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It wasn't easy choosing from the many,
many emails we've received over the years but we
wanted to show just some of them in order (going back some 8 years) to show our appreciation to the really kind
people who took the trouble to write to us & of course, to show off a little bit
too !!!
We're very proud of what we do & really do enjoy it as
well, but then to
receive comments like these .............. well it really does make all the hard work worth while.
We come in for a bit of flak sometimes & it's seems to be especially from
some of the would be, anonymous cyber travellers & tour company touts on some of those weird travel forums but as you
can see, in the main, we don't do too badly.
The emails below have been written by real people using their real
names unlike all the tour company touts & the lurk merchants (Hi to Mr Nookie & his mates @
the TT) who hide behind
their silly nicknames & free email accounts on the various web forums.
We've tried to keep the number down and
so here they are,
warts & all.
We respect the privacy of the people who have travelled with us
and there's no way we'll expose them to the "tyre kickers" and
"professional shoppers" who're inclined to wake you at
4.00 AM so they
can ask where the cheapest hotel in Ha Noi is ???
However, if you do have anything you'd like to say to us or the
authors of the comments on this page, we'd be more than happy to talk.
We
hope you enjoy the read and get some valuable info from it too.
(Click on these
thumbnails,
they were a really nice surprise)
----- Original Message ----
From: Pincus Family
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Monday, January
26 2009
5:54 PM
Subject: Feedback on our trip
Adam &
Clare and Max
We have
been back in Australia now for a week, life is returning to
normal. I have been back at work for a couple of days, Kathy
started back at work today and our boys are enjoying their
remaining days of freedom until the regime of school and sport
resumes later this week.
Our
family and friends have been inundated by digital picture
slideshows and stories of our time and adventures in Vietnam.
Griswalds, Kangaroo Café and Vinh have been featuring strongly
in our stories getting great ‘wraps’ from all of us.
We
thoroughly enjoyed our trip and so glad that we found Griswalds
and so lucky to have had Vinh as our guide. His easy going and
relaxed demeanor, fitted in well with our travelling group. His
advice and recommendations were always spot on. He was
invaluable for Kathy when she had to take Norm to the hospital
in Hue. He developed a special bond with our boys particularly
our youngest Riley. He became more like a friend than a guide
indeed I would say he is now a part of our family.
Your help
and guidance to Kathy in planning our trip has helped ensured
its success, for any other clients considering a similar tour I
would encourage them to also include the extra rest days. Our
rest days particularly in the later half of the trip made a big
difference.
The
Kangaroo Café was our home away from home in Hanoi, particularly
helpful when our group included a 10 year old who eats next to
nothing through to a 74 year old. It was so easy to know that
all we had to do was walk not much more than 10 mins around the
lake to be at our little piece of Aussie. As we toured around
Vietnam we found numerous other interesting and family popular
eateries and some like Cargo came to match the feeling we
enjoyed in Hanoi. Our hotel
accommodation and internal transport arrangements were all quite
acceptable. Travelling out of season as such meant that we could
not or did not do everything we might have otherwise done. At Ha
Long bay only the bravest of our boy’s and indeed no well else
from our boat took the cold and watery plunge.
Despite
the unseasonal rains in Hue and Hoi An we enjoyed ourselves and
we all would liked to have had more time in Hoi An.
Our time
in Sa Pa was enjoyed by all, the evening power failure made for
romantic if not slightly random dining as we picked our
restaurant in the dark and enjoyed wood fired pizza, spring
rolls and other fare by candle light. Koo, our guide in Sa Pa,
was another success, she and Kathy hit it off. She reminded us
of our French exchange daughter their personalities and
mannerisms were practically the same.
In Nha
Trang ‘Cyclo’ restaurant was a favorite particularly of Riley’s
and another popular local find was the Real Italian ice-cream
store, although it is interesting to reflect as one is enjoying
a fresh cappuccino and their Italian ice-cream that it cost
almost as much as the dinner consumed only 30 minutes earlier.
I glad we
made the trip inland to Buon Me Thot it is fairly apparent that
not that many western tourists do. I will confess that of all
the hotels and towns we visited this was the least enjoyable but
if we had not made this detour we would have missed the
elephants. The elephants and Ban Don Village provided more than
adequate compensation for any failings of the Whitehorse hotel
and Buon Me Thot.
In Ho Chi
Minh City we enjoyed the outdoor dining at the night market,
even Riley’s palette developed with a taste for Vegetarian
Spring Rolls, BBQ Elephant Ear fish and BBQ Snapper. However we
could not convince Kathy to try any of the hapless frogs strung
up in the outdoor kitchen waiting for a customer to order.
In our
final days in Vietnam we were spoilt rotten by the Rex hotel’s
breakfast each morning, nothing beats relaxing with the Vietnam
news and an endless supply of coffee and pastries. The boys and
Norm were in breakfast heaven, each morning, as they explored
the seeming endless array of food that covered almost half the
room.
I have
attached a few pictures from the Café, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Thanks
again for all that you do and did so that we were able to have a
most enjoyable holiday and time in Vietnam.
