Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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309 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Christina McBreen

Reviewed January 2024

Cycling Vietnam Review

I rarely write reviews, but this experience warrants one. The trip leader and crew were excellent. They were organized, friendly and helpful. And the refreshments – the mangos, lemonade – everything was so good. However, the trip itinerary and discussions with Exodus personnel (though they were very nice) did not prepare me for the pollution, hazardous traffic (saw a semi-covered dead body in the countryside – could happen anywhere, but still marred the experience), subpar accommodations and lunches, and unexpected discussions of the US during the Vietnam War opened some wounds that I didn’t know were there. I suspect it would for many in the US, especially for those that served and their families The 12 out of 14 days of rain and wind in what was the dry season didn’t help either, but that’s weather. Everyone made the best of it. I got several items made in Hoi An. While they were very helpful and fast, I would not recommend getting anything tailored – overpriced and mediocre quality. I got to meet some wonderful travel companions. I saw some beautiful landscapes and smiles of the Vietnamese people. Unfortunately, the pollution and trash during 95% of the trip overshadowed anything good. For example, Halong Bay is ruined. Among the green waters and massive limestone structures is the smell of diesel fuel and trash with the immense number of boats/ships bringing so many people in to spoil it all. I would not recommend this trip. I hope that Vietnam decides to restore their environment and natural resources over tourism dollars. Exodus should be more comprehensive in its trip notes and conversations so that travelers like myself can better level set expectations. It’s surprising that an environmentally conscious company like Exodus would bring in people that contribute to the pollution. I wish Vietnam well and will look for ways to help. In the meantime, I will need to reflect on my life decisions. 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

See above

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above

Suggestions

Reply from Exodus

We’re grateful for Christina for leaving a review of her trip, and are glad to read her glowing praise of her tour leader and our local team in Vietnam. However, we really regret that she didn’t have the experience she was expecting in the country.
Vietnam is an iconic destination with a complex history which, unfortunately, does suffer from issues with pollution in some areas, especially those popular with tourists such as Ha Long Bay. Exodus travel in small groups and try to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment, and our local team do everything possible to ensure that any waste our groups produce is collected and disposed of responsibly. We’re working with our team to engage in local waste clean-up initiatives, and are confident that we’re doing our utmost to reduce our environmental impact on Vietnam, while still providing our customers with the opportunity to visit its most memorable sites.
We’re confident that we do a good job of setting our customers’ expectations about their visit to the country, but will consider reviewing our trip notes going forward.
We’re sorry to read that Christina found some of the accommodation to be subpar. The properties we use generally get very positive feedback; from the Holiday Evaluation forms we’ve received from customers who travelled to Vietnam on this trip in 2023, accommodation was rated at an average of 4.51 out of 5, which we consider to be an excellent score.
We wish Christina well for her future travels, and are glad that, despite the above, she saw some beautiful landscapes and came home inspired to help improve Vietnam’s environmental problems, which is an aim we share.
Kelly Reid, Exodus Product Manager

Helen Wardle

Reviewed December 2023

Full on brilliance

So many people had waxed lyrical over Vietnam we had high expectations of our visit and it didn’t disappoint. This is a full on assault of your senses with a packed schedule. From the high octane cities to the vast tropical forests, industrious local farmers and fishermen and vast coastline this was a spectacular adventure. Cycling was great on pretty good road surfaces. Our leader would warn us of potential potholes and hazards but most surfaces were better than our local roads at home. Distances perhaps don’t look far but in the heat most people were happy to see the coach. All the rides were broken up into manageable chunks with juice and a fantastic array of snacks to keep us going. Mango back in the UK will never taste the same.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of things but the Vietnamese people were lovely. The way they drive for a start. Traffic is manic and chaotic but they are not aggressive and aware of everything around them. Despite the apparent chaos it all worked and whilst I was cycling I never felt nervous or threatened by other road users. Unlike some experiences at home. Whenever we came into contact with locals it was clear the love they have for their families and friends. We saw so many examples of people working tirelessly on the land and sea with a smile and a twinkle. They answered our stream of questions with patience and in turn were inquisitive about where we had come from. They were all proud of their country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have been on several Exodus trips and leaders are always good however Loc Phan was exceptional. His anticipation of everyone’s needs was spectacular. He was organised and sensitive with a great sense of humour. The group also had a coach driver, truck driver and mechanic. They were all very good however it was Loc who set the tone and led from the front setting the standard. There is a lot to fit in this trip and days have to keep moving otherwise it is clear that you could get to hotels late however because the team worked so well together we never felt rushed or unable to stop to take a photo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes give distances and amount of time spent on a coach and this was pretty accurate. Most days our alarm went off at 5.30 for breakfast at 6ish to set off at 7.00 or not long after. There was very little down time so if that isn’t you then this trip would be a challenge. We were lucky with the weather but did get wet a couple of times so quick drying clothes are helpful. I wore trainers to cycle in but a few in the group had robust sandals with toe protection which I shall be purchasing for my next trip.

