Active Travel Asia
Active Travel Asia
5
Multi-day ToursMotorcycle ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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About
ActiveTravel Asia (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar Adventure and Responsible tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.The tour packages and custom itineraries will take travelers through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
66 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Raelene K
Yackandandah, Australia11 contributions
Sep 2011
After reading about Vietnam's largest cave, Hang Son Doon in National Geographic, I started making enquiriesto see if any Vietnam-based travel agents could arrange a customised tour for my family. Only Active Travel Asia responded with good news. While not previously open for tourists, ATA, through their extensive networks and diligence, were able to obtain the necessary approvals to undertake the first tourist-based trip to Son Doong Cave.
Sunny, our travel consultant was exceptional in her service - prompt, informative and polite. She maintained regular email contact with me over the 5 months leading up to our tour. Being the first of its kind, you might expect some hiccups in the organisational aspects of the tour. But I was amazed - the preparations appeared to go so smoothly, although I know that Suny would have gone to much effort. When Sunny left to have a baby just prior to our tour, Candy took over the final preparations.
Our tour was scheduled to commence in Dong Hoi, but due to bad weather our flights from Hanoi were cancelled. But Candy made no haste in booking us a soft sleeper cabin on the overnight train and had our tickets delivered to our hotel.
When we arrived early in Dong Hoi, we were met at the station and taken to a hotel for a shower and breakfast. There we met ATA's Product Manager Mr Tran, who would prove to be the most friendly, down-to-earth guy and a great interpreter too! We met up with the rest of our support grew in Son Trach village, on the outskirts of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. We knew that we would be in good hands when we met our crew, particularly since Mr Khanh (the man who first discovered the cave) was to be our main guide. Also present was a National Park ranger and the Director of the Park's Tourism Office plus a team of porters to carry equipment and supplies.
Unfortunately, a heavy storm a few days earlier meant that the normal route in was impassable due to the flooded river, so we had to trek 12 kms over steep mountains and through thick, leech-ridden jungles. The going was slow and we could not reach our campsite by night so had to make camp in the jungle. The crew erected our tents in no time flat and cooked up a hearty meal.
The next day we hiked a short 30 minutes to reach the first cave, Hang En. The cave was absolutely stuning and we spent a couple of hours exploring. However, a raging river bocked our trail to reach Son Doong Cave, which was still a further 2-3 hours hike away. And with another storm looming, we were forced to abandon our quest to reach Son Doong.
Mr Khanh negotiated a shorter route along the valley which was much easier that the previous day's hike. We stopped to drink tea and chat with the locals from Mountain Doong Village before completing our last trek back up the mountain to reach the waiting mini-van.
While it was a shame that we did not reach Son Doong Cave, we did not regret one bit of this trip. The National park is absolutely beautiful and worth the effort to visit while in Vietnam. I wish now that I had been in better shape to tackle a 12 km hike over rugged mountains, and next time I'm leaving the heavy hiking boots behind! Flimsy, rubber sandals is all that is needed!
To sum up: the team at ATA were awesome - I can't recommend them highly enough. The food was plentiful and nourishing. The guides were experienced, professional and always smiling.
Thank you ATA for making our journey a real experience we will never forget!
Sunny, our travel consultant was exceptional in her service - prompt, informative and polite. She maintained regular email contact with me over the 5 months leading up to our tour. Being the first of its kind, you might expect some hiccups in the organisational aspects of the tour. But I was amazed - the preparations appeared to go so smoothly, although I know that Suny would have gone to much effort. When Sunny left to have a baby just prior to our tour, Candy took over the final preparations.
Our tour was scheduled to commence in Dong Hoi, but due to bad weather our flights from Hanoi were cancelled. But Candy made no haste in booking us a soft sleeper cabin on the overnight train and had our tickets delivered to our hotel.
