Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling into Hue as the sun was going down through traditional backwaters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Luang was excellent, well organised and all the evening meal recommendations were excellent. Perfect English and a mine of local information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to cycle 100km somewhere enjoyable and scenic - do one of the other Exodus trips ( or go to Wales or the Peak District). Book an extra day at the end in Hanoi and consider the optional Cambodia extension at the beginning.

Suggestions

It’s graded moderate - but in March, if you factor in the heat 35c+ and humidity, I would grade it higher.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hoi An Pass

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book your own flights

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspiring moments it is difficult to choose one, but if we had to, it would have to be completing the 10km ascent of Hai Van Pass and enjoying the incredible views on the way down. We came home and re-watched the Top Gear Vietnam Special for which this experience was a highlight for the presenters too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son Nguyen was incredible. He was super-organised and everything ran like clockwork. Having said this, we appreciate how much effort had been put in by Son and his team to make the whole trip run smoothly and to make the holiday such a wonderful experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is rated as Moderate, the heat and humidity at the end of March made it, we would say, slightly more of a challenge. For anyone who lives, like us, in a part of the country with very few hills to practise on, a few spinning classes beforehand might be a good idea.

Suggestions

Someone had recommended to us to take a handlebar bag for the bikes and we found this to be very useful. Also, a bandana to wear under your cycle helmet improved comfort and provided some protection from the sun.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the most inspiring moment was the climb over the Hai Van Pass. It was very challenging, but we clapped and cheered as others finished the summit, making for a very rewarding experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Loc Phan was excellent. He was friendly, helpful and very accommodating. I am a vegetarian and Loc was so helpful getting my meals coordinated. I also want to recognize the rest of our support team - the mechanic, the truck driver and the bus driver. They were so kind and helpful. They made sure we always had cold water and regular snacks, and the few small bike problems I had (squeaks and clicks - nothing serious) were always fixed the same day that I identified them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reminder that Vietnam can be hot an humid. If you are sensitive to the heat, check the weather before you book. Also, the first week in particular had some undulations, which may be challenging for beginner cyclists.

Suggestions

I shared the trip notes with a friend of mine who lived and worked in Vietnam when I booked. She said it looked excellent and covers many of the highlights of Vietnam. This is a great way for active tourists to explore the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son was excellent. I cannot think of any way in which he could have done more for our group. He was totally dedicated to making sure we were fully informed, well organised and relaxed throughout the trip, and he added so much with all the little extra bits of information and education he gave us. Further, the support team he had recruited worked so well together to give our group all the back up we needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If I was to take one extra thing in my luggage, it would be a small towel to use when we got on the coach after a hot day’s ride. If you possibly can, add an extra day or two at the end of the itinerary in order to see more of Hanoi.

Suggestions

This trip was a bit of a departure for me. I am used to doing my own organising and having the freedom to choose my own itinerary, so I was a bit concerned at being constrained and compromised by being in a group. I needn’t have worried. My own considerable experience of organising trips let me recognise that this was a particularly well put together itinerary, showing us a great variety of the landscapes of Vietnam. The balance of cycling versus downtime, length of active days and city versus country was just right. I wouldn’t alter any of it. This was my first trip with Exodus. I came home with an immediate action to check what else you have to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the most inspiring moments was probably getting to the top of the 600m climb on the Hai Van Pass. At that moment I felt like I could conquer anything! Having said that, the joy on children's faces as they waved us past was a daily inspiration!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son was an exceptional leader. I can't think of anything he could have done better. His approach should be documented and used as a blueprint for others to follow. He genuinely loves his job and it shows in how he comes across to the group, tackling everything with a highly infectious sense of fun. His ability to get 18 cyclists safely round a roundabout or across a dual carriageway in rush hour using a whistle to tame the traffic was amazing. It's also the little things like always setting off at a steady pace to ensure the group is together and no-one feels rushed, under pressure or left behind. Despite the busy nature of the itinerary, Son was always keen to ensure that it should still feel like a holiday and our enjoyment was his always his priority. He was knowledgeable, passionate and meticulous in his approach. This was my first Exodus and first cycling holiday and Son has set a very high bar for what I expect from a group leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

For people without much hair, take a thin beanie or something similar to protect your head from the sun and avoid getting cycle helmet patterned tan lines! Hydrate often, even between the hydration stops.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through agricultural land

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son is very, very good at his job. His and his team's calm manner, unstinting hard work and generosity are why I will book with Exodus again in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for the heat and humidity

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in 36 degree heat on a manual bike. Never thought I could finish it but I did!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very enthusiastic and obviously passionate about his country. Also very experienced and always ready with anything (tips, suggestions, delicious fruits, insect repellent, alcohol gel) to make our experience even better. The support team were also great - we couldn't have done it without them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

E-bikes might be worth the upgrade Don't overpack, cheap laundry can be organised

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose a best moment as there were so many for different reasons. Dalat downhill was phenomenal countryside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Loc Phan was amazing and thoughtful. As was his team. We got to try many local fruits and foods. The team were really sweet, handed you a glass of lemonade and took the bike off you on a rest stop. Lunches were included and they were fabulous. Evening meal restaurants and other recommended places by Loc were all really good. It was a big group of 18 but oddly it felt smaller which was down to organisation. The bus we travelled in was spotless and comfortable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Highly recommend. Holiday is full on. Days off the bike are perfectly timed and placed. Early starts with some days where you have to pack a smaller bag. We had booked 1 extra day in HCM and Hanoi to allow time to see these two cities. We did not manage to do a Mekong Delta tour which would have been nice if we had 2 additional days in HCM. You don't need to bring any snacks:)

Suggestions

I have given this 5 stars as the holiday was an amazing experience. Just a couple of points. Whale Island was lovely but I was, however, a little stressed at Whale Island as creatures could easily enter your rooms and we were warned that could happen. We are fine, thankfully. The exodus team in the uk is where the booking was made. They were not particularly helpful. They did not respond to emails and had to be chased repeatedly to respond to queries. It did spoil the start of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descent from Dalat! 30km downhill through stunning scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Loc was amazing

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it but there are long cycling days and it is hot! Look after each other, on and off the bike!