Reviews

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

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325 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Be prepared for a truly amazing full-on, non-stop tour of Vietnam. The food, the sights and of course the cycling!

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst the cycling was fantastic, my favourite day of the trip was actually our last day of cycling in Hue when we only had to do ~20 km. Of course we did the touristy sights and the old city is fasincating but then our leader, Long took us off road to see his home town. Long and his family showed us a huge amount of hospitality and it was a real eye opener to Vietnamese culture and food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Long, was amazing. He always went out of his way to show us the real Vietnam and because of this, I experienced a lot more than I ever would have if I had been travelling on my own. The support crew were also brilliant and very encouraging on the tough parts of the cycle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes are brand new and have front suspension, but I am extremely thankful that I took my own saddle with me.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

I found the holiday in most ways excellent, and exceeded my expectations. I wanted to get closer to the country and ‘touch’ it, feel the culture more and the ability to cycle at times freely was fantastic to do this. What beautiful and enchanting country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tough question to answer as there were so many. From simple things like cycling through the rush hour in Hue to getting completely soaked in the monsoon rain. Stopping in some locals house where she gave us green tea, and the general friendliness of the people was compelling. The quietness of Hoi An and the noise and sheer excitment of Hanoi were all highlights. Everyday was different!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb! He totally and completely looked after us and made us welcome in his country. He held great pride for his nation and I felt he really wanted us to see it's beauty. His selection of dining establishments was perfect, his attention to detail for us was great. He connected with the group but was also respectful of us too. He made the holiday special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit and used to cycling! Although the distances are not massive each day the temperature is hot and humid and to enjoy the experience it is worth being that bit fitter.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A very well organised trip with an excellent balance of cycling and sight-seeing. The route offered a wonderful opportunity to see a variety of countryside, interacting with local people and a good range of cycling experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through a small village and being greeted by young children running down to the roadside to say a big "Hello", and give us a high-five.Cooking my own meal on a small barbecue in a restaurant in Nha Trang (ask to go there if you leader does not suggest it).Reaching the top of the Hai Van Pass after a terrific morning cycling from the outskirts of Da Nang.Seeing the market stalls in the old quarter of Hanoi with all their fresh produce of fish, fruit and vegetables.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Chi, gave us sufficient guidance and yet enough freedom to enjoy the cycle in a way that we were comfortbale with. Nothing was too much for him, and he went out of his way to ensure that all members of our group enjoyed the holiday. His knowledge of all aspects of the trip, from the bikes, the roads, the hotels (including local laundries for cheap washing), local restaurants, to the sights was fully up to our needs. He also spoke excellent English. He could even appreciate my rather bad jokes! Overall Chi really made the holiday, reaching a very high level of satisfaction.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were very lucky with the weather on our trip. Although it was apparanetly in the wet season, we had no rain during the day (it rained a few times during the night), and this made it very hot and humid. We were provided with plenty of fresh drinking water and lemon drink at each stop, and it proved very important to keep well hydrated. Do try the great range of fresh fruit available at roadside stalls and markets.The overnight train ride from Hue to Hanoi was in "first class" but do not expect too much. It was clean, but cramped and with very limited facilities.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A great mix of cycling, culture, tourist sights, countryside and a post-cycle chill out in Ha Long Bay. My first cycling trip, but it won’t be my last. I did find the heat and humidity a bit too much, but the support crew looked after us all really well. Fantastic trip and a great introduction to a cycling holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

We experienced such a variety of scenery I can't choose one particular bit. Starting out with the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, the cycle to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the 30km descent through the national park. I felt a massive sense of achievement in cycling up the Hai Van Pass. Experiencing the 1st Class carriage on the overnight train to Hanoi is not to be missed, and the beauty of Ha Long Bay and kayaking amongst the limestone islands was the perfect end to the trip. But I can't not mention the rest of the group - they were all fantastic, and without them it wouldn't have been half the trip that it turned into.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was fantastic. He helped me out a lot when I was struggling in the heat/humidity. He was constantly laughing and smiling with us all and making sure that we were all OK. He made sure that we didn't leave anything behind as we packed up each morning, and that we were all well fed and watered at the rest stops. He gave us advice about the terrain we were due to cycle on and stopped us at the side of the road to explain the sights. He was very knowledgeable about the history of his country, and shared this information whenever he could. He recommended some truly fantastic places to eat in the evenings. I didn't really have to think about anything other than the cycling - Lam sorted everything else out, and went far beyond what I expected from a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The heat and humidity makes it more difficult than cycling in Scotland - and the rain is 10 times worse.Travel light, because you have to carry your own bag when getting to/from the overnight train. There's a couple of places to get laundry done, so you don't need too many clothes. When cycling you hardly need to carry anything - camera, sunscreen and water and that's about it. Bring a head-torch for the Cu Chi Tunnels - it's very dark down there. Most importantly - bring your sense of adventure and be prepared to just "go with the flow".

