Vietnam Luxury Family Tour Review, Cu-Chi Tunnels, Farmer to Fisherman Tour in Hoi An, Biking Through Rice Paddies, Vespa Tour

I cannot say enough about the quality of the guides that were provided to us. Throughout the entire trip, we had only two- so we were able to really get to know them, and vice versa. The first guide flew up north to Hanoi from where he lived in the south because our trip planner was concerned that all of his really exceptional english speaking guides were already booked up north (Christmas season) - so - for the price of flying him to Hanoi- an inexpensive interior flight- he accompanied us everywhere with our own private van and driver. His competence with the english language was such that he could discuss details concerning every aspect of Vietnamese culture- which we greatly enjoyed. The range of topics included the education system, the healthcare system (pretty much nonexistent) the political overtones present in society, the extent of propaganda contained in all treatment of the "AMERICAN " war, the criminal justice system, etc. Nothing was taboo or over his head!
One of the highlights of the trip was in Hoi An- where we spent most of a day doing the FARMER TO FISHERMAN tour- which was exceptional. We all have an interest in, and some knowledge of, farming techniques here in America. After a short and lovely backroad bike ride, through rice paddies complete with water buffalos doing their thing, we arrived at an organic farm where the 75 yr old matriarch proceed to demo for us how she grows the gorgeous micro greens that she sells for a good price to the restaurants- she had us do the watering with the ancient method she still uses (cans on a stick over your shoulders) explained how she uses the seaweeds as fertilizer, protects the plants from birds and bugs etc. We enjoyed ourselves so much we didn't want to leave! Ill try to send some photos of the farm experience. The second part of the tour- fishing, was also fascinating, as we learned first hand about the beautiful nets they use- and got to try our hand at it- my one son actually threw the net successfully, and got some fish. 
Do not mean to give short shrift to our second guide, who was closer to my age than our other guide, and so had a slightly different perspective on things. He was old enough to have lived through the war, though as a child. It was wonderful to hear him speak about it from a personal perspective, and highlight just how important tourism is to the lifeblood of this country today, in that most of the country is living on a subsistence level.
Another highlight of the trip was the vespa tour in Saigon. I know it sounds both cheesy and dangerous, especially after trying to navigate the streets of Saigon as a pedestrian  (Hanoi as well) and survive the thousands of motorbikes, none of whom seem like they're inclined to stop for you. Being on the back of one, with a highly vetted driver in front, is an absolute blast. We went to several local eateries and had beers and different local specialties, then ended the night in a coffee house for dessert, which also sounds tacky- but trust me- it was over the top. Ill try to get one of the video clips of the performer posted.