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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176 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Andrew Walker

Reviewed November 2023

Another great trip

A wonderful adventure through three amazing countries that have their own unique identities despite being neighbours.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat was always going to be the highlight of the holiday and it did not disappoint. Yes lots of temples but each had different qualities. Then the harrowing visit to the prison and the killing fields brought back memories that we’d witnessed from afar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nut was superb. Happy to go the extra mile. Full of ideas and recommendations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep hydrated. The cycling isn’t difficult but the conditions are taxing. Hot and humid but if you’re a reasonable biker you’ll be ok.

Claire Norfolk

Reviewed November 2023

Another fantastic trip

My last Exodus trip was cycling Kerala (just before lockdown) and it was fantastic. This trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam was just as good. We had 18 in Kerala and no couples, this one was only 13 and mainly couples so different dynamics but another great group. The whole trip was well organised, especially considering we had to travel through 3 different countries. Nut, our main leader was fantastic and went above and beyond in my opinion. All the many other guides, mechanics, drivers etc were also great, friendly, helpful and informative. I enjoyed the longer cycles in Thailand but feel we saw less of the real country than Cambodia and Vietnam. Lots of culture with temples, rice fields, water buffalo, boat trips etc. The killing fields and S-21 in Cambodia and the War remnants museum in Ho Chi Min City were sombre with many personal horrifying stories from our guides. The home stay was a highlight, lovely accommodation in the Mekong Delta and with a chance to try cooking our own Vietnamese food. Bikes were good, food excellent and nice hotels. Note for next trip, check flight options as there seemed to be a variety of options that were slightly more direct.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many, Ankhor Wat, S-21

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nut was absolutely brilliant. Couldn’t have done done more for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check out flight options. Enjoy every minute! Cycling does depend on the group. The Kerala trip was supposed to be harder than this one but I found this one harder as some of us struggled in the heat - 37c - and long cycles at a decent pace. Kerala was shorter cycles, not as hot (around 27c) and flat apart from the challenge of Ooty Hill.

Paula Veysey-Smith

Reviewed December 2022

Indochina 19th Nov-3rd Dec

This was an excellent tour with so many happy memories. I still rate as excellent even though there was an issue with the e-bikes. Having said that, I have contacted Exodus about this problem and they have dealt with my complaint promptly and have a made a full refund for the extra cost of booking an e-bike for this trip which unfortunately didn’t work. If you are tempted by this tour please do book it. It is a long time time since I have toured abroad and now, at the youthful age of 55, I knew it was time to get out there again. I’m so glad I did. The group were fantastic company, all the trip guides were delightful and our overall tour guide, Rit, was someone you could put your trust in so you didn’t worry as you cycled along the roads an visited so may amazing places. You always felt safe as you explored these three different cultures.

Most Inspirational Moment

I've had a touch few years so just being there and doing the whole trip was so inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit - he was an absolute star and had to deal with some of us having the difficulties with the e-bikes. He was so humble and I felt that he always had our best interest in mind. He worked so hard to make our trip special which for me it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it - Exodus really do look after you. By cycling around these countries we got to see so much more of the cultures, met so many amazing people but always felt looked after and safe.

Deborah Gibson-Smith

Reviewed December 2022

Great way to experience

This is a fantastic way to experience and compare the cuisine, landscape and culture of 3 different countries in South East Asia. Angkor Wat is the undoubted hightlight of the trip. Cycling round the complex is a great way to view these amazing temples. Additionally the Cambodian guides provide a really good insight into the history of Cambodia. Conversely, by covering 3 different countries this trip does involve more big cities (so less “off the beaten track” cycling), transfers and bike swapping compared to some of the other Exodus trips. The cycling is pretty easy as it was 100% flat, just the heat can make it a little more tiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the amazing temples in Angkor Wat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was a good tour leader, as are all Exodus tour leaders!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring DOLLARS! The trip notes fail to mention that you need dollars on day 1 for the snack and tip kitty. Also dollars are useful to have in Cambodia where you cant purchase the currency in advance.

Richard Birch

Reviewed November 2022

Just Brilliant!

Fabulous mix of countries, cultures, cycling comrades and cuisine!

