Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The boarder crossing from Thailand to Cambodia was an experience not to be missed - but the highlight of the 2 weeks had to be the temples in Siem Reap. Not only Angkor Wat, but so many other stunning temples to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was difficult to gel with the team - having 3 teams and 3 bikes in such a short period of time. Because of that, the team leader wasn't as "prominent" as other trips because - in his own words - he was the general manager rather than the tour guide. However, Chai looked after us very well and allowed us to build up a bit of steam on longer sections.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In Seam Reap, head straight for Pub Street - a very lively atmosphere, not to be missed ! The 5am start to Angkor Wat to see the sunrise, was very much an anticlimax for the views, but worth doing just for the atmospehere of 3000 people at stupid-o-clock all racing there by tuk-tuk. When in Phnom Penh, take an evening river cruise - 2 hours up and down the waterways which was very cheap.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments in our trip but if one need be selected perhaps it might be our visit to Halong Bay, where we stayed overnight on a boat while cruising among the islands. Visits to Mekong Delta as well our kayaking experience were also very special experiences, as well as the visit to Hoi An, a lovely town in central Vietnam where we were able to mingle more with the local culture. The most emotionally challenging experience of the trip was a visit to the Vietnam War Museum wherein via photos of effects of Agent Orange, we were exposed to the tremendous devastation which the USA inflicted upon these countries. The trip was both experiential on multiple levels and allowed one to pursue history and culture to whatever degree chosen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Nye, in Vietnam was beyond excellent. Her knowledge and presentation of information in both a casual yet educational manner was tremendous. Her capacity to keep organization in a group of 16 people while retaining a warm & cooperative spirit greatly encouraged a group experience and enable the schedule to run in an organized manner. Her flexibility to allow for individual deviation when desired as well as her capacity to show personal interest in each group member's activities was remarkable & would inspire me to nominate her as a best group leader ever experienced on a tour. Our group leader in Cambodia was also very knowledgable and presented educational material beyond expectations on Angkor. His presentation was less personally influenced and casual than our previous leader and somewhat more difficult to focus upon due to his tendency to present infinite tangential information. The heat in Cambodia also exacerbated the difficulty of this part of the tour, which may also reflect a wish for less detail in this experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend Exodus travel after researching numerous companies as an excellent tour company and suggest this tour for anyone with interest in these countries from an educational and cultural perspective. We chose February as the month least prone to monsoons and weather was quite accommodating during our Vietnam portion of the trip. Heat is Cambodia was more than anticipated and did have some effect on our willingness to explore further on our second day, but fortunately, the group was in consensus regarding this concept.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was magical especially with the celebration of New Year (Hoi An) Ha Long Bay kayak/sleeping on boat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son Nguyen was very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wildlife: bears, chamoix, bats and the steep rocky mountain scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas Oyntzen. Very helpful generally, particularly with snowshoeing and knowledgeable about the local history and local routes to explore. Spoke very good English and gave very detailed explanations of local history and the peoples involved. Had obviously studied history to an academic level. There was a lot to explain in this area, where there was often conflict between the Austrian and Turkish empires and buildings like churches were often fortified to resist invasion. There was a lot of interesting historical facts to learn about a country, which was very different to Britain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared for real deep snow and cold weather. A real Winter experience in a completely different landscape to Britain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the beautiful colours of the birds, especially the quetzel ... and teeny tiny frogs ... and the headlamp beetles on a night walk ... and swimming in the refreshing water by a waterfall, and the sea in Manuel Antonio National Park ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pedro was excellent and thorough and gave us every opportunity for new experiences.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to use your sunscreen and insect repellent, and wear a sunhat, even when swimming in the sea! Be warned that everything in your case will absorb moisture while in the rainforest. Take a universal plug for the sinks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first tiger emerge out of the grass or it was the tiger that came out of the woods right next to our parked jeep or it was the visit to the red fort or it was the invite to join the community for the Holi festival or ... this is an impossible question to answer

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having done several Exodus tours I have to say Krishna was the top man. Extremely thoughtful, willing to impart information, great communicator and organiser, as well a good guide in the field. And a sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above

Most Inspirational Moment

Ankor Wat - it’s unbelievable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bun was our leader and he was knowledgable and good fun. Local guides were good as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good walking shoes and lots of Deet!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up Sigiriya Rock Fortress with the very knowledgeable tour leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best - well planned, knowledgeable and fun

Advice for Potential Travellers

We did all the optional activities except Adams Peak and really enjoyed them all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the" top" of mountains and finding only ourselves for company and peace .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sara, our guide, did an excellent job of working out our fitness levels and choosing the walks appropriately . We did feel there were people in the group fitter than us, but Sara made it possible to achieve the same walk at our own pace with seemingly no physical effort on her part guiding from the front and encouraging at the back! We came home with a huge sense of achievement . I do think to really enjoy this holiday you should feel comfortable with eight- ten mile walk. But, I think each group is well assessed for its potential and walks chosen accordingly. Obviously the further you walk the more you gain from the fantastic scenery . If you are looking for a strol in the park , maybe this one is not for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing colours and hues of the valleys shift from pink to purples with changes from almond to olive groves as we walked amongst orange rocky mountainsides .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was involved in mapping the area , and creating the paths we walked along . He researched the routes used by local people with them , His knowledge and abilities are extraordinary , He stops to talk about the history and the places , and shares this with us . He is excellent and I felt very safe walking in what can be fairly challenging conditions with him leading..

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, go on this trip if you like being outdoors learning about the landscape and people and are used to walking alot , especially up and downhill