Most Inspirational Moment
For me the highlights were staying on a junk in Halong Bay, cycling to the beach at Cua Dai, the train ride on the Reunification Express and visiting the Mekong Delta, although all of it was fascinating. The Vietnamese people were very friendly despite their horrific past. Also the food was wonderful and varied from a seafood lunch on board a junk to a DIY barbecue, not forgetting the elephant fish and pineapple spring rolls in the Mekong Delta and a couple of upmarket restaurants in Hoi An and Saigon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader, Thang, was very efficient and helpful. Any problems, such as dietary restrictions, were dealt with smoothly. If we needed a taxi he would speak to the driver and ensure they had the correct instructions. He also gave us a lot of insight into the Vietnamese way of life with anecdotes about his own life, family and work. His knowledge of the history and politics of Vietnam was encyclopaedic and I don’t think there was a single question he was unable to answer. As well as this he joined in with the group socially although at times he must have been exhausted. At our request he organised a cooking lesson in Hoi An, which had not been on the original agenda. One of the group was presented with a surprise cake on his birthday, which Thang had also organised with the restaurant. I don’t think he could have done more to have made the trip a success. His knowledge and good humour made him the perfect team leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I also agree that it should be mentioned on the trip notes that there were laundry services available at least twice during the trip. It was also unnecessary to take a towel as these were supplied by the hotels, even towels to take to the pool / beach. Pack light – you may need a thin waterproof for the north depending on which time of year you are going, and lightweight clothing for the south. Do make sure you have plenty of space to take back souvenirs. and haggle for them – this is part of the Vietnamese way of life. You will need plenty of mosquito repellent especially when you travel to the south and the Mekong Delta.
Suggestions
Go as soon as possible in order to see a way of life that will disappear fast once tourism takes hold.