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới
Tony, Kathy, Mitchell, Nathan & Riley Pincus
----- Original Message ----
From: Steven Bliim
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Friday, January
16 2009
5:40 AM
Subject: Recent trip
Max, Tre and Crew
Thank you all, and particularly Ha and Da, for a wonderful
holiday in your beautiful and exciting country. We have been
back for some days now and while we enjoy being home we do miss
Viet Nam.
The standard of accommodation and service was exceptional. My
wife’s sister and her family visited Viet Nam the Christmas
before last and I am sure that we had a much better time due to
the quality of your tour.
While it was a difficult choice I think that Ha Noi was our
favourite city but maybe we need to give the south a little more
time. Sandy and I have decided that we will definitely be back
and when we do we will arrange our trip with you.
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Steven Bliim
Barrister at Law
Pitt St, Sydney
----- Original Message ----
From: Adele Christian
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Wednesday,
January 14 2009
11:45 PM
Subject: Feedback from Christian family tour
Hi Clare and Adam
I just thought I'd like to let
you know what a fantastic holiday we had, and what a wonderful
country Vietnam is. It really has everything you could want in
a holiday. The scenery, the climate (lots of variations) the
warm, friendly, happy, proud people, the sights, the history,
the culture, the sheer pleasure in sitting on a street corner
and "people/bike watching", and great food and shopping, make
this country an amazing place to visit. Don't know how we're
ever going to beat this one!!!
We were very impressed with
all aspects of your organization, and would like to thank you
for all your efforts in coordinating everything, so that no time
was wasted, yet we still had adequate free time. Our guide, Zoom
(not sure how to spell it) was fantastic. Nothing was too much
trouble for him. One day, he even had our driver pull over in
traffic, so that he could jump out and buy us some fresh
jackfruit to try, and the moist wipes and water that were
provided whenever we hopped back into the van after a little
adventure were most welcome. Also, he would often ask the
driver to slow down a little, if he knew we were trying to take
photos. It was these little touches that made us feel very
special and welcome in his country. The flowers at the airport
for Georgina and myself were also a wonderful surprise.
Since our return, I've been
singing your praises to all who ask about our trip, and I think
there might be a few people who'll make some enquiries shortly.
I've attached a few of our
favourite pics, which you're free to use in any way you want.
Again, thank-you....... or
should I say "cum mon".
Kindest regards, Adele
PS John and Zoom talked about
exchanging email addresses, but never actually did it. We're
not sure if Zoom was really interested in this, or if he was
just being polite. If you are in contact with him, and he is
happy to keep contact, can you please forward my email address
to him?
----- Original Message ----
From: Belinda Chadwick
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Monday, June 30
2008
11:53 AM
Subject: Vietnam tour
Hello all at Griswalds
I just wanted to say thank you for a fabulous trip to Vietnam!
Sue and I had the most wonderful time and even now 3 weeks after our
return we are finding it difficult to adjust to "normal" life after
experiencing, however briefly, the astonishing people and the
culture of
such an amazing country. The 4 guides who looked after us at various
times were always knowledgeable, helpful and extremely considerate
of
our needs. Mr Thao's ability to immediately make us feel at home
when we
first arrived in Hanoi was greatly appreciated. We found his quiet
sensitivity to be a perfect introduction to Vietnam and there were a
few
tears shed when it came to saying goodbye. We had Ms Hue for one
tour
day in Hanoi and once again were treated to another day to remember.
In
Sa Pa we were lucky to have both Mr Thao and Ms Yem (and quite a few
other "helpers" on our trekking days!) which made our couple of days
there a wonderful highlight of the trip. For the remainder of the
trip
Mr Dat guided us with great stories and alot of humour.
I hope at least Max is enjoying the "Billy Tea" because I think the
taste is probably way to bitter for our Vietnamese guides. I am
drinking
alot more jasmine and lotus tea now, also lots of lime, ginger and
honey
hot drinks which we got a taste for in SaPa (along with the beer of
course!)
The only hiccup in the trip was arriving in HCM City to a hotel with
no
window in our room so I was happy to upgrade to one with a window to
quell my claustophobic fears.
Thanks again to everyone. I would have no hesitation in recommending
Griswalds to other travellers and may indeed be talking to you again
next year - this time with husband in tow.
Best wishes
Belinda Chadwick
----- Original Message ----
From: Ron & Donna
To:
griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
CC: Viv & Tilly Withers
Sent: Thursday, July
03, 2008
9.30 PM
Subject: Our recent trip to Vietnam
Hi Adam & Clare
Could you please also forward this email to
Max and Mado as well.
Firstly on behalf of ourselves and Viv &
Tilly, may we thank you sincerely for such a great tour! The
arrangements were superior to what we expected, the hotels really
very good and the meals (with a few exceptions) really first class.
Every one directly associated with your organisation were
polite, competent,friendly and so helpful;
Our greatest asset: Son A really
excellent young man, who was not only friendly and helpful, but also
quite "caring" for the welfare of his guests - three of us had some
"discomfort" during the trip for various reasons but Son was always
concerned and mindful of the situation.. Son was exceptional and
took care of any issues .. .. Nothing was too much trouble, he was
an excellent guide and quite knowledgeable and really interesting.
We were sad to leave him at the airport as he has become in a short
time like one of our children ... You do have a really valuable
asset in him.
