He went above and beyond to make are experience as amazing and memorable as possible and if there were any problems he would help solve them as quickly as possible.
This was a fantastic cycling holiday and excellent way to see a good part of Vietnam and experience its culture from the bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, to historical cities such as Hoi An and Hue, as well as local villages and varying countryside. The trip is well balanced between biking (8 of 14 days), other activities (i.e. exploring the Cu Chi tunnels, caving, snorkeling, touring historic sites, shopping, etc.) and rest days at some idyllic locations (Whale Island, Ha Long Bay). The biking is rated as moderate and geared for biking enthusiasts or generally fit people as its mostly flat, some undulating sections, some "upulating" sections as our guide liked to characterize the predominantly uphill sections, a few tough climbs and a couple of super fun descents! The first few days on cycling is outside Ho Chi Minh, a bit busy and not too interesting (although the destinations were great). Thereafter the cycling becomes much more interesting and really fun! The trip is extremely well organized - I can't say enough good things about our guide Son and the rest of the team. Our group of 17 was diverse but bonded quickly, were very supportive of one another (even to those who spread the Canadian cold around...) and enjoyed a lot of laughs and Tiger beer together, and even some singalongs with "Kennaoke" and his ukulele! The food and accommodation exceeded our expectations, and the Vietnamese people are extremely friendly and hospitable. Fantastic trip, don't hesitate to do this one!
We went in November and encountered rain/hail on 3 of our 7 days on Machame route. Not getting wet on the mountain is your absolute nr 1 priority. So here are a few tips: + Prepare for rain: Make sure you get waterproof pants (with closing zips for snack bars/phone) and thermals to wear underneath. The pants are usually not warm because they wick so you need the thermals above 3km elevation. Wind can also be chilly so get thermals for your upper body and a buff, and wearing a long sleeve shirt over it. A snow jacket might be too warm as the sun comes and goes and it really bakes you. + Poncho: When it starts to rain really hard, you need a decent poncho. Everything is going to be wet and you dont know when the rain is going to stop. It could be half a day long. Rake out the extra bucks and get a proper one - not a cheap plastic one. + Plastic bags: If you dont have a proper waterproof* (not water resistant) duffelbag, keeping everything in plastic bags inside is a must. Your porter will be carrying your duffel inside another bigger duffel but you never know. Also, you want to seperate your day's wet/sweaty clothes from the rest so bring extra bags along - as well as for your shoes (the mud in camp and the toilets are not always the cleanest) If you get wet, you dont get dry. Everything that's wet will freeze at high altitute. Makes use of the sun to dry things over your tent if you can. Getting the extra liner for your sleeping bag also helps keep things warm. You can also sleep with your damp clothes on during the night and your body heat will dry it out. + Walk slow. You use less energy and and you sweat less. Less sweat = dry clothes = not freezing at high altitudes. + Water. Get a 2 litre or more water bladder. Just. Get. It. Since you walk all the time, it will be your main source of water intake. There's no time to stop every 15min to open the backpack for a water bottle. Lastly, it is okay to throw up. If the altitude gets you, play along with it. You will feel 100% better afterwards. And getting sleep and enough water you will adjust and not feel symptoms again. The food was really good. Starters every night, followed by a main course and tea/hot chocolate afterwards. Overall it was an amazing experience and will remember it forever. TL;DR: Rain kicks your ass. Prepare to fight it!