When we arrived early in Dong Hoi, we were met at the station and taken to a hotel for a shower and breakfast. There we met ATA's Product Manager Mr Tran, who would prove to be the most friendly, down-to-earth guy and a great interpreter too! We met up with the rest of our support grew in Son Trach village, on the outskirts of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. We knew that we would be in good hands when we met our crew, particularly since Mr Khanh (the man who first discovered the cave) was to be our main guide. Also present was a National Park ranger and the Director of the Park's Tourism Office plus a team of porters to carry equipment and supplies.
Unfortunately, a heavy storm a few days earlier meant that the normal route in was impassable due to the flooded river, so we had to trek 12 kms over steep mountains and through thick, leech-ridden jungles. The going was slow and we could not reach our campsite by night so had to make camp in the jungle. The crew erected our tents in no time flat and cooked up a hearty meal.
The next day we hiked a short 30 minutes to reach the first cave, Hang En. The cave was absolutely stuning and we spent a couple of hours exploring. However, a raging river bocked our trail to reach Son Doong Cave, which was still a further 2-3 hours hike away. And with another storm looming, we were forced to abandon our quest to reach Son Doong.
Mr Khanh negotiated a shorter route along the valley which was much easier that the previous day's hike. We stopped to drink tea and chat with the locals from Mountain Doong Village before completing our last trek back up the mountain to reach the waiting mini-van.
While it was a shame that we did not reach Son Doong Cave, we did not regret one bit of this trip. The National park is absolutely beautiful and worth the effort to visit while in Vietnam. I wish now that I had been in better shape to tackle a 12 km hike over rugged mountains, and next time I'm leaving the heavy hiking boots behind! Flimsy, rubber sandals is all that is needed!
To sum up: the team at ATA were awesome - I can't recommend them highly enough. The food was plentiful and nourishing. The guides were experienced, professional and always smiling.
Thank you ATA for making our journey a real experience we will never forget!
Written October 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric M
Misawa, Japan8 contributions
Sep 2011 • Friends
A buddy and I did 10 days in Northern Vietnam and wanted to get a few days of hiking in. We opted for ATA's 4-day Mai Chau Homestay. Mr. Hai picked us up at our backpacker's hostel with a private car and driver. Mr. Hai was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and spoke great English. The drive was quiet and comfortable, though uneventful as it was raining. When we reached Mai Chau, we stopped at the Homestay HQ where we were treated to a good 4-5 course meal and waited for our local guide, Thanh. Thanh did not speak a word of English, but was friendly and pleasant from the start. She would prove to be absolutely wonderful once the trip started. From Mai Chau, we took a short car ride to the beginning of the hike. We departed our transport and hiked to a Hmong village high in the mountains. Though it was still raining and chilly, the Hmong house was warm and comfortable. Right when we arrived, Thanh headed to the kitchen and began working over a wood fire. We quickly learned that this would be the norm, regardless of how long the hike was prior. The Hmong family pressed on with their day-to-day activities. At dinner time, Thanh delivered the first of several unbelievable meals. The typical dinner meal was about 7 courses with the freshest ingredients I've ever tasted. I can't begin to express how good the food was throughout the trip. The Hmong husband and wife joined us during the dinner and shared their company as well as their homemade corn wine with us.
The next morning, we were welcomed with a delicious breakfast. I can't recall what we ate on any particular day, but it ranged from noodle and vegetable dishes to omelets to banana pancakes. Fresh fruit was always served. The second day we hiked down the mountain to a black Thai village. The terrain was extremely slippery. With hindsight, I would probably have been much better off with a lightweight hiking shoe rather than a heavier boot. We broke for a quick lunch midway through the hike...tuna sandwiches and fresh fruit. Arriving at the black Thai house, we were drenched and the lady of the house helped us figure out how to wash some clothes and helped us hang them to dry. We were offered beer or other softdrinks for about $1 each. Again, we were treated to a wonderful meal, great company, and homemade rice wine. After dinner, we grabbed some more beers and walked down to a rice patty wall where we sat, talked, and enjoyed the night scenery. I felt completely safe in the sleepy village (as well as everywhere else I visited in Vietnam).
