cruiseloverUK Posted November 4, 2012 #1 Share Posted November 4, 2012 WE HAVE RECENTLY RETURNED FROM THE DIAMOND PRINCESS CRUISE FROM BEIJING TO BANGKOK. WE TOOK THE DAY TRIP PROVIDED BY DUNG PHAM TOURS IN NHA TRANG WHICH WAS EXCELLENT, BEST TOUR OF THE WHOLE TRIP. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU DUNG. Pham Tours www.nhatrangrivertour.com CRUISELOVERUK 5/11/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracyken Posted January 5, 2013 #2 Share Posted January 5, 2013 In November we had a fabulous tour organised by Mr Dung. We really felt like we got away from the main tourist trail and saw real Vietnamese life. We visited an embroidery factory which had fabulous quality work, saw a family making the conical hats which were for sale for a small amount of money, an orphanage pagoda, noodle making, a 44 meter Buddhist Statue, Cham Temple and a Market. We also stopped to sample the fabulous tropical fruits and had lunch at a riverside restaurant with an amazing view across the river. We could not have had a nicer day - thank you so much Mr Dung. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estebofarr Posted January 5, 2013 #3 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Is this the Zoom tour? Did you say where you wanted to go or did he make the decisions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabs Posted January 7, 2013 #4 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Tour in NhaTrang, Vietnam with Doug Pham on October 23, 2012 This tour was okay, a full day and we did see a lot. The stop at the embroidery factory was a shopping stop, beautiful stuff and very expensive. It had rained hard the day before and the street to the Pagoda Orphanage was flooded so several of us stayed on the bus rather that walk thru ankle deep water. The stop to see people weaving mats was okay mainly a place to shop. Very interesting to see the way they make the rice paper they slice into noodles. The conical hat making stop was another shiopping opportunity. Lunch on the dock okay not great. Getting into the boat for a ride on the river a bit difficult, got caught in a rain storm on the river with no cover on our boat and they let the people off their boats that had covers first while we waited in the rain. Wanted us to walk over two other boats to get to the dock and then climb up a very HIGH STEP to get out. Very hard for a lot of us. I only got out with the help of several of my fellow passengers. It was a LONG walk to a temple that had LOTS of steps again, which several of us decided was too much. There was a shopping stop that we passed on as we had already shopped at several of the stops. A good tour for younger people or those in very good shape, and for someone that wants to shop. Not good for older people who have a harder time walking and climbing steps. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estebofarr Posted January 7, 2013 #5 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Thank you for that honest review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonsai3s Posted January 7, 2013 #6 Share Posted January 7, 2013 ...For those who can, and loves to DIY. Vietnam is relatively one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia, and Nha Trang is a wonderful seaside town. There are many "rickshaw" type vehicles available in town, where the driver, using a bicycle to pull a two-seat open air cab, will be happy to take you all over town for as long as you want,...for less than $10. We had a wonderful and memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Perhaps you will realize how hard these guys work and double your fare...we did, it was well worth it.) With the two of us behind him, he took us to the local market, church, buddhist temple/pagoda, and even waited for us while we swam at the beach (South China Sea)...and yes, he zigged and zagged through some heavy traffic like a young Mario Andretti...:) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayzee99 Posted January 9, 2013 #7 Share Posted January 9, 2013 We took the Holland Aamerica Amsterdam Grand Asia/Australia tour from September 21 until December 5, 2012. One of the stops on our tour was Nha Trang, Vietnam. Through the Cruise Critic message board, we joing a tour organized by Marianne while in this port. This tour was the River tour run by Doug Pham and it was very thorough. We saw and participated in activities you only see on a travel log show. It was well organized and very informative. The transportation, sights and food were all wonderful. If you are planning a trip to Nha Trang, you must take this tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayzee99 Posted January 9, 2013 #8 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Tour in NhaTrang, Vietnam with Doug Pham on October 23, 2012 This tour was okay, a full day and we did see a lot. The stop at the embroidery factory was a shopping stop, beautiful stuff and very expensive. It had rained hard the day