Essence of China (Private Customize)

Customer Reviews

• TS

  Trevor

  · April 14th, 2024
  The staff from Odynovo - Lucy from Sydney and Queenie from Bangkok - organised an amazing three week journey for us through Vietnam (North to South), Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Their professionalism and care in designing an itinerary with such fabulous guides and drivers taking care of us all the way, was truly special. It is true that ‘you are never alone’ with Odynovo. We were met at airports and ushered on to flights by the guides. Superb accommodation selections in five star hotels were organised, as well as thoughtful itineraries for special places to visit and activities to be enjoyed. The guides were smart, delightful people full of information about the history and details of the places we were visiting. Big big hugs and thankyou to Ngoc (Hanoi/Halong Bay), Mr Happy (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue), Tino (HCM City, Chi Chu Tunnels, Cam Tho, My Tho), Pireau (Siem Reap/Angkor Wat), Loh (Luang Prabang), Ying (Chiang Mai), Puza (Baanchang Elephant Sanctuary Day Care) and Sidney (Bangkok, Ayutthaya), and all the wonderful drivers who kept us safe between adventures. We would never have seen or done all we did without the knowledge and organisation of Odynovo. Queenie was always available for any queries. We learnt so much about the history of all four countries especially about the involvement of America and the influence of Uncle Ho, the history of the Khmer people, the vital role the Mahuts play in caring of the elephants, the amazing floating markets, the crafts of the pottery village, the stunning temples, and the overwhelming friendliness and generosity of spirit of the local people, and many other fascinating aspects of everyday life and culture in SE Asia. Thank you so so much to the team at Odynovo … from Queenie and Lucy, to all the wonderful guides and drivers. We can’t wait to do another tour. Regards Trevor and Elizabeth Sheean (Australia)
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Trevor Sheean, Thanks for your kind feedback and your recognition of Lucy, Queenie, and the guides! We are so glad to know that you had a memorable trip to Southeast Asia and were satisfied with our private tour service. Your recognition of our... Show more
  Trip date: March 2024
• SG

  Sigrid

  · March 5th, 2024
  Perfekte Organisation und Betreuung von Anfang bis zum Schluss durch Odynovo. Unser Betreuer Jake war jederzeit erreichbar. Wir buchen auch unsere nächste Fernreise sicher wieder über Odynovo.
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  Trip date: February 2024
• PO

  Patrick

  · February 16th, 2024
  An excellent experience --- cannot praise the people of Odynovo sufficiently. Unexpected (but mush appreciated) airport assistanc; the giude handled everything concerning checking-in, and did not leave us until we were safely walking through the Departure gate. The drivers and guides were first-rate with private custom vans equipped with cold water and refreshing towels.Hotels uniformly excellent. Wade, our initial contact when we first inquired, was excellent. He 'stayed' with us throughout the tour and resonded immediatly to quick questions. More than in the physical sense (there never were any concerns in that light), having the same individual throughout the tour went a long way toward making us confident that we chose a first-class firm. Definitely will recommend Odynovo. Ginette and Patrick O'Hara
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Patrick OHara, Thank you for choosing Odynovo as your tour operator, thank you for your kind feedback and recognition of Wade and all staff on the trip! We are so glad to know that you have a memorable journey to Southeast Asia. Your kind words... Show more
  Trip date: February 2024
• CG

  Camille

  · January 19th, 2024
  It was amazing, breathtaking places, nice accommodations and the guide was sooo qualified!
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Camille Giordano, Thank you for taking the time to write a positive review and for your recognition of the guides! We are so glad to know that you enjoyed a great time during your trip to Southeast Asia, and were satisfied with our private tour... Show more
  Trip date: January 2024
• 

  Celeste

  · January 9th, 2024
  Everything is good, especially the tour guide in Thailand!! We four have gotten a very very nice journey with Odynovo.
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Celeste Smith, Thanks for the 5-star rating and your recognition of the guides. We're so glad to know that you had a great travel experience during your trip to Thailand and were satisfied with our service. Your recognition of our service is the... Show more
  Trip date: October 2023
• RO

