Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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323 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed July 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM - A great way to get fit

Friendly, helpful staff; quality hotels; nice roads and a great route.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last full day of cycling had about 30km on the flat then a 10km climb, 10km descent and then about 50km flat. The climb was challenging but not impossible. I was amazed at how much fitness I gained whilst on holiday. Since it was the last major day of cycling, I decided to ride as quickly as I could for the last 30km and was amazed that I continued to feel great as I pushed myself well beyond what I would have been capable of just a few weeks earlier. It was so nice to relax in the hotel pool after such a day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was friendly and helpful. He had some great insights into Vietnamese culture and history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was the only person on my trip with my own bike (a touring bike). Whilst it was lovely to be on my own wheels, I think it was more trouble than it was worth. After buying a new suit in Hoi An, I ended up paying about US$200 in excess baggage so there was no real cost savings.

Reviewed July 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

My husband and I have just returned home from our cycling trip and we can’t wait to plan our next tour! Our holiday far exceeded our expectations. We had a great group, so ably led by Linh our tour guide. We were a little worried that we wouldn’t be able to cope with the heat and humidity on the trip as we are both in our 50’s but the backup we received from Linh, Y and the bus and truck drivers was amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Their support and consideration made the experience an unforgettable one for us. We loved Vietnam – the food, people and country side. Well done Exodus on an exceptionally well organised tour. We have travelled with other tour organisers before, but from now on it will be Exodus all the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved the diversity of the tour. The challenge of cycling through little towns, the different resturants we ate in, the cooking class and the shopping experiences along the way. The children calling "hallo" as we passed was good fun but the stand out was the cruise on Halong Bay. It was a beautiful, relaxing way to end the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Linh, was exceptional. He went out of his way to ensure we were all safe and enjoying ourselves. He taught us so much about his country. It is great having a local guide. It really made the experience!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We battled a little with the heat and humidity on the days we cycled bigger distances. I think it would be preferrable to cycle at a different time of year - probably November to March.

Reviewed April 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

I had very high expectations of the country having wanted to go there for over 10 years and put the trip off on a few occasions. I know many people who have been to Vietnam and they have all come back with glowing reviews and this trip did not let me down at all. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single day and was amazed with how beautiful and old fashioned the country. Honestly, this is the best way to see a country as you really do take in sights, sounds and smells of it (plus a bit of mud, grit and diesel fumes). It will take a lot to top this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to Dalat and up the Hai Van Pass were personal highlights as the scenery was so beautiful I did not dare stop when the going got tough as I wanted to savour the sights rather than zip through them on the bus. I can honestly say that around every corner and over the top of every hill was a sight worth seeing and savouring. One turn it might be a peaceful river scene with a little boat gently putt putting its way around, the next you might see a load of water buffalo snouts poking through the water right the way through to beautiful rainforests, the most stunning beaches and ocean views I can say I have seen anywhere in the world...to date.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was great fun and had a good blend of knowledge and humour all throughout the trip. Cocktails on the sleeper train, cramming all 19 of us into a 4 man cabin on the sleeper train and the "penguins" are all good examples of his sense of humour. Always made sure that the pace of the trip was suitable for all members and gave good guidance as to what was coming up in terms of the following day and what we needed to do, where we needed to be and by when.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do train for the trip as elements of it are tough. If you are relatively fit and take your time in the granny gears you can climb anything. Read up on Vietnam as there is a lot of history that you will be ignorant to. Whatever you plan on packing, I would say halve it and then take a few less items. You will only need 2-3 set of cycling clothing and the same for the evening. As Ryan said in the review before this one, you can buy anything else very cheaply when you are out there. Take a mixture of Vietnamese Dong and US Dollars as both are useful to possess. You can change money in the hotels are decent rates without commission being charged as well.

Reviewed April 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

This trip seemed to have the right balance. A good amount of cycling with also a good portion of sightseeing. A good balance of hill and flat roads and city and rural roads.

Most Inspirational Moment

Final night drinks in Hanoi. And doing a 1700 meter downhill!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Great attention to detail. A high level of organisation made everything run like clockwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take 3 changes of cycling gear. Don't bother taking too much else in the way of clothes. (buy cheap clothes there!)

Reviewed March 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

It was a trip that had a lot of promise,and it delivered it ,and indeed exceeded expectations.I would have difficulty in suggesting improvements,without lenghtening the duration of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The inspiration came from the people,and especially the kids who greeted us so enthusiastically.The people were friendly and welcoming,and placid-despite the overwhelming number of mopeds on the roads I never once encountered road rage !The scenery at times was spectacular,and the hotels were generally better than expected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was superb,and hugely popular with the group. He was everything an excellent guide should be-knowledgeable,helpful,courteous,good sense of humour,always in complete control in a very relaxed way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I am not a serious cyclist-I am used to short rides of 2 hours or less-and I had no trouble with the cycling apart from the Mai Van Pass where I struggled,but made it ( I am in my sixties ! ).I did experience though saddle soreness at times,as did many others , so a gel cover is essential. Perhaps also a chamois cream.We were extremely well looked after at rest stops with refreshments-no need to take your own with you.Take care with the downhills,and with potholed roads - we had 2 accidents,neither fortunately too serious,but serious enough to stop any further cycling for the 2 individuals for the rest of the trip.

Reviewed March 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

Everything I’ve come to expect from Exodus. Excellent organisation, great hotels, fabulous food and the best guide yet. If you do this trip…..you want Chi as your leader!

