I somewhat unexpectedly found myself in Hanoi for work, and was able to extend my trip by four days (I have never traveled in SE Asia before). I wanted to find something that was going to completely blow my mind (and also be something that I would never do with my wife and children). Rather than go to Halong Bay or Sapa, I chose to go on the 4 day tour with QT, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I was equally thrilled by the scenery as by the company of travelers I found myself with (incandescently brilliant humans, if any of you out there are reading this I love you), BUT QT and his teams are magicians. We got pretty lucky with the weather, but the itinerary seemed so well thought out that we found ourselves at the right places at the right times. Examples: Sunset rides, sunset waterfall swim, and coffee shacks with unimaginably perfect views just when you need an ice cream or a shot of caffeine.
I rode my own bike, which I was initially a bit nervous about, but I got the exact right amount of support from Kai, Minh, Noi, and Mé. I felt they were always looking after me, and I'll be forever grateful for the kindness they showed me. When things went wrong, as they inevitably will do with a group of 18 travelers, they knew how to expertly make things right (eg repair a broken mirror or flat tires). The QT Team worked tirelessly to take thoughtful care of us all, and to share their country with us.
Some highlights: unexpected visits to a cave complex, river boat tour through a gorge, and cliff and bridge jumping into cool water at the end of a dusty day. The food was uniformly really tasty, and the menus incredibly well planned to be just adventurous enough to make us feel we were having comfort food (not too far out of comfort zones) - there was soup for breakfast if you wanted it, but also western options (ie pancakes). For lunch and dinner, think delicious springrolls and hotpots and a range of yummy vegetables and tofu dishes, accompanied by white rice. Simple, filling, healthy food - and always enough of it to feel stuffed if that's your thing :-).
Once we arrived in town, there was the customary scramble to secure a bed in a bunk room (expect a youth hostel environment), then a little time to explore the village/town before dinner. The after-dinner routine worked perfectly for me (this young-at-heart 51-year old American misses his hosteling days on a Eurail pass), but it won't work for everyone: Where I saw a thoughtful inclusive way to get strangers to connect joyfully (rounds of shots of "happy water" followed by karaoke), less charitable folks may think "loud backpackers being supported in drinking heavily" - if you aren't into partying with backpackers, don't forget your earplugs :-).
Shoutouts:
QT: (the mastermind behind this operation) is committed to showing his guests a great time. When I saw the drum-kit set up under the karaoke screen on the first night, I knew things were going to get wild. Thanks for the shrimp, my friend. Keep practicing those drums :-).
Kai: The group leader - I'll always remember your inspiring leadership of your team. You worked so hard for us all; pure gold, you are! (and I loved singing with you).
Noi: I especially appreciated the quick trip into the next village for some textile shopping <3, but your efforts and openness to more deeply connecting through meaningful conversation using Google translate are a testament to your commitment to going above and beyond as a host and a leader. I hope you'll continue to improve your English in the coming years because a lot of travelers have a lot to learn from you. I recommend Duolingo! Much love and gratitude to you.
Apologies for getting personal in such a public spot, but if you've read this far, you can tell I had the time of my life and I recommend it with all my heart.