Our itinerary and Son's management of it
gave us a lot to do balanced off with a goodly amount of time "on
our own" so to speak. It seemed that Son and the tour activities
were there to put in as much as possible and then we had "free time
" to recuperate!!!
We are already thinking about our next trip
to Vietnam and you can be assured that we will want to arrange it
through your firm . We have no hesitation whatsoever in
recommending Griswald's to our friends and acquaintances who are
considering a trip to Vietnam.
Once again thank you one and all
Au revoir!!
|
----- Original Message ----
From: Corrie and Don Willoughby
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Sunday, May 18 2008
1:40 PM
Subject: Thanks for the tour
We would just like to thank the team at Griswalds
and the Kangaroo Cafe for our great tour we finished on the 5th. We especially
would like to thank Hue for the excellent cultural knowledge she added to our
understanding of the Vienamese people and history.
I have enclosed some photos one taken of her risking the top of Rhodadendron
falls in her mountain climbing sandles and another a candid pic taken with a
sneaky long lens as she was chatting to Corrie. I think this pic captures her
well and would look good on your site.
Thanks again
Corrie and Don Willoughby
----- Original Message ----
From: David Coulthard
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Friday, April 18 2008
8:10 PM
Subject: Trip Thanks
Adam
and Clare,
Just a
quick note to thank you and to convey our warmest thanks for the sensational
trip organised for us. Every aspect of the trip was simply great; from the
wonderful accomodation to the transport we used throught Vietnam.
Our
guide, Cuong was brilliant. A very funny and knowledgable person who was happy
to answer all our questions, whether inane or otherwise in a most patient and
courteous manner. We cannot thank him enough and he was a large part of our
enjoyment of a wonderful country. Please give him our best regards.
We
would not hesitate to recommend Griswald's to anyone wanting to visit Vietnam.
Once
again our sincere thanks for our brilliant trip.
regards
David
and Glenda Coulthard and Peter and Carole Grant.
----- Original Message ----
From: Paul Pearce
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Saturday, 12 April 2008
5:56 AM
Subject: Great Holiday
Dear Kangarooers
We have just arrived home from one of the greatest adventures of our life. We
spent 2 weeks in Vietnam under your careful guidance. Despite a stuff up by our
airline we were warmly welcomed, with flowers, by Than at the Hanoi airport at
11PM ( we were supposed to arrive at 7:30AM) and taken to the first of many
great hotels. Around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay the two guides were really great and
we thank them for their taking great care of us. How do you find such good
people?
Then we were handed over to one of the national treasures of Vietnam, Mr Huyhn
Thuong. When you award 10 out of 10 what next? Mr Thuong. What an asset for you
to have him on board. His knowledge of Vietnamese history from way back when the
Cham people had most of the country right up to today was incredible. His
personality fabulous and he was so relaxed with us so it was no time at all till
we felt we were travelling with a family member or very dear friend.
I think he deserves a BIG bonus from Max.
Thank you once again for sharing your wonderful country with us and we hope to
be back
Untill chúng tôi gap tro lai
Paul and Kate
PS I hope that translation is
ok.
----- Original Message ----
From: Peter Clancy
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008
11:43 AM
Subject: Congratulations - Well done
TO ALL THE GRISWALD STAFF IN VIETNAM & AUSTRALIA FROM
PETER & LARAINE CLANCY
We returned yesterday from Vietnam after our 21 day tour. We are happy to report
that we are extremely satisfied with all the arrangements made by Griswald's on
our behalf. The welcome by our guide Mr. Dzung (Zoom) was both very personable
and professional. He made us feel right at ease from our first moments of our
meeting. All accommodation was first rate and in a number of cases exceeded our
expectations. All travel arrangements including train, planes, cars, boats,
buses and drivers were without fault. Provided meals were extremely good with
interesting variety and more than adequate even for those with large appertites.
The Griswald itinerary, with the added side tours, provides both an insite into
the vietnamese culture and a good coverage of the unique natural and man made
features of both North and South Vietnam.
At a personal level we would like to thank the minority guides from the Sapa
area who were always happy, bouyant and keen to please. They made huge efforts
to fulfil commitments impacted by the unseasonal cold and damp weather during
our visit to Sapa.
We much appreciated the professionalism of all the guides with whom we had
contact.They are a credit to Griswalds. Mr. Dzung, our guide, was most punctual
and attentive at all times and is a credit to his country, his family and his
employer. To him our most sincere thanks.
Griswald's Vietnamese Vacations is a well organised and well run organisation
and provides good value for money. We would highly recommend Griswald's to
anyone.
Please pass on our thanks to all involved in Australia and especially those in
Vietnam.
Regards,
Peter and Laraine Clancy
P.S. Where is the phantom? Where is the cafe? Due to the TET holiday we neither
got to experience the Kangaroo Cafe nor did we get to meet Max. Is he a phantom?
Does the Cafe really exist? Perhaps even the kangaroo is a myth? Please help us
out. Send a cardboard cutout of Max outside the Kangaroo cafe. Then I'll become
a believer.
Thank you again.
Peter C.
Here he is !!!
