Wonderful Experience in Da Nang and My Son with Xuan Tu!
Xuan Tu surely brought Central Vietnam’s sights, beauty and culture to life during our full day tour with her to Da Nang and My Son. The booking experience with Xuan Tu was easy from start to finish. She is an excellent communicator, responsive and speaks perfect English. She listened to our preferences and put together a thoughtful itinerary with a perfect mix of modern day food and culture, and beautiful, historical sights infused with spiritual perspective. It is clear that Xuan Tu has very deep knowledge of Vietnam’s past and present, but what’s even more apparent is her passion for her country. She also has an astute, diplomatic approach and communication style, and very easily adapts to other personality types (for those like me who aren’t adventurous eaters!), religions and cultures (she demonstrated wonderful sensitivity when discussing the “American War” and visiting the pagodas). The itinerary she created for us was very authentic (sharing her local market and favorite eatery with us was unforgettable), timed perfectly (the tranquility of My Son at sunset was a wonderful way to experience a sanctuary) and truly opened our eyes to life in Vietnam. We wish we could bring Xuan Tu to our other destinations in Vietnam! 5 well-deserved stars. — Traveller: runnergal1282 from Tripadvisor
A road less-travelled: An authentic taste of Danang and My Son
At first, I was skeptical that a local tour operator could garner so many 5 star reviews. After spending a full-day with Xuan Tu, I can say that the accolades are real. At the start of our tour, I told Xuan Tu, “I want the REAL day-to-day experience of Danang locals. I don’t want to be surrounded by tourists. I want to eat what you eat. Shop where you shop.” Xuan Tu delivered. After seeing the must-see sites (Marble Mountain and the Lady Buddha Statue) of which Xuan Tu had encyclopedic knowledge, Xuan Tu brought us to an open-air market where her family usually shops for kitchen ingredients. We tasted various treats wrapped in banana leaf, explored fresh peppers and fruits, and tasted savory dumplings — ingredients you’d never find in a western supermarket. Next, we went to the Danang furniture district and walked down an obscure alley way to find a small restaurant with knee-high tables and stools. We feasted on a variety of local dishes that I’d never find in a U.S. Vietnamese restaurant. I can’t even properly pronounce the names of the dishes, but they were out-of-this-world delicious and fresh. I remember the ingredients. Dried shrimp paste, rice-based wraps, fresh scallions, quail eggs, Vietnamese pate and sausage, mangos, etc. Vietnamese cuisine is so much more than just pho and nem. You don’t know Vietnamese food until you’ve tried “Vietnamese Pizza.” No foreigners were in sight. The place began to fill up with locals sitting down for a quick lunch. On our way to My Son, Xuan Tu shared more insights. The importance of buildings and sites we passed. How local Vietnamese view the “American War” — back then and today. It is clear that Xuan Tu studies the history and seeks to connect that history to present-day places and people. She is as much a guide for today, and bridge to yesterday. She shared what she learned from previous clients, Vietnam war vets and their families from the U.S., and how they felt when they returned to Vietnam 50+ years later to reconnect with their traumatic past. Xuan Tu is an old soul with a kind heart. She has a genuine interest in learning about her visitors as much as we are curious about her country. I recommend you hire Xuan Tu soon before her time becomes even more scarce when the hotels and The Lonely Planet begin recommending her. We are so happy to have met her! — Traveller: Jeffery T from Tripadvisor
Xuan Tu Tours
We had enjoyed our holiday in Danang with our tour guide, Mr Lam and his assistant. Every guide speak good English and all were very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, there was a raining season during our travel. However, Mr Lam did a great job we had opportunity to experience more local restaurants with all delicious food at affordable price. We highly recommend to everyone planning a visit. We hope to come back again. — Traveller: KLMsia from Tripadvisor
Goede tour en gids, maar minder waarde
Hebben een privé tour gehad in Da Nang, Hoi An, Marble Mountans. De gids sprak goed Engels en had goede kennis over het gebied. We vonden het een teleurstelling dat de lunch niet inclusief was. We betaalde $310,- voor 2 personen. De gids drong wel aan op het nuttigen van de lunch, ze had het beste restaurant uitgezocht en ze had honger. Wij niet meer. We hadden met PayPal een aanbetaling gedaan en moesten nog $248,- ter plekke betalen. Natuurlijk hadden ze die 2 dollar niet terug. Het gaat niet om het geld, de vanzelfsprekendheid dat die “rijke” Europeanen alles wel betalen en ook de gids voeden ging ons wat ver. — Traveller: Luc d from Tripadvisor
Hoi An day tour
We booked this tour for Hoi An after arriving in Da Nang. It was last minute but they were able to accommodate us. We were picked up at our hotel and shuttled off to Hoi An for a full day of experiences. We rode bikes and met locals, enjoyed some amazing food. It rained on us but we ducked into a restaurant for some local beer. We lot lanterns and releases them down the river. It is a beautiful city that really comes alive at night. This tour gave us some great opportunities that we wouldn’t haven’t gotten. Don’t miss out. — Traveller: Jay B from Tripadvisor