We decided to not “go it alone” as we usually do. On the advice of a friend we contacted Lam with a list of what we wanted to see and do and within what time frame. We were almost immediately send a detailed itinerary which acknowledged all we had requested and lots more and for a very good price! And we realised at the end of the tour, very good value! The accommodation was great where-ever we were, transport efficient and punctual. Information given to us by the tour guides was excellent. Kata Tran who works in the Asia Pioneer office in Hanoi went out of her way to cater to all our requests and even provided us with Vietnamese specialities to eat on the overnight train to Sapa. Yum. Another impressive thing was when we were met at Hanoi train station on our return very early in the morning and provided with a hotel room for a couple of hours to freshen up before leaving for Hue. We highly recommend Asia Pioneer.