Most Inspirational Moment
Being welcomed into the local way of life up close and personal. And Han long bay was just stunning!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lingh was absolutely fantastic! Everything was brilliantly organised. Nothing was too much trouble - from retrieving forgotten shampoo from previous hotel, checking each room after we had left and checked ourselves, sorting taxis, where best to buy specific gifts and often going himself to ensure best deals, advise on when and how to barter, selecting amazing lunch venues, ensuring a glass supplied with cans of drink, I could go on...... Lingh was entertaining when informing us about Vietnam, it's people, culture, ways of life, and he was very knowledgeable on a huge variety of topics - war, religion, regional work, crops, education..... He got the perfect balance between educating us and leaving us to soak up the atmosphere or sleep! Lingh ensured we understood what was planned each day, how far we would cycle, how hilly, when we would stop for breaks, eat, so we could decide whether to cycle or bus a stage, although we all chose to cycle as he inspired us with his just do it positive attitude. Whilst our group was a very friendly supportive bunch of people, Lingh was certainly the glue that stuck us all together in the background or leading from the front as appropriate. He made a great holiday into a fantastic one!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some training for a couple of months beforehand if not a cyclist already. There are a couple of days with stages that are quite hilly and challenging. Other days maybe flat, but up to 100 km, in heat. So a good general fitness, bum sore savy I.e.take your own seat if familiar and liked, and a good pair of padded, lightweight, cycling shorts is very useful.. Cream up! Mosquitos not a major problem if sprayed up. Rehydration tabs worked for me cos boy do you sweat! Although salty snacks, fluid and fruit is plentiful at each break! Don't need own snacks, water bottle holder. Do need cycle bag to carry camera, own water bottle. Also ruck sack bag to leave on bus so can have creams, money, change of clothes.....