Vietnam Guide Recommendations Please

[SuzieQ68]

Looking to travel to Vietnam in 2025 and wondering if anyone here has a reputable guide they’d recommend to put a private tour together for me (2 pax)?

Planning on arrival into Hanoi, and will probably spend a couple of days there before needing the guide. Could arrange everything ourselves (usually do this), but this time would prefer to leave the organisation to a local and (hopefully) avoid back tracking to Hanoi each time.

Looking at Hanoi - Sapa (2-3 nights), over to Ha Giang loop (3-4 nights - car not motorcycle), then straight to Halong Bay (2 nights - junk cruise), and finish up being dropped at Ninh Binh.

After that we will sort ourselves and head south via the train.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ayebee]

Hi,
We had a good experience with a local Hanoi travel agent, who was recommended to us on this site by another AFF'er.

She put together a package in 2 parts, first part being Hanoi and environs, including Ha Long Bay (actually Lan Ha Bay nearby - ). Second part was central Vietnam Hue and and Hoi An.
In between we had an APT Mekong cruise so we topped and tailed the parts with the local TA.

In both cases we had a nice car with driver, plus a local guide. Both guides were good standard, with the Hanoi guy being excellent. The hotel choices were all good.
The "boat" on Lan Ha Bay was spectacular and maybe over the top. See this post

The view from my "office"

View from today’s office in Tallinn

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

and more thoughts on that boat here

The view from my "office"

The storm rolling in to Sydney this afternoon.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

After getting in touch I outlined what we had in mind and she provided priced options.
I asked multiple questions and we modified a bit so there was flexibility.
On reflection, I would have built in a bit more free time just to wander around and feel the vibe.

Pricing was USD, but when we paid on secure website it was charged in Vietnam dong.

She was attentive to our progress staying in touch via Whatsapp, which turned out to be useful for a error on an airport pickup where the driver had the wrong hotel. Quickly remedied by having regular contact.

I can put you in touch if you wish.

 

[SuzieQ68]

Hi,
We had a good experience with a local Hanoi travel agent, who was recommended to us on this site by another AFF'er.

She put together a package in 2 parts, first part being Hanoi and environs, including Ha Long Bay (actually Lan Ha Bay nearby - ). Second part was central Vietnam Hue and and Hoi An.
In between we had an APT Mekong cruise so we topped and tailed the parts with the local TA.

In both cases we had a nice car with driver, plus a local guide. Both guides were good standard, with the Hanoi guy being excellent. The hotel choices were all good.
The "boat" on Lan Ha Bay was spectacular and maybe over the top. See this post

The view from my "office"

View from today’s office in Tallinn

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

and more thoughts on that boat here

The view from my "office"

The storm rolling in to Sydney this afternoon.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

After getting in touch I outlined what we had in mind and she provided priced options.
I asked multiple questions and we modified a bit so there was flexibility.
On reflection, I would have built in a bit more free time just to wander around and feel the vibe.

Pricing was USD, but when we paid on secure website it was charged in Vietnam dong.

She was attentive to our progress staying in touch via Whatsapp, which turned out to be useful for a error on an airport pickup where the driver had the wrong hotel. Quickly remedied by having regular contact.

I can put you in touch if you wish.

Oh that’s awesome ayebee and thank you . Would be very much appreciated if you could provide the agent info.

Thanks again. Cheers, Suz

 

[dinhoecotour]

What are your next destinations after a few days in Ninh Binh?

 

[SuzieQ68]

What are your next destinations after a few days in Ninh Binh?

Probably Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An but still working through a plan. It’s not until next year, but starting the thought process now.

 

[dinhoecotour]

Probably Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An but still working through a plan. It’s not until next year, but starting the thought process now.

Train Ninh Binh to Hue or back Hanoi for a flight to Hue and private car Hue to Danang/ Hoian or short train ride Hue to Danang.