After a delicious breakfast, we began our third day of hiking. We hiked through some amazing scenery...limestone cliffs towering hundreds of feet above plush, green rice fields. There was no shortage of activity to witness, from girls working the fields or busy embroidering to men leading their water buffalo to graze. We even got to take about an hour break to watch a local soccer match, complete with water buffalo running through the middle of the field. Another quick lunch included sandwiches and custard apple fruit. The only way I can explain what a custard apple is that it is somewhat of a pineapple-like fruit, but with pudding inside. It was amazing! We spent our last night at a black Thai house where we were again treated with Thanh's wonderful cooking, pleasant company from our hosts, and homemade rice wine.
The next day, we started off with a good breakfast again and had a 3-4 hour hike back to the Homestay HQ. There, we had a refreshing shower followed by a good meal. This village has plenty of shopping available, so definitely save your shopping for the last day.
Bottom line...
Mr. Hai was wonderful. We is an entertaining, knowledgeable guide. We were constantly engaged in entertaining dialogue, exploring everything from local customs to Vietnam history and politics. I can't imagine a better English-speaking guide in Vietnam.
Thanh was unbelievable. She led us down slippery trails and through river crossings wearing only her flipflops. Each day, following the day's hike, she would cook the most amazing meals over a wood fire. She was the first one awake, greeting us each day with a delicious breakfast.
Mai Chau is unspoiled. Not once was I approached to provide change or to buy something. The people all seemed pleasantly indifferent to us. Smiles and greetings were exchanged, but I never felt any pressure common in similar tourist situations. The people of Mai Chau seemed to be proud, friendly, and respectful.
Planning the trip was easily done via email. Ms Sunny helped me up until she took leave to deliver a baby. After that, Ms Candy ensured we were taken care of.
I don't know what else I can add. It was simply wonderful!
The next morning, we were welcomed with a delicious breakfast. I can't recall what we ate on any particular day, but it ranged from noodle and vegetable dishes to omelets to banana pancakes. Fresh fruit was always served. The second day we hiked down the mountain to a black Thai village. The terrain was extremely slippery. With hindsight, I would probably have been much better off with a lightweight hiking shoe rather than a heavier boot. We broke for a quick lunch midway through the hike...tuna sandwiches and fresh fruit. Arriving at the black Thai house, we were drenched and the lady of the house helped us figure out how to wash some clothes and helped us hang them to dry. We were offered beer or other softdrinks for about $1 each. Again, we were treated to a wonderful meal, great company, and homemade rice wine. After dinner, we grabbed some more beers and walked down to a rice patty wall where we sat, talked, and enjoyed the night scenery. I felt completely safe in the sleepy village (as well as everywhere else I visited in Vietnam).
After a delicious breakfast, we began our third day of hiking. We hiked through some amazing scenery...limestone cliffs towering hundreds of feet above plush, green rice fields. There was no shortage of activity to witness, from girls working the fields or busy embroidering to men leading their water buffalo to graze. We even got to take about an hour break to watch a local soccer match, complete with water buffalo running through the middle of the field. Another quick lunch included sandwiches and custard apple fruit. The only way I can explain what a custard apple is that it is somewhat of a pineapple-like fruit, but with pudding inside. It was amazing! We spent our last night at a black Thai house where we were again treated with Thanh's wonderful cooking, pleasant company from our hosts, and homemade rice wine.
The next day, we started off with a good breakfast again and had a 3-4 hour hike back to the Homestay HQ. There, we had a refreshing shower followed by a good meal. This village has plenty of shopping available, so definitely save your shopping for the last day.
Bottom line...
Mr. Hai was wonderful. We is an entertaining, knowledgeable guide. We were constantly engaged in entertaining dialogue, exploring everything from local customs to Vietnam history and politics. I can't imagine a better English-speaking guide in Vietnam.
