Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

it is hard to choose for me it could be taking in the amazing beauty of Halong Bay or cycling through villages in the Mekong Delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hoc was amazing, making sure everything was ready for us wherever we were heading to, sharing his knowledge about Vietnam, making sure people with special diet were catered for and ensuring we took paths on our treks and cycle rides where we would come across locals rather than other tourists. making us walk through the rice paddies was great fun and a memory that will remain with me forever.

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't pack too much, we didn't need the mosquito net that exodus recommend you pack, and when you check in at the Lantern Hotel in Hoi An you can leave your laundry to the lady across the street (miss Yang I think ) and pick it up the following day at 4pm clean and nicely folded.

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw all sides of Vietnam - from the frenetic city of Hanoi to the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay with a visit to the beautiful farming regions. Highlights included; Amazing food in interesting places Having tea with a local family in the mountains and learning about rice farming Sailing and swimming in Halong Bay Touring the beautiful temples of Hue, exploring the outlying villages and having an oscar-worthy reenactment of farming traditions from the lady at the museum. Seeing the beautiful city of Hoi An lit by lanterns at night time Visiting the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels Sailing through the Floating markets in the Mekong Delta Having children running out to greet you as you cycle through villages in the Mekong Delta Having an impromptu cooking lesson at the homestead in Mekong Delta Watching fireflies whilst swinging gently in a hammock after a delicious dinner

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Thom, was excellent - he ensured we were entertained at all times and constantly sought out extra activities for us. He fitted in well with the group and had a great sense of humour. Thom was very enthusiastic in his love of Vietnam and we learned a great deal about the culture and history of this fascinating country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise taking a sleeping bag liner for the homestays and overnight train (it is an interesting experience!) and plenty of hand sanitiser/wet wipes. Get yourself a Non La on arrival - they are the best way to keep cool in the sun. Definitely worth investing in a camel pack to keep your drinking water cooler on hikes/cycle rides. Take as empty a suitcase as you can - if you need more clothes just buy them there (cheaper than laundry and they are fantastic quality)

Most Inspirational Moment

everything was just well put together and the leader made sure we got the best out of the trip: Loved the space in Mai Chau, the bussle of Hanoi, the history of Hue, the colours of Hoian and the pace of the Mekon Delta

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom did everything he could to make sure we saw and knew about the country he loves. Nothing was too much trouble

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky enough to be in Hoi An for the Full Moon Festival which showed a different side to the town. Having researched in advance, we took a trip to My Son.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa was informative, passionate and proud of his country. He managed a very disparate group of people with more good grace and patience than was deserved!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is not as active as the 'moderate/challenging' tag would suggest - it's quite leisurely. There is a lot of down time in the different locations so if you want to make the most of your trip and see as much as possible do plan in advance what you want to see in each of the locations. Khoa was excellent at helping to arrange optional activities. A lot more time is spent on the bus than is specified in the trip notes, so do bring something to occupy your time. Please also make sure you are fit and keen enough to complete the activities that are listed on the trip notes so that others on the trip are not disadvantaged.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course, the obvious highlights are the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, Mai Chau and the Mekong Delta. My abiding memory will be cycling through the villages, along canals and rivers and the friendliness of the local people. The lunar festival at Hoi An with the coloured candle lanterns floating down the river, was another stand out memory and romantic covered bridges and having a beautiful silk jacket made in 24 hours! Cruising Halong Bay and witnessing a magical sunset with limestone giants in shadow......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa, was amazing- knowledgable, well organised, kind and considerate. He was obviously so proud of his country and wanted us all to have the best experience....which he managed extremely well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small 'running' rucksack for the cycling and trekking for those essentials and camel bag.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Saigon and in particular the museum dedicated to the retelling of the 'American War' was a highlight. Generally speaking the food was fantastic throughout and definitely worth a mention. I had thought that kayaking in Ha Long Bay would be the highlight but it was actually a bit of a let down in the end. There are just SO many tourist boats everywhere and the litter floating in the water etc. just completely take away from what I am sure was once an idyllic scene. I think the chance to see it 'as it was', is now unfortunately gone. Also, if you're looking forward to a day or even afternoon's kayaking after reading the trip notes, be warned that it's actually only about an hour or so.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Our leader was Khoa Nguyen. He is a nice guy, very friendly and his knowledge of his country is fantastic. He is always full of interesting stories and facts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see Vietnam in just two weeks and don't mind a slightly 'touristy' vibe then this trip is good for you. If however, you want to be very active and have taken on other Exodus trips rated Moderate or Challenging and think this will be in the same mould, you will be pretty disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