Max & Glenn A Baker, live &
unplugged at the REAL Kangaroo Café in beautiful
down town Ha Noi !!!
----- Original Message ----
From: Lynn Cowley
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Thursday, 8 November, 2007
11:41 AM
Subject: Trip feedback
Adam &
Clare
We have returned from our trip.
we had a fantastic time, managed to duck & weave between typhoons & landslides,
copped some rain however.
We were very happy with our guides, Cuong was our main guide and he was great.
we had Bee up in Sapa, she was georgous. Accomodation was top all the way
around. we never made it up to Back Ha (or is it Bach Ma) the National Park so
can't comment on that. It was very handy having our own personal guide and
transport to get us around where the communication would have been difficult and
also get those little bits & pieces done. also to take us to the good eating
places and suggest what would be good to try.
I think if we were doing it all again we would not upgrade our accomodation. in
hoi an our first night was at the lotus (that is the night we were meant to be
in Bach Ma/Ha.) then we went to the riverside. we would have been perfectly
happy to stay in the lotus - more vietnamese and less sort of touristy. also
price of food & drinks were quite high. in HCM we found the Rex a bit upmarket
and over the top. we loved the hotel in Han Oi, the Phuc Loi. had to be in room
201, 301 or 401. we had another little room way up the top one night which was
very clean, but not as good as the others.
anyway I have 2 questions:
Cuong took us to a woodwork village. what would I have to do to get myself a
dining room setting from there. they have a web site but I have lost it, unless
it is coming in the stuff we shipped back from Hoi An. also I am not sure about
customs etc. how would I go about the whole thing, from choosing what I want
etc.
a couple of girls are planning a trip back next year - a girls thing mostly
about shopping. probably only Hoi An and HCM. do you have any suggestions about
that type of trip and other things we could do - between fittings and shopping.
Thanks for a really well organised trip.
Lynn
----- Original Message ----
From: Margaret Hosking
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007
8:09 AM
Subject: Back Home !
Well, we are back home now with so many happy
memories.
Thanks for making such a great holiday for us.
Dzung was a fantastic guide. He was quietly efficient and looked after us with
great care. He also "read" us well and suggested fun and interesting diversions
which made our trip extra special. He was very good at filling us in on all the
extra bits which rounded out our understanding of Vietnam, its people and
culture. The weather was not kind at times but he reorganised the schedule with
no fuss.
We felt a bit spoilt at times having our own
guide, but really appreciated our situation when we saw large groups being
herded about. It also made for great efficiency as we didn't waste time shopping
for hotels, tours etc.
Up in Sapa, Bee and her Hmong friends looked
after us very well, especially as some of our walks were more like mud-skating
! The pace was just right - we experienced plenty, but were not conscious of
rush - we could savour each day.
We found all the hotels to be good. The only
thing we would have changed (along with the rest of the Halong Bay group) was to
have 2 nights on the boat on Halong Bay and skip Cat Ba island.
We loved Vietnam, with all its layers and
contradictions. The people are lovely and very considerate. We'll be telling our
friends, and we hope to back back at some stage - maybe when the Hoi An clothes
wear out and we need some more!
Thanks very much,
Margaret and
Maurice
----- Original Message ----
From: Todd Ransome
To: kangaroo@kangaroocafe.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007
6:07 AM
Subject: Many many thanks
hi there,
i would just like to say thank you so
much to Kangaroo Cafe for our trip to Halong Bay.
WE have travelled a fair bit around the
world, and I would have to say that this was one of the best travel
experiences I have ever had.
The staff and guides were magnificent
and Halong Bay is breathtaking.
Thanks again
Todd Ransome and family inc baby
Kooper...
----- Original Message ----
From: Patrick Kearney
To: kangaroo@kangaroocafe.com
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007
11:20 AM
Subject: Back Home !
Hi
Max, Vinh and everyone at the Kangaroo Café,
What a
holiday! We've fallen in love - with an entire country!
We had
a wonderful time in Vietnam, we both agree we enjoyed North to Mid Vietnam more
than the south, although our trip on the Mekong River was fantastic (Jane's
still showing off her muscles developed while rowing up tributaries).
Everyone told us we'd love Hoi An, and they were right, our wardrobes expanded
and I think our waist measurements did too. The Banana Leaf Café was a hit in
Hoi An and the Vegetarian Restaurant in Hie is top of our list for several
repeat meals, although we must not forget to mention your very own Kangaroo Café
- those banana crepes are definitely on our list.
Although we were disappointed that we were not able to stay overnight on the
boat at Ha Long Bay, you certainly made us feel very special with a sail around
the bay in our very own Junk, accompanied by a magnificent seafood lunch.
As
you've probably guessed, we are already planning our next trip to Vietnam -
naturally we'll be booking everything through Griswalds and The Kangaroo Café
with a request for Vinh, the best guide in Vietnam and one of the nicest people
we've ever met! We can't imagine seeing the sights of Vietnam without Vinh's
knowledge and humour!!
We'd
also like to say a very special thanks to you Max, for your friendship, all your
assistance, including taking us to a great Optometrist and most of all, making
our 30th Wedding Anniversary extra special with Vinh's presentation of an
enormous chocolate, cream and strawberry gateau!!!!!