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Fabulous hokiday, cycling was great and a perfect way to see any country, but there were also the people, the cities, the history & of course the food. There is a lot of time spent transferring by coach and I was quite concerned by this before we travelled, but it is worth it to have so many wonderful, varied experiences.Our guides were excellent and the support staff made us very welcome. The cycling is not too challenging in itself, but the heat/humidity do make it seem harder, especially on the climbs, however the van is there to give you a lift if you need it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think everyone must rave about Halong Bay, absolutely stunning, and don't miss the sea kayaks.The children were a constant source of entertainment, but watch out for the occassional over-energetic high 5! For me the best scenery when cycling was from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon, couldn't take enough pictures, but there were numerous other highlights as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 leaders due to an unfortunate bereavement for Lam after 1 week. Lam was a total joy to be around with the most infectious smile. Linh was a great guide, telling us lots about the history of the country and worked hard to ensure we were getting the most out of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes are good and pretty comfy, but I did wish that I'd taken a gel seat cover with me.

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

It really is difficult to put into words how fantastic this trip is. Vietnam is a perfect country to see on a bicyle and the trip massively exceeded my expectations. The itinerary was busy but I felt was just about right, so as we could see everything of interest. The country is jam packed with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, very friendly people, lovely food and an all round great atmosphere. Finding a holiday to top this is going to prove hugely challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Young children rushing out onto the streets to greet and high five us as we're riding through the villages. As a group, we never got bored of this, even though it was a constant throughout the trip!2. Halong Bay is simply stunning.3. 30km cycle descent through breathtaking scenery.4. Hoi An was my favourite city and it was great to chill and have a relaxation day there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Lam) was the loveliest bloke you're ever likely to meet! He totally got our sense of humour and as well as him, the drivers and mechanic were an integral part of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate, just book onto this trip as soon as possible!

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

As previous anti-group and anti-guided tour travellers we’re now converted. You need energy for this packed itinerary but the glitsch-free organisation, very decent accommodation and excellent tour leadership delivered a memorable experience. Great value for money.

Most Inspirational Moment

sitting in a mountain village in a torrential downpour drinking Vietnamese drip coffee - about as far away from our day to day reality as you can get.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simply terrific! His passion for + knowledge of his country's history and culture was impressive. He kept a large group in line, hit every schedule and dealt with any hiccoughs in a quiet and professional way. Our praise extends to the whole support team who were diligent and friendly at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't panic about money exchange: dollars accepted everywhere, dollar or GBP exchange in most places.laundry faciliites available on route.malaria tablets not necessary.

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Brilliant Holiday. Very varied and about the correct amount of cycling.Great way to see the country and I felt we saw a lot of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

30 km descent into the national park. Made better by the fact that we had rode up some steepish hills to get there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was great with a good sense of humour. He was always ther for us and all done with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a great trip. We did not need malaria tabs. Just be reasonably fit but you don,t need to be Bradley Wiggins

Reviewed September 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

You know what? It was amazing. Probably the best thing I have ever done.I really wanted to see Vietnam and I love cycling and being active – so it seemed like the perfect holiday for me. But it totally surpassed my expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is so hard to pick a most inspirational moment as the whole trip was very special.General highlights which came along constantly include cycling through all the towns and villages, waving and smiling at all the amazingly friendly people, high fiving the children, practising English with locals on their mopeds driving alongside us as we cycled. The landscape was so beautiful and varied - different every day. And each village we passed through had it's own character. We did a lot of cycling, 110km was the furthest we cycled in one day - but it was so much fun I didn't notice the distance.The day we left Dalat was an incredible day of cycling which included some uphill sections but then an unbelievably beautiful 30km descent down winding mountain roads through impressive scenery into the valley. Cycling 10km uphill to the top of the Hai Van pass on the day we left Hoi An was a spectacular challenge with such a feeling of achievement on reaching the top! And the food was delicious - a different local speciality every night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was incredible. He was so enthusiastic and went above and beyond to ensure that we were all happy. He made time for everyone in the group, to talk to them, answer their questions and crack a few jokes! He explained very skillfully to us what to expect of each day or section of cycling so that we were prepared but not daunted, informed but not bamboozled with information. Along with his team he organised us and looked after us so well that all we had to think about was enjoying the cycling! The mechanic was always at hand to fix any problems with the bikes, the bus was always available should anyone need a rest from cycling for a leg of the journey, and water, snacks and fresh lemonade were all in plentiful supply constantly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wasn't sure how my legs were going to cope with the mileage but I was definitely bike-fit enough to enjoy all the scenery and interactions with people without struggling with the cycling. Cycling over hills in North London every day to get to work and back stood me in good stead for the hills in Vietnam.

Reviewed September 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Cycling Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi, switching to boat and train at times, was an amazing fortnight! We saw so many different parts of Vietnam and were always received by amazingly friendly locals. And in the breaks we got rewarded with yummy Vietnamese food and drinks (better than Italian coffee!).

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many every day, between amazing scenery, great team spirit, the best group leader (Lam) ever and his so smily team, great food and ever so friendly locals! However, cycling through endless graveyard scenery (might sound a bit dark now but it was unique) and rice harvesting at sunset time near Hue. And how brilliant was wave jumping at Mui Ne after a day of sweaty cycling in the August heat!! And last but not least the great team spirit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

You can wish for no better tour leader than Lam! The enthusiasm for his country and his efforts to look after everyone of the entire cycling team are just unparalleled! His team of drivers and mechanic just loved him, and so did we! He is simply the best!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The summer heat and humidity make cycling more demanding than in Europe. A camelbag will provide water more easily and cooler than a water bottle. Bring very good sunscreen and enough clothes to change (even though washing is possible every 5 days or so).

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