before and the street to the Pagoda Orphanage was flooded so several of us stayed on the bus rather that walk thru ankle deep water. The stop to see people weaving mats was okay mainly a place to shop. Very interesting to see the way they make the rice paper they slice into noodles. The conical hat making stop was another shiopping opportunity. Lunch on the dock okay not great. Getting into the boat for a ride on the river a bit difficult, got caught in a rain storm on the river with no cover on our boat and they let the people off their boats that had covers first while we waited in the rain. Wanted us to walk over two other boats to get to the dock and then climb up a very HIGH STEP to get out. Very hard for a lot of us. I only got out with the help of several of my fellow passengers. It was a LONG walk to a temple that had LOTS of steps again, which several of us decided was too much. There was a shopping stop that we passed on as we had already shopped at several of the stops. A good tour for younger people or those in very good shape, and for someone that wants to shop. Not good for older people who have a harder time walking and climbing steps. You and Bill were on the same tour we took but we were on different busses. We got to the orphanage before you and before the rain. Also, we had no rain on the boat tour. Let's face it, Doug cannot control the weather so it's not fair to blame him for this. Also, regerding the difficulty of getting in and out of the boat, you did not mention that you had an artificial leg and Bill was wearing a back brace due to a recent back operation. We loved traveling with you two and we give you credit for doing so many tours, some of which were VERY difficult and which, 95% of the people with your conditions would not have done, but you should have mentioned this in your comments. You two are great people and we would love traveling with you both again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseloverUK Posted January 10, 2013 Author #9 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Mabs was just unlucky with the weather. Our tour was in the sunshine and was great. The embroidery factory showed young and elderly women doing exquisite work and prices were not over expensive. The enexpected lunch was very good. People with mobility problems need to choose their tours very carefully. My wife and I were 75 when we took the tour, we are reasonably fit and did not find it difficult. Cruiselover UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wristband Posted April 13, 2013 #10 Share Posted April 13, 2013 We were on Oceania last year and took Dong Pham's tour with others onboard. It was an independent tour and Mr. Pham was conscientious about communicating in advance by email. As those said above, it was great! We highly recommend it - a full day seeing everything old & new (including a nice lunch) in a very interesting, bustling emerging city. The only negative was the morning rain - bring an umbrella or parka and anticipate puddles. Well worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpj Posted April 13, 2013 #11 Share Posted April 13, 2013 It was one of the best tours Ihave ever taken. And the price was right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracyken Posted April 14, 2013 #12 Share Posted April 14, 2013 I organised a tour with Mr Dung and we thoroughly enjoyed it. He couldn't have been more helpful and we saw the real way of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane D Posted December 5, 2013 #13 Share Posted December 5, 2013 A small group of us booked a tour to the waterfalls with dung Pham in October,2013. we had enjoyed the countryside tour with him two years ago and this excursion was just as wonderful.Booking the excursion on line with Dung Pham was very easy.He responds to emails very promptly and is clear about what he can offer. He was waiting for us at the dock when we arrived and had a nice air conditioned bus waiting for us with a great driver.Pham hosted the group and was very good pointing out highlights along the drive to the waterfall.as we made many stops for pictures,swim in the hot pools,cultural show,he was meticulous about keeping watch on everyone and helping when necessary.Lunch was delightful and a good time was had by all. We were back to the ship at the scheduled time and even fit in a stop at the embroidery factory where many beautiful gifts were purchased. As I said two years ago,I have no hesitation recommending Pham and his tour company.Extremely well organized and great value for the dollar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crnatraveler Posted December 7, 2013 #14 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Was there in October, was an AMAZING, WONDERFUL tour. Highly recommend this tou, fantastic value! