My SE Asia trip with Timbuktu was Amazing
April 2024
Journey Through Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam
The Timbuktu team did an amazing job putting together an itinerary that got better every day. All the places I visited and journeys I went on were not ones I could have found myself. The schedule had me stopping and enjoying where I was now and looking forward to those to come.
Your execution of the trip was outstanding and flawless. I was always met when I disembarked from whatever mode of transportation I was on by a friendly and smiling face. Each guide in every location was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly! Each time we parted, I felt like I was leaving a new friend.
The accommodations were also amazing. First class with a local feel. All the hotels had wonderful staff and service, and no room disappointment. The mahogany room in Chiang Khong
overlooking the Mekong was truly an experience.
My time in northern Thailand with my guide and driver was fascinating. Stopping at the White Temple was inspiring.
The boat trip down the Mekong was certainly a highlight. What an experience to visit the villages and the Buddha Temple cave.
Luang Prabang was so interesting and full of history. The trip to the falls and the villages made for a wonderful day.
I made new friends on the boat trip, and I celebrated Christmas in the night market. And I was up at 5:30 am to watch and offer offerings to the monks.
Flying into Hanoi was easy thanks to the airport guide, who got me through customs quickly, and the local guide, who whisked me through the city to the train station. On her advice, we stopped, and I bought sandwiches and drinks for the overnight train trip.
I had seen a documentary on this north-to-south train, and it turned out to be another highlight of my trip. In the morning, I was having coffee with my suitemates from India and Vietnam. Although we did not have a common language, we still found a way to laugh.
The stop in Hue was mystical on a grey, rainy day, making it the perfect setting for the visit. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, and the driver was fantastic.
Overnighting in Da Nang, a 5-star hotel on the beach, was a real treat. And allowed for a morning run along the water,
As always, the guide and driver were on time to take me to the train station and pick up a few more sandwiches for the long daytime train ride that day.
This was a great way to experience the countryside as it rolled by for many hours.
Nha Trang was a perfect rest stop for a few days near the beach with no itinerary. A beautiful hotel with a great gym and an ocean view.
Dalat was also amazing. Staying high in the mountains in a beautiful colonial hotel added to the overall experience. My guide was amazing, and after I had New Year's Day to myself to explore, there were so many things I would have missed without the local knowledge.
To top off a fantastic trip, the luxury bus ride in my suite just put a big exclamation mark on everything.
And just so you made sure I made it, my trip was wrapped up with a local guide in HCMC, who picked me up and delivered me to my hotel.
Thank you again for putting together an amazing experience. Everything you did was perfect, and I will certainly be reaching out again soon for more experiences!
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