My husband and I went on this tour in July 2019. We were impressed from the beginning by the... Kristen Gilbert, 2019 See more reviews
This was a superb trip in many respects. If you are unsure about booking this trip, then just... David H, 2019 See more reviews
I have just returned from the Indochina Angkor trip and can thoroughly recommend it. So many... Gill Smallman, 2019 See more reviews
This was our third cycling trip with Exodus. It was an amazing journey and adventure and we... Nicki Ashenden, 2019 See more reviews
The trip was great from beginning to end, the cycling was great, the guides were knowledgeable,... Mark Walker, 2019 See more reviews
The trip took us through some rural scenery in the Far East. It was a treat to see the real... Mark Mills, 2019 See more reviews
As a second time traveller to this area I had seen many of the sites by coach. Cycling is so much... Philip Morley, 2019 See more reviews
This tour gives a great overview of the 3 countries visited with differing food, landscapes and... Virginia Morris, 2019 See more reviews
This was an excellent trip which has certainly encouraged us to look at another cycling holiday.... Grant & Paula Reed, 2019 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all Bangkok to Saigon Day 1 Start Bangkok There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening with you leader followed by an optional group dinner for those that would like to join. Your main luggage will be transported ahead of you to the start point early in the morning so please bring this with you to the meeting; just hang on to what you need for the night/morning - you will be with your luggage again mid-morning tomorrow.Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel or similar Day 2 Early transfer to the old kingdom of Ayuttaya; warm-up ride on trail An early start this morning as we venture out of Bangkok to the ancient town of Ayuttaya. Our two-hour transfer takes us into the heart of this fascinating site and we start cycling by the huge reclining Buddha. Much of the old town was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century and we will cycle through the remaining shrine towers and enormous temples to appreciate the past magnificence. We will finish today’s warm-up ride at Aranyik village, famed for traditional knife making, and will pause to learn a little about this age-old tradition that has been passed through generations. Ingtharn Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Cycle to Sa Keaw Today we follow minor roads through rural Thai landscapes including rubber and eucalyptus plantations as well as tapioca and rice fields. There are a few easy rolling hills but the route is mostly flat. The ride ends when we join a busier road before driving the final short distance to the town of Sa Keaw by bus. River Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Ride to Aranyaprathet Leaving our hotel early in the morning we ride towards Tha Krabak where we can stop by a reservoir for a swim and a view of the untouched jungle on the other side. We will break for lunch before carrying on cycling on quiet but well-maintained scenic roads on the way to Aranyaprathet, 10km from the Cambodian border. Indo China Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Into Cambodia and on to Siem Reap After breakfast we drive to the busy border and complete customs formalities as we cross into Cambodia at Poipet. We then drive to Siem Reap. Due to years of civil war the country is poorer and less developed than its neighbours. Apart from growth in the capital and around Siem Reap, the way of life in the countryside is still very much the same as it has been for centuries. This afternoon's ride from Siem Reap takes us past Wat Athvea, a modern temple in the grounds of the ruins of an Angkorian temple, and ends at a market and picnic area outside of Siem Reap. Angkor Holiday or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 First of two full days to explore the temple complex of Angkor by bus and bike, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Bayon and Banteay Srei Today we may choose to have an early start to avoid the inevitable crowds drawn to the wonders of Angkor. The various temples are spread over a wide area and are linked by shady avenues; meandering our way between them by bike gives us a unique perspective. Our cycle tour will include the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, with the amazing roots of the Fromagier trees clinging to the ancient stones, Angkor Thom with the famous Bayon temple of 37 towers (originally there were 49) topped with the four faces of the king, and of course the incredible Angkor Wat, with its huge moat, long causeway and massive towers - it is the largest temple complex in Asia. Angkor Holiday or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Second day at Angkor temple complex Today we cycle outside the main Angkor complex to the outlying temple of Banteay Srei, 35km from Siem Reap town. Our route takes us past paddy fields, and through pretty villages. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th Century and contains some of the finest examples of Khmer sculpture. Although much smaller than the later temples, here all of the buildings are covered in exquisite carvings. In the afternoon as we cycle back to Siem Reap we can stop and visit a few of the less visited Angkor temples. Siem Reap town is pleasant to wander around; the market has plenty of interest and excellent shopping and there is a vibrant nightlife scene. This afternoon there should also be time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake, which is a branch of the Mekong River. This optional trip includes a boat ride to see the floating fishing villages. Anyone wanting to do this visit may need to miss part or all of the ride back to Siem Reap, depending on timings. Cycle approx. 