came well home thru Malaysia and have been very busy since. But we promissed you a short report and comments on our beautiful trip thru your country and the two neighboring ones. Here it is: First we must thank you again for a well organized tour, showing many highlights. Also, we have to confirm that the tour guides you selected for us have been very punctual, very friendly and had sufficient knowledge of the place and customs to make us enjoy every day. Nhi for the Mekong Delta, Heng for Phnom Penh, Phin Borey for Siem Reap, "Jack"for Houen Xai to Loang Prabang, Khamtam in Vientiane, Tranh in Hanoi, Thinh in Lao Cai, Huy in Hue and Tong in Ho Chi Minh City, all have been doing an excellent job.Some were very knowledgeable in history like Phin Borey and Huy, which is always very appreciated by us. The hotels were confortable enough. Luxury is not what we wanted but being in a genuine local environment. But in Chau Doc, the Ben Da Nui Sam Resort was situated in front of the loudspeaker broadcasting political news at night and early in the morning, which made resting impossible. In the early morning, at breakfast, the staff was bringing a very frugal breakfast and refused to bring a second cup of coffee...That hotel we cannot recommend. In Vientiane, the Lane Xang hotel is old and we got a small, rundown room. We called the agent Max and he rectified for a Superior room. In Ha Noi, the Army Hotel was OK but a bit "cold"! All hotel were situated at convenient distance from points of interest, so that was a plus. We can especially recommend the Asia Hotel in Hue for its friendly atmosphere, its situation on the Perfume river, its comfort and breakfast. Pakbeng Lodge on the Mekong is also to be recommended for the same reasons. Meals were mostly adequate, some excellent like the ones on the Huong Hai junk on the Ha Long Bay. Otherwise, we have the following recommendations: 1. In the Mekong Delta, a visit on one of the Cai Rang Market boats would be very interesting to speak with the boat people and see how they organize their living onboard. 2. In Ankor, before entering the temple area, we had to wait on line 1 1/2 hour (taking a pass photo and making the day pass). If the visitor was told in advance to bring one pass photo, it would speed up the entry. Also in Ankor, you may forget the sunset at Phnom Bakheng because the crowds are too big now and the lookout totally disorganized. 3. In Ha Long, the crowds are also big now and...nearly 200 junks departing at about the same time...!!! Unless the captain of your junk is given instructions to avoid the crowd, your visitors will be soon on line or in a pack to visit anything. We interviewed several locals and captains. Alltogether, there are nearly 600 junks now! In a summary, we really enjoyed both the way Mr Dzung Trinh, yourself and your staff organized and followed up our tour, how you friendly treated us as customers, we met many other friendly persons along the trip, we discovered the sceneries and features of cultures that made our tour a permanent emotion that we still enjoy. We wish you much success for this year! Kind regards to you, to Mr Dzung Trinh and your staff. Pierre and Annikki
John KellasMai Chau 4 day trek
We used TNK Travel for 16 day tour in 2008 and have now moved to Hanoi for a year and use their local affiliate, Dream Travel in Hanoi. We arranged to do the 4D/3N trek from Po Co/Hang Kia to Mai Chau over New Year. While the weather was cloudy and we missed the spectacular sights, we did enjoy the exercise. We had a local Guide/Cook, Miss Phuong, and a Hanoi guide, Quyen, with Mr Son doing the luggage transfers. We had 3 homestays and Phuong showed her culinary skills to perfection, different dishes each lunch and dinner, at each one. We seemed to meet most of Phuong's family through the course of the 4 days, which we enjoyed. Homestays were satisfactory and trekkers will find them acceptable. Village life is simple and basic and one hears all the animals day and night, so expect the roosters to crow early and often. We will suggest to our own future visitors that we do some more treks or stay at Mai Chau. Thanks to Danh (TNK) and Ngoc Anh and Trang (Dream Travel). JDK PS Ask for Phuong and Quyen as guides
Howard & Paula MyersMonth of BlissThe month long individualized tour in Vietnam was amazing. Instead of describing the details which were attended to with perfection, we must commend TNK for every aspect of this trip. Every day was a new and exciting experience. Suggestions that were made by TNK to modify our itinerary were fabulous additions. Trust them. Every connection, every hotel, every boatride, every flight, went off without a single glitch. I would recommend them without hesitation.
Quinn WaterlooThanks for a memorable trip!
