5 independent reviews for Laos and Vietnam holiday, Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Reviews for Laos and Vietnam holiday, Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Patrick Tatham review 27 Oct 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Most memorable: Luang Prabang is just a fantastic place to hang out - while the 'bamboo' hotel in Mu Cang Chai was also exceptional - as was the scenery and rice terracing in the surrounding area. Special priase for the lovely and patient Mr Yia - our guide in Laos.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Generally the brief prepared us travelers well. Some of the minibus journeys were a little backbreaking - whole days spent on very poor roads. A few fellow-travelers remarked that perhaps a domestic plane journey might have reduces the strain.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To be honest, I think you (and all other operators) feel obliged to highlight this area. Personally, I was not that aware of these beneficial outcomes - but equally, I did not feel we were doing anything to disrupt or degrade local communities or environments. Let's say it was a kind of 'neutral impact'.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very hiighly. I chose this tour because I wanted to do something a little different from the run-of-the-mill tours of either Laos or Vietnam. On this front, I felt the tour delivered, and we saw things that were often off-the-beaten tourist track. The tour was very reasonably priced, and the hotels generally excellent - well done to the tour operator for their selections. Compliments also for the organisation of the tours - and two excellent guides throughout.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much for your review and we are delighted you enjoyed the tour - it certainly is an off the beaten track one. I'd like to respond to a couple of points, firstly regarding the lengthy drive up to the Plain of Jars, we really do prefer to keep domestic flights to an absolute minimum. Using a minibus gives employment for local drivers rather than national airlines and also enables you to see the country with stops rather than another international airport but we take your point that it is a long drive. Secondly with regards to responsible tourism, it isn't something we pay lip service to and is embedded in the ethos of the company and has been for almost 30 years. We are committed to our genuinely small group sizes, off-the-beaten-track destinations, using small, independently run accommodation and restaurants and we visit many local villages and markets where it is guaranteed that the money stays local. Just one example is our decision to use accommodation in the remote Hmong village in Moc Chau where life continues to go on as it has for many generations.
Jeanette King review 4 Dec 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The 13.5 kms of mudslide and very bumpy drive from Luang Prabang to Phonsovan. Really memorable!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take warm clothes if going to Phonsovan or further north as nights and mornings are cold and the hotels are not heated.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used many small restaurants and some smaller hotels, so that was good for the local people. We visited weaving projects and a spoon making project which provided local employment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really good. I will be booking with you again..Susan Mealyou review 28 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The accommodation is fairly basic particularly further north in Loas but that is part of the adventure. We unfortunately missed the hills of Vietnam as my husband got Dengue fever so I would recommend long trousers for everyone 7am to 7pm particularly in urban areas along with your insect repellent. Remember the Chinese train in Laos has strict security and does not allow anything with propellant eg hairspray or anything sharp like scissors. This is a fantastic trip though and I would highly recommend it .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly visited local markets and small local restaurants. We learned about the impact of unexplored ordinance and contributed to the Mines Advisory Group who are a charity which removes them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Well organised, excellent guides, very helpful and supportive company when my husband was ill. Would certainly use them again.Sherry Roberts review 11 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
visiting the hidden city caves in Vieng Xai, Laos, and meeting some of the hill tribes in both Laos and Vietnam2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
enjoy an adventurous and cultural experience in less well known parts of the world, some almost untouched by tourism3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
lots of opportunity to interact directly with and support local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
memorable and highly recommendedMike Mealing review 9 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Drinking home made "Happy Water" with our guide at his Homestay in a tiny village amongst the Sapa rice terraces. Sitting in the remote Golden Buddha cave temple near the Nong Thao Lake when 4 monks came in and chanted for some time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long stretches of time spent on the road in Laos due to the distances between the key stopovers with not much opportunity to exercise3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to say. Certainly the cash we were spending went directly to local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Laos does not have the "Wow" impact that Vietnam and Cambodia have on first visiting . However it is very easy and safe to travel and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They do not (yet) see tourists as walking ATMs :-)Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