We've
included some photos for your wall at the Café and for Vinh, including a great
shot of Vinh performing the "Flying Lotus".
Best
wishes to all,
Patrick & Jane Kearney
----- Original Message ----
From: Lynda Leslie
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, 26 September, 2007
2:14 PM
Subject: Thankyou for holiday
Hi Max/
Just a brief note to say many thanks for
providing me with a memorable experience on my two week Vietnamese Sojourn.
Please pass on my thanks to Son-Nguyen my
guide who even though at times was confronted by a cranky and confused
individual helped me with everything from the cuisine to the currency.
Kind regards
Lynda Leslie
----- Original Message ----
From: natasha pin abrantes
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007
4:35 PM
Subject: Best experience in Vietnam !
Hi Max,
I had the pleasure to book some tours with Kangaroo in September 2007.
Both tours Ha Long Bay and Sapa were just
wonderful! I'm traveling for 11 months now and I can compare and say there is a
difference in service!
The tours were really well organised and the needs of tourists were taken into
account. Our charming guide Quy did a terrific
job in answering our questions and make us feel at home on the Ha Long Bay tour.
To see the huge rocks climing out of the see on a lovely traditional boat is a
special experience!
I also would like to recommend the Sapa tour with the homestay: a nice trekking
in the marvelous green mountains and a visit to the colourful market is a must!
Thank you for everything!
Natacha
----- Original Message ----
From: Alma Schleider
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Thursday, 7 June, 2007 12:30:22 PM
Subject: Vietnam Holiday
Thank you both for organising such a wonderful
holiday for Alma and Joan. We were met at the airport by our guide Dzung with
a bunch of red roses each and that was just a foretaste of what was to come.
Hotels were great - food was great - excursions were great and we had the added
advantage of having our guide all to ourselves. I would be pleased if you could
pass these comments on to the Kangaroo Cafe people as we really had a wonderful
holiday.
Thank you again Alma Schleider
----- Original Message ----
From: Denis Forrer
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Cc: Kevan Porter
Sent: Thursday, 7 June, 2007 12:30:22 PM
Subject: Trip feedback
Thank you for the excellent trip
you organised for us during May. I rate this as one of our better holidays and
would recommend Griswalds highly.
The organisation was excellent
from the welcome at the airport in Hanoi with flowers for the ladies ( 2 couples
travelled together) to being accompanied to the airport in HCM City for our
departure. Everything went smoothly and when there was a hitch (flights were
delayed twice) we were notified early or other arrangements made. The
assistance with the planning and flexibility of the activities in establishing
an itinerary were appreciated. We got the holiday we wanted
!
We chose superior accommodation
with deluxe in HCM City. An excellent choice as the accommodation was generally
very comfortable, clean and many had swimming pools, breakfasts were good and
hotels were ideally situated. The one exception was in Sa Pa where
accommodation was pretty basic and our room remained unserviced for the 2 days
we were there. The women also found the climb to the hotel a bit daunting but
what a view !
Halong Bay was a great side trip
but the boat needs some additional deck chairs and upper deck shade would be an
improvement.
We found all the transport that
was arranged very good. Your drivers were always cautious and courteous. The
caution bit was really appreciated for the first few days until we became
accustomed to the traffic.
A highlight must be the excellent
tour leaders. To have Cuong with us from go to whoa (except for Sa Pa) was
great. He never got frazzled or let anything annoy him - at least from what we
could see.
Well done
Denis and Llianne Forrer
----- Original Message -----
From: Anne Firkin
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2007 5:34 PM
Subject: Thanks!!
Hi Max
Just as we were settling back into life in Coffs Harbour and Vietnam
seemed just a distant memory, all was revived today when we saw you on TV
on The World Around Us - Train Journeys in Vietnam, and all the memories
of our wonderful holiday came flooding back.
Thanks for your hospitality and to your wife and your staff for making our
three weeks so enjoyable and memorable. All our guides, especially Kien
and Sho, were fantastic and nothing seemed too much trouble.
We have already given your card to a couple of prospective tourists (and
an air hostess whose husband has applied for a job in Hanoi) and just
today forwarded your web site details to friends who are contemplating a
trip to Vietnam later this year.
Our best wishes to Hue in her new venture - our pampering experience
certainly indicated that she will do well.
Thanks again.
Anne, Geoff and Mitchell Firkin
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Dudley
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007
6:24 PM
Subject: Our 28-day Vietnam
Grand Tour
You would probably find
interesting and useful things in my documentation of the trip you organised for
us in April. Use my pictures and comments as you like, but I would
appreciate acknowledgment for the pictures. It was a good trip thank you.
In particular, Dzung and Thuong were wonderful guides.
Look at:
http://www.pbase.com/lambsfeathers/vietnam
Paul Dudley (and Frances Grant)
----- Original Message -----
From: John & Pam Doniger
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007
5:58 PM
Subject: Please forward to Max @
Kangaroo cafe.
