Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were insperational moments every day, i.e: Riding along the countryside together with the lovely people in the group. The homestay in Mekong delta - being out into the jungle - listening to the sounds of the animals in the night.The wonder of Angkor Wat.Learning about the horror of Killing fields. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was a marvellous leader: he always tried to do the best for us. Always nice and smiling and caring. He is the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring padded shorts and suncreamBring dollars, small notesArrive one day ahead to cope with the jetlagBring small gifts to give to the local children on your wayJust book now - it's a wonderful trip  

Most Inspirational Moment

Long cycling rides in 35+ degree temperatures through rural villages, being waived to and smiled at by the friendly locals, the amazing sites of the Wats, the sadness of the killing fields and S21, the interesting history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, nice hotels, good food (and plenty of it), a night on an island in the Mekong Delta, relaxed and quiet with a cold beer on the verandah and even a cooking lesson if you want it, great travelling companions and last but certainly not least, a great tour leader (Rit).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Rit was superb. He was cool, calm and collected at all times, friendly, helpful and always smiling. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was always availble to help with any problems that arose (not that there were very many of those). He was well supported by the teams in each of the three countries we visited and a special mention to Mr Black (owner of the cycle hire company in Thailand) and also Mr Nod, who cycled at the back of the pack to ensure no one was left behind. Mr Black was also an accomplished photographer and took thousands of excellent photos of everybody in the group as we cycled along. Also a BIG thankyou to Rit and the team who organised a surpirse ice cream birthday cake and photo slideshow for my partner at the evening meal. Also a thank you to Mr Lam in Vietnam for letting us visit his home village for lunch with his family and being very informative during our Vietnam visit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack - there are two places to do laundry on the trip so you really only need 7 days of clothing.Ensure you bring some insect spray (Deet) many of us were bitten by mozzies.Bring a 32gb usb memory stick as Mr Black (see above) is happy to put all of the photos / videos of the group on it for you, alternatively he does put them on facebook as well.When you go to the Cu Chi tunnels, there is the opportunity to fire some guns at a firing range, you are offered the empty shells as a souvenir, but as I found out at the airport on departure you will most likely be stopped and have them removed (slightly worrying at the time)As you will be visitng three countries an exhange rate convertor app on your phone would be useful.Bring a day pack for carrying your essentials, cameras, sun lotion etc, but you won't need to cycle with it (leave in the support vehicle) we had regualr stops when cycling and the refreshments provided - fresh fuit, choc bars, peanut brittle etc and cold water were plentiful. There are also rehydration sachets available so no need to bring those.

Most Inspirational Moment

The local people were the biggest inspiration; many of them live humble, uncluttered lives, work hard and seem genuinely happy. Others – such as our guide at the Killing Fields – had been directly affected by conflict but used their experience to really bring the country’s history to life. Also worthy of a mention was the day on which I heard the most beautiful music coming from a forest which ran alongside the road. I thought it was a temple - or someone playing an instrument during a break from their work. It was truly a magical moment, when – from behind the trees – emerged a couple of blokes in a van piled high with bric-a-brac with their radio on… 

Thoughts on Group Leader

From the moment we arrived - after almost a day in transit – to our farewells at Ho Chi Minh airport, Rit’s cheerful demeanour, sense of humour and absolute professionalism stood out. He is passionate about cycling and I had complete confidence that he’d make sure we had fun but stayed safe from any crazy drivers while out and about. Nothing was ever too much bother for Rit – he was there at breakfast to answer any questions or offer a bit of sympathy in return for tales of ‘undulating’ bellies. He made sure we knew how to get our laundry done or where we could find water and snacks. There’s no doubt that looking after the welfare of 18 people and managing three different driving crews is a huge responsibility, but Rit is so well-organised and such a people person it seems to come naturally. I was really touched by the birthday cake he and the Thailand guys arranged for my 40th – it was a lovely thought.

Advice for Potential Travellers

 You’ll have the opportunity to use the excellent local laundry services both in Siem Reap and HCMC so don’t overpack!Don’t try to bring your spent gun shells home from the Cu Chi tunnels – they will be confiscated by airport security and you'll face a long walk back to the freedom of the departure gateDollars are widely accepted in Cambodia (bring low denominations), but I found it easier to use local currency in Thailand and Vietnam.The food is often served warm rather than piping hot – it took a bit of getting used to! 