Suggestions

Go. You won’t regret it.

Iain Wright

Reviewed December 2023

Excellent

Did exactly what it said “on the tin”.
Well-organised and good fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I realised that Vietnamese scooter drivers are generally patient and competent. Loved Whale Island resort and the 31kms descent from Dalat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son Nyugen. Great balance of good-organisation, attention to safety and group enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes. They are comprehensive and accurate.

Suggestions

Trip was well-organised and a good balance of cycling and sightseeing. The Exodus team (guide, mechanic and two drivers) worked well together and looked-after their clients. The bikes were in good condition and well-maintained. The itinerary was well-researched, providing interesting cycling on relatively quiet roads and opportunities to interact with locals.

Liz Jackson

Reviewed December 2023

Absolutely Fabulous Trip

This was an absolutely fabulous trip encompassing so many wonderful sights and experiences. The game drives and boat trips provided plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, and the landscape throughout was so dramatic and diverse – deserts, dunes, rivers, canyons, and bush. Camping was a great experience too as the campsites were quite special in their varying ways – unique locations, on site waterholes for viewing wildlife or just stunning views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day seemed to have a number of Wow moments, but perhaps the most awesome and memorable for me were, firstly, viewing the mighty Victoria Falls, an absolutely incredible sight. Took a helicopter flight over them which was well worth doing as you could see the enormity of the entire Falls. Secondly, the waterhole at Okaukuejo in the Etosha National Park was amazing. There were so many animals around, but there were at least three herds of elephants at one stage, & watching the little ones playing with each other and the interaction between them all was so, so special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gift and Petrus were brilliant - so friendly, helpful and caring as well as really great company throughout the trip. They were constantly working, whether cooking, driving or helping out the group generally and all the while ensuring that we saw and experienced as much as possible. Gift was an exceptional group leader, happily sharing his knowledge and experience of the places we visited, as well as being great fun, kind and a fabulous cook, conjuring up a variety of very tasty meals. Petrus had many long drives, along straight, dusty, non-tarmac roads, which must have been so exhausting, so kudos to him for that. Thank you so much Gift and Petrus! You were fabulous!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera! My camera wasn't brilliant so I've relied on my generous fellow travellers for sharing their wonderful close-up photos of the wildlife.

Suggestions

Don’t hesitate to book this trip! I can’t recommend this trip highly enough, it really was amazing and, indeed, the trip of a lifetime!

Lesley Attwood

Reviewed December 2023

Good Morning Vietnam !!!

This is an amazing trip fitting in the best ( in my view ) parts of this fantastic country . The food , the sights, the people , everything was better than expected . Saying that, this is a full on fast pace tour to fit in as much cycling as you can plus get to the next destination. As such there is quite a lot of bus time , but some really great cycling too. Expect early starts and quick change overs in the hotels , all of which were of a great standard. This didn’t bother me as I wanted to see as much as possible , and always great to cycle through the quiet untouristy areas and see the ‘ real’ living Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle up and down both of the passes for me was a total winning show stopper . Views were just out of this world . Also the peace and serenity of Halong Bay and the history of Hue and the colourful Hoi An. Whale Island was a welcome beach oasis and so glad we got to go there . I personally enjoyed everywhere we visited and it was all an equal high !!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suong was everything you could want in a leader. He had a great sense of humour, got us organised , arranged amazing local places to eat , and was a font of knowledge on all things Vietnam. He had a large group (18 of us) and he must have felt like a school teacher sometimes trying to get us all where we needed to be . He was a superstar ⭐️ as were the whole back up team with their amazing ice cold lemon drink at every stop !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a gel seat ! As the only one to do so I certainly cycled in comfort . Also travel light - it’s so cheap and easy to get quick turn around laundry done .

Suggestions

If you are considering this trip , just do it !