Thanh was unbelievable. She led us down slippery trails and through river crossings wearing only her flipflops. Each day, following the day's hike, she would cook the most amazing meals over a wood fire. She was the first one awake, greeting us each day with a delicious breakfast.
Mai Chau is unspoiled. Not once was I approached to provide change or to buy something. The people all seemed pleasantly indifferent to us. Smiles and greetings were exchanged, but I never felt any pressure common in similar tourist situations. The people of Mai Chau seemed to be proud, friendly, and respectful.
Planning the trip was easily done via email. Ms Sunny helped me up until she took leave to deliver a baby. After that, Ms Candy ensured we were taken care of.
I don't know what else I can add. It was simply wonderful!
Written October 6, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lfcb0b
Perth, Australia25 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
Candy at Active travel Asia helped us customize a 10 day trip in Vietnam, riding from Hanoi to Sapa. She could not have done anymore for us and helped arrange an amazing trip.
From the moment we arrived at the airport (all three of us at different times and from two different countries) we were greeted and looked after.
The hotels, bikes and food included in the tour were all top notch. I have travelled fairly extensively around the world, including a bike tour in Nepal and trekking tour in Northern India and this trip surpassed my expectations.
Hoa, the bike guide we had for the 7 days riding was a pleasure to travel with. He was fun and very knowledgeable of the country and bikes.
All in all we all had an amazing time and fell in love with Vietnam.
We have all agreed we would use Active travel Asia again for future trips.
Thanks Candy and Hoa!
From the moment we arrived at the airport (all three of us at different times and from two different countries) we were greeted and looked after.
The hotels, bikes and food included in the tour were all top notch. I have travelled fairly extensively around the world, including a bike tour in Nepal and trekking tour in Northern India and this trip surpassed my expectations.
Hoa, the bike guide we had for the 7 days riding was a pleasure to travel with. He was fun and very knowledgeable of the country and bikes.
All in all we all had an amazing time and fell in love with Vietnam.
We have all agreed we would use Active travel Asia again for future trips.
Thanks Candy and Hoa!
Written June 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Robert,
I am very happy to get your excellent review on Tripadvisor.
It is very helpful for us to improve our brand name.
Thank you very much to give me a great gift and a great motivation in my work.
I and our team will try our best to make our service better and better.
See you back in Vietnam very soon!
For Candy and ActiveTravel ASIA team
Written December 10, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mer94618
san francisco7 contributions
Apr 2012 • Solo
I contacted them through their website to get information about some specific tours as I was planning my first trip to Asia, and based on their many tour descriptions , it sounded as if theyoffered the kind of active tours I was looking for.
Their responsivness was simple put terrible. I got an email over a week after my first request, from Bella, a travel consultant, that she was "working on it" - then I heard nothing. 2 weeks later I send another email wondering why I have not heard back, after yet another wait I get an email saying they had responsed but that it most have "gotten lost". They did sent me a proposed itiniary. I wrote back with some questions as there where a few things that I wanted to have changed. And then again no response.
I am not sure what other folks experience is, but I would at this point not consider traveling with this compay as I simple dont trust them. I am not about to get on a plane to the other side of the planet, hoping that a company who does not even repond to emails on a timely basis, will be providing me with any better service - or any at all for that matter - once I am on the ground.
I am seriously disappointed as there trips sounded really perfect, but again, not about to give my money away to a company that treats its potential customers this way.
Their responsivness was simple put terrible. I got an email over a week after my first request, from Bella, a travel consultant, that she was "working on it" - then I heard nothing. 2 weeks later I send another email wondering why I have not heard back, after yet another wait I get an email saying they had responsed but that it most have "gotten lost". They did sent me a proposed itiniary. I wrote back with some questions as there where a few things that I wanted to have changed. And then again no response.