It very hard to find one moment as Holong Bay was really somthing and was nice to jump early morning for a swim. Our last day of Cycling on the way to Vinh Long passing through small villages seeing children waving at you adn passing through roads with rice fiels at each side was really great.Well can't forget the floating Market as being over there in the middle is a fantastic feeling. Minh Island. Vinh Long wished we could have stayed more then one night there.                                                                                                                                                                                         

Thoughts on Group Leader

Phat our tour leader was great/fantastic person.He was all time ther to make sure that we were all having fun. Only rested when we almost all went to bed as for the rest he was always happy to show us around and to make us see and feel like Vietnamese people. We usually ate Vietnamese Food which is really nice. Most important regarding Phat is that im Allergic to Nuts and fresh tomatoes and he always made sure to inform the restaurant or the village fanilies were we were staying. I felt relaxed and could enjoy my holiday. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really. Just take diferent layers of clothes as the weather does change completly at times. Important to take few warm sweaters as in the evenings especially in Holong Bay and also when we stayed at the Thai hilltribe longhouse. One need a warm cap and very warm clothes also to sleep with. For the rest mostly summer clothes , thin trousers and top will do. But always take waterproof  breathable trousers and jacket. I used them more then I taught. 

Most Inspirational Moment

 Staying in a traditional homes with Vietnamese families was a definate highlight. Brushing my teeth watching the mist rise off the rice fields, reading my book swinging in a hammock on the banks of the Mekong Delta, watching traditional village dancing whilst sampling the local rice wine and returning "home" after a long day treking to the luxury of a warm shower, a cold beer and delicious food.  Better than any hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately our first leader had to leave us after the first week but the handover to a new leader was done seemlessly with minimal disruption to the tour. Both guides were extemely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with excellent English and a hint of humour. I was amazed at the lack of thinking I needed to do as everything ran effortlessly thanks to these two hard working guides. Very, very impressed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I did not feel this trip was as active as you are led to believe. We only did two decent bike rides and one full days hike. However, a lot is packed into the itinerary so if you want to see it all I guess you have to expect to spend a lot of time travelling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling on the crazy roads in Hue - it works though!The hospitality of the locals - especially in the rural areas. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thom was fantastic - enthusiastic, helpful & knowledgeable.   He went the extra mile to ensure everyone was happy and had a good time.  He became part of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Probably don't require malaria tablets in the low season.Ask to be told about all additional costs upfront so your expectations were managed (all of these I felt were reasonable e.g. tips/extra trips) Double check you understand the daily schedule -especially when hiking so you know what to take / leave behind (sometimes you can take your bigger bags as you drop them off at the accommodation before hiking)Try the local food - yum!If you have enough holiday, consider extending a week to do independent travelling into Cambodia or to the beach in Vietnam - 2/3 days rest to reflect and get your energy back were definitely beneficial before heading home. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up on the boat in the middle of Halong Bay. Kayaking round islands and seeing the monkeys leap from tree to tree. Learning to cook by imitation and gestures in the Mekong Delta. Walking through emerald green paddy fields, up steep hills. Sleeping on a bamboo floor in a traditional Thai longhouse. Handling a python in the snake farm. Being entertained by local dancers, and being dragged up to dance the finale. Cycling through villages on windy canal paths, with little children rushing out to shout "hello!". 

Thoughts on Group Leader

A wonderful story teller, full of interesting anecdotes and insights into Vietnam history and culture. He even got out his guitar on occasion and entertained us with some of his songs!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lots of travel, by coach, rail, road, boat, kayak, and air. Bring earplugs and a jumper, as Vietnam can dip below 20 degrees in the evenings. Be ready for all sorts of extras not necessarily on the itinerary. Don't worry about the Cu Chi tunnels: the bit you walk through is only right at the end and easily omitted if you're claustrophobic - the rest of it is fascinating.