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tseda1 Posted December 24, 2013 #15 Share Posted December 24, 2013 Have just been on a twenty eight day Holland America cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong. Have taken private excursions at all the ports. This excursion was far and away the best not only of this cruise but of all 24 previous cruises I've taken. Pham is not only knowledgeable but funny as well. He takes everything into account and accommodates special needs and requests as well. His services are extremely reasonably priced. I give him the highest of ratings. If you want a truly professional tour guide with no surprises or hassles then choose to tour with Pham. w.w.w.nhatrangrivertour.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judyelg Posted December 25, 2013 #16 Share Posted December 25, 2013 We also took the special countryside tour with Dung Phan's company. We were met promptly and felt we had plenty of time to see everything. Our guide, Huy was knowledgeable and spoke very good English. He readjusted our schedule to ensure that there were no other tour groups at our various stops and was willing to add other places that people requested. We arrived back at the ship with plenty of time to shop at the pier before the ship sailed. Judyelg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffindor Posted January 15, 2014 #17 Share Posted January 15, 2014 We have signed up for this tour and there are 6 more available. They had good reviews. There are two groups from Volendam already booked with them and we are the third group. Please read the following and email phamtours@yahoo.com directly if you are interested. Port of Call: Nha Trang Nha Trang Special Countryside + City Tour by bus + River Cruise $60 USD/person for a group of 10 tourists Pick-up outside the port, then tour around by bus. This is specially tailor-made excursions. Exploring the country trails, village's life, town and farms, pagoda, the best way to experience the "true" Vietnamese countryside. Through countryside trails, villages towns and farms.. This countryside tour offers you a fascinating insight into the "real lives" of everyday people who are the backbone of Vietnam . Just a few kilometers from Nha Trang’s beach front is the picturesque countryside dotted with palm trees, fruit orchards and irrigated rice paddies. The first stop of the tour is an embroidery factory . Driving through miles of flat rice fields to a rural village, enjoy the opportunity to interact with the local people as they go about their daily lives, with farming and cottage industries as their primary source of income. The village path leads us to the home of one family who weave mats from rushes which grow abundantly in the surrounding area. Two people working together will weave just four mats in a day, which will be taken to the local market and traded for food and other essentials. Pagoda Orphanage: where it shelters and cares for over 120 abandoned, orphaned or street children. They range from several months to 9 years of age. The children of the orphanage are taken care of by a group of Buddhist nuns and volunteers. Their goal is to provide the children with a safe and caring environment which lessens their misfortune and gives their lives greater purpose and meaning. Being a private organization, the orphanage is trying to provide its children food, shelter, health and education. The nuns and volunteers at the orphanage have devoted their lives for the wonderful mission - helping the orphans. Tourists can take photos of Amitabha Buddha statue at a height of 48 meters. Rice paper making: One of the most typical food from rice steamed and processed into round piece dried in the sun on the bamboo brackets that are on sale in the inns or shops. Conical hat making village: Conical hat making village: Manual skill work by women, it's also your gift for your friends when toward home. Ancient house: these are traditionally laid out in the same manner throughout the village. Ancestor worship is an important part of daily life in Vietnam and a large area of these small houses is usually reserved for the family altar. Next, pass through a fruit orchard boasting a plentiful supply of tropical fruits. Lunch at a riverside restaurant Ponagar Temples . An outstanding example of Cham architecture, situated on Mount Cu Lao this hillside offers panoramic views of the surrounding. Visit Dam Market for shopping. 