Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many great experiences but I would highlight Hoi An, which I was really looking forward to, and which didn't disappoint and the Mekong Delta  experience. The stay at Hue had  much more than I anticipated and Ho Chi Min City was  significantly better than I thought it would be and the history gave an extra edge to this  element of the trip. The Vietnames people were  extremely welcoming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thuy was fantastic and I would love to go on another trip with him. So well organised everything ran like clockwork and we always knew  where we  were up to. He shared so much information with us regarding Vietnamese culture and history as  well as his own family's story which you just don't get from the guidebooks. He was good at spending time with individual group members and really interacting with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As other reviewers have said pack light there is loads to buy very cheaply and it is easy to get washing done half way through the trip. I wasn't impressed with Nha Trang or with the swimming/snorkelling trip there but it was redeemed by the fact that a small group of us walked out to the Cham Towers which were extremely interesting and as I hadn't been to My Son gave  a feel of this different culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visting the town of Hoi AnnSnorkelling in the East China seaOvernight boat trip to Halong Bay and KayakingRelaxing mud bath in Nay trangDelicious foodPassion of the group leader for his country

Thoughts on Group Leader

His passion and knowledge about the country's history really inspired me and I enjoyed hearing his entertaining stories and jokes. He spoke good english and was very helpful when any problems arose. He tried hard to make sure everyone in the group was happy, which is not an easy job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read about Vietnam so you know what to expect in terms of climate, food and acitvities. Some people on the trip go to Vietnam with different expectations and were not prepared and this is such a shame. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Each place we visited had a highlight, from learning how to cook delicious Vietnamese food from an entertaining chef in Hoi An, kayaking around the many and mysterious islands in Halong Bay, visiting the My Son temple complex, exploring Tu Duc's mausoleum, the sights and smells of Hue market, crawling along the tunnels at Cu Chi to taking a cyclotaxi ride around Ho Chi Minh City, every day had numerous inspirational moments. The Vietnamese people are amongst the friendliest I've met which added to the experience. I would highly recommend visiting Vietnam for the sheer variety on offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zung made the history and culture of Vietnam come to life and helped us to understand their customs and way of life. This was an invaluable way of getting a better understanding of the country and the people around us, which I definitely won't have got the most out of if I had visited Vietnam on my own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip now before Vietnam changes!!! You won't regret it. Don't forget to bring tropical strength DEET for the Mekong Delta as the mosquitoes in that part of Vietnam were particularly vicious!

Most Inspirational Moment

I really loved Halong Bay and the kayaking, but heard the music on the other boat and they were clearly having more fun, jealous.The Mekong Delta was also beautiful and the locals lovely and friendly, the homestay was a bit quiet for me though.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Was initially dissapointed as took an early dive on the 2nd night and decided we didin't need a group meal, the first three days were tough as lack of information on what we were doing and not properly kitted out for the day trip. However; once he asked what was wrong and I explianed he bent over backwards to make the trip really enjoyable. Very knowledgeable guide who was proud of his country and clearly enjoyed his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Shopping in Hoi Ann is amazing, bought several tailor made suits and wok shirts which were well made and dirt cheap, so leave space in your luggage and remember you can do laundry there so don't over pack.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the wonderful Vietnamese people and how they have come through such a war torn history.Halong Bay of course . The site of the Thet Offensive and clear evidence of the battle. The War Museum and the erie silence of the visitors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

 Thuay.Absolutely excellent. The standard against which all your guides could be judged

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not have any doubts about experiencing this visit and do it soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mekong Delta was fascinating a community operating with resources immediately around them via little cottage industries.Visiting a nursery showing kids are the same no matter where you go- they just like to pose!Fresh food being produced out of nowhere on a small boat- fab

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic- receptive to the needs of every group memberSo organised and knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

When crossing the road just go for it and the traffic avoids you!Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the Mekong Delta was just fascinating. A complete community living and operating on the resources around them via little cottage industries.Fresh food supplied in abundance from little boats. Visiting a nursery which just shows how kids are the same no matter where you go-they just love to pose for a photo!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic so knowledgeable and so aware of the needs of the group.Everything was so well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy every minute and when crossing the road just go for it and the traffic will move around you!

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to decide on one moment as there were so many highlights.  I really enjoyed the various activities from the bike ride in Hoi An and the cyclo ride in Hue, to drinking coconut juice from a freshly cut coconut in the Mekong Delta.  There are plenty of boat trips and these were all superb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giang was excellent, he was very passionate and knowledgeable about his lovely country.  He was always willing to provide ideas and help sort out arrangements, even in his free time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very easy to get laundry done in Hoi An.  The hotel service was relatively expensive so our tour leader arranged for us to drop our clothes off at the bike shop!  Everything arrived back clean, fresh and pressed, all at a reasonable price.Like all Exodus trips this is a busy and active holiday, however, I did not find it too tiring.  The bonus of this type of holiday is that you come home with so many wonderful memories and photos.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Homestay in the Mekong Delta was wonderful, and gave the chance to meet some of the locals and experience life away from the hussle and bussle of the cities.  I loved the Imperial city of Hue, and also relaxed Hoi An - unfortunately we had fairly wet weather whilst we were in the middle of the country, so maybe didn't see them quite at their best - we were lucky to get out on bikes in Hoi An which allowed us to experience the motorbikes and scooters at a different pace than just trying to cross the road - which really is an experience (check out some videos on Youtube before you go).  We also got the chance to visit an orphanage in Hoi An which was quite moving, as was the War Remnants museum in Saigon. Halong Bay is stunning, and it was lovely to get out kayaking amongst the limestone karsts and the overnight boat trip was great.  The train journey from Danang to Nha Trang, whilst long and perhaps a little uncomfortable allowed you to see much more scenery than you ever do in a coach, so great for photo opportunities. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai was extremely well organised, so all his arrangements went without a hitch and he was really keen to ensure that we all got to experience as much of Vietnam as we could in this busy trip.  He was really knowledgeable, and had some great anecdotes to tell about all the places we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, but be prepared that it might well rain a lot whilst you are there.  Leave plenty of space for shopping as there are loads of opportunities through the trip to buy some great things.  You can get washing done easily in Hoi An.  If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, this might not be the trip for you, be prepared for some long days.  As others have mentioned, be really careful of your possessions when you are out and about - it is very difficult for Vietnamese to leave the country, so our passports are very valuable to them as well as to us.  Keep your wits about you in the big cities, but do visit the markets and bargain, you can get some fantastic deals.  If you want to get clothes made in Hoi An, take some pictures with you to give ideas to the tailors, and be prepared to go for two or three fittings - persevere and as long as you have gone to a recommended tailor (ask your guide, they will know the good places) you will get a great result at the end.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fantastic Halong bay, Hoi An,Cu Chi Tunnels to name a few.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very good, looked after you very well. Loads of information and took use to some great restaurants.