Reviews

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

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179 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

A wonderful trip with many and varied activities. Vietnam is fascinating, a country in transition, with interesting scenery, friendly people and a healthy diet!

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost too many to mention: Halong Bay, the Cu Chi tunnels, Hoi An- buying tailor made clothes, the cookery class there and cycle ride to the beach- the general melee of the traffic (especially in Hanoi and Saigon), the War Remnants Museum, a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and finally, for my daughter, the Water Puppet show in Hanoi.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trong was great- friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and well organised. This was an unusual trip in that the group consisted of our family alone (parents plus "kids" aged 22 and 18) and Trong was able to relate to each of us well and was good fun to be with. He had lots of local contacts and recommendations for us and generally helped us to make the best of our time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need too many dollars- we took 50% of anticipated spending which was too many. Agribank ATMs will allow you to draw 4, 000, 000 VND (about £120) for a 20,000 VND( 60p) fee-plus UK fee of course- other banks seemed to restrict the amounts to 2,000,000 for the same fee. You don't need a sheet sleeping bag for the Mekong Delta, though I am not unhappy with the beautiful silk ones I bought for 75000 VND each.Eating out etc is surprisingly cheap!If you are thinking of tailor-made clothes take photos from home if you particularly like any designs- the tailors are expert in making them.If you like milk in coffee you could consider taking some powdered milk since usually condensed milk is supplied.July was very humid and hot especially in the north but we had far less rain than anticipated and simply jumped into taxis (also v cheap) if it poured. Personally I was not troubled at all by mosquitos though my husband would disagree! We were fascinated by our visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, almost a pilgrimage for some Vietnamese and perhaps evidence of the influence of Communism, even today. This is not on the tour but well worth a visit.We found the laundry services at the hotels quite expensive, plus some things stretched and others shrunk........you have been warned!

Reviewed July 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

An outstanding trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything.............the trip was so diverse, couldn't mention one thing that we didn't like. This trip has something for everyone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom was fantastic and such good company too. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for us. He went far beyond the expectations of your normal travel rep.

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't take too many clothes, or pack lightweight clothes. Plenty of places to buy more and there are two places to do laundry, one in Hoi an the other in Nha Trang. You don't really need Dollars, we took some and if you do take any exchange it to Dong as soon as you arrive in the airport in Hanoi ATM's everywhere so as long as you have a visa/debit you can use that but remember all the charges.....you can draw out normally 2,000,000 dong a time........about £60 ish plus your bank charges, their bank charges and the exchange rate but its still a handy option. If you are on the group flight and go via Malaysia get some local currency or Dollars for drinks and food.Take Malaria tablets, Deet 50 or 100 spray and long sleeved shirt and long trousers for the mekong delta as there are loads of mosquitos oh and a sleeping bag liner although the lodge is very good quality.(the only dodgy accommodation on this trip is the sleeper train although you aren't in it overnight, the journey is about 10 hours and you are in a 4 berth sleeper)a fantastic trip, well planned with no hassel........the guides are fantastic.....only negative, vietnam is poorer than thailand and tourism is in its infancy, near some of the hotels and sights there are the usual postcard, fruit sellers shirt sellers etc....they can be quite pushy but just be polite and patient and walk past them and they won't cause you any issues you will love it....enjoy

Reviewed July 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Although this trip is full on we enjoyed every moment.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights of the holiday were sea kayaking and swimming in Ha Long Bay; snorkelling off Nha Trang and visiting the orphanage there; climbing the 150 steps up the Marble Mountain and seeing the caves used as a hospital by the Vietcong during the American Vietnam War in the 1960’s; cycling to the beach at Cua Dai; shopping in Hoi An; riding on the reunification express and culminating in the Mekong Delta homestay where our hosts made us very welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Although the travelling group of 15 people ranged in age from 24 to 65 we very quickly bonded, and a good time was had by all, thanks to Tom our marvellous guide who gave us just enough information to make everything interesting and created opportunities for excitement and fun too. The evening on board the boat in Ha Long Bay was a great ice breaker.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When we told our friends and family we were going to Vietnam the general response was “What do you want to go there for?” We had heard that Vietnam has beautiful scenery, that it is not yet very commercialised, the food is enjoyable, and that there is some interesting history and culture. We found plenty of history and culture and delicious food, but also enjoyed the shopping, the variety of activities provided and the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. They are very poor, but seem very happy. The traffic is insane – imagine China’s bicycles replaced by mopeds! Red traffic lights are there to be ignored and the mopeds use the pavements as much as the roads... Building is going on everywhere and the country is just beginning to become more commercialised.

Reviewed April 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

I had an excellent time. It was what I had hoped and more.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved looking at peoples houses, seeing real Vietnamese life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trong was excellent. Very humourous and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take a rain jacket if travelling in March. We had rain in every place we went. Our tour guide did buy us all ponchos, twice! You can get your washing done about half way through, which is really handy.

Reviewed March 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

To be honest, I had never previously considered a visit to Indochina, but I was outvoted. Having agreed that Vietnam was to be our next destination to visit, we did lots of research comparing the itineraries of many tour operators before finally deciding on Exodus. The trip that they offered certainly ticked all of the boxes, and appeared to be good value for money. I had only one concern, and that was food, but during this action-packed trip, my fears were unfounded, as the Vietnamese food proved to be wonderful, and I was never disappointed with any of the restaurants that were suggested by our guide – Even when dining independently from our group/guide the food was found to be excellent. Vietnam really has it all – relaxing beaches, bustling cities, beautiful countryside, and the people are just amazing, so welcoming and friendly. If this 16 day trip is typical of Exodus tours, then I’m sure we’ll be back for more.

