Reviews

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

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176 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Nice but not more

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor is the top of the trip, visit of King palace in Phnom Penh the worse (have to run...).And around that, few details interesting (visit of workshop for example) but nothing amazing (landscape quite flat, no elephant...)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Do the job but in emergency case, could be better. However pleasant and smiling behaviour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As we've been lucky with the rain, hope the same for you! We were in restaurant during a storm and it's scared...Take care of "friendly" citizen, it's always to have money. Never follow anyone without check his identity with the group leader for example. I've "lost" 2000$ with that mistake!Deal the price of Tuk Tuk ride at first, don't wait the arrival.From Saigon, two differents airports : one for international flights and another for domestic flights (for example if you have a transfer via Hanoi).

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Fascinating, amazing cultural experience and delicious food!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling between and visiting the temples at Angkor, followed by cycling through the villages of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was absolutely excellent: totally 'on the ball' and always scanning to check everything and everyone was okay.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for the first three cycling days in Thailand - our group pressed through fast and it certainly is hot and steady cycling, though drink and refuelling stops are frequent. It is a great trip - book it!

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

I learned, loved and laughed – it was an adventure with so much to awaken the senses – brilliant trip and highly recommended

Most Inspirational Moment

You know that you have so much visiting these countries and it humbled me into realising this and that I should not get worried about the little things. The people in these countries have little but seem the happiest I have ever met.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was the best tour leader I have known in 7 years of cycle trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Let them do everything and enjoy every moment.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great trip and a great experience, with excellent ground operation in all 3 countries, which made the trip work just so well. Initially nervous about the distance and the humidity, plus the water issues, these turned out to be just fine, and 2 days in BKK before starting the trip, helped with acclimatizing to the humidity. There was no shortage of cold, fresh, filtered water from the guys on the support teams in all 3 countries, and the added bonus of an electrolyte sachet each fill if needed, was just perfect. The roads in Thailand were simply fantastic, smooth, flat, fast, and using the ring roads we did, were traffic free. Cambodian roads was also good, and once the border crossing into Vietnam, the banks of the Mekong river, and her tributaries became our path, which were narrow, but smooth, and allows you to see the real village life and the friendliness of the local people. Excellent ground operators, excellent mechanical support, with great local knowledge, and good accommodation made the trip. The home stay, ( like many others, had visions of communal hostel sleeping arrangements ) was excellent, and in fact I would call it a Lodge, and was a true highlight of the trip. All rooms had their own showers and toilets, all 100% clean, and the family were just great. Cold beers on arrival, and a rice wine if need be, so enjoy the evening !!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was a first time visitor to Cambodia, having done Thailand and Vietnam before, but certainly S21 and The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh were both high lights and low lights. As the local guide was at pains to explain, they cannot hide their history, and they are not proud of the actions of the Khmer Rouge, but the story has to be told, and to use his term, Cambodia is now " open for business " and is under very different conditions to that of '75 - '79. Angkor Wat cant be described, and simply must be seen, so enjoy the day trip, its well worth it. Siem Reap is a great city, vibrant, and safe.The school visit was also inspirational, and to see these young children just so hungry to learn from volunteer teachers, led by an incredibly inspirational Mr Long Waha, was truly a highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moh was just great, and capably helped by Mee, who along with the ground operators, and the support guys, combined to make the whole leadership thing work just so well. Not once was either Moh or Mee down ( even when Moh decided to get close to the ground on one stage ! ) and they have such good patience with everyone, to make it so enjoyable.Go for the bulk dining and ordering thing which the leaders will do for you ( dont worry about separate ordering ) its makes it so much easier, and its generally such good food, and cheap as. Moh and Mee had it down pat, and worked excellently.The bike leaders were also just great and just a word to wise, dont take the guys on in Thailand, they are good, in fact, very good !! The open, flat, quiet roads allowed some us to have a go on some of the stages with them, and they are more than up for it !!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps consider some riding gear ( gloves, a good helmet, and some good padded shorts ) plus also look to take drylite clothing, which you can hand rinse each night, and it will be dry for the next days stage. But also useful when the tropical rain arrives, and means you will dry out quickly. Your choice if you take a shower jacket, but if you take drylite tops and shorts, then these will dry very quickly. MTB Shoes, Cleats and Pedals are not necessary, but do make it a little easier, especially on some of the longer stages in Thailand. Bikes were great, Specialized, with good gear set groupings, and no longer than 12 months old. Washed and serviced everynight, and a full inventory of parts if ever needed.Oh, and 1 more thing, Take plenty of deoderant !!