70 km. if riding the full distance to and from Banteay Srei.Angkor Holiday or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Drive to Phnom Penh, stopping at Sambor Pre Kuk and Skuon Today we take a bus journey of approximately 7 hours along National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, with a couple of stops along the way. We visit Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments with some of the oldest structures in the country. We'll also pause for a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant before stopping in the town Skuon, which is known for its local delicacy of fried spiders. The road is currently undergoing some resurfacing so some sections will be a bit of a bumpy ride! We should arrive in Phnom Penh for late afternoon, the perfect time for a sundowner on the Mekong.Ohana Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 9 Sightseeing including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the 'Killing Fields' The fortunes of Phnom Penh have shifted dramatically during its history and the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil war through the 1970s and 1980s have scarred the country. During our stay we visit two sites which give us a vivid impression of some of the horrors. There is the Genocide Museum, which is the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21 or Tuol Sleng, in the centre of the city. And 15kms of out of town is the area known as the 'Killing Fields,' a mass grave and execution site for the former inmates of S-21. While visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields may not appeal to everyone, we feel they give us an important understanding of what the country and its people had to endure just a few decades ago. On a more positive note, the city is very much on the rise again and is a fascinating place with fine examples of French colonial architecture. We tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. There is also excellent shopping at the 'Russian' market, and the lively Mekong waterfront area.Ohana Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Transfer to Takeo then cycle to Vietnam border and Chau Doc This morning we transfer south out of Phnom Penh to the town of Takeo. Here the road becomes quieter and we mount our bikes for the 50km ride to the Phnom Den / Tinh Bien border. Once border formalities have been completed, we cycle approximately 30km to Chau Doc. Chau Pho hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Drive/cycle through the Mekong Delta to Vinh Long; catch boat to homestay guesthouse This morning we ride from our hotel along a lovely quiet backroad, lined with small villages and dwellings before stopping for lunch and transferring the rest of the way to Vinh Long by bus. Leaving the bikes on the mainland, we take another boat (20 minutes) to reach our homestay guesthouse on an island in the Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. After settling in we can explore the area on foot. The rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta form an amazing network of waterways. The area is famous for its abundant rice production but in many areas farmers are now moving to more profitable fish-farming and fruit and vegetable growing. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner at the homestay and enjoy some 'Delta' hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Homestay Guesthouse Mekong Delta Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 12 Transfer to Cai Be for floating market; scenic cycle along Mekong riverbank; transfer to Saigon We leave by boat, stopping en route for a look at the Cai Be floating market. Here large boats moor up in the Mekong River, weighed down with fruit and vegetable produce. Local traders and shop owners buy in bulk in this strictly 'wholesale' market. Recently, Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and trade being conducted traditionally on a smaller scale. A little further on we make a short stop to see cottage industries producing such items as popped rice, pancakes, wine and other homemade products. We start our ride towards Cai Lay where we take a scenic route through fruit orchards and along the Mekong riverbank. Back on the bus in My Tho, we drive on to the heat, hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, still usually known as Saigon. This is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a free market city where anything goes. Huong Sen hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Free day in Saigon The whole day is free to explore Saigon, do some shopping and to relax. There are a number of interesting things to see - the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. Alternatively a short cyclo (cycle taxi) ride will take you to the War Remnants Museum with an interesting (if a little gruesome) photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. For those that are interested your leader can arrange an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located 2 hours outside the city. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Originally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine!Huong Sen hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 End Saigon The trip ends this morning after breakfast in Saigon. Meals included: Breakfast
Thailand A visa for Thailand is not required for British nationals for stays of 30 days or less. If you are unsure of the requirements please check with your nearest Thai embassy.
