Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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I have not been on a group tour in over 35 years and was anxious how it would be traveling with 16 other individuals and a tour guide. I am quite independent when I travel. I was also the only American in a group of 16 people, the others being from England, Scotland and Wales. My fears were put to rest almost immediately. These people all became friends over the two week period – a very cohesive, easy going and adventurous group. Our tour guide, Cong, was amazing – very organized and on top of every little detail, making sure every one of us knew exactly what the day’s schedule would be. Exodus is a very conscious tour company and Cong, whenever possible, made sure our activities supported the people of Vietnam in cities and the rural areas. I learned and saw so much, and though it was at a bit faster pace than I might have gone on my own, it worked. What an amazing country. Each place we visited was different and offered unique insights into the Vietnamese culture. I would highly recommend this tour and Cong, our guide, gets an A+.
Most Inspirational Moment
On our bike ride when we were in Hoi An visiting with the veteran from the war with Cambodia. Hearing his story, listening to him sing and watching the awe that our bicycle guide had on his face as he listened to him sing was very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Cong was excellent. As said previously, he was extremely organized and kept a close check on each member of the group, making sure we were all doing okay. His attitude was always positive and he gave us insight into the Vietnamese people and culture. His love of his country and his people was evident in all he did and said. He made sure that whenever possible we visited and ate at places that supported the more needy in Vietnam. As I stated, I am used to traveling on my own and pretty independent. At times this may have been a bit difficult for him, but I felt I had enough time on my own and he worked with me allowing me the freedom at times I needed. A wonderful kind and caring guide.
This trip was truly an amazing adventure, from start to finish. The itinerary is very diverse, so no 2 days are the same. In my opinion I got to know Vietnam´s history, landscape and culture both through the itinerary and our knowledgeable guide, Bon.
It´s been nearly 3 months since I came back from the tour but Vietnam is still in my heart and I would very much like to go back. If not for the beautiful country…then for the delicious food.
I would recommend to book the 5 days extension to Cambodia after the trip, the beautiful temples in Siem Riep took my breath away and the gruesome history was informative.
Truely a trip to remember.
Most Inspirational Moment
We had an amazing thunderstorm on Halong Bay that showed the mountains in a mythical way and gave me goose bumps. I loved the bike ride in Hue and Bon always made sure we could communicate with the locals, who were extremely friendly.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bon was amazing. He was so knowledgeable about the history and so good in telling us stories about every day life and get us to interact with the local. He e.g. arranged for us to have a lunch with a family in Hue, in their home and that was one of the highlight of the trip, for sure.
He was very helpful with everything and went above and beyond the call of duty.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get massage...many massages. It helps you to get the jet lag out and well...it´s just really lovely :)
Good idea to bring a sleeping bag linen for the night on the train...and not to expect a great sleep that night.
And well...don´t think too much about it, if you want to go to Vietnam than this is the tour!
A memorable experience with a great group of people. Vietnam is a wonderful country with a rich and diverse culture. We travelled from North to South on planes, trains, boats and bicycles and it was great fun. Vietnam offers everything from busy cities, stunning scenery, relaxing boat trips, fantastic food and friendly people. What more could one want?
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hue and the Mekong Delta.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide Trung was great; knowledgeable, funny and kind. He was passionate about his Country and made sure that we saw as much as possible on our travels. An excellent guide and a lovely man.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Vietnam is changing fast and the old ways are beginning to disappear. I would go sooner rather than later. Go with an open mind and have fun.
If you are still deciding whether you want to do this trip then stop thinking and start booking. What an excellent two weeks. Our guide Jay was a complete star from beginning to end, a thoughtful but funny guy who just wanted us to have a great time in his brilliant country. Hotels were far better than expected, really good and a couple with pools. The food was just out of this world and the beer cheap. We had meals out with just the two of us but could eat as a group if we wanted. The train journey was an experience not to forget, the Halong Bay boat trip was very restful (more brilliant food) and we loved the home stay in the Mekong Delta (excellent hammocks). My husband loved the cycling and kayaking that was offered. Hanoi traffic was something to experience but we survived getting across the road!