Most Inspirational Moment

During our stay in Vietnam, each day brought something new, and we had so many varied and wonderful experiences that it's very hard to chose one thing over another. Crossing the road in Hanoi, The countryside and beach in Hoi An, or the simplicity of life in the Mekong delta, but if pressed, then I would have to say that the highlight for me was kayaking around Halong Bay. Just paddling around this beautiful bay with its limestone peaks was absolutely stunning. The visit to the War Remnants Museum was sobering, but seeing the extent of the atrocities inflicted on this nation really made their positive attitude and friendly nature even more endearing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Upon our arrival at Hanoi airport, our guide Thang was there to greet us and was with us from morning to night, always on-hand when needed, and ensured that all of our trips and transport went like clockwork. It was rare to actually need to ask for advice or assistance, as Thang seemed to sense what we might need at any point of our trip. He was always polite and professional, but gelled very well with our group without being intrusive. His stories about Vietnamese history, culture and life enabled us to gain a good insight into this country and people. Every day he 'went the extra mile' to ensure we had a great time, and he looked after us admirably. Thang is an absolute star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm sure I won't be the last person to mention this, but, with the availability of tee shirts, and contrary to other reports that I've read, underwear etc., along with the ease of arranging laundry, and the provision of towels at all hotels. PACK LIGHTLY. You might need to barter to get the prices down (the Vietnamese love this), but you'll bag yourself a bargain, help the local economy, and save yourself worrying about packing. (My 10.7Kg proved far too much!)

Reviewed March 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

I had yearned to go to Vietnam for years and the Exodus holiday did not disappoint. It was a whistle stop tour from north to south. The whole trip was very well planned and organised and our tour leader, Thang, was the model of efficiency and tact. From the bustle of Hanoi to the relative calm of Halong Bay, the pretty town of Hue on the Perfume River, Hoi An with its many tailors, Nha Trang, fast developing as a coastal resort, Saigon’s markets and mopeds and the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, there were so many diverse aspects that we couldn’t possibly have seen if we had travelled under our own steam. It is the first time that we have travelled with Exodus but I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in seeing as much as possible of the country and people in two weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the highlights were staying on a junk in Halong Bay, cycling to the beach at Cua Dai, the train ride on the Reunification Express and visiting the Mekong Delta, although all of it was fascinating. The Vietnamese people were very friendly despite their horrific past. Also the food was wonderful and varied from a seafood lunch on board a junk to a DIY barbecue, not forgetting the elephant fish and pineapple spring rolls in the Mekong Delta and a couple of upmarket restaurants in Hoi An and Saigon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Thang, was very efficient and helpful. Any problems, such as dietary restrictions, were dealt with smoothly. If we needed a taxi he would speak to the driver and ensure they had the correct instructions. He also gave us a lot of insight into the Vietnamese way of life with anecdotes about his own life, family and work. His knowledge of the history and politics of Vietnam was encyclopaedic and I don’t think there was a single question he was unable to answer. As well as this he joined in with the group socially although at times he must have been exhausted. At our request he organised a cooking lesson in Hoi An, which had not been on the original agenda. One of the group was presented with a surprise cake on his birthday, which Thang had also organised with the restaurant. I don’t think he could have done more to have made the trip a success. His knowledge and good humour made him the perfect team leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I also agree that it should be mentioned on the trip notes that there were laundry services available at least twice during the trip. It was also unnecessary to take a towel as these were supplied by the hotels, even towels to take to the pool / beach. Pack light – you may need a thin waterproof for the north depending on which time of year you are going, and lightweight clothing for the south. Do make sure you have plenty of space to take back souvenirs. and haggle for them – this is part of the Vietnamese way of life. You will need plenty of mosquito repellent especially when you travel to the south and the Mekong Delta.

Reviewed March 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Would not have been the same holiday without Thang, our guide. Nothing was too much trouble and he was diplomacy itself. An inspiration who presented his country magnificently.

Most Inspirational Moment

The history of the American war and how it gave a balanced view rather than the one sided view we got when it was in progress.The resilience of the Vietnamese people and how nice a race they are

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic, a little gem.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont take too many clothes.

Reviewed March 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Fascinating country, wonderful scenery, people and food ,we learnt so much of Vietnam’s history and travelled to diverse areas of the country. I would highly recommend it to friends and fellow travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels

Thoughts on Group Leader

This being my eighth Exodus trip all group leaders have been very good, however the group leader on this trip surpassed them all in terms of organisational and social skills, knowledge, humour and constant concern for our welfare.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light as plenty of opportunity to get laundry done en route.Everything very cheap

Reviewed March 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Fantastic trip the organisation was brilliant from start to finish (including booking arrangements). A very well thought out and well planned holiday. It hit all the buttons!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thought the Cu Chi tunnels was a fantastic experience. So many highlights though also loved Halong Bay, and experiencing the Mekong Delta

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thang was incredible. His organisational skills are second to none, his knowledge unbelievable, not only about the places visited on the trip but his cultural knowledge and lots of snippets on the way of life out there which were so interesting. The meals we were taken for were fantastic and such good value. What a lovely person to be with. He definitely made the holiday for me and my husband. Well done Thang! best guide for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and enjoy, you can get clothes washed on this trip at two locations so don't take too much we could have taken less. Towels are provided throughout another saving on luggage.

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