15:00 Drop-off at the port. End of service Including: private bus, river boats, local guide, admission fees, Vietnamese lunch, fruit in season in the countryside. Excluding: alcoholic drink, personal expenses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapu Posted January 15, 2014 #18 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Is this the Zoom tour? Did you say where you wanted to go or did he make the decisions. This thread is not talking about the tours with Zoom. Dung Pham is a different tour operator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birubi Posted March 12, 2014 #19 Share Posted March 12, 2014 We did the Special Countryside+City Bus Tour+river cruise with Mr Pham from Volendam in February. A whole day tour with pick up and return to the port. We had the most wonderful time. The bus was comfortable, clean and airconditioned. The driver was excellent. The guide was very informative and attentive to our needs. The countryside tour took us to very interesting places. We stopped at the local baker, visited the silk factory where we saw the process of silk making from the silk worms to the finished product and stopped to watch the reed mat making. Not one of us could resist the purchase of a conical hat for $1 after viewing how they were made and we were all fascinated by the production of rice noodles. I did not feel that buying was necessary at any of the stops. Getting on and off the river boat for the River Cruise was a bit of a challenge but there were lots of helping hands and the trip itself was good with plenty of everyday activities to see. I could go on and on but suffice to say I thought it was a great days tour and value for money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodlands3 Posted April 25, 2014 #20 Share Posted April 25, 2014 WE HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED THE CRUISE (APRIL 2-15) ON DIAMOND PRINCESS FROM SINGAPORE to TOKYO. During our stop in Nha Trang a group of 8 people took the full day Town and Couuntryside tour provided by Dung Pham. We all found the tour to be excellent with a varied itinerary and extremely well organised by Dung Pham. The tour was definitely value for money and we would highly recommend using Dung Pham for tours of Nha Trang and surrounding areas. Thanks Dung for your excellent tour. http://www.nhatrangrivertour.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodlands3 Posted April 25, 2014 #21 Share Posted April 25, 2014 We have recently completed the cruise on Diamond Princess from Singapore to Tokyo (April 02 - 15). A group of 23 people from Diamond Princess booked a private full day tour with Tommy Dao Trung Xuan <tommyxuanha@gmail.com> . We were picked up at Chan May port and the drive to Hoi An took us through Da Nang town crossing the Dragon bridge with stops at marble mountain and a beautilful beach prior to reaching Hoi An. The walking tour through historic Hoi An was extensive and very exciting visiting many places of interest. Lunch at a riverside restaurant was good fun. Everything about the day was perfect which was totally down to Tommy with his extensive knowledge of the area and his very pleasant and amusing personality (on the return journey to port he treated us to his singing of popular Vietnamese songs). It would be very difficult to improve this tour and I would not hesitate to recommend him for tours in Da Nang and near-by areas. Visited April 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodlands3 Posted April 28, 2014 #22 Share Posted April 28, 2014 We arranged a day tour from a recent Diamond Princess cruise (April 2014) to HCMC with Zoom Tours. The tour was very good thanks to an an excellent tour guide, Mr Tuc who we readily recommend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Vict0riann Posted April 29, 2014 #23 Share Posted April 29, 2014 As this thread is about Dung Pham's tour in Nha Trang, I thought I would add my 5 cents worth. We were part of a CC group of 17, and I think everyone on the tour had a wonderful day. It was probably our best tour in Vietnam. Highly recommended.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easy traveller Posted September 24, 2014 #24 Share Posted September 24, 2014 We are hoping to tour with Dung in February - he is highly recommended on Trip Advisor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takaro Posted November 3, 2014 #25 Share Posted November 3, 2014 October 2014 Diamond Princess, Booked countryside tour with Mr Phams company. There were just the four of us and we had one of his guides who was just great, Mr Pham we met as he was also out with a bigger group and several times we crossed over. It was so nice to have a break from Temples and crowds and get a bit more out into the countryside see a different perspective we also liked the fact it included a fresh fruit stop at a heritage property very welcome. WE also saw how they make and dry rice noodles coolie hats and woven matting yes you can buy if you wish but no high pressure. We also made a stop at a childrens orphanage and as it was the afternoon they were all asleep very quiet and interesting buildings donations if you wish no pressure. Our lunch stop was top marks by the river freshly cooked and hot. You have to remember this is Vietnam not the U.K. yes it is different that is the whole point of going if you only want to shop for souveniers you can. I would not hesitate to recommend for content and value for a full day we paid nothing until the end of the day, If you want something different ask I am sure he will do his best to supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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