Max, Hue, Kein, Sho,Twe and all
the staff at the REAL Kangaroo Cafe,
John and I would just like to
say what a wonderful time we had on our recent holiday. When my sister-in-law,
Anne Firkin, first asked us to join her and her family on a holiday organised by
Griswalds Vietnam Vacations, we were to say the least, sceptical. However I must
say that the three weeks spent touring Vietnam, the itinerary which was
organised by Griswalds, exceeded all our expectations. The little touches eg;
late check-out 2100hrs, and booking the entire compartment on the train were
much appreciated. The guides we had, Sho in SaPa, Twe (sorry if spelling is
incorrect) at Ha Long Bay and Kein for the remainder of the time, were not only
very knowledgeable but their enthusiasm made us feel that we were old friends,
not new acquaintances. I'm sure that for Kein especially, to be away from his
little boy for such a long period must have been hard. The cafe staff were,
without exception, a pleasure to meet and the food "bloody beaut". We still
think the spring rolls the best in Vietnam.
Max, your hospitality and
generosity will long be remembered, and Hue we wish you every success in your
new venture. The massage, pedicure and manicure was another pleasant indulgence.
Again many thanks for ensuring
that our first trip to Vietnam wont be our last. Please feel free to use this
recommendation.
John & Pam Doniger
----- Original Message -----
From: Maggie Hayes
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 10:50 PM
Subject: Recent Vietnam Holiday
I have recently returned from a 2 week guided tour
which was organized by Griswalds. I was among a group of 9 Aussies (7
female plus 2 husbands) , average age 50'ish with a 27year old male guide.
We all wanted to take him home, our trip was sensational, every day ran
smoothly and was a new adventure. Kien (our guide) was in tune with us and
we enjoyed many laughs.
My best friend enjoyed her 50th birthday onboard a
junk on Howlong Bay, and with little notification Kien had organized a
magnificent cake and a bottle of bubbly - very memorable!
I would certainly go back and travel with Griswalds as the
accommodation was more than expected and I woke up early each day eager to
enjoy a new adventure - words on an itinerary turned into an amazing holiday
!
thanks Kien and thanks Griswalds and Kangaroo Cafe.
Happy holidays - Maggie - Sydney - Australia
October 2006
----- Original Message -----
From: Lynne Mitchell
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006 3:56 AM
Subject: Remembering Vietnam
Hello Jo
I have been back in Toronto for a month and the
wonderful memories of a very hot and humid Vietnam are still vivid.
Sara and I had a wonderful experience. The itinerary worked well, the
accommodation also. The hotel in Hanoi was in a great location; but the room was
a bit gloomy.
Sapa was definitely a highlight. The trekking, the
accommodation, the view. Overnight train very comfortable.
Our guide was delightful and took very good care of us and was a lot
of fun. Even if we did miss our plane out of Na Trang because he got the
time mixed up. He was more upset than we were. Our schedule was rearranged
with no problem and we carried on enjoying every aspect of the trip. We
loved dinner at the kangaroo Cafe; a lovely touch that made us feel very
welcome. So thank you for helping us
acquire good memories for a lifetime, of a mom and daughter travelling
together in a very far away and wonderful country. I
Hope this finds you well. Please pass on our regards to our dear
guide. Through him, we got an understanding of life in Vietnam that we
wouldn't otherwise acquired because of language barriers. Our Sapa guide,
Chai, was also a delight
I am anxiously awaiting Sara's return from Israel
where she is under rocket attack in the northern city of Nahariya. Safety
and security, such as we experienced in Vietnam, are precarious and precious
commodities indeed, while travelling on this planet.
Best Regards
Lynne Mitchell
----- Original Message -----
From: Peter West
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:34 PM
Subject: West Family Holiday
Dear Max
I am writing to tell you what a fantastic holiday
Jane and I and our three boys had in Vietnam. It was a truly life changing
experience. Jane and I both agreed that the opportunity to live in Hanoi
for a while would be great as it was our favourite place. It is a
beautiful, exciting country and its history reminded us how short our own
Australian history really is. All of us had
a great holiday and learned a great deal. As you probably know, it is
pretty hard to cater for the varied interests of 2 adults and three boys of
such disparate ages as ours (17yrs, 14 yrs and 9 yrs) but this one
succeeded. So much so, that we are already planning our next holiday around
May 2007!
Our arrangements were perfect. Madeleine in Sydney
is to be commended for communicating with us all through the period while we
were preparing for our holiday and for responding quickly to every request
for advice. Taking a family overseas can be a pretty worrying experience
and she made sure we knew what was going on and what to expect whenever we
had questions. Our guide, Vinh was
wonderful. He went to great lengths to make sure all our interests and
needs were accommodated and that we were comfortable and happy all the
time. He took the time to make sure the boys had everything they needed and
he was always patient and good humoured. Vinh made sure that we had plenty
of time to explore and he was always ready with explanations and
assistance. We saw so much and he made sure that there were no problems
along the way. We also appreciated his local and historical knowledge. We
hope to see Vinh again when we return to Vietnam.
Duin (I hope I have the spelling right) who was our guide at Ho Long
Bay was great fun and made a wonderful effort with the boys.
We felt very welcome in Vietnam. To tell the
truth, we didn't know what to expect but we are very glad that we went. We
felt really sorry to leave! We are busy recommending Griswalds, the
Kangaroo Cafe and Vietnam to everyone!!
