How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Excellent.  He managed to balance perfectly providing us with information and guidance without being controlling so allowing us plenty of freedom to explore independently.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Don't expect an out and out walking holiday.  The walking that is done is relatively easy over short distances.  Be prepared for some very 'basic' conditions in one of the homestays.

Do you have anything else to add?

In my opinion, Explore are very good at organising holidays that allow people to truly experience places visited without unnecessarily cushioning from the realities of being there.

Even though I had read that February is the foggiest month in the mountains of north Vietnam I was still expecting sun, blue sky & stunning views of terraced valleys.  But what I got was so much better.  The thick mist & rain which obliterated any view until we reached the valley bottom was a sobering reminder of just how hard life is for the hilltribe people.  Thick mud would find its way into their flimsy wooden homes whilst everything they own would be damp for months on end.  And yet they continue to produce their handicrafts for sale at market day in day out in an effort to preserve their culture.  I have such admiration for them.  If you want sun and sand go to Majorca, if you want a slice of the real world, go on this trip.  We were able to return to our hotel for a hot shower and dry clothing...and experience the other parts of the trip in good weather but my lasting memory is of a group of young girls sitting together outdoors doing intricate crossstitch as the chilly mist swirled around them.

If you expect a purely walking trip, this isn't for you.  Although there are at least 2 purely walking point to point days and then days with walking included returning to the same base on 3 other days .This is clearly written in the Dossier and thus includes other sightseeing and recreational days. Also the optional bike rides are another important area to include in your planning to encompass all facets of the ethnic diversity of Northern Vietnam. Remember to include a fair amount of spending money for all the meals not included and optional Biking, Mountain Biking, visits to the Market etc. Overall a stunning trip (QVH -1st September 2011)