Vietnam with Vietnam Orient Tours

When I agreed to a trip to VIET-NAM because of the 4-day extension to Angkor Wat, CAMBODIA, a destination that has always held a certain fascination for me, my wife of 43 years and traveling companion through all seven continents took the ball and ran. Ann reviewed past copies of ITN and discovered Vietnam Orient Tours (4109 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536; phone 510/794-8989 or visit www.vietnamorienttours.net).

She called Chi Le Brickman, the owner, and a quick friendship developed between the two. Chi and Ann worked together to structure a tailor-made month-long tour for four people which included a full range of stops, to be made at our own pace, with a driver and guide throughout the trip. The result was a real adventure, done in comfort, staying at 4- and 5-star hotels.

Our soft-adventure trip, Feb. 26-March 26, ’05, gave us the best of Vietnam and Cambodia in style and without a hitch. We toured Vietnam from the Chinese border near SaPa to Chau Doc in the Delta. I had my photo opportunity at Angkor Wat, and our river ride down the Mekong by fast boat from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc was a real treat. Our initial concerns about avian flu were unfounded and quickly disregarded as we made our way through the countryside.

For our tour, which included the Vietnamese and Cambodian stays, four nights in Hong Kong (two going and two returning) and most meals, we believe we received real value for our travel dollar with Vietnam Orient Tours. The per-person costs were $2,450, Vietnam; $750, Cambodia, and $650, Hong Kong, plus $1,200 for round-trip air from Seattle, Washington. Included were flights from Hanoi to Hue, Danang to Saigon, Saigon to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

The four of us continue to discuss the special quality of this trip and really enjoy the photos.

— DICK FERRARINI, Issaquah, WA