Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Depends what you call inspirational but the thing that sticks in my mind , is coming around a corner in Vietnam to be faced by hundreds of children, who all turn and look at you and start screaming "hello" and waving at you -made you feel like some sort of Rock Star!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai was excellent and looked after us all the way. His knowledge allowed us to stop and try local things as we cycled through the countryside, something you would think twice about if he wasn't with us. Learnt a lot about the local culture from him.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many inspirational moments but I think meeting so many Cambodian people who so friendly and happy, even though their country went through such a terrifying ordeal. They always had a big smile on their faces.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Chai was always so professional and calm and so knowledgeable. He always greeted us with a big smile and always did his absolute best to look after us. I just hope Exodus realise what an asset he is to their company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking Cambodian and Vietnamese currencies. Just take Thai Baht and US Dollars. Baggy shorts over your cycling shorts was enough to get you into most temples. Take your own saddle or saddle gel cover. I took the saddle I did all my training in and I didn't have a sore bottom all holiday. Try as much of the different food you can.

Suggestions

I am already looking at booking another Exodus holiday for next year. Everything was looked after and prepared for us and the whole holiday ran on rails (or should I say ran on bicycles?).

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. Angkor Wat is a sight to behold; the Mekong Delta is fabulous and the lovely feeling you get when children in rural villages literally jump up and down with joy as you pass by will stay with you for a long time. However the most inspirational part of the trip - as well as the most difficult - was our visit to the Killing Fields and TS21. Our guide helped us to understand this terrible part of Cambodia's history, but also how the country and its people have moved forward.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai made the trip. He is genuinely one of the nicest people I've ever met. He went out of his way to make this a trip to remember and always had a smile on his face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can buy cycling tops in both Cambodia and Vietnam - both tops are very colourful and a great memento of the trip. There are some great restaurants in Seam Reap, Phnom Penh and Saigon that work with street children - giving them opportunities in the hospitality industry; Lonely Planet book has details.

Suggestions

This is a great trip - if you book it you won't regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I wouldn't say inspirational but it's something that has stuck with me, and is very humbling: learning and understanding the culture and histories each of these three countries has lived through.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chaiya: what an amazingly professional and knowledgable guide! Greeted every morning with his smile and great sense of humour! The trip wouldn't have run so smoothly had it not been for him. From the cycling to lunch breaks, to organised visits. Got to see, taste and do so much thanks to Chai.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As always I over packed, but make sure you have really (really) good padded cycling shorts, breathable cycling tops, and just go for it. Book this trip!! Make the most of it and enjoy!

Suggestions

This will not be my last cycling trip with Exodus!! I've had a fantastic life experience that has got me hooked onto cycling even more!

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to explain the insight we got into the history , religion ,countryside and cuisine in such a short time but it was very powerful and will stay with me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiaya , our group leader was the most professional group leader I have ever encountered . He anticipated every problem and diffused any tension with great intelligence , charm and kindness . His knowledge of the history and religions of the countries is comprehensive , but it is his unfailing good humour and positivity that will remain with me and my husband and I'm sure all the group .

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the group we travelled with, the group leader Chai and all the support team. The scenery was fantastic, as was the cycling. The organisation of the whole trip was faultless and smooth, from check in to the hotels to the bikes up and ready to go each day. The snacks along the way were wonderful (especially in Thailand).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic, knowledgeable, helpful with a great sense of humour. Chai made the trip what it was....amazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it...you will love it. Pack light and spend more money on some decent cycling shorts.

Suggestions

This was our first cycle holiday and it won't be our last....we have the bug now and will certainly be looking for our next one.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was very good. Possibly the most noteworthy moments were not so much inspirational as sobering. Visits to the killing fields and detention centre left most of us musing on man's inhumanity to man.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Helpful, well-informed, very sociable. Managed the logistics of crossing three countries and having to change bikes and guides at every frontier very well. Also a great guitar player.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat and humidity, high-fiving children in rural areas and a very educational experience.

Suggestions

The support on the road was excellent. The picnics set up for each rest stop were an inspiration to keep going. Fresh lime drink is something to look forward to at every break in Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the people in particular the children smiling and being so welcoming along the whole route.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was always taking our safety and well being as the number one priority. He also made it a totally enjoyable and fun holiday. The group dynamics worked so well because the leader included everybody in all aspects and ensured everyone enjoyed their time. He always explained what was happening so nobody was left unsure as to what was happening. Above all Chai was the nicest guy you could ever meet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only advice I could give is you can travel light as you don't need lots of clothes etc.

Suggestions

The entire holiday was excellent value for money!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling around the Angkor Wat site was magical. Cycling along the back roads of the Mekong Delta and being greeted by a chorus of hellos and frenzied waving from small children was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai was wonderful. He was very organized and kept us informed at all times. He was also patient, kind, encouraging, and thoroughly likeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring gel seats or better still, your own bicycle seat that is good for long distances. The bikes are excellent, but the seats are uncomfortable for long distances.

Suggestions

This was my first time with Exodus and also my first cycling tour. I am definitely looking into another cycling tour with Exodus. I loved this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I personally loved cycling in Vietnam. We were out in the villages more and every kid and some of the parents would say hello. The kids would even line up to get "moving hand slaps". It was all great fun and we felt incredibly welcome. The Angkor wat temple complex was amazing too and cycling around it was a great way to see it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Is was one of the best tour leaders I've every had on a group trip. All of the bike teams in the three countries were superb too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First off, do not take Stirling currency. Take usd instead. In terms of fitness preparation, I'd recommend at least doing 4-6 spin classes but ideally do some cycling too to get your butt used to the miles! I'd also recommend cycling shorts - which are acceptable to wear - and a gel saddle. You'll also need a pair of "temple shorts" which are below the knee to put over the top and shoulders will need to be able to be covered for temples too. If you have very fair skin like me, get used to be adding suncream very regularly. Alternatively, take long sleeved tops or separate "cycling sleeves".

Suggestions

Everyone except serious cyclists will wonder if they can manage this. You can! Just do some prep back in the uk and you'll manage.. and love it!