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.Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel or similar Day 2 Early transfer to the old kingdom of Ayutthaya; warm-up ride on trail An early start this morning as we venture out of Bangkok to the ancient town of Ayutthaya. 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. iRabbit Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Cycle to Kabin Buri 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 Kabin Buri by bus. Serenity Hotel & Spa Onsen 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. Station One 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.
January 16, 2020 Uncover Central Asia: How travel can support cultural heritage along the Silk Road Home to the Stans, Central Asia’s conjures up images of majestic blue-domed cities to nomadic traders travelling alon
Reviewed February 2020 Randy Marshall Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Best Group Ever Though the group, tour leader and support staff were phenomenal throughout the trip and there were many highlights, the rural cycling within Thailand and Cambodia proved to be largely uninteresting, smoggy and garbage was strewn throughout. Mostly we saw different tree plantations of smaller trees for rubber, furniture, etc. and a little bit of off season ground crop areas. On the plus side the accomodation was spotless, the food excellent and the people wonderful. We certainly enjoyed Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and the other temple complexes and Phnom Penh. Also the history of Cambodia during the Khymer Rouge regime, though dark, was extremely educational and offered an understanding of current day Cambodia that we would have not gotten without physically attending the Killing Fields and the S-21 prison. In sharp contrast to what we saw of Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam was very green and lush and our stay at the Homestay on the island, travel on the Mekong and other cultural highlights was amazing. The very best of the trip was getting to know the wonderful group of people the tour attracted and the care our tour guide Chai gave us. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Attending the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh (Choeung Ek) and the S-21 Prison (Tuol Sleng) which is now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and meeting two of the 14 survivors from the prison, Chum Mey and Bou Meng. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Chai was beyond superb. His organizational ability, his kindness and concern, his upbeat demeanour, his availability and his sharing of cultural knowledge made the trip.
Reviewed February 2020 steven elliot Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Slow burner It must be said this is a bit dull to begin with - the first three cycling days are not particularly interesting - but it builds and in the end it is a great experience. Cambodia is a fascinating journey from the pomp of Angkor Wat to the rat infested piles of rubbish in Phnom Penh to the anguish of the Killing Fields; I'll never forget it. Vietnam was a complete contrast - colourful, enterprising,confident, resplendent with gold starred red flags everywhere. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Quite a few: The giant recumbent golden Buddha in Wat Pho The frog sausage with green tamarind salsa from a street vendor near Siem Reap Cycling through the North Gate of Angkor Thum at dusk Being brought to tears by the guide in the Genocide museum Riding through the country lanes and bustle near Chau Doc with all the children shouting "hallo" to us What did you think of your group leader? Chai is a great guy - a fine advocate for Buddhism Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The cycling is a bit of a side show and this trip is really more about imagining yourself in the heartbeat of another as Sebastian Faulks, I think, said. I felt privileged to have made the journey. The best day's cycling is the second day in Angkor Wat so don't go shopping as some of our party did. It is very hot - take lots of factor 50 sun block. Aside from the frog sausage the best dish was Fish Amok served in a hollowed out coconut - don't miss it Is there anything else you would like to add? Not for cyclist purists but an adventure you won't forget
Reviewed January 2020 wendy fairhurst Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Great trip overall - a real journey Just returned from this trip . Myself , my husband and 3 more friends went on the trip - we are all keen on cycle touring. For myself and my husband, our overall experience was very good . Our guide, Chai was the best we have ever had . He dealt with a varied group with humour, fantastic organisation and always a smile. The group we were with was made up of British , Canadian, American and Australian cyclists . The group was great and bonded well under Chai's expert guidance. Culturally the trip is very interesting - Angkor Wat is fascinating and beautiful and the Killing Fields in Cambodia were life changing. Travelling through the 3 countries and seeing the various levels of development, political situations and living conditions was interesting and sometimes disturbing. However the cycling itself was sometimes disappointing - in the first few days there is rather a lot of cycling along straight, featureless , flat roads in 35 degrees of heat. Being taken out to eat local food in the evenings was very enjoyable and welcome after this. Cycling around Angkor Wat and the various temples which make up the complex was beautiful and the cycling in Vietnam is amazing - cycling through communities , hopping on and off ferries - everywhere a riot of colour and interest. