Reflections

This tour was a lot of fun, in fact it was fantastic.  It was great to have the other Aussies along, especially the ones I knew already.   

This was my first fully organised and supported tour.  Would I do another fully supported and organised tour?  Probably not at this stage as I feel there is too much wasted time sitting around waiting for other people.  Also I am not the type of person who likes to be locked into someone else’s schedule.  Having done so many independent tours I like my freedom.  

Some places needed more time, others less.  That said parts of Asia would be difficult to do unsupported without having done this tour as a recon.  One thing that was a bit disappointing, we changed guides and drivers at each of the border crossings (except for Bien who was with us all the way) which was a bit of a pain getting used to new people all the time.  You were also obliged to tip each one as they came and went briefly.  The money was not an issue as a reasonable tip was normally US$1.  The guide in Vietnam, Sogern, was more of a navigator than a guide as he wouldn’t point out interesting places or explain anything unless prompted to do so.  Bien was a very nice bloke, always helpful and informative.

I would have preferred to pay the single room supplement (only $300) and get a room to myself.  However, Kev (also my room-mate on the Victorian Tour and Eastern Euro 2011 tour) had asked me so I couldn’t really refuse.  He is a good room-mate though, makes absolutely no noise at all during the night, is very considerate and I do enjoy the company.    

Costs: 

Airfares: $1,300 (Qantas – code-share with Vietnam Airlines)
Bike tour: $2,200 (including a mountain bike, all meals, accommodation, transfers, entrance fees).
Spending Money: $361 (including drinks, snacks, tips and purchase of souvenirs).

Total cost: $3,861.