Most Inspirational Moment

There was no specific moment, because the trip was full of them - all the time, morning, afternoon and night. Off course there were  well known, spectacular highlights of different kinds like the Angkor area in Siem Reap, the terrible story of the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng in Phnom Pehn, the Cu Chi viet cong tunnels in Saigon and so on. But for me the greatest part of the trip was the cycling outside the cities, in the rural areas and the small villages. The hearty velcome of the people who lives there, the glimpse into their lives, the amazing activities of all kinds along the road, the changing landscape and different roads  - amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group's slogan: "Rit is our favouRITe" sums it all up.Rit (Saowarit Aphiwatthanakul) is the perfect group leader, well organized, caring and responsible. He called us his "Cycling Family", and that is what he made us feel like - a big happy cycling family. Rit is not a big man, but he has a natural authority paired with the biggest smile ever - great guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it, you will never regret it! Do not be afraid of the cycling! This trip is suitable for all levels as there always is a bus and a truck following  - are you tired one day, you can sit in the bus. The routes are very well planned with little traffic.Remember: - Padded cycling shorts - 2 if you have, because you WILL get sweaty!- Cycling gloves as your hands will get burnt- Sun cream and -BLOCK- Bag to attach to the bike for camera etc - important!- US Dollars in small notes- GPS if you have- You can wash clothes cheap and very good at lokal laundries at least two times along the trip- Small gifts two the numerous children that you will meet along the way. We brought With us a small travelling mascot, the IKEA bear, the kids LOVED him and I would have liked to be able to give away some of those.....

Most Inspirational Moment

Completely confronting but at the same time thought provoking was the Killing Fields and S21. Stimulated thought of how best to help people still impacted by these experiences. Most scenic and amazing was of course Angkor Wat!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was absolutely fantastic. Our comfort and safety was a priority to him and he always ensured we looked after ourselves and our belongings. He had the most calm and caring nature and was genuinely interested in our happiness and enjoyment. I would highly recommend Rit as the tour leader for any group. Rit added an extra dimension to the trip, truly making it a trip of a lifetime! The trip was so well organised and ran so smoothly!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gel bike seat, gel bike gloves and padded cycling pants a must!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia and the realisation of the forgiveness amongst the Cambodian of today.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chaiya was superb. So attentive and extremely helpful. Very friendly and yet very professional. The team who worked with him in all 3 countries were amazing. Cannot thank them enough for making the holiday one to remember for a long long time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jelly seats or jelly pants are a must!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pin this one down to a single moment. Cycling through three different Asian countries and seeing the differing countryside and experiencing the different cultures with different backgrounds, languages and mind-sets was great.  Combining this - in itself - great experience with having the chance getting to know a group of around 20 completely diverse, interesting and pleasant individuals from various countries/nations/continents by way of sweating, eating, laughing, talking, marvelling and pedalling along together was just magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee is just brilliant, there's no other word for it. Apart from the fact that she is one of the most agreeable persons we have met in a very long time she is absolutely experienced as a tour guide and at doing the trip. She is confident, informative and helpful at all times. She managed to get our group up, out and going at the right time, meaning that she got to know the abilities of each group member very quickly and paced us that well that we arrived everywhere in time without anyone of us feeling being rushed or pushed. She did not only manage getting to know our abilities very quickly, but seemed to have a sixth sense for our personal requirements, preferences and interests in no time at all thereby keeping all of us happy. Not to forget that she was always acutely observant noticing if anything could be improved and primarily, she kept us as safe as possible.Nee's organisational skills - starting from organising our group through 2 border crossings, in different hotels most nights, liaising with different guides, support and mechanical teams and hotel managers to tasks , just to mention food, like seeing to it that there is enough and exactly the required food at lunches/dinners for a mix of vegetarians, allergics, and other specialists - are exceptional. I simply admired her steady and patient cheerfulness while helping us with all sorts of things. Last but not least, and definitely not to forget  - her contagious sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack. You can get laundry done at various points and is good and cheap. But: if you are used cycling at home with your own bike fitted to your size/geometry bring your own saddle, handlebars (will help to avoid your fingers/hands feeling needles and pins/getting numb) and (click)-pedals. The bikes are nice enough, but a bit of your own gear will help you to feel better (especially the long distances in Thailand). And do not forget to pack decent clothes for visits to temples or other places of worship (Ladies: Sarongs will not suffice anymore!) so you can show your respect to the Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese people and their beliefs and religions, just the same you would expect them to show their respect to the places you hold in high esteem. Reading the trip notes properly (sometime before you start to travel) definitely helps ! Listening to the advice of your tour guide and not to draft while biking helps as well to keep you happy and safe !

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many! I loved the small villages we passed through that had such happy children wanting to say hello and high five. I thought the temples in Cambodia were awe inspiring. The home stay was fantastic! The entire trip was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Are group leader was exactly what is required in a group of are size and willfulness. Authoritive when required, Caring and supportive when neccesary, Fun and amusing, but above all, very informative, social and instructive. Thanks Nee.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip rather than thinking of the next destination. Its very easy to think about the next cycle stop and power through until all the cycling for the day is complete, with out actually enjoying the scenery, views, and place to its full extent. The holiday seems to go so quickly when you do this. Just slow down a little when passing through villages and gorgeous scenary and remember you can stop for photographs at anytime. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The welcoming joy of the children in the more remote places.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely excellent! A beaming smile, immaculate administration and contagious sense of humour. Nee (and her helpful assistants) went a long way to making this the fabulous trip that it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive in Bangkok a few days prior and spend some time there before the cycle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat was the highlight of the trip for me