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hearing the story of our young female guide in Phnom Pen give an emotional and personal account of the Polpot regime and life in Cambodia nowadays moved me to tears . Cycling around Angkor Wat Hearing our guide talk about his humane and pragmatic approach to Buddhism Cycling through villages and communities in Vietnam What did you think of your group leader? Chai was quite simply one of the nicest human beings I have ever met and an inspirational guide and leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for the first few days of cycling which are long , scenery is not spectacular and it is very hot. It does get better! We are reasonably strong cyclists and were able to find enjoyment in blasting down the long, straight, quiet roads but still found the heat a challenge. Chai managed it well though and arranged stops every 8-10 miles to re-group and cool down. The team were always waiting with very welcome and delicious snacks and drinks. Go easy on them if you don't want to gain weight. Cycling around the Angkor Wat temples and in Vietnam is lovely. Go out with the guide to eat in the evenings - the local food and experience is fantastic and hotel food often very average. We did not get ill. Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip was a journey rather than a holiday and overall a very positive experience. Most people on the trip who had never done Exodus holidays before were inspired to do more trips like this. However be prepared for some of the cycling in the heat and seeing the poverty of some of the communities, particularly in Cambodia.
Reviewed January 2020 andrew bole Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor An amazing trip, a couple of tips This is a really wonderful trip. I would highly recommend it. You get a unique view of the people, country life and see very few other tourists, outside of the big cities! A good balance between cycling and transfers on the bus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to list. What did you think of your group leader? The guide makes the difference between a good trip and an amazing trip. Our guide, Nut, was excellent. He was calm, efficient and is vastly experienced so easily managed the large group (18) and so we were all relaxed and could enjoy the trip. Simple things were done very well. We visited lots of different artisans along the way but were never pressured into buying things. They guide handled tipping, meals etc Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Some tips not in the trip notes: 1. It is hot and very sunny. Over xmas, there were no cloudy days and no rain. 2. Take lots of high factor sun cream. We used more than expected as you are out in the sun most of the day. You can only buy it in the big towns, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Saigon. 3. Wear white or light coloured tops when cycling. Dark colours absorb the heat making it even hotter! 4. You move most evenings, so can only visit the laundry in the big towns where you stay for more than one night, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Saigon. 5. Take a water bottle that fits in a standard bike water bottle holder. 6. We took our own clip in pedals (MTB prob best as in and out of them in the towns), which worked well. The bus is always close by so you can change shoes if you need to walk round a temple 7. To go into most of the temples you need to wear trousers or shorts/skirts that cover the knee. Applies to men and women. You can leave them on the bus, so dont need to wear them when cycling. 8. Take some electrolite tablets for your water, as you are out on the bike in the heat sweating alot! Is there anything else you would like to add? Spend a bit of time looking at the flight routes/options as there are lots of possible routes you can end up on, which vary considerably in terms of duration and connections.
Reviewed December 2019 Mark Billington Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Trying something new in S.E Asia I’ve previously been on several exodus trips either hiking or sightseeing ones or a mixture of the two. I thought I’d give cycling a go, I’m not a cyclist at home but keep myself fit. The trip was amazing, the cycling tough in the heat, but you get looked after so well, the bike teams manage the traffic so well and look after your hydration and energy levels. This trip isn’t just about the cycling though, the combination of 3 different countries, with different cultures and foods and fantastic sights and cities you get to see, make this a very memorable holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? You can’t fail to be amazed with the temples around Angkor, it’s staggering to think these masterpieces were put together centuries ago and to see them by bicycle is the perfect way to absorb them. What did you think of your group leader? We couldn’t of asked for a better group leader than IS, so knowledgeable, so helpful, so approachable and within a very short time became one of us, part of the team, a friend to us all. In my experiences all Exodus leaders have been great but a couple have gone above and beyond to ensure your holiday is a memorable one, IS definitely went above and beyond and was much loved and respected by us all. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you build up your fitness, preferably with time on your bike, I did a couple of 40 mile cycles just prior to going on the trip, if possible cycle in some traffic as although the roads rarely get very busy, some of the towns have moderate traffic. Take a towel and swimwear, there’s plenty of opportunities to swim and if it’s as warm as it was when we visited you’ll be grateful of the cooling off in the pool. Definitely use the rooftop hot tub in the hotel in Phnom Penh. Is there anything else you would like to add? Not really, just to say this holiday takes in so much, there’s never a dull moment or quiet moment so if you like your holidays full on and fun packed, it’s definitely for you.
