TRAVELLER ASKS
What are you own best tips for getting the most out of a visit to Vietnam? Let us know and we'll publish the best advice.
TIP OF THE WEEK
GOOD TOURING VIETNAM
My brother and I, both 50-something, booked a holiday in Vietnam through a tour guide recommended by an acquaintance. We outlined what we wanted to do and go to and asked for other suggestions.
In a week I received a well-outlined itinerary and a request to pay 20 per up front and the balance upon arrival. With some trepidation we booked and paid and arrived in Vietnam. At the airport a guide was waiting to take us to our hotel.
Over the next 10 days we were met on days we were going on tour by a private guide and a new bus. We stayed at three-star hotels, took overnight train trips and internal flights.
We cycled on country roads, had cooking classes, trips down the Mekong River, visits to the Cu Chi tunnels and overnight on a boat on Halong Bay. All breakfasts and most lunches provided. All it cost us was $US1000.
I cannot express what a great service Tony Jaa provided even to the extent that he would call us every day or so, to ensure we were pleased with accommodation and tour. I highly recommend Tony Jaa of incredibleasiajourneys.com
Dale Wise, Ashwood, VIC
EDITOR'S NOTE Although our reader's holiday worked out well it's worth being circumspect in dealing with uncredentialled overseas travel operators. If something should go awry you are not covered by Australian consumer law.
BEAR IN THERE
In answer to your call to readers for their own experiences of wildlife in urban settings (Tip-o-meter, April 14), the first time I went to Canada, in 1983, I stayed for a while in Vancouver, and while wandering around in the evening not far from the Sylvia Hotel, near Stanley Park, I walked past the front door of a house and was startled by a skunk on the step.
Knowing how they don't like to be disturbed, I just watched for a while and avoided being in line with its rear end, until it moved on.
The next day I happened on a black bear cub near a shed in Stanley Park (I didn't see its mother but knew she wouldn't be far).
Since that time I have snorkelled with turtles and followed, amazed, under the water as a sea lion swam rapid circles around me, among other experiences, but those first interactions in Canada will always live in my memory.
Alex Danilov, Naremburn, NSW
RAINBOW CONNECTION
I fully agree with Bernard Shanahan picking Akaroa as a find in New Zealand (Tip-o-meter, April 14). But he left out the Giant's House, a work of art in the making.
For many years, its owner, Josie Martin, has been transforming her garden in Akaroa into an amazing gallery of whimsical mosaic sculptures in all colours of the rainbow.
Spending time in this enchanting garden must count as one of life's not just feel good, but feel happy experiences.
Kirsten Walla, Vaucluse, NSW
BUCKING THE SYSTEM
Further to the letter from Angelo Pratt (Tip-o-meter, April 21), we had the same experience with Agoda. Nowhere in its system did it mention that it was using US dollars for its calculation of the prices.
When we used Agoda's Australian site we naturally assumed the prices it was quoting were in Australian dollars. When we asked for the price for the same period it quoted different prices depending on when we asked.
We contacted the hotel and it quoted the same price for the same period even though we asked it on two different occasions in the same week.
John Anandarajah, West Ryde, NSW
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