Cambodia Arriving By Flight: An electronic visa (e-Visa) facility is available via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Co-operation website at the cost of $37. A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival for British nationals at most border crossings. Two passport photos are required. The cost is US$30, although an additional express fee of US$5-6 may be incurred at the border. For further information see the FCO site and check under Cambodia / 'Entry Requirements'. Arriving Overland: A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival for British nationals at most border crossings. Two passport photos are required. The cost is US$30, although an additional express fee of US$5-6 may be incurred at the border. For further information see the FCO site and check under Cambodia / 'Entry Requirements'. Important advice regarding E-Visas Please be advised, e-Visas are not accepted at all border check points when travelling overland. This applies to the following borders/trips: Tinh Bien, Vietnam/ Phnom Den, Takeo, Cambodia border: AOX- Thai Indochina Explorer and AOG- Thai Indochina Grand Tour Xa Xia, Vietnam/ Prek Chak, Cambodia (Ha Tien crossing): FIJ- South East Asia Adventure You can only purchase a tourist visa on arrival at these borders as e-Visas will not be accepted. More information can be found at: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ https://www.evisa.gov.kh/information/port_entry/3
Vietnam A visa is no longer needed for British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes) for a period of up to 15 days, and on the basis of meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. The visa exemption period will end on 30 June 2021. All other nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam and this must be obtained prior to departure. For further information please check the FCO site and check under Vietnam / 'Entry Requirements'. If you have any questions about whether you need a visa for your trip please contact the Customer Operations department.
Thailand There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Cambodia There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Vietnam There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Hotels & Guesthouse You will spend 12 nights in hotels (all rooms en suite) and 1 night in a standard homestay guesthouse to experience some 'Mekong Delta' hospitality. En suite facilities are not available on the night at the homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta. Please note that double beds are not always widely available in South East Asia. Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality. Premium DeparturesOur premium departures either stay in the same hotels we usually use on our standard trips but in upgraded rooms with balconies or larger rooms, as some examples of the main differences. Some of the hotels have been upgraded and changed entirely. We will still stay in the standard guesthouse in the Mekong Delta on premium trips, despite this not being premium accommodation, as this is regarded as a highlight by many people. Single SupplementsSingle rooms are available for a supplement (on request) for hotel nights only (12 nights). Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement. Extra AccommodationIs available in Bangkok and Saigon before and after your trip please ask your sales consultant if you wish to book extra nights. Due to high demand for rooms there is a chance it may be in a different hotel to the end hotel of your trip. Safety in Phnom PenhIt is important to exercise caution in Phnom Penh after dark. Taking into account the following recommendations, as well as the advice of your leader will help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Always leave valuables and important documents secured in the safe in your hotel, carrying only the money you need for one day and a copy of your passport with you. Do not make yourself a target for pickpockets by keeping cameras and jewellery on display. After dark avoid walking in the streets alone. If staying in a bar or restaurant until late, ask them to call you a taxi rather than walking back to the hotel; transport in Phnom Penh is inexpensive.
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Reviewed August 2019 Kristen Gilbert Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Perfect blend of cycling and sightseeing My husband and I went on this tour in July 2019. We were impressed from the beginning by the excellent organization and by the professionality of our guide Nut. We also had a terrific group, a good mix of more ambitious cyclists and those who desired a more leisurely pace (although I should mention that the tour is somewhat demanding and isn't for total beginners). Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time regardless of their cycling ability. Having experienced guides made things so much easier than if we had tried to organize the trip on our own - which we never would have attempted as a cycling tour. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were so many memorable moments, including the temple visits, the Killing Fields, navigating around scooters and food carts, cycling through the Mekong villages with kids shouting hello, trying new foods ... What did you think of your group leader? Nut is simply the best. What else is there to say? Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book this trip if you want to combine an active holiday and plenty of sightseeing. Highly recommended.