Reviewed November 2019 Patricia West Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Best Trip Just did cycle trip Nov 8-23...what a fabulous time!!!. I am not a cyclist and was worried about being able to do this trip, but it was amazing. The group was large (18) with a mixture of couples and singles all around 25-69 yrs in age. I did fall off the bike on the first day and ended with a slight sprained wrist and cuts and bruises. 2nd day fell off again lol. Our guide looked after me well. I did ride the bus in places I did not feel comfortable with. Cycling was pretty decent, around 12-15km/hr for most of the group, the faster riders went ahead. Bike teams were fabulous and kept the equipment well looked after, snack foods plentiful. The heat and humidity was incredible, but after 3 days I was fine. Crossing boarders was easy. Visited many markets along the way and tried Grasshoppers, Silk Worms, Beetles, Snake, Tarantula, Scorpion and many other delicious Asian dishes. Visiting the Killing Fields, S21, War museum was very eye opening. The home stay was amazing! what a beautiful experience, got to help with dinner prep, beds were comfy, out door shower relaxing. The only thing I would say is if travelling single it is worth the extra cost to book single supplement. Spending 24/7 with the group is great but its nice to have time alone. I took the advice of reviews and packed light...took a back pack and carry on and I did fine, you can wash clothes in the sink and it dries quickly or laundry is cheap. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational part of the trip for me was visiting the killing fields, S21 and War museum. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was IS....what can I say …. she is the BEST!!!! We all fell in love with her. what an amazing woman and friend. She had us on time and kept us safe,When I fell she was right there taking care of my wounds, showed us how the people live, shared many foods with us. She went above and beyond her job! If you are fortunate to have her as your guide you will truly enjoy your trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? make sure you are a seasoned cyclist, doing just spin classes wont be enough. The cycling is long, the first day is short, but the next 2 days will be about 80-90k the heat and humidity will be high! it was high 30s and humidity was around 72. Be sure you are very comfortable cycling in the city as the traffic can be quite heavy and very different from normal city cycling, I took the bus near the cities as I was totally not prepared. Bring some type of cream for the bottom lol. I did not care for Vietnam $$ so I changed it back into US currency as most places will take US dollars. I took about $100.00 US for each country and that was sufficient but if you want to drink alcohol and buy items then you would need more. For the Temples you would need to bring clothing that covers below the knees. As I mentioned before, if travelling solo then its worth the extra $ to book a single room. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is an amazing trip. I am so glad I did it. I would totally recommend doing it and this is coming from a non cyclist lol. By the 4th day I was told I had improved and actually looked like a cyclist . Exodus is the only company I would book with, its a little more expensive but they look after you top notch!.
Reviewed November 2019 David Barnewell Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Outstanding trip, wonderful experiences every day Great organisation, team, guides and Leader; Chai, we experienced people, food, culture and daily life in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Saw most wonderful temples in Angkor, deeply moving visits to the Killing Fields and the Vietnam War Remnants museum and the great buzz of SiemReap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh cities What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hard to pick a single event. Every day brought something new and different. The Temples of Angkor are simply stunning What did you think of your group leader? Chai was outstanding. He did a great job showing us new and different aspects to daily life in all three countries. His team of drivers, cyclists, mechanics and local guides were superb. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Research what you will see and visit in advance so you get the very best out of the trip. Bring comfortable cycling clothing, but not too much, laundry is easy. Make sure you bike size is correct and confined ahead of travelling. Get some miles done on the bike before travel so you’re fit enough to enjoy the scenery and not struggling Is there anything else you would like to add? Be prepared to try new and unusual food and experiences
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.
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