I don’t normally interact with the operators Helen introduces me to other than during the face to face during the site and trip. However, I just had to write you about my experience in Vietnam. Thank you for indulging me for the next few minutes.
First, despite a semi-reluctant agreement to do it—your recommendation for Vietnam and Siem Reap ended up being fantastic. You were right on many points including the food, the hotels and the people.
Second, your Vietnam team is incredible. I genuinely love the people you have there. Cindy is a solid leader and very hospitable. Linda was so attentive to all of our needs and thoughts. I made significant change requests at 8:30 pm at dinner and by 9:00 am the next morning…done! As for Hanna…my wife and I adore her. She is sweet, kind and has a heart to help others like nobody I have met.
Having forgotten to gather some dolls Hanna had provided—we were on our way to the airport. Hanna called to find out where we were. There was no time to turn around—so she decide to scooter it out to us. I don’t have to tell you about traffic—but somehow she made up the 10-15 minute lead we had, got off her scooter and ran the dolls to our van. Her smile was so beautiful. She walked to the side of the road and waved to us until we were out of sight. At that moment, Jen and I decided to make her our Honorary Daughter. I don’t know exactly what that means now—but she has two brothers that want to meet her!!
In addition to the doll driving spectacular, Hanna’s English is near perfect and her ability to translate what we wanted to others seemed to be spot on. And when I say “translate” I don’t just mean English to Vietnamese—I mean from “what does this blabbering—can’t make up his mind—crazy guy saying” to “yes, sir—here you go!”
In addition to the team, we had super guides—each with their unique strengths and capabilities:
Quyen’s English is very good -but still has an excellent accent which I believe is part of the experience. His knowledge of military, family and religious matters is impeccable. We really enjoyed Quyen and our time with him. He has a good sense of humor and understood my sarcasm (a staple of my personality) perfectly. I think Quyen’s biggest opportunity to improve is learning to read people. With his incredible knowledge came some long-winded monologues on various subjects. I mentioned this to him. Sometimes it is hard to read groups because some may be interested. However, my experience leads me to believe two things about leading group tours. 1. Once you get to 10% of the group looking less interested…move on—those interested will ask questions. 2. Always leave people wanting for more. Think about a meal—sure I could eat a 16 oz steak—but how would I feel afterward. 10 oz—is perfect—I’m not hungry, but I am looking forward to another sooner than later. If Quyen can master these ideas he becomes one of the best guides in the World—not just Vietnam. Again, still one of the best I have worked with and on a personal one-on-one note—I love this guy and related really well to each other. I’d like him to lead in Ha Noi and be on the guide team in Hoi An as well.
Tra. His knowledge was deeper than imagined and it only took a bit of time to hear him clearly. More, he, like Hanna, has a big heart. He shared his story as a child in Vietnam and it blows be away. The resiliency of this guy is incredible. Despite such turmoil in his life he has built a happy life and has helped his children build a great future--I truly admire this. Not a minute went by that he didn’t do whatever it took for us to be happy—including taking us to see fireworks well after the originally stated end time for the day—and at a time he would have much rather have been watching World Cup action. He is a class guy and our guests will enjoy him as much as I did. In fact, I can say we bonded as friends in the short time we were there and I intend to stay in touch with him. I’m sorry I can’t recall the drivers name—and I should—he was very gracious, drove safely and had an excellent demeanor. I want him with our group too.
Thank you for a great trip. In fact, I have told many people that I intend to return on my own in the not too distant future. I’ve been all over the world and to some of the most sought after destinations and hotels, etc, I’ve never felt that way before. It’s never been a MUST.