Reviewed August 2019 David H Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor An wonderful trip. Highly recommended. This was a superb trip in many respects. If you are unsure about booking this trip, then just book it, as it will be a unique and positive experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting Cambodia was extremely interesting for me. Discovering the temples around Siem Reep was perfect on bicycle, and surely, there is no better way to do it? Phnom Penn, steeped in recent history regarding the Khmer Rouge was a unique experience, and although upsetting, it importantly outlined what happened so we can be more prepared for the future . The border crossings were something to behold. The overall experience was amazing. What did you think of your group leader? Nut was fantastic in all respects. This is my 4th cycle tour, and although they were all excellent, Nut excelled in this role. His attention to detail was well appreciated. The snack stops involved a Tupperwear buffet feast. Ice cold water was always available (appreciated in the heat). On the hottest days, Nut sourced ice cream towards the end of our ride and helped spur us on! He was also a very good guitar player at the Homestay that evening. The support teams were also the best I have had, always smiling and going out of their way to make sure we had all that was needed. The teams took over seamlessly in each country, and having 3 different bikes created no problems at all. Well done! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I was in a particularly strong group of cyclists with average moving speeds of 20Km/h-30Km/h, far higher than stated on the website (13-16Km/h). I enjoyed the challenge during first part of the trip, but the long 80Km day cycling from Cambodia into Vietnam at high speeds was regrettable as the scenery was absolutely stunning and I was unable to get any photos or enjoy the experience fully. So be aware that the trip may be faster than the speed stated in the information and find a way to take pictures on the move, if this is important to you. The temperatures ranged from 28-38 degrees whist in Thailand, so take lots of factor 50 sunscreen with you as very little opportunity to buy on route. The Homestay evening was very enjoyable, but some of us got bitten during the night despite nets, so take some good insect spray with you.
Reviewed April 2019 Nicki Ashenden Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Cycling through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam This was our third cycling trip with Exodus. It was an amazing journey and adventure and we loved every single moment of it. It was a fantastic way to see some ‘highlights’ of three beautiful countries. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Without a doubt Cambodia - its such a beautiful country; cycling through villages in Cambodia and Vietnam; the wonderful night in the homestay; the food and the border crossings! What did you think of your group leader? Nut - what we can we say, he is an absolute star and gave us such a wonderful holiday from start to finish. We have been really lucky to have had fantastic group leaders in our previous trips but Nut just stands out there. He has a wonderful sense of humour, makes you feel incredibly safe and well looked after, has such patience when he has to tell you for the third time as you are so tired when and where we are meeting for dinner or the morning, his knowledge is incredible. He’s amazing!!! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The heat - this has been said in previous reviews about the heat and this cannot be under estimated. We went early March and the cycling in Thailand was tough due to the heat. Nut was brilliant and shortened the distances between refreshment stops due to this but it is hard going. Don’t however let this put you off, the cycling is relatively flat apart from a few rolling hills, take padded shorts, there are plenty of opportunities for washing so pack light. Insect repellent is also a must. Be also prepared for long days - it’s a tiring trip but definitely worth it. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was a wonderful cycling holiday - we were a group of 5 and became a “cycling family” very quickly even spending our free evenings together. We laughed our way round and supported each other through three different countries. We can not recommend this trip enough.
Reviewed March 2019 Mark Walker Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor A fantastic adventure! The trip was great from beginning to end, the cycling was great, the guides were knowledgeable, the support crew looked after us, the other adventurers were class acts and it was an amazing way to see Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the children of Cambodia cycling to school was amazing, in a country that has suffered so much this was heartwarming to see. Cycling through the rural Vietnam and seeing village life was a privilege and put the rest of the country into context. What did you think of your group leader? Seen was outstanding, his knowledge, helpfulness, caring attitude and sense of humour got us all through. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get some sun sleeves, they’re like arm warmers but just keep the sun and uv off during the heat of the day, they’re like £6 on Amazon. Drink plenty of fluid, there’s always some on offer, don’t take clip on pedals you don’t need them. (IMO) take something to clean your water bottle and do this every night. Enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and don’t pack to much on our trip the lightest packer packed 6kg and the heaviest around 30kg. I came in at 12 and took way too much stuff. Is there anything else you would like to add? I was nervous about booking this trip, but it was the best decision I’ve made in a year, there was no reason to worry. I did no prep and had a fantastic time.