Most Inspirational Moment
Our guide took us to a Buddhist pagoda run by nuns, we were the only visitors present apart from a couple of other lady travellers. We had the most wonderful vegetarian lunch there and the peace of the place remained with us after we had left.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jay was the perfect group leader. He was enthusiastic, caring, polite and worked very hard to make our group a mutually supportive and inclusive team. He had a good sense of humour, answered questions and sorted everything out. Everything ran like clockwork
Advice for Potential Travellers
Remember it is a 20k allowance on the internal flight. Pack light as there is lots to buy in Hue
Having had Vietnam on my travel list for a while, this year I decided to give it a go. And I’m so glad that I did, it is one of the most beautiful countries that I have been to. The scenery is stunning, the countryside is so green and lush; the food is to die for, all full of flavour and so fresh it feels oozes health and goodness; and the people are friendly and helpful. If you’ve not been I would definitely put it on your list. This tour has it all, big cities, a peaceful overnight in Ha Long Bay, an overnight sleeper train, cultural delights in Hoi An and an overnight stay in the Mekong Delta at a guest house.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels - fascinating to see how they lived and to be able to walk/crouch through the tunnels
Visiting the cave in Ha Long bay
Taking a cooking lesson in Hoi An
Visiting the War museum in Saigon (HCMC)
Having dinner with a local family and lunch made by nuns in Hue
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ngoc was a very good leader, who kept us all on track and was ready to flexible enough to make changes to the itinerary if there were adverse weather conditions.
He did seem to be overly cautious about making sure we didn't leave anything behind or get robbed, which whilst endearing was a bit over the top on occasions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light and make use of laundries
make sure you have something to cover your shoulders
have an umbrella handy at all times
This was a fantastic trip and well paced to allow time in each town/ city visited. Our tour leader Trung was outstanding, going out of his way to make sure we were OK.
There is a good balance between group activities and free time, to allow you to do your own thing and allowed us to visit places not on the iteneray e.g Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge.
Vietnam is outstanding and it was good to visit both north and south.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were too many inspirational moments to pick just one! Halong Bay is up there!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Trung was outstanding. He had a beautiful personality, was passionate and dedicated and clearly loved his job and country. If only all tour leads were like him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a fantastic tour. Never got bored.
The train can be a little cold due to the air con, so bring extra clothing for the overnight trip.
Just the best trip…. spectacular places with a fantastic group of people and THE best guide… 2 weeks of wonder, spender,remembrance, beauty, sleeper trains, nights afloat, rooftop bars, and fun and laughter all the way.. we met as strangers and left as friends… AMAZING!!!
Most Inspirational Moment
The friendships made
Thoughts on Group Leader
Trung was by far the best guide we've had. Professionalism balanced with sense of humour and a real feeling of being genuinely cared for. Knowledge oozed out of him from the beauty to the sadness of the places we saw and everything inbetween.
I had the most amazing holiday to a beautiful country. The trip is full on, non stop and so much fun. The people are so inviting to tourists, the country alive with vibrancy. From mayhem in the city to peaceful boat trips. Something for everyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Ha Long Bay is a must see for any traveller. The scenery is outstanding. You cannot imagine it's beauty.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Trung Hoang was our leader and a better one you'd not find. He was so friendly and helpful as well as knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be ready for a full on trip living out of a suitcase for the most part. A good tip is to arrive a day or two early and get over your jetlag before you start. If you can afford the time it's not expensive to stay on a few days later as well. I stayed on the island of Phu Quoc for 4 days afterwards to unwind. This is an hours flight from Saigon.
Everything an adventure should be; stunning country, packed itinerary but plenty of time to do your thing, varied sights but all worth seeing, comfortable and clean accommodation, faultless transport, a great bunch of fellow explorers and a guide who brought it all together with energy, consideration (for us) and passion for his country (thanks Bon!).
First time with Exodus for us, definitely not the last.
Thanks to all involved at Exodus and in Vietnam an inspiring country and people.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having a lunch with local people after 'dropping by' a shamen ritual.
Vietnam Adventure - you really need to take this trip!
The Vietnam Adventure trip was absolutely fantastic and is certainly how to sample the variety Vietnam has to offer in a short space of time. Every day was different and I learnt so much about the country from Lam our tour guide for whom nothing was too much trouble. Lam went ‘above and beyond’ to meet the needs of everyone in the group. The trip was well-paced with enough downtime to relax, go shopping and enjoy an additional bicycle ride with a local guide. My personal highlights were visiting Ha Long Bay, the Imperial City in Hue, My Son and cycling by the rice fields. Perhaps the decor in one or two of the hotels is in need of updating but the rooms were clean and the hotel staff were very happy to help. Sadly our outgoing flight was cancelled after we had checked -in but the team at Exodus were ‘on the case’ straightaway and re-booked us onto the first available flight the next day.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cruising in Ha Long Bay past the Karst scenery and enjoying my evening meal on board the boat. It had been a longtime wish of mine to visit this world heritage site.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lam was a great leader who went out of his way to meet the needs of all members of the group.
He arranged an extra bike ride for me and my husband with a local guide which we thoroughly enjoyed.
He is knowledgeable and very keen to share his country's history.