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

My wife (Sarah) and I both love cycling and travelling, although our cycling abilities are very different – she competes in european triathlon races while I like to pootle along and look at the scenery. This trip was perfect for us – it had several days in Thailand of good distances, between 70 – 90km each day and Sarah had the freedom to go quickly, even having fun on a rolling draft with the Thai guides. Meanwhile I remailed solidly in the middle, having nice chats with others in our group. Every 10km’s we’d all stop for water and fresh local fruits (melon, watermelon, bananas, lyches, etc) and I’d be able to catch up with Sarah! When we got to Cambodia and Vietnam later in the trip the distances were less big and the group tended to stick a bit more together, but this was also the point where we saw a lot of great sights, not least the temples at Angkor and the Mekong Delta so the nature of the trip changed from mainly a cyling trip that happened to be in Indochina to a trip in Indochina that hapened to involve cycling. In both circumstances we we were happy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Jungle temple in Angkor was fabulous. It's called Ta Prohm and it was one of those sights that you dream of when you travel which makes you just go 'wow'. Everywhere you looked was a photo and I had to try really hard to not live the visit though my camera. It was the first temple we visited, having cycled from Siem Reap, so we were fairly early. Seeing all the trees having grown into the walls with enormous roots somehow connected and running through the buildings is just amazing to see. Lonely Planet's description was the best I'd read - (paraphrasing) - it's the closest anywhere in the world you can experience the origional wonder and awe that the first European explorers must have experienced when they happened upon these discoveries. I found it was one of those experiences that reminded me why I love travelling so much and it inspired me to want to do more, for those moments when you see stuff that takes you by surprise and makes your head spin with what you see. It's cheesy but you really do go 'wow' when you're there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was fabulous. Her name was Moh and she was just such a kind, funny and entertaining leader. She never once appeared tired or annoyed, even though I think her job must be very hard - she was up before us each morning, looked after 18 of us at meal times to make sure we had everything we could possible want before sitting down herself to eat. She chatted to everyone to make sure that everyone was ok and to keep spirits up (some people struggled with the heat or the biking distances). She was happy to answer any question and had excellent english so there was never any difficulty in communicating what we needed. At one point in the cycling one of the group swerved to avoid something in the road and hit Moh, she fell off ripping her cycling trousers and bleeding a little. But she was fine about it, smiled and was so kind. A few members of the group also had a couple of minor medical issues (including myself - on day two I had a leech attach itself to my knee after paddling in a leech free lake!). She was always happy, calmly sorting out the problem. She also helped us organise some of the minor things like getting laundry done and arranging small extra outings like booking a taxi to see Angkor Wat at sunrise. We couldn't have hoped for a kinder, friendlier and more entertaining guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Overall the trip was fabulous. No complaints. As always there are several small bits which, if you're aware of, it'll make the trip that bit more fabulous. Take your own water bottle for the bike and try to make sure it's got a lid over the mouth piece - some of the roads get very dusty and so swigging from a bottle that has dirt around the mouth piece somewhat takes the refreshment out of the drink. Also take a pair of 'Sealskin' waterproof socks. It will rain torrentially at least once while you're on the bike and in that weather after 5 mins you are drenched head to foot. Which is fine as clothes can dry and be changed. But you shoes might not. If you can wear your sealskins the next day you can wear you wet shoes and they can dry in the sun as you cycle. Otherwise you either have to wear wet shoes or leave them soaking wet in a carrier bag on the bus without being able to dry them out. Also make sure you have padded cycling shorts. For those long distances cycling in Thailand your bum will go numb, even with the shorts, but it'll be unbearable if you don't have them. Try to make sure you find out clearly from your main guide who is and isn't covered by the 'Kitty'. Everyone pays $60 into a kitty at the beginning to cover water & fruit stops, and tips at the hotels. However some of the other guides are covered by this kitty while others aren't. This led to some embarrasment on our last night when we had to hurredly collect an extra tip for a guide who we were meant to tip but we had all thought he would be tipped from the kitty. Finally, consider adding an extra day on your trip to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. We went to the Cu Chi tunnels which was brilliant (I got to shoot live rounds from an AK47 - a real highlight!) but then we had 2 more days afterwards in HCMC to see the sights, war museums, roof top bars and the Jade Pagoda. All of which were fabulous. The one day left at the end of the trip isn't enough to see all of this.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This was a fantastic trip from start, to finish, I didn’t want it to end!!!!!!I am already looking at my next trip with exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mo, and Nee (cycling guides) were both inspirational to me, they took everything in there stride, nothing was ever to much trouble. We all knew if we had any problems they would sort it out, they were there for us all every minuite, of everyday.As we are hosting the olympics this year, I would deffinately award them them both a gold medal !!!!!!!!!!!!!Also I found the local people inspirational, how they work so hard, for so little, and are always happy, and welcomming to mad cyclists !

Thoughts on Group Leader

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mo, was always there to go the extra mile to ensure we were all happy everyday, a mean feight looking after 18 of us, they do say you can't please everyone all of the time, in this case that is not true, she kept everyone entertained, a real credit to Exodus, she also has another future leader training with her called Nee (Bear grylls) as I knicknamed her, they were both FABULOUS, efficient, hardworking, proactive, enthusiastic etc etc. Give them a bonus!!!!!!!!!!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a holiday with exodus now!!!!!! From start, to finish you will have nothing to worry about, you are in safe hands.

