2013-05-06 Angela F. from Australia

Tourist nationality: Australia

Tour itinerary: Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Korla, Kucha, Aksu, Khotan, Kashgar, Tashkurgan

Tour Reviews:

Hi Sabrina,

Many thanks and yes definitely have some comments and suggestions!

I will write an email to you over the next day or so, still sorting out photos as well!

We had a great time and look forward to planning the next trip.

Kind regards

Angela

1. Guide Service and Shops

In general, what did you think of our guide service? Did the tour guides speak clearly and politely to make themselves understood? Did any guides stand out for reasons good or bad?

All of our guides were very good in particular John and Nur and our driver Mr Dong.

On the itinerary provided where it shows the hours to be driven each day these were not very accurate as we took far longer each day and only really stopped for photo opportunities and the places listed as per the itinerary.

We didn’t have trouble understanding our guides and John was very knowledgeable as was Martin, it was good having Nur as this gave us a different view of Xinjiang.

2. Driver Service and Vehicle

How did you feel about our driver service? Was your tour vehicle clean and equipped with air-conditioners?

Mr Dong’s vehicle was immaculate and spent every day making sure the car was clean. We had air conditioners that worked well as well.

The van was good too as we were sitting higher and probably had more leg room as well.

3. Meals

What did you think of the meals arranged by us? Did you have any favorites or dislikes? Why?

We really enjoyed the local food wherever we were and probably some of the best food that we have encountered in touring around China. We particularly liked the yoghurt. Most places we were able to get something for breakfast but will cover this in the hotel section.

We do not expect our guides to entertain us at night but it is definitely important to make sure that we know where we can go for dinner and to provide suggestions, most nights we had dinner with our guides which was their choice as well and this was good too.

4. Hotels

How did you feel about the hotels we selected for you? Which was your favorite? Were there any you wouldn’t recommend to other travelers? Why?

Will start with the list of hotels and provide comments on each:

Turpan Petro Hotel – we were very comfortable here and one of the few hotels that actually had Wifi! Good breakfast where we could have yoghurt and fruit and the rooms were comfortable and clean. Also had tea, coffee and juices.

Korla Kangcheng Hotel – Average hotel and certainly was not 5 star

Kucha International Hotel – by far the worst hotel! Very tired, screens hanging off our window, no hot water and breakfast was non-existent for us where you could not even get a cup of tea! Breakfast was also served in the dark as they are doing some renovations. Would not stay there again. Quite surprised that a couple of the hotels you could not get a cup of tea at breakfast?

Aksu Yilong Hotel – was clean and comfortable but no wifi. The only hotel that had wifi was Turpan and Kashgar! The others had a cable but who travels like that these days? It is all Ipads etc. At least the location of this hotel had us in the city centre.

Hotan Westlake Yindu Hotel – Clean and comfortable and by far the best hotel so far! Best western breakfast too.

Kashgar Grand Yinruilin Hotel – very new hotel and very comfortable rooms and great beds and even managed to get some English TV channels! Great breakfast too and also have Wifi. The only downside is the location which is out of the city centre and means there is nowhere to walk to and require taxis to go anywhere.

Tashkurgan Crowne Plaza Hotel – Very basic but comfortable and clean. Our shower was hopeless but the owners are still in the process of upgrading so hopefully will be much better. Limited hot water as well. Very good breakfast and could get tea, coffee and juice.

Hoi Tak Hotel – was very comfortable and clean. Currently undergoing renovations of 1st and 2nd floor so check-in was on the 3rd floor. No Wifi, very good breakfast with good selection of both western and non-western food, various juices, coffee and tea. Good location as this is in the city centre

5. References

Would you mind serving as a reference and sending me some of your group photos? Do you allow us to post your comments on our website?

Happy to serve as a reference and can send you some other photos too.

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and had great guides and drivers. We felt very safe at all times.

I would definitely recommend you to my friends and again really do stress that it is important to understand who your client is and what they want to get out of the itineraries. By providing a far more comprehensive list of options and ideas means that clients can tailor the tour to suit their interests.

Some of the best highlights that Dale and I encountered was going to local bazaars and markets and seeing how the different ethnic minorities live and gave us an insight into their lives, some of their customs and traditions. For us that is what travelling is all about as well as seeing amazing scenery and learning some of the history and also being able to pick up unique souvenirs that are unique to that area.

I hope you find this information useful and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Cheers!

Angela

2013-5-6