Thank you for a wonderful holiday and we look forward to our next visit. If
you would like some photos please just let me know and I'll forward them.
Kind regards
Peter and Jane West
----- Original Message -----
From: Wayne Cook
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 4:54 PM
Subject: Thanks for the trip
Max
and Cafe Team,
Just
a follow up to express our thanks for your organisation and friendship
throughout our Vietnam tour with your company. We were delighted with every
aspect of the tour, from accommodation to the many sights we experienced.
We would like to express our sincere delight
with having Kien as our tour guide, his attitude and attention to detail made
our holiday easy, enjoyable and most of all memorable.
Thank you once again.
Wayne and Helen Cook, David and Karen Sturtridge
----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Dombkins
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Monday, May 10,
2004 5:10 PM
Hi Madeline & Max,
I'm
sorry for being so late in my feedback to you regarding our 23 day Vietnam tour
last Feb / March. In a word it was "fantastic" so thankyou both for facilitating
a memorable holiday for us. Some general comments for your interest & then a
favour .............
1) Our guide "Long", was
excellent. Not only was he knowledgeable but also courteous, friendly, helpful,
humorous, protective, etc, etc. He is certainly a "resource" you should
appreciate, nurture & reward since he brings high value to your business
2) We had some contact with others
in your office & they were also high quality. The only people caution comment is
one regarding Kien who was our guide for Halong bay, & 2 Hanoi day tours. He is
a lovely boy but is nowhere near the same class as your other staff. Maybe you
should go on tour with him sometimes to gain a better appreciation of how he can
learn to improve.
3) You must have scratched your
head when I suggested we have a better class of room than you had planned for us
since we were "blown away" by the accommodation standard. The Riverside Hotel in
Hoi Ann was simply wonderful.
4) In retrospect, if I was to
start planning again, I might reconsider our visit to Buon Me Thuot since it was
a long way for predominantly 'an elephant ride' (even though we appreciated
viewing the countryside)
5) We would also limit our stay in
Hue to 2 nights / 2 days
6) Sapa was magnificent even
though in the clouds during our stay & we should have stayed one more night to
enjoy a home stay opportunity. The Bak Ha market was certainly a highlight.
We are certainly recommending Vietnam & your company to all our friends
so thankyou again. Now for the favour........
Would you please pass on the
attached photos to Long. He mentioned his family had not seen him with elephants
& I promised to send him some examples via your Hanoi office. I've significantly
reduced their size so if I have over-done this please let me know & I'll resend.
Thanks again.
Kind regards
Greg & Barbara
----- Original Message -----
From: Adena
To: griswalds@vietnamvacations.com.au
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 1:29 AM
Dear Madeline and the rest of Team Griswald,
After fully recovering from some serious jet lag and culture shock, I'm am
enthused to tell you that my trip to Vietnam was wonderful. From a
practical standpoint, everything went smoothly and the organization was
wonderful. The itinerary you put together was great. I enjoyed the range
of geography and the urban and rural combinations. From a personal
perspective it was an educational and fascinating trip, one that I will
always remember. I like to highly commend my tour guide Hi. She was
enthusiastic and energetic throughout our time together. He background in
Vietnamese culture and custom were invaluable assets. On a personal note,
I found Hi to be a wonderful travel partner. She was my gateway to Vietnam
and my time there was much enhanced by her presence.
Thanks again for putting together a great trip for me.
With warm regards,
Adena,
New York.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeannine O'Brien
To: 'Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations'
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 9:42 AM
Subject: RE: Vietnam
Hi Madeline,
Thanks for your e-mail, we left on the 28th Dec but I'm writing to say that Kangaroo Cafe is Fantastic.
We went from the airport straight there on a wet Hanoi night and your staff organised accommodation for us which wasn't easy to
find at the time and it was on closing time at the cafe. We were very grateful for their efforts. After that if became like a meeting
point, a haven if you like for excellent coffee and food. The breakfast was a regular treat. We also did the Halong Bay and Cat Ba tour which we
thoroughly enjoyed, again your staff and tour guides were fantastic. Kangaroo Cafe was a wealth of information and resources, we loved being able
to go there and sit around over a fabulous meal to discuss what to do next, with the helpful input of the staff. I have done a lot of travel and it's
always great to find somewhere like the cafe that is so geared to accommodate travellers, with knowledgeable English speaking staff that are willing
to help out and have a bit of fun at the same time. Can you pass on our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the cafe, and Congratulations to you for The Kangaroo Cafe.
Warm Regards
Jeannine O'Brien
Australia
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sue Wragg"
To: <kangaroo@hn.vnn.vn>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 1:20 PM
Subject: Thank you
Dear Max, Hue, Tan and all at the Kangaroo,
We had the best of intentions of contacting you sooner but have atlas got to
it. Thank you all for such a wonderful two weeks in Hanoi and the north in
September. From the time you met us at the airport until your driver took us
back we had a great time.
The MOD Palace in Hanoi was safe, clean, cool and quiet. What more could we want
! It is a great city to explore and we
enjoyed spending a number of days there between our tours to Sapa and Halong Bay.