Caroline Hing

Reviewed December 2023

dragonfruit fuelled adventure on two wheels

Whilst booking a cycling holiday with 6 weeks notice and deciding to ‘wing it’ on no preparation may not be the most sensible start to an adventure in Vietnam it did end out to be a ‘good idea’. The group of strangers from different countries bonded over a shared sense of adventure, love of cycling and a journey to complete. Kindness was a feature of the trip and part of the pleasure derived from interesting conversations and learning about fellow travellers. Our guide Loc Phan was the best, full of knowledge, a level of planning and organisation delivered in a calm and humorous manner that kept us on track, ably supported by the ‘crew’. A mechanic who proved nifty with wheel changes and driver who was the snack master. Fueled on lime juice, cashew nuts, mangoes and a variety of exotic fruits we bashed out the ‘stages’. Interspersed amongst the cycling were city tours, stops at local farms, a stay on a deserted island, swimming over coral, a cruise in Halong Bay, overnight train adventure and an array of lunches and dinners at various hand picked local restaurants. Despite the early starts, multiple locations and exercise I found the holiday very relaxing and returned energised to the dreary UK weather and hum drum public transport.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have to say my fellow travellers, all with their own reasons for coming on the trip, with different experiences and interests they made the trip the rollicking adventure that it was. Vietnam was a country of stunning scenery, roads better than the UK and an amazing selection of good quality food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our trip leader Loc Phan was excellent. This goes down as the most organised and logistically challenging of the many trips I have done with Exodus and definitely the best group leader by far. Knowledgeable about his country, great on logistics and able to cycle at the same time. Loc kept us together as a group, organised us, fed us, gave us endless recommendations and worked incredibly hard to make this a memorable holiday. Our trip leader Loc Phan was excellent. This goes down as the most organised and logistically challenging of the many trips I have done with Exodus and definitely the best group leader by far. Knowledgeable about his country, great on logistics and able to cycle at the same time. Loc kept us together as a group, organised us, fed us, gave us endless recommendations and worked incredibly hard to make this a memorable holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The holiday has a lot of early starts and moving between locations so either pack light with a rucksack or something with wheels. The laundry facilities are very cheap so you can go light on packing. Adding a day on the end allows you time to enjoy Hanoi and worth the time before heading back.

Suggestions

This was an excellent holiday. i really liked that we went to local restaurants and the food was top notch.

James Symonds

Reviewed December 2023

Excellent trip

Excellent introduction to Vietnam, culture, people and food

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the hai van pass

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was fantastic, he looked after us, informed us of the local history and made sure everybody was having a good time whilst staying safe

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some cycle training in warm weather

jill Penelop Sumner

Reviewed November 2023

MOV

Joe Hartley

Reviewed September 2023

Excellent Full On Trip

This was a great adventure and very good way of seeing a real slice of the country rather that just the tourist hotspots. The trip is full on in terms of keeping moving from place to place and packing a lot into the two weeks – so dont expect a relaxing laid back holiday. The up side of this is that you are constantly seeing new things/places/people which makes for a fascinating time. Dont underestimate the cycling – especially given the heat/humidity – and 100km on a mountain bike is a long day even if you are an experienced cyclist. However, the support is great and seeing the team ready with iced ‘Lemon Lemon’ every 15 to 20km was a very welcome chance to take a break and chat in the shade. The road traffic can be hectic in the towns, so you need to be vigilant for errant scooters/trucks/cows/ dogs etc but the other road users are generally aware of cyclists and give you enough room. Most of the time the support bus takes you in/out of the bigger cities, thereby avoiding the need to ride through the mega busy areas. However, if you are not confident in traffic then you might find some of the riding a bit intimidating.

Suggestions

Just a note to Exodus - I felt that giving the trip a difficulty rating of 3 out of 7 - Moderate in the trip description is a bit of an underestimate. Although most of the cycling is flatish, there are a couple of 90km days and one 100km day which even as an experienced cyclist were hard work on a mountain bike in the heat and humidity. I think a 4 out of 7 would be more accurate representation of the cycling.

Xiaolin Wu

Reviewed September 2023

Two weeks of cycling, food and sweat

We had great time with the group for this two-week holiday. We were spoiled by the team who were looking after us. It’s not just the cycling your, but food, culture and team. Finally, I managed to put some photos and video together. Hope you enjoy it: https://youtu.be/98upKDJQQN4

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