The itinerary was well thought out, with safe cycling and views/historical locations, plus comfortable bus transfers exactly as set out in the itinerary. The sleeper train was well managed and a lot of fun, and the junk outing was great, a very good way to visit Halong. The refreshment stops were at selected roadside cafes with European style facilities. We tried different things, but always had the option of fruit/snacks and tea/ coffee. We each paid a small sum into a whip round, which the guides used to buy fresh fruit every day, as well as wrapped snacks. Our guide was brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble and he helped when eg someone’s phone broke, and eg when an individual needed a doctor for a condition unrelated to the tour. Hotels were good, indeed better than expected. We always had one of the team leading every ride, and another at the back of the group, so no one was ever left alone, and any bike mechanicals were quickly fixed. One rider did have a problematic e-bike whose power unit may have been faulty, and although that proved difficult to fix that rider was fully supported at all times. The mix of cycling sections and bus sections was as described, and while some days a little more time on the bike might have been welcome, road conditions were obviously part of the planning; we never cycled on a road where I felt unsafe. No one raced ahead or got lost. We boarded the bus to leave or enter busy cities. We visited several bustling cities each with their own character. The guide always recommended a couple of restaurant options, including music spots or particular market food places, and the hotels were central enough for exploring. I was travelling with friends, but I would have felt safe and comfortable walking around the towns alone in my hotel areas. The cities all had ATMs and some cash was useful for small purchases, but all the shops and services we used accepted card payments. Sometimes they charge a 2-3% surcharge, which was explained before the transaction. I found Vietnam a friendly, welcoming place. People are pleased to see tourists, and we never encountered any hostility, not ever felt we had been cheated, nor felt unsafe.