I am not sure what other folks experience is, but I would at this point not consider traveling with this compay as I simple dont trust them. I am not about to get on a plane to the other side of the planet, hoping that a company who does not even repond to emails on a timely basis, will be providing me with any better service - or any at all for that matter - once I am on the ground.
I am seriously disappointed as there trips sounded really perfect, but again, not about to give my money away to a company that treats its potential customers this way.
Written April 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear mer94618,
We are very sorry about the problem about communication with you. It is unacceptable when you wait a few days for response. It is the first problem that we had as Ms. Bella's laptop had a problem with virus and lost all email so she could not reply you in our response's time required.
We all try my best to reply all customers within 6 hours and if weekend time, we try to reply all requests within 12 hours. We always try to ask customers some other way to reach them right way for suggestion and advice them before they choose our company or others.
We regret to lost you as my customers but It is the big experience for us to back up customer's database daily incase something was lost.
Again, We apologize for your bad experience and thanks for your complain that we can improve our email system.
We always online in our yahoo: activetravelvietnam or skype: activetravelasia for instant response.
Thanks & best regards,
Bobby Nguyen - Managing Director
Written August 7, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MarieNg85
New York City, NY2 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
We have wonderful visit to Vietnam and Cambodia with Active Travel. We understand you have done great job for us in a month in Vietnam and Cambodia. Our guide and driver in Cambodia and Vietnam were different but all take care us very well on their way. We feel that they are professional and rich knowledge.
Our accommodation were comfortable and clean with romantic view in each destination. We have tried almost local food as well and we enjoyed it.
We almost completed our itinerary but we feel that we are not lazy travelers. Our tour guide remained flexible and make us feel in their special way to our trip.
We will recommend Active Travel Asia to our friends who plan to Vietnam and Cambodia and hope to be back in Vietnam in the next time.
Our accommodation were comfortable and clean with romantic view in each destination. We have tried almost local food as well and we enjoyed it.
We almost completed our itinerary but we feel that we are not lazy travelers. Our tour guide remained flexible and make us feel in their special way to our trip.
We will recommend Active Travel Asia to our friends who plan to Vietnam and Cambodia and hope to be back in Vietnam in the next time.
Written February 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura D
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
My partner and I did a 2 day trek up Mt Fansipan and the tour guide Chang was great. The whole tour was well organised and Chang was very happy and knowledgeable. The food was very authentic and delicious! Would highly recommend the Mt Fansipan trek but just make sure you do some training beforehand.
Written October 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Laura,
Greetings from Active Travel Asia team and highly appreciate your nice words to our ATA team. Your excellent review will encourage our team very much, especially Chang - your guide.
At this time, we have many new clients booked Mt Fansipan trek who were introduced by our beloved clients in the past (you are one of them). Again, thank you very much for your strong support so far.
Please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any further assistance on info@activetravel.asia and all of us here look forward to welcoming you return.
Warm regards,
Sales Manager
Ana Ms. (Whatsapp/Viber/Line: +84 986061086)
ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA
Managed by Everland Travel
Address: 6th Floor, Diamond Flower Tower
48 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: +84123 427 2728 Email: activetravel.sales@gmail.com
Follow us at Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Recommended on TripAdvisor
Description: Description: Description: ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA
Written June 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TruanNguyen
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
Just enjoyed a 6 day motorbike tour in Vietnam with an experience guide, Cong. He made it safe, fun and adventurous for all participating family members. I highly recommend people with nerves of steel to give it a chance!!!
Written September 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire P
Hove, UK5 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
This was our first trip doing something active in Asia and we were a little nervous. We knew that we needed a guide to climb Fansipan and are very much organise everything in advance people, which we were struggling to do until we found Active Asia and in particular Sally. Sally was very good at tailoring our trip to us and answering my many questions. At the time I felt I would have liked more information, but I don't know what. Once we arrived everything was taken care of, we were greeted, helped and every one was kind and informative. Unfortunately the weather turned against us and after completing Fansipan we were unable to visit Halong Bay as planned. However, about 2 hours after being informed a new planned had been formed and was booked and we had a lovely time in Denang and Hoi An. The little touches were especially appreciated, we had hotels to shower and change in after walks and journeys and I told Sally the trip was for my husband's Birthday, everywhere we went he was wished happy Birthday and given cake etc - it was lovely. Thank you Sally. Hopefully we can organise many more fun trips together in the future. Next time I'll give you more credit, trust more and ask less questions, I know you'll have it under control.