  Rosemarie

  · December 25th, 2023
  15 DAYS CHIANG RAI, CHIANG KHONG, HOUEIXAY, PAKBENG, LUANG PRABANG, VIENTIANE, SIEM REAP, PHNOM PENH TOUR - ODY-JW20231206Rosemarie-ZH1043808 IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS! And Odynovo knows how to look after all of them. As soon as we landed an Odynovo representative was there at the Chiang Rai airport to greet us and take us to our hotel. Our touring started the next day and two sites stood out: the White Temple, an architectural wonder, built by an architect and painter. His artwork is also on display at the Temple and is not to be missed. The second site was the Golden Triangle, which, I’m sure all of us has heard about, but I guarantee that most of you would not know why it is called the Golden Triangle. You’ll have to visit to find out! Then we boarded a boat for a 2 day cruise along the Mekong River. We were about 15 people – not crowded and soon everyone started chatting with each other. Our guide was named Sien and his knowledge of the area’s history, from the 12th Century to present day was incredible. Our nationalities spanned France, Germany, UK, Spain, US and Canada and contributed in some way to Laos’ 20th Century history. That night we docked and were driven to one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in – Le Grand Pakbeng Resort, Mekong Villa. All the hotels along the 15 day tour were selected by Odynovo, however, they outdid themselves with Le Grand Pakbeng. Absolutely breathtaking. We continued our boat trip the next day, stopping at one of the most important Pilgrimage places for Lao people: Pak Ou Caves, with over 2,000 Buddha statues. Then on to Luang Prabang. Here we visited several Wats (temples) and while you may think that they all look the same…. not at all. Each has it’s on history and each looks different. Not to be missed is the Alms-Giving Ceremony where you take a seat on the road, along the way that the Monks take to receive their sticky-rice! Oh, did I mention, you will have to get up around 5:00 am to take your place on the route they take! Also in Luang Prabang was the Khouang Si Waterfall. Actually it should be called Waterfalls as there are several of them that you can view or swim in – all while walking through a beautiful park. Bonus, there is a bear sanctuary on site. Our next stop was Vientiane, the capital of Laos and a treasure of French colonial architecture. The Salana Boutique Hotel was exquisite and also a return to late 19th century French design. There were several outstanding sites in Vientiane: the oldest Wat with the most magnificent murals; Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph; and the Buddha Park, a most relaxing and delightful place to wander around, taking in the variety of Buddha statues among the trees and flowers. Next was Siem Reap, Cambodia to visit both the Angkor Wat and the Angkor Thom. Both built in the 12th Century, the Angkor Wat was just declared as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World. Back to present day, Siem Reap has another wonder – PUB STREET – a closed-to-traffic area at night, where you can have a beer, dine, listen to music, and even soak your feet in an aquarium while being massaged by tiny fish…. and have a beer at the same time! Phnom Penh was last but not least on the agenda. The hotel we stayed in is a piece of history on its own. Called the White Mansion Boutique Hotel, it is the former United States Embassy. Both the inside and outside show evidence of a by-gone era. And a visit to the Choeung Ek Memorial (the Killing Fields) remind us of an era we are more than happy to see “gone”. The Royal Palace is one of the most stunning Palaces in the Far East. Walk through the grounds and the gardens and you will be transported to a most calm and relaxing place. As I mentioned… all in the details. No worries, no hassles. Odynovo looked after all of them: airport pickups, hotels, some meals, in-tour flights, tours, tour guides who were knowledgeable, spoke English well and were just “real” people. Travelling is by far the very BEST life-education. Just “DO IT” and let yourself transported to different cultures, foods and history. Enjoy!! ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
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  Trip date: December 2023
• 

  Gioia

  · December 24th, 2023
  Great trip, fantastic support
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Gioia Aoi, Thank you so much for your trust and support, and for sharing your detailed travel experience with us! We are so glad you enjoyed your trip to Southeast Asia and were satisfied with our private tour service. We aim to delight every... Show more
  Trip date: May 2022
• E

  Eric

  · December 18th, 2023
  Chaing mai was fantastic
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  Trip date: December 2023
• OM

  Orly

  · December 15th, 2023
  The best trip ever! The care and attention was beyond expectations.
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Orly Munzing, Thanks for your nice words. We're so glad to know that you had a wonderful trip to Southeast Asia and were satisfied with our service. Your kind words towards our service are the power that motivates us to move on. Looking forward to... Show more
  Trip date: March 2020
• RP

  Ralph

  · December 15th, 2023
  John Hu is an outstanding agent. He organized a great private trio to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The itinerary was fabulous, as were the accommodations and the drivers and guides. We were well taken care of. I recommend Odynovo wholeheartedly.
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  Odynovo commented on this review

  Dear Ralph Pollak, Thanks for your kind feedback and your recognition of John Hu! We are so glad to know that you had a memorable trip to Southeast Asia and were satisfied with our private tour service. Your recognition of our service is the power that... Show more
  Trip date: November 2022