The holiday was great value for money and you made sure that everything was
arranged and went without a hitch. Your whole team from the cafe to the
guides in Sapa and Halong Bay are efficient, polite and great fun. Our
families and friends were amazed that two middle aged women travelled to the
remote mountains but we felt safe at all times. Although the tiny hill tribe
women were amazes at our well covered frames which caused great hilarity.
We recommend anyone travelling to Vietnam to book with you and have a great
holiday at a reasonable cost. Only two suggestions come to mind to make it
even better. Improve the ladder on the beautiful Halong Bay boat ( even the
young fit ones found it difficult and remind guests of the departure tax. I
was 20000 dong sort so was forced to use a 100US note and was short changed
by about $30US !
A number of snaps are attached, you are welcome to use if you want and I hope
the girls in Sapa can see them.I will sent the rest in a separate email so file is not too big Again thank you all and we hope to return soon unless that bastard
Bush prevents us..
Warm regards
Susan and Sue
Melbourne VIC, Australia
----- Original Message -----
From: Nigel Scott
To: Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2002 4:25 AM
Subject: Return of The Scott's
Hi All
We made it back safe and sound, We already miss the horns and post card vendors!!!
I would like to thank you all both at Griswalds and the Kangaroo Cafe for a wonderful trip.
It really did meet all of our expectations and hopes for the perfect family vacation.
You provided us with the perfect mix of luxury and adventure and I can not say enough about
the wonderful people who work for you and how well they looked after our
family. Please give our best to everyone and We'll be Back!!!
Thanks again
Nigel, Anita .Laurel and Wesley
Victoria BC, Canada
----- Original Message -----
From: Barbara Dawson
To: Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2002 2:23 PM
Subject: Our Vietnamese vacation
Dear Madeline,
We've been back a week now and have been really busy, thrown back into work again.
Our holiday was just marvellous!! The itinerary Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations came up with suited our needs perfectly and compared to all my friends who've been, I really think our time there
was by far the most "valuably" spent! Kangaroo cafe and staff were faultless - it felt like a "safe haven" there each time we walked in the door.
Everyone made us feel special and valued. We've both travelled
heaps and regard this as one of our best organised and productive holidays. We couldn't
sing your praises highly enough to fellow travellers we met on the way- many seemed envious
of our itinerary. You certainly removed all "headaches" and uncertainty from our travels
in Vietnam.
My friend Robyn, who lives in Saigon, was equally impressed with our itinerary and the
degree of individual attention and care we received from your staff. She will certainly
be commending your services to future visitors, as will we!!
I couldn't name a highlight of the trip Madeline - it was all fantastic. Your local
guides were wonderful- Nghook (can't spell her name) felt like a close friend by the
end and we really valued her input and services.
All credit to you!! Thanks again - if you want to quote me for any of your promotional
stuff OR have me add more, please just say so.
Kind regards
Barbara DAWSON (and Brian!!)
Australia
----- Original Message -----
From: Natalie Reid
To: kangaroo@hn.vnn.vn
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2002 12:00 PM
Subject: HALONG BAY / CAT BA
Max
Just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for making our trip to Vietnam more enjoyable.
3 of us booked the Halong Bay & Cat Ba trip and all of us had a fantastic time.
Staying overnight on the boat in the Bay was a definite highlight and it was good to visit Cat Ba also.
We also enjoyed visiting the Cafe a couple of times during our stay in Hanoi.
so thanks again and if I ever visit Vietnam again I'll come back for more.
cheers,
Natalie Reid
Manager
Harvey World Travel
Modbury SA, Australia
----- Original Message -----
From: angier
To: Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2001 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: Vietnam Holiday
Hi Max et al
Now that we are back home and settling into the every day routine of work I have
at last found a moment to drop you a line to thank you for the wonderful tour that
Griswalds organized for us we were pleased and really enjoyed it. Certainly would
recommend you if we know anyone coming to Vietnam
in the near future. A very special word must be said about Hung our guide he was wonderful and certainly made our trip as enjoyable
as it was. Hope to come back and see the parts that we didn't get a chance to see on this
trip. Take care of yourselves. Give our regards to Victor and Hung. Once again thanks for
everything.
Angela/PJ/Margurite
Jamaica
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Jonas
To: Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 10:52 PM
Subject: Jonas Account
Dear Madeline & Max,
I don't know where to start. I guess giving you a million
thanks would be about right. Words cannot say how grateful we are to you and your companions, or how
completely overwhelmed we are now we are home.
The people of Vietnam … absolutely wonderful, in every
respect. The country, how natural, how beautiful, how sad in other ways, what suffering,
I had no idea, and what resilience…But of course, my guess is you knew all
that.
But our holiday was made so much better, by the careful
attention and interaction with all of your staff The guides on the boat, mainly Cuong, were
also the most entertaining, good humoured and most caring people.
After a week with Ngoc (our guide), and so suddenly having to
bid farewell, we were reduced to tears…We had underestimated how much she had done for us and what
she had meant to us.
We'll get back to normal, but it goes without saying that what
Griswalds have given us is far more than we ever expected. The treatment by your personnel has given us
an invaluable and rich experience, and has left even stronger impressions than otherwise.
Cheers, all the very best,
Jim and Marie Jonas.X
Adelaide SA, Australia
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