Written October 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biggers1
Adelaide, Australia4 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
It's not very often I tick an Excellent as there's generally room to improve however in this instance my trip and the service was fantastic. Anna at ATA organized the trip for me via email communication and at no point during the trip was I left wondering who was to meet me or what was next. Anna was very knowledgeable and both patient and prompt in amending my itinerary as I needed. She even called me a few times through the trip to ensure everything was to my liking and I was well. Every element of my trip went without a hitch, my guides in both Hanoi and Lao Cai even put me into my cabin on the train to ensure I wasn't left searching for where I needed to be - amazing. My street food tour in Hanoi with Tuan, my villages trip (decided last minute) with Hai and my Mt Fansipan hike with Khanh were simply fantastic and the guides very friendly and helpful.
I would thoroughly recommend ATA to anyone who wants to visit Vietnam (or anywhere else they cover).
In summary, an amazing trip organized by great people who did everything to ensure I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Vietnam. A massive thanks to Anna, Tuan, Khanh and Hai.
I would thoroughly recommend ATA to anyone who wants to visit Vietnam (or anywhere else they cover).
In summary, an amazing trip organized by great people who did everything to ensure I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Vietnam. A massive thanks to Anna, Tuan, Khanh and Hai.
Written November 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Simon,
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review!
It's so wonderful to read your review of the tour you took with us!
I am glad that it did match your expectations.
Your comments will be certainly passed to Tuan, Khanh and Hai and they will be very happy that you felt they are great tour guide and that you enjoyed your experiences.
Our team will try our best to continuously provide the high level of services.
Once again, thank you for travelling with Active Travel Asia and look forward to welcoming you back in another adventures with us.
All the bests,
Anna and ActiveTravel ASIA's team
Written November 26, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pretty-Rough-Ranch
Eustace, TX21 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
I worked online with Miss Candy at ActiveTravelAsia to create a 3 day tour in the middle of our month long trip to Laos and Vietnam in January, 2013. From my first contact to managing changes occurring during the last moments of our tour, Miss Candy was quick, competent, professional and truly intent on making us happy. She did. Our ATA Vietnam caving/home stay tour was absolutely fabulous.
My husband and I were scheduled to do the Son Doong cave tour. However, the day before we were scheduled to go on the jungle trek to the cave, the rivers flooded, became impassible and our planned trip was washed away. Not a problem! Within a couple of hours, Miss Candy had 3 new alternative plans for us - one including a refund which I am so glad we did not choose.
We chose the trip that included a driver, English speaking guide, river boat trip, visit to En Cave, a 2-night Chap Lay homestay and a 7 kilometer hike into Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in the world.
ABOUT MISS CANDY - Use her to plan your trip. Trust her. ABOUT ATA - Clearly a very well-connected company, just what you want when unexpected events occur. Trust them. It will work out.
ABOUT THE CHAP LAY HOMESTAY - We stayed in a guest house behind our host's home in the middle of a field outside a small Vietnamese village. We had a private toilet and shower, no hot water, slightly uncomfortable in January but would not be a problem at any other time of the year. The hostess and daughter-in-law cooked our meals (8-10 delicious food choices) over an open fire in a thatched roof kitchen and they let me watch and help. Even though we didn't speak the same language, we 3 women were still able to communicate and share the important details of our lives.
The men, through the interpreter, sat on the porch and talked. During the meals, when we were all together, our hosts were warm, open and gracious enough to answer all of our questions.