Reviewed May 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

even if your not an experienced cyclist you’ll be amazed at how much you have covered in miles and thought

Most Inspirational Moment

seeing all the children welcome you to their villages

Thoughts on Group Leader

Al was fantastic he had alot of patience as i tend to linger at the back, i was always taking photographs

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't be put off trying to keep up with the group, you soon catch them up at the next stop and there is always somebody behind you to show you the way

Reviewed May 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Overall an excellent trip and one which I would and will recommend to friends/family. This was my first trip to South East Asia and it certainly gave me a feeling of wanting to go back and see more in this part of the world.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many memories which will stay with me for a long time, but the overall experience of seeing a different way of life was probably the most memorable. Crossing two land borders by bike was something which I was looking forward to before the trip and both were really facinating experiences ! Angkor is such an amazingly vast area and exploring it by bike was the ideal way to see it. In contrast cycling in some of the busy traffic in Siem Reap was quite an experience ! Our visit to the Killing Fields and fromer S21 jail in Phnom Penh were both really moving. Both are very important to see in order to fully understand the terrible events which took place in Cambodia in the 1970's & which the country has had to overcome. Into Vietnam and I particuarly enjoyed the cycling around the paths around the Mekong area the night after the homestay. The homstay itself exceeded expectations. Saigon was a city which impressed me and also exceeded my expectations. Although, I have never seen so many motorbikes - crossing the road was an experience !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moh was a excellent tour leader - really professional and ensured the smooth running of the tour from start to finish. There were two birthdays during our trip and she organised a birthday cake for both ! The leaders in Cambodia (Dyka) and Vietnem (Long) were also great and really passionate about showing us their respective countries. All leaders were full of energy and enthusiasm !

Advice for Potential Travellers

The homestay night might be something which potential travellers may be unsure/curious about. I think everyone in our group would ageee that it exceeded our expectations. It was actually very newly built and had good shower/bathroom facilities. The food was also particularly good ! There are good opportunities to do laundry in both Siem Reap and Saigon.The longest cycling days are during the first part of the trip in Thailand, when it is most likely you will be recovering from jet lag/getting used to the heat. There is no pressure to complete all the cycling on these days and the back up bus/truck is always there if you want a break.

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

First class tour – wonderfully organised and with a fantastic bunch of people. The guides and back-up crew were always there when required, and the accommodation was great.

Most Inspirational Moment

As other reviewers have pointed out, the Angkor Wat complex is, indeed, awe-inspiring.One of the moments for me, though, was taking a boat on Ton Le Sap lake - a truly massive lake upon which thousands of people live and work. The poverty is shocking, but who are we to judge. The homestay overnight and following day's boat-trip and cycle ride on the Mekong were also inspirational, and have given me a few ideas about going back to the region and maybe exploring life on the Mekong in much greater depth.The food! Everywhere we went. The villagers and village life, and their friendliness in those parts of these countries. A complete contrast to the cities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All three were first class. Siam (from Thailand) held the whole thing together really well over the three legs, while the others (Fila for Cambodia and Yam for Vietnam) provided intimate local knowledge on their individual segments.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is hot (>40C) in these countries in February/March, so people that have not done this sort of thing before might consider going a few days in advance to acclimatise. The back-up crews are always on-hand with water, electrolytes and fruit/chocolate, but make sure you take on water at every opportunity.Try every type of food the guides suggest, including the crickets, beetles, and tarantulas to name a few. But, by the same token, check with them before you try anything radically new!

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This was a first class holiday due to the organisation used. Thailand was a beautiful peaceful place, Cambodia was lively and full of historical interest. Vietnam was noisy and amazing to learn and see so much about the place. The cyling was at just the right pace as we were a large group they had other guides to keep an eye on all of us. Back up team always came up trumps with cold drinks and fresh fruit.

Most Inspirational Moment

I surpose everyone writes Angor Wat and it is amazing but seeing little children in villages as we cylced through and village life is just as wonderful.The wonderful food so different in each country.Cycling along the back waters of the Mekong Delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three leaders one for each country.Siam in Thailand who over saw the whole trip. Very profressional and always managed to keep his hair on when things got difficult. Boarder crossings with so may of us wasn't any easy task.Flio in Cambodai was full of information and knew when and were to go to avoid the crowds.Yam in Vietnam was excellent also with lots of information about the local things to see and do also lessons on how to cross the roads!! Very important to learn .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and pracise some cyling before hand so you are ready for long days in the heat. Though we had plenty of stops so they don't feel so long.Wicking tops for the heat and washing out easily.Camera to photo Angor Wat at Sunrise!

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