Recently we completed a customized trip to Vietnam which you planned . My wife and I were very pleased with the entire trip, and the guides who escorted us. I can highly recommend TNK Travel, and have done so to all who ask. Please feel free to use us as a reference. Thanks for a memorable trip! Quinn Waterloo
Shaun McCreeCambodia Exclusive 5-day tour
Dear Nhu Y,
After our initial misunderstanding over payment (my fault entirely), I would like you to know that the tour went excellently. A friendly & helpful guide in Phnom Penh made our day both pleasant & informative, even if we were rather devastated by the Killing Fields & S21. Although they are hard to take, we think everyone should see them to understand what happened in Kampuchea. Our guide in Siem Reap, Marouan, & his driver were if anything even better and our trips around the Angkor complex were absolutely unforgettable. The Hotel Salina in Siem Reap was good value for money, despite being the cheapest available but we were a little disappointed with the Princess in Phnom Penh where we found the food rather poor & the staff rather disinterested. We recognise this is also the cheapest option but clearly does not match up to the budget hotels we stayed in throughout our 4 weeks in Vietnam. Our only small problem was that the advertisement on your website suggests lunch is provided everyday although, on checking your acknowledgement, it was not listed. Perhaps someone could correct the website.
Annette - Taipa Area School, NZHoliday in Vietnam
I recently spent time in HCMC and surrounding areas on a school history trip which had 10 travellers on board. We searched the web and found AnAn2 hotel, (whom we booked a few days) they forwarded our itinerary ideas to TNK Travel. Within a short time and some emails between TNK & us, we had our itinerary set with a budget direct from Vietnam which could not be beaten in NZ. Arriving at the airport we met our fabulous tour guide. He had so much information and answered all of our questions in English. He was never late and offered us a few extra stops and changed a few things as we wished. Vietnam is a most extroadinary place to visit the people have big hearts, and nothing is too much trouble as we dsicovered at the hotels and restaurants we visited which had been booked by TNK. The food was delicious whereever we were. TNK's driver got us from A-Z without a hitch in a country where driving would be a challenge for most visitors. When outside HCMC TNK had other tour guides to meet us, equally with plenty of information on the area we were visiting, I would recommend both TNK Travel and AnAn2 hotel (which is right next door) to anyone visiting Vietnam. They are situated in the heart of District 1 HCMC where there is an array of street life 24/7. We had a great trip and I would like to return.
robert fitzpatrickwww.perfect4u.com
just wanted to say what a great website. we at perfect4u.com are looking for holidays to sell for our clients and Vietnam is such a wonderful place to visit, so perfect4u and the people are so friendly. thanks rob and team perfect4u
Heppy MoirasViet Nam - Southern package tour 6days/5nights June 30th -Jul 5th 2011
Dear Ms. Luu Vo It's a nice to meet you in Saigon and come to visit your country during the kid's holiday. Many natural place could be seen there and will be unforgettable memories for us. I do hope one day can visit your country again. Thank you for kindly services as I have given some feedback in the questionaire that you gave to me. Hopefully TNK Travel could be more success in the future. Pls kindly send my regard and thank you too to JJ and Mr. Thu for their service and accompanied us during the trips. Once again thank you so much and especially to your special gift or souvenir for me & my family. It's a wonderful dan nice gift. Pls keep in touch, you could reach me in my handphone number +62811123811. See you again, Sayonara, Cai Cien and HEN GAP LAI... Thank you, Arigato, Xie xie and CAM ENG, he.he... Regards, Heppy Moiras
Michelle DavisFeedback
I was interested in visiting Vietnam and found TNK Travel through a search engine. I was a little sceptical about booking online as sometimes you do not get what you paid for. My experience with TNK Travel exceeded my expectations. I was met by our lovely tour guide Nhy in Hochiminh city and she absolutely looked after us. The holiday was very relaxing and experienced with ease. I travelled from HCMC - Hanoi and every experience with the guides and drivers were great. I would very much recommend TNK Travel. Vietnam is a wonderful place to visit and the people are lovely. The tour I experienced was good value for money. Michelle Davis - Sydney, Australia
Penny and her GroupThank you Note
Dear Miss Nhu Y, Thank you for arranging the Vietnam tour for us from the 17 Dec to 24 Dec. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously and we truly appreciate your quick response to our feedback. Thank you for the 3 star hotel you picked for us which far exceeded our expectation, and birthday party for our group. We enjoyed the Chinese dinner, and the beautiful ancient style restaurants at Hue and Hoi Ann and our only regret is that we have not arranged for more shopping time. I also wish to specially commend our tour guide in Hue and Hoi ann for his professionalism and also wish him happiness and success. Thank You once again. Cheers! Penny and her Group
Welcome to Cambodia : The Hidden Kingdom Discovered
Cambodia, bordered by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, has a fabulous heritage, warm friendly people and an untamed wild landscape. The beautiful and extensive temple ruins at Angkor, now a UNESCO Heritage site, represent the glorious pinnacle of Khmer civilization and are one of the most spectacular historical sites in Asia.