The Chap Lay setting was beautiful and peaceful. Watching the children and farmers and water buffalo at work was remarkable.
ABOUT PARADISE CAVE - The hiking group included my husband and I, one couple from Japan, our English speaking guide and 2 porters. The 9am to 3pm trek took us through tiny spaces to gigantic cathedral-sized caverns. Using only headlamps, I think we saw and touched every type of cave formation possible. Words are inadequate to describe the awesome beauty of this cave tour. It was a stunning experience, one that I will never, ever forget.
ABOUT THE DRIVER AND GUIDE - They were at our service. If we said, "go over there", they went over there. If we said, "we would rather do this than do that", we did. Our wishes took priority over the ATA schedule, which is just how a private tour should be. Our interpreter was great. During conversations with others, his personality was completely in the background. But when asked for his thoughts and while explaining the history, he was charming and knowledgeable.
SUMMARY - My husband and I dislike group tours and wouldn't do one, but we also are well-travelled enough to know when to hire the experts who can make our trip a 5-Star event. Active Travel Asia were the experts we needed in Vietnam. I would highly recommend them.
My husband and I were scheduled to do the Son Doong cave tour. However, the day before we were scheduled to go on the jungle trek to the cave, the rivers flooded, became impassible and our planned trip was washed away. Not a problem! Within a couple of hours, Miss Candy had 3 new alternative plans for us - one including a refund which I am so glad we did not choose.
We chose the trip that included a driver, English speaking guide, river boat trip, visit to En Cave, a 2-night Chap Lay homestay and a 7 kilometer hike into Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in the world.
ABOUT MISS CANDY - Use her to plan your trip. Trust her. ABOUT ATA - Clearly a very well-connected company, just what you want when unexpected events occur. Trust them. It will work out.
ABOUT THE CHAP LAY HOMESTAY - We stayed in a guest house behind our host's home in the middle of a field outside a small Vietnamese village. We had a private toilet and shower, no hot water, slightly uncomfortable in January but would not be a problem at any other time of the year. The hostess and daughter-in-law cooked our meals (8-10 delicious food choices) over an open fire in a thatched roof kitchen and they let me watch and help. Even though we didn't speak the same language, we 3 women were still able to communicate and share the important details of our lives.
The men, through the interpreter, sat on the porch and talked. During the meals, when we were all together, our hosts were warm, open and gracious enough to answer all of our questions.
The Chap Lay setting was beautiful and peaceful. Watching the children and farmers and water buffalo at work was remarkable.
ABOUT PARADISE CAVE - The hiking group included my husband and I, one couple from Japan, our English speaking guide and 2 porters. The 9am to 3pm trek took us through tiny spaces to gigantic cathedral-sized caverns. Using only headlamps, I think we saw and touched every type of cave formation possible. Words are inadequate to describe the awesome beauty of this cave tour. It was a stunning experience, one that I will never, ever forget.
ABOUT THE DRIVER AND GUIDE - They were at our service. If we said, "go over there", they went over there. If we said, "we would rather do this than do that", we did. Our wishes took priority over the ATA schedule, which is just how a private tour should be. Our interpreter was great. During conversations with others, his personality was completely in the background. But when asked for his thoughts and while explaining the history, he was charming and knowledgeable.
SUMMARY - My husband and I dislike group tours and wouldn't do one, but we also are well-travelled enough to know when to hire the experts who can make our trip a 5-Star event. Active Travel Asia were the experts we needed in Vietnam. I would highly recommend them.
Written June 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Susan O’Brien, we are happy to get your reviews when your trip in Vietnam finished long time. We would like to express our sincere thank for value our services and your excellent recommendation. We always try our best to give you and all of our clients the best service because your satisfaction is our success and biggest regard as well.
Hopefully, We will have more opportunity to serve you in next coming holiday to Indochina and Vietnam.
Ms. Candy
Written June 27, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Any tours to Son Doong cave? And how much/ what are they like?
Written August 10, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.