Reviewed March 2019 Mark Mills Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Cycling across Cambodia and Vietnam The trip took us through some rural scenery in the Far East. It was a treat to see the real country as well as the big cities. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of back up from the support team. They seemed to have thought of everything. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It had been a bucket list thing for me to visit Angkor Wat. It was a serene moment when we first set eyes on the temples and even more so when a buddhist monk blessed our cycling team. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Seen was outstanding. His professionalism, helpful nature and positive attitude was inspirational. Does this man ever have a bad day?!? He handled the situations presented by our group with discretion and efficiency. I give him top marks. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? My best advice is to pack only the basics. The bikes are suited to normal street shoes/trainers and there’s only a need for one water bottle on the bike as there are plenty of refreshment stops along the way from our snacks kitty. They even supplied electrolyte powder for the water. I took a tumble in Vietnam and destroyed my crash helmet in the process. Thankfully, my skull survived. Is there anything else you would like to add? I’m glad that the Exodus philosophy to responsible travel extends to home stays and stopping for lunch with local families. It’s great to support these communities with our custom. As a bonus, the food was delicious and authentic. I hope that you enjoy the experience as much as I did.
Reviewed March 2019 Marie Longworth Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Great trip! Great opportunity to see 3 countries! Great leader! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? While sad it was wonderful to bear witness to the relatively recent history of both Cambodia and VIetnam and also great to see the lovely welcome we got! What did you think of your group leader? I returned from Sri Lanka in October and thought the legendary Suresh was thee best Guide ever, Where to start with Is!! She was just fabulous! She looked after us so we’ll and was always one step ahead in organizing everything. At the border crossings she brought pens for filling out the forms and even spelled out the names of the hotels that we had to put on the forms. She stopped the traffic with a firm hand which made us feel very safe but she was always very gracious in her acknowledgment of those that stopped! Her Tinglish (English) was excellent and she was never off duty. She never stopped and was unfailing courteous at all times! The support team in the three countries were great too. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for the heat! The cycling was very doable but oh soooo hot! Is there anything else you would like to add? No
Reviewed March 2019 Philip Morley Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor A must for new travellers to this region As a second time traveller to this area I had seen many of the sites by coach. Cycling is so much better allowing time to absorb the many natural wonders and culture with the wind through your hair. Our tour leader, nick name IS, a fully committed Thai lady, gave 110% to everything for the group, including the 2 boarder crossings that looked like something from a James Bond film! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Having seen many of the natural wonders previously, and an appreciation of the countries history, for me the stay over in the Mekong delta Homestay was my highlight. This was tailored for our group only and included a ferry transfer, evening cooking lesson and traditional entertainment with musicians and dancers; an evening of great memories. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader ,”IS”. Was inspirational. As said, she gave 110% commitment to the group ensuring everything was in place, put in place or corrected where found wanting. I can’t sing her praises enough. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Yes, please check with Exodus shortly before departure that all travel documentation is in place, particular if flying with Malaysia Airlines. We had trouble at check-in and we’re not allowed to board until we had signed an Airline Waiver of no responsibility; this caused some angst and was embarrassing holding up other travellers in the check-in queue. Is there anything else you would like to add? Apart from the issues at check- in on departure, everything ran extremely smoothly; this was due to the efficiency and committment of the tour leader. The only other point is that some hotels outside of the main cities were wanting! Mainly due to plumbing issues, i.e. blocked toilets and flooding bathrooms. We had to change room once and others in the group similarly.
Reviewed February 2019 Virginia Morris Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Wonderful contrasting country cycling This tour gives a great overview of the 3 countries visited with differing food, landscapes and people. Our group was small (only 9: Brits and Americans) which gave us a very close bonding time together and our leader 'Is' was outstanding in her warmth, compassion and sense of humour. The pace was faster than expected and yet although we cycled further than I have experience of, it was completely manageable and I was never tempted to get on the bus. It's hot and sweaty but virtually flat the whole way. There is more traffic and car fumes than anticipated and it felt a bit risky at times, but 'Is' had her eye on us the whole time with help from the crew. The food is wonderful and as a gluten free vegetable lover I was in heaven. There really is no need to bring anything extra except perhaps a bag of muesli. The cycle snacks are never ending and delicious. Culturally, we were indulged in many new tastes, sights and sounds from spiders, silk worms, frogs, rats and snakes to be eaten in the local markets to