13 May 2024
We were picked up by our guide Mr Kong from our hotel and taken to Water Mountain for the first part of the tour.
During our short journey there he took care to guide us an overview of the whole trip, what to expect and to check we were happy with everything.
Although the Water Mountain element starts with an elevator up, there are parts to it which could be too much for those with limited mobility. Mr Kong took care, before starting any such element, to check we were okay with it.
We were (!), so we had a wonderful hour or so exploring the mountain and caves and learning about the history behind them, most recently of course during the Vietnam / US conflict. It was fascinating, and Mr Kong proved to be both very knowledgeable, but also highly engaging. The time just flew!
Off then to Hoi An, just 20 minutes away, where we started by eating the most delicious street food, before walking into the old town ( A UNESCO Heritage Site) just as the light was fading. It was wonderful, so vibrant, but at the same time ‘old fashioned’, with the streets lit up with coloured lights and tiny shop after shop selling goods, coffee or food. And what a surprise when we got to the river to see it lit up by the many small boats going backwards and forward with their happy passengers.
throughout it all, Mr Kong gave us information and background about everything we saw.
Overall, I rate this trip very highly. Mr King was an excellent guide, but also the whole organisation of the trip was first class, with great communications from the moment we booked till just before departure.
If you haven’t guessed, I recommend it!!