Most Inspirational Moment

The 30k downhill was superb and surprisingly riding through the tail end of a monsoon gave a real energy boost. The freshness after 3 days of humidity was wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi organised the trip impeccably. He was fabulous and both him and his aides Nang, Can and Lee worked tirelessly to make the trip memorable and fun. This was my 8th trip and Chi was easily the best guide I’ve had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy souvenirs when you see them. I was surprised at how localised items were. I saw a beautiful wooden bowl at one lunchstop (after the 30k downhill) and didn’t buy it because I assumed there would be more…there weren’t! also, at the top of the 10k hill you have to run the gauntlet of pearl bracelet sellers but these don’t appear elsewhere. Definitely buy something if you like it.The boat in Halong Bay was wonderful. In fact every night’s accommodation was of a far higher standard than I expected / have experienced on other trips.As mentioned by others, there was a delay in some of the groups luggage arriving. Make sure you carry at least one cycling outfit and one casual outfit in your hand luggage.Don’t go mad downhill! There are long transfers on the bus so take music/book/pillow.

Reviewed March 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

An amazing adventure that will always be a great memory. First Exodus trip, now planning our second

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the children on the side of the road as we cycled through the remote villages.Cycling downhill 30km and on another day cycling up 10kmThe Vietnamese people are a happy nation.Great crew who looked after us

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi and his 3 helpers were excellent. Chi's knowledge of his country was immense and he had a great sense of humour. Really well organised although I did think we could have got going quicker after some stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We didn't have any problems with mosquitos.The overnight rail journey wasn't great - a lot of tired people next day.Our baggage didn't arrive on our plane but about 8 hours later. Consider putting any important cycling kit in hand luggage.Generally it is very cheap to eat and drink. If I went again I would take mainly Dong rather than Dollars.Waiting 6 hours at Kuala Lumpar on return wasn't fun especially as some in group caught a later flight with a much shorter wait.We had two crashes which kept the injured parties off the road for a couple of days - it is safe but you need to be careful

Reviewed March 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

This trip exceeded my expectations of the adventure I had signed up for. Vietnam is a beautiful country and there is no better way to get a real feel for the culture and ‘real Vietnam’ than to cycle through it. The cycling itself was great, I would say at the high end of moderate on some days, but the bus is always there for people who do not want to climb the hills.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the children in the small villages and towns who wave, shout out hello and try and give you a 'high five' as you cycle past. These children are obviously poor, but they are so happy that it teaches us something about out material way of life. The ever changing scenery from coastal, to mountain and frm small villages to bustling cities is the other main memory of the trip, and Halong Bay is just fantastic!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tho was a great Group Leader, and let's not forget the support team (2 drivers plus the mechanic). As a team they worked very well indeed and we were shown places that 'normal' tourists would not see, ate in small house restuarants and generally avioded most of the tourist traps. Tho worked tirelessly and was knowlwdgable about the culture and history of Vietnam, always willing to talk about anything. Organisation was great: Turn up when you are asked to and that is all you have to worry about. Working as a team on the ride you should never get lost, but can ride at your own pace.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good quality padded cycling shorts (at least 2 pairs) and some 'bun cream'! Most people wear loose shorts over the top of the lycra ones. The only people who suffered were those who were saddle sore.Don't rush the rides through the most senic areas, stop, take photos, soak in the atmosphere!! Most of our group did.

Reviewed March 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

A tough experience but thoroughly rewarding when you completed your day of cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling downhill through Bidoup Nui National Park, 30kms of winding roads in the glorious sunshine and wind against you, the view was amazing.Riding through the villages and children coming out and high-fiving youSeeing the amazing gravestones in one of the villages, known as Ghost CityWatching how happy and content the Vietnamese people are even with the simplest things in life, teaches us westerners some things as we have so much and are still never happy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom was brilliant! He couldnt help people enough and had so much knowledge. His quote summarised the trip - 'Everyday is another best day'

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you practice riding even if you are reasonably fit. I thought I was quite fit as I play netball and do bootcamps and am quite active but nothing prepared me for those long days on the bike and especially the hills! Make sure you take lots of padding for your backside!

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

This was a fantastic tour: a reasonably amount of cycling (329miles), some amazing scenery and some cultural highlights. The Vietnamese people were very friendly – even getting invited to sing at a wedding which we declined – and the food was great. Hotels were in the main pretty good and the boat around Halong Bay far better than expected. Organisation of the tour first class and couldn’t be faulted.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 30Km decent down the mountain from Delat and achieving 103.1 KM that daySwimming in the surf in the South China sea in Mui Ne as the sun setThe fishing village at Ngn Trang where very few tourists go. Also passing through the villages off the beaten track.Hoi An lit up at night, the rice cakes being crisped up and the hand made shoes being madeThe Mausoleum to Tu Doc in Hue and the Citadel. Learning about the history of Vietnam and something of the culture. The lagoon at Halong Bay.Local Markets The reviving lemon drink!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble to sort out. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The organisation of the tour went like clockwork. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is worth seeeing this tour as a tour of Vietnam with some cycling, although some days are quite hard. I think we had 3 days over 80km which is quite hard on a mountain bike with pretty thick tyres. I took clip-on pedals and cycling shoes - which certainly helped me although only 2 us did in a party of 19.There are quite a few long session on the coach but this is more than main up by seeing the main cultural highlights of the country. There are stops every 20km but it is really too hot to wear a back pack (although some did). I brought a small carrier that can fit on the back of the bike a take a compact camera, my glasses and an energy bar which I found useful. A couple of 'wicking' tops were good.

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