fabulous home cooking in the home stay. We toured Angkor Wat in its splendours over 3 days and enjoyed the boat ride in Cambodia and the homestay in Vietnam. Entering Vietnam, we experienced the New Year celebrations in a riot of colourful flowers and local costumes and decorations as well as some evening shows. We enjoyed every aspect of the trip and followed straight on to the Exodus Cycle Vietnam trip. This was totally manageable and I recommend it as a way of enhancing the experience if you can manage that amount of time and expenditure (see my review for that trip too). We loved the time spent in Saigon and also had a few extra days in Bangkok at the start to acclimatise to the time zone difference and the weather. The hotels along the way can be basic but all are clean and comfortable and most have swimming pools. Laundry is easy to do. Leave space in your suitcase for shopping. There are lots of possibilities along the way for cheap and colourful clothing, crafts and food items. The history of war can be hard to digest and the visits in Pnom Penh quite devastating. But we were taken for lunch to a community restaurant project rehabilitating street children, which was so uplifting that we could see how the people have moved forward from their dark history with quiet hope, endurance and humility. We have so many great photos and memories but are already thinking about where to go on our next adventure. A big thanks to 'Is' and Exodus for this great holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hearing about the Cambodia history and seeing how the people have forgiven though not forgotten all their strife. What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic in every way Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No need to take snacks along. Don't take too much clothing and leave space in your suitcase. Is there anything else you would like to add? Highly recommended
Reviewed February 2019 Grant & Paula Reed Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor First multi day cycle trip & certainly not the last! This was an excellent trip which has certainly encouraged us to look at another cycling holiday. Our guide, Rit, who was with us from Bangkok to Saigon was excellent, forever patient, informative and professional, he was a pleasure to be with. As we entered Cambodia & Vietnam we were joined by local guides for the journey through their country & they were also equally professional, as were all members of the support teams. Their humour certainly assisted us through some warm days.The cycle days were split quite well, with timely stops with lovely snacks & drinks supplied in some memorable settings. The trip covers some of the iconic places to visit in all three countries but also includes quite a bit of low key mixing with locals which was equally memorable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Whilst Bangkok, Ankor Wat, Seim Reap, Phnom Penh, Mekong Delta & Saigon are certainly places to tick off a ''must visit'' list, some of the cycling through villages, stopping at local establishments & the general friendliness of the locals was equally inspirational. What did you think of your group leader? Rit was brilliant, as were the local guides who assisted in Cambodia & Vietnam. The bus drivers were always where they should have been & the cycle support team were very supportive! We appreciated the Exodus leaders more so after joining another trip with another company immediately after this & had a very poor, disinterested leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We would both consider ourselves fit despite being in our 60's. However don't underestimate the first three days; 28 miles, 55 miles then 52 miles is quite a challenge especially in warm conditions, fresh onto a new bicycle. Put the miles in before you go & you'll benefit. DEFINITELY take cycling shorts!! Is there anything else you would like to add? Whilst we did have free evenings, some group members mentioned that another couple of free evenings (without an organised meal) wouldn't go amiss. Everyone mixed well & we met some lovely folks but being together from first thing in the morning to last thing at night on so many days could have been cut back slightly.
Reviewed January 2019 Sally Moffatt Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor WOW brilliant trip It was a brilliant trip . Very well run. The cycling was varied from long straight roads in Thialand to rough tracks along the Mekone valley . It was my first cycling trip and I'm now looking to do another. The support from the team was excellant , I was often near the back of the ride and thier was always a team member with us. . They were very supportive and encouraging . The bikes were well serviced. The stops for snacks had lovely fruits and drinks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Ankor Wat was the best site we saw. The best cycling was along the Mekone river , along rough tracks through villiages . You got the real sense of the place. What did you think of your group leader? Rik was brilliant , always thier to support and encourage. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trip notes stated that the speed would be 8-10 miles per hour , I was at the back of our group and I was doing an average speed of 12-15 miles per hour , the lead pack was even faster.
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Cycling Indonesia's Islands Cycle up volcanoes, through rice paddies, jungles and villages in Bali and Java Guided Group Cycling 13 days Excl. Flights From £1,699 4.9 / 5 from 9 reviews Add to wishlist
Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka Explore rich Sri Lankan history and culture by bike Guided Group, Tailor Made Adventures Cycling 14 days Excl. Flights From £1,649 4.8 / 5 from 151 reviews Add to wishlist
Cycling in Japan Cycle the land of the Samurai; temples, geishas and incredible Tokyo and Kyoto Guided Group, Tailor Made Adventures Cycling 14 days Excl. Flights From £3,999 5 / 5 from 5 reviews Add to wishlist