I usually travel independently but feel this tour gave me access to an extraordinary range of experiences and encounters. The hiking, biking and kayaking definitely stretched me physically (two of the cycling days cover 80km and 90km, though with a back-up vehicle ready to provide a break at any time) but what I hadn't expected was the level of insight into Laos life from staying in a local "hotel" hut hours of hiking from the river, to dipping into roadside markets as we cycled down country lanes, to understanding so much more about the significance of the temples we visited. Our Tiger Trails tour guide Mr Cha was truly excellent: understated in style but a fantastic source of insights. I thoroughly enjoyed the food and wide range of lodgings - though at the more basic, you need to know that a Western flush toilet is a luxury! - and I heartily recommend this trip.