Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the pass in the middle of the second week was certainly an achievement for everyone on the trip, even the hardened cyclists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader on our trip, Long Le, was fantastic and probably the best leader of the four Exodus trips I've done. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and he was equally attentive to all in the group. His walking tours around the food markets were excellent and allowed us all an opportunity to try food we'd never get back in the UK - duck brain and tongue anyone? He was incredibly organised and efficient in checking us in and out of the hotels and getting us moving in the morning.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a pretty full on trip with early starts almost every day. Breakfast was usually at 6am with cycling or coach journeys starting an hour later. A few of the days include quite long bus journeys, either getting to the start of the cycling or at the end to get to the hotel, so take an iPod or a book to read. There were a couple of opportunities to get laundry done so don't over pack; it's very cheap - about $1USD per kilo of washing. Just embrace everything that there is to see and do and you won't go wrong on this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay is a beautiful place to go to. Photos just don't do it justices. You need to surround yourself among the sea and mountains to feel the atmosphere. Cycling though the villages was touching; many of the local children and some adults often welcomed us with cries of "hello" and hi-fived us with smiles as we cycled by.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Chi, is friendly and knowledgeable. He is able to answer all sorts of questions like local culture/life, country/continent politics, food and of course the logistics of the holiday in an interesting way. Ask him about the HCM Vietnam song that is taught at schools.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Generally clue yourself up on the common sense / street sense things like; bartering is a way of life for them (do it friendly and calmly) and be aware (but not too paranoid) of the list of scams that can happen. The exchange rate is a crazy big number, find ways to quickly do mental calculations and get use to the extra zeros (10,000 dong is about 30p). Crossing the roads in the cities is crazy too. There's lots of mopeds and hooting. It's not aggressive, but just a "I'm here, be careful" message. Just walk across slowly and they will just calmly go around you.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is impossible to come up with one inspirational moment as there were so many of them. High Fiving children in villages and the shouts of Hello from them has to be up there, along with the open air dentist surgery we passed. Perhaps the most surreal moment was when one of the local farmers stopped working to take a photo of us - shows how few tourists travel on some of these routes

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was great. His enthusiasm, sense of humour, passion just shone through. He was very safety conscious but did not let it get in the way of us having fun . His recomendations of places to eat and dishes to try were always spot on. His knowledge of the route and the history was huge and he was also patient enough to teach us some key vietnamese words and phrases. Credit also has to go to the rest of the Exodus team who were always welcoming us with much need refreshments at every stop

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think about how you carry your camera so that it is quickly accessable whilst riding without getting in the way and make sure the camera battery is fully charged for the start of each day.

Most Inspirational Moment

To see all the happy children and smiling faces despite, to our European way of thinking, they had very little. Every child was a photograph worth taking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant, never short of ideas and support, knew all our names (eighteen of us) very quickly. I would go again with this man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the holiday before Western money spoils some of the best bits.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Hoi Van Pass. Coping with Vietnamese roundabouts. Cycling into and around Hue. Vietnamese beer at 50p a pint!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was first class. Always attentive. Knowledgeable. In sympathy with cycling. He had an excellent team, along with mechanic and the 2 drivers. He led them well, and they were excellent in everything they did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip. You will enjoy every aspect of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I took inspiration form so many things on this trip. Amazing culture/people , the children running to greet you in far out villages , everything was incredible. How is it possible to have a new best day everyday?? I still havent smoked 7 months on and i commute to work on a bike now everyday :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was AMAZING! nothing was every a problem, everything always OK he sorted everything! never been on a tour holiday ever, certainly not like this either, the bus driver, van driver who carries the bikes and the mechanic all amazing guys who can not do enough to make your trip amazing, they are a true credit to this travel company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have said, if your thinking about it then just book it, i promise you will love every waking minute of your holiday, worth every penny i paid. Do get them cycling legs in order before you go, its worth having some miles under your belt, it caters for ALL levels of cycling but certainly better enjoyed the fitter your legs are. If your worrying like i did before i went dont, you do not need to be Brdley Wiggins to love this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Honestly all of it. Loved cycling through the small villages. Locals love to see you and are so friendly. Halong bay was amazing. Every day brought something different. So many fantastic memories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing. Danh really made this holiday for us. He is so enthuastic. He was a mother hen looking after his chicks. Danh really could not have done anything more for us and really goes above and beyond his duties to make sure everyone is happy. He is an absolute credit to your company. He is very proud of his country and has a mountain of knowledge he loves to share. He encouraged us every part of the cycle even cycling back down hills to encourage people to the top. He definitely is a happy Buddha only now without the belly and has such a cheeky laugh which we heard frequently. The bus driver and mechanics were wonderful as well. The minute you stopped for a break they were straight over taking your bike and cold drink at the ready. The bus driver was always smiling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning the history of the country and what the people in Vietnam have gone through in the past, and they show no bitterness, very positive people. We enjoyed the tunnels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was the "man of the match", he could not do enough for us all, was on hand to help with every need big or small anyone had. Did it with a big smile on his face! Enjoyed his company very much, had great fun with him, we were all sad to say good-bye!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Need to have a certain level of fitness to really enjoy themselves, nothing to worry about though as there is plenty back up available if needs be.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was something inspirational every single day; from cycling through villages; the people; the food; the traffic and spectacular scenery. We both managed the Hai Van pass which was a great achievement. Every day was special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh - what can I say, he was the best; his knowledge and love for his country; his infectious laugh; nothing was ever too much trouble and everything ran incredibly smooth. It was very well organised thanks to him. He is amazing. Cannot praise him enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good padded shorts and there are laundry stops so you do not need to take loads. Be prepared for very long days and definitely get some cycling training in. We wish we had stayed an extra night in Hanoi.

Most Inspirational Moment

many! halong bay! crossing streets in saigon! vietnamese coffee! vietnamese markets! all of the above!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was great! optimistic, encouraging, funny, easygoing! it was just a pleasure to have a guy like this with us!

Advice for Potential Travellers

take padded shorts! (the bottom will hurt anyway, but maybe a bit less so)