Published on May, 2023
I would give this tour a 10 star if I could. First off the tour guide Huy really loves his job and his people. We have had some really good guides while in SE Asia but none like Huy. We traveled into the countryside to see how the people there live and work. First stop was a home where a lady and her daughter hand make the conical hats that ubiquitous to this part of the world. These are sold in the local markets, but the ones you see in souvenir stalls at the in town markets and the airport with all the pretty flowers on them are made in china. These are the real deal and working folks buy them . Next was another home/cottage industry that makes rice paper. You know the stuff that wraps your Vietnamese spring rolls. Again all by hand over a hot oven that is feed by rice hules. A true craft that has been handed down in the family. After a water brake, to another home where two sisters make grass matts. Beach matts. Placemats. Sleeping matts, and most with beautiful colors from natural dyes. These are not souvenir stops where people try to pressure you into buying trinkets made in another country, but an opportunity to see local crafts people making products that other local people use daily. Then a stop at a local market (not a souvenir stall in sight) for some fresh coconut water and a sample of fruit. Yum. Next up was the orphanage to visit with the kids and have another snack,
of fresh baguettes and some soup. What the kids eat for lunch. Very tasty. Again. No doe eyed children standing there with a cup expecting you to droop a few dong in it. Just an example of good people doing good work and caring for children. It was a very happy place. Last but not least lunch! This was worth the price of th tour itself. Went to a cooking school and ate a meal that was fit for a king. Delicious. Beef, Fish. veggies and rice with water of beer to go along. What a wonderful day with Huy and his expert driver. Can't recommend this tour enough. You wont be dissapointed.