Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The 30Km decent down the mountain from Delat and achieving 103.1 KM that daySwimming in the surf in the South China sea in Mui Ne as the sun setThe fishing village at Ngn Trang where very few tourists go. Also passing through the villages off the beaten track.Hoi An lit up at night, the rice cakes being crisped up and the hand made shoes being madeThe Mausoleum to Tu Doc in Hue and the Citadel. Learning about the history of Vietnam and something of the culture. The lagoon at Halong Bay.Local Markets  The reviving lemon drink!  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble to sort out. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The organisation of the tour went like clockwork. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It  is worth seeeing this tour as a tour of Vietnam with some cycling, although some days are quite hard. I think we had 3 days over 80km which is quite hard on a mountain bike with pretty thick tyres. I took clip-on pedals and cycling shoes - which certainly helped me although only 2 us did in a party of 19.There are quite a few long session on the coach but this is more than main up by seeing the main cultural highlights of the country. There are stops every 20km but it is really too hot to wear a back pack (although some did). I brought a small carrier that can fit on the back of the bike a take a compact camera, my glasses and an energy bar which I found useful. A couple of 'wicking' tops were good.

Most Inspirational Moment

After cycling through several hair-pin curves for close to an hour, you reach the crest of the Hai Van Pass. Great views and a great sense of achievement. The sleeper train from Hoi Han to Hanoi was also an experience. Halong Bay was just amazing, jaw dropping scenery and  we stayed on a great boat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was fantastic, he was so full of knowledge and was extremely helpful, & took us to some lovely places to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the traffic in the cities was certainly an experience that will stay in our memories for a long time. The sheer volume of scooters criss crossing our paths like an army display team is something everybody should experience. Cycling along the undulations (terminology for hills) created camaraderie among the group and also gave some amazing views. One of the most surprising places we cycled to was the 'Ghost village' between Hoi An and Hue; not only were the graves massive in size and colourful but the scale of the area covered was such an amazing sight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was the best we could have ever expected. We received great advice on shopping and prices, ate at local restuarants that we would never have visited, or found, had he not been there, he had a great deal of local and historical knowledge and a sense of humour that never diminished. Such a dedicated group leader would be difficult to find again. Arranging a ride on a water buffalo has to be a once in a lifetime event and drinking the beer in the old Hanoi quarter while sitting on the tiny seats on the pavement like the locals, made you feel as if you were part of the daily activity in Hanoi. Such a time could only be experienced with the help of a truely wonderful group leader, should I return to Vietnam I would like to have Danh with me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Vietnam! There is plenty to experience and there are places to see that are only in Vietnam. The main thing I would recommend is that you should go now while there is still a lot of Vietnamese way of life to see before the tourist industry becomes too dominant. Get on your bike and go!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many to list, but I will try- the people were very friendly, all the kids wanted to high-five as you cycled past.- making it up the 10km climb and surprisingly quite enjoying it!- Hoi An is a lovely place to vist- kayaking in Halong Bay was pretty special as was the standard of the cruise boat we stayed on.- oh yes and the food, the food, the food!  

Thoughts on Group Leader

The team and especially our group leader Danh Nguyen were no less than brilliant. I cannot speak highly enough about the perfect organisation and attention to detail, i would say this really made a difference and is a key factor in me booking with Exodus again.- Danh's knowledge of the history and culture which he imparted with enthusiasm amd general banter was great. We also managed to eat in many interesting places due to his local knowledge and contactsThe overnight train from Hue was an "interesting" experience. From nowhere Danh managed to conjure up iced Mojjitos cocktails.

Advice for Potential Travellers

- it's a busy schedule with mostly early starts- leave some room in your suitcase for retail therapy purchases- seek out the penguins in Qui Nohn bridge (ask Danh) - definitely do it! 

Most Inspirational Moment

So many... Cycling through the villages where all the local children just wanted to smile and wave and get a high five! The amazing scenery in the mountains of Dalat. The glorious sunset swim in the ocean at Mui Ne Sunrise breakfast on the terrace the next day. Eating with the locals in the pavement cafe at Hoi An.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Danh was excellent in every way. He entertained us with his comprehensive knowledge of the country, the culture, history, politics and present day life. Nothing was too much trouble for him. His sole aim was for us to really enjoy our experience in his country. He was incredible at leading us through the hundreds of scooters in rush hour whistle in mouth stopping traffic in all directions! The trip would certainly not have been the same without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were worried as the awful weather at home over winter had meant we had not done much cycling in preparation for this trip but we were pleasantly surprised. The cycling is spaced out with times in the bus to cover the ground and you soon cover the mileage with the others to chat to and so much to see. The support bus is always there if ever anyone feels they have done enough for one day or is not feeling up to it for a while.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one particular inspirational moment. Loved the cycling generally it is a great way to get under the skin of the country. Not forgetting the cycling snacks and the special lemon drink!  Highlights were the old quarter in Hoi Ann and the boat trip in Halong Bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

For me best ever Exodus leader - have done 7 or 8 trips. He was very knowledgeable very enthusiastic and very entertaining. Also keen on safety without going over the top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visit the country before it gets over developed and forget the woolly hat and gloves as advised in the trip notes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The warm greetings from the Vietnamese people - the kids cheering at the side of the Road as we cycled by. Truly amazing experience. Great feeling when you reached the top of the Hoi Van pass. The decent from Dalat was stunning - plenty of photos.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was great. Very competent with knowledge of the history and landscapes we passed through. Great laugh :-)

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moments would have to be the long descent, nearly an hour descending at speed with twisting bends and stunning scenery all around. Waterfalls, clear skies, greenery all around but dont take your eyes off that road for too long. This is a country with a photo opportunity every where you look, be it in the city, on the road, in the mountains, along the coast, or just the presentation of the food!Be prepared to be treated like a celebrity with all the local children running out of their homes shouting hello at the top of their voice, waving and giving you a high five as you ride by. Awesome

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam.Fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble, everything was organised down to a tee he even manged to make it rain for a day whilst we were there, although we alll agreed we had enough after a few hours.  He never stopped smiling was very helpul, answered questions, knew so much about his country a great cyclist and a good sense of humour. Superb guy all round and so were the rest of the crew including Mr Tam the mechanic who never stopped smiling and was quick as a flash going up those hills!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The best advice i could give is padded shorts, an absolute must. Some chamois cream and taking your own saddle would also be a good shout too. Be prepared to have a great time, take plenty of photos and dont stop smiling. Temperaures were hot and sticky in the south and on the roads, but a little cooler in the north especially in Hanoi. So long sleeve tops and trousers would be a good idea. A camel back would be sensible but not essential i also think some sort of trainng would be a good idea. Dont just turn up thinking you can do it on a whim if you havent put in the effort or are not fit enough. The heat does take it out of you but you do acclimatise and the lengths of the rides start off short and gradually get longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding through remote villages and all the children and locals shouting hello

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent.  Very knowledgable, friendly and very helpfull.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would recomend this trip if you want an active holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think there were a few great moments, the landscape at the end of the 100km day and the feeling of finishing it. Halong bay and the kayaking was so much fun and Halong bay is beautiful. Having clothes tailored in Hoi An was a lot of fun, make sure you take some pictures with you!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was fantastic, really felt that he cared if we were having a good time. Was attentive to detail and made the effort to interact with the group and really got our humour.Also recommended some really good restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a very full on holiday so if you have the spare annual leave book a bit of time off when you get back. Use good sun screen. Don't pack too many clothes, you'll spend most of your time in cycling gear. If you have a good bike seat, take it with you!