Adventure seekers will love Cambodia's wild northeast with its stunning scenery, alternative hill tribe cultures and varied wildlife. Go trekking, mountain biking or simply explore.
The legacy of Cambodia's artistic past can still be seen in the handicrafts and silverware found in the bustling markets of Phnom Penh. Excellent craftsmanship can be found at excellent prices.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh's history begins with Lady Penh who discovered five Buddha images concealed in a tree and had a pagoda named Wat Phnom Don Penh built on that spot. The city that took its name from the pagoda was founded nearly a century later, becoming the capital in 1866.
Following its recent traumatic history, parks, gardens and elegant villas are now being restored. Tree-lined boulevards still reflect the elegance of the city's French colonial past, and camera-clicking tourists sit in pedicabs ("cyclos") which weave their way leisurely through the increasing numbers of cars and motorcycles. This pleasant scene, coupled with the current bustle of optimistic commerce, belies the chilling fact that the city stood abandoned and empty between 1975 and 1979 during the forced evacuation by the detested Khmer Rouge
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor is quite simply one of the wonders of the oriental world. This incredible temple complex, which lay forgotten beneath the jungle for centuries, dates back to the 12th century and represents one of the world's most remarkable architectural achievements.
Spread over several hundred square kilometres, the former capital of the powerful Khmer civilisation, Angkor is truly spectacular with temples, monuments and beautiful sculptures providing a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Khmers.
Angkor cannot be "done in a day." While most of the main temples are clustered within a 10km radius, many tourists who visit for 3 days (considered the minimum time) often say they would like to stay for a week. Such is the spendour and the allure of this amazing place.
What to See Around Angkor
There are about 60 temple ruins in the Siem Reap area alone so you need to choose according to your schedule and level of interest.
On the "must see" list are the legendary ruins of Angkor Wat, the giant faces of Bayon and the Giant tree at Ta Prom. The famous South Gate of Angkor Thom can be seen en route to Bayon. Angkor Thom has some interesting terraces and the massive "temple-mountain of Baphuon and Phimeanakas is worth seeing.
Other temples you should visit if time allows are Pre-Rup, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som. If you have more time, visit the Roulous Group around 12 km outside Siem Reap, which contains monuments and early Angkor Art. Further away (38km from Siem Reap) Banteay Srey is also well worth a visit.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Located 230km southwest of the capital city Phnom Penh, the little-known resort of Sihanoukville offers beach holidays to suit everyone.
About 1,500 rooms of all standards are currently available to tourists who often desperately feel the need of the sea breeze after tiring days spent exploring the temples of Angkor. Sihanoukville contains four beautiful beaches with white sand and swaying palms lapped by the warm, translucent water of the Gulf of Siam. The water is clean, the people are friendly and mass tourism has yet to take off.
Visitors can enjoy the nearby Kbal Chhay waterfalls, the Bokor Hills and the Ream National Park with its stretches of unspoiled coast and mangrove forests. From Victory Beach, about three or four kilometres away, boats can be hired to picnic on uninhabited islands where there is excellent snorkeling. There is a fast boat connection to Koh Kong province, and to Trat in Thailand, where there is an international border checkpoint.
The local Express Bus takes around three and a half hours to reach Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh by National Road No 4.
Cambodia, bordered by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, has a fabulous heritage, warm friendly people and an untamed wild landscape. The beautiful and extensive temple ruins at Angkor, now a UNESCO Heritage site, represent the glorious pinnacle of Khmer civilization and are one of the most spectacular historical sites in Asia.
Phnom Penh's history begins with Lady Penh who discovered five Buddha images concealed in a tree and had a pagoda named Wat Phnom Don Penh built on that spot. The city that took its name from the pagoda was founded nearly a century later, becoming the capital in 1866.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor is quite simply one of the wonders of the oriental world. 
Located 230km southwest of the capital city Phnom Penh, the little-known resort of Sihanoukville offers beach holidays to suit everyone.
Tell us what you are looking for and we will arrange the trip for you.