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlight for me would be the Angkor temple complex. The scale and complexity but also the architectural variety of temples was extraordinary. But i would have to mention the warmth of welcome from everyone we met. The excitement of the children in all the countries will live long in my memory. And the group of 17 we shared this experience with. We were blessed with a terrific bunch of co-travellers. The holiday does to some extent self-select like-minded travellers, but nevertheless the experience was enhanced by being with such a great group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saowarit, better known as Rit, is a total superstar and contributed in an enormous way to the enjoyment of the trip. He exuded calmness and control, and was always on hand to assist, advise and suggest. Above and beyond in terms of his commitment to ensuring we all got the best out of the experience. I can’t speak highly enough of him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s hot! We travelled in November and daily temperatures weee generally between 33 and 35, with mid to high 20’s at night. The cycling is easy in terms of terrain as it’s very very flat, but the heat is challenging and sapping. The trip is classed as 3 / Moderate, with the explanation suggesting anyone of reasonable fitness could manage the rides. I would say it requires strong fitness levels, good stamina, and really is targeted at regular distance cyclists. The longest 3 days, each of c80km in 35 degree heat, are not for the faint hearted. The cycling speed for our group averaged about 20kph.

Mike Butler

Reviewed October 2022

Don't Hesitate - do this trip !

Overall, this was a fantastic trip, best one I have done yet.
First impression, met Rit, our team leader at the hotel. Immediately knew this was going to be a good trip, knowledgeable, warm, funny, engaging.
First couple of Days in Thailand were good, roads reasonably quiet and good quality surface. A couple of long rides, but pretty flat so easily coped. Just a personal preference, but a bit more on the country roads rather than main (although they were quiet) would be nice.
Smooth transition into Cambodia. Again, great cycling, pretty flat and easy. Great countryside. Awe inspiring visit to Angkor – astonishing place. Then the flip side visiting the Killing fields, more pertinent as I can remember this happening while I was a teenager.
Then into Vietnam for the last few days – best cycling here with backroads and paths, via a nice homestay to the craziness of Saigon (so many motorbikes!)

Overall – Great food everywhere, always felt safe, super team leader, made some new friends – highly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor wat - one to tick off the bucket list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit is a great guy. Professionally - Everything ran so smoothly you almost didn't notice all of the work behind the scenes. Personally - Very warm, engaging, caring. A happy man who was truly part of the experience. We always felt safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's Hot / Humid Take a bucket of factor 50, drink lots to stay hydrated when cycling, your choice water or local beer Toilets were immaculate everywhere - have no fears

Randy Marshall

Reviewed February 2020

Best Group Ever

Though the group, tour leader and support staff were phenomenal throughout the trip and there were many highlights, the rural cycling within Thailand and Cambodia proved to be largely uninteresting, smoggy and garbage was strewn throughout. Mostly we saw different tree plantations of smaller trees for rubber, furniture, etc. and a little bit of off season ground crop areas. On the plus side the accomodation was spotless, the food excellent and the people wonderful. We certainly enjoyed Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and the other temple complexes and Phnom Penh. Also the history of Cambodia during the Khymer Rouge regime, though dark, was extremely educational and offered an understanding of current day Cambodia that we would have not gotten without physically attending the Killing Fields and the S-21 prison. In sharp contrast to what we saw of Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam was very green and lush and our stay at the Homestay on the island, travel on the Mekong and other cultural highlights was amazing. The very best of the trip was getting to know the wonderful group of people the tour attracted and the care our tour guide Chai gave us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Attending the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh (Choeung Ek) and the S-21 Prison (Tuol Sleng) which is now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and meeting two of the 14 survivors from the prison, Chum Mey and Bou Meng.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Chai was beyond superb. His organizational ability, his kindness and concern, his upbeat demeanour, his availability and his sharing of cultural knowledge made the trip.

steven elliot

Reviewed February 2020

Slow burner

It must be said this is a bit dull to begin with – the first three cycling days are not particularly interesting – but it builds and in the end it is a great experience. Cambodia is a fascinating journey from the pomp of Angkor Wat to the rat infested piles of rubbish in Phnom Penh to the anguish of the Killing Fields; I’ll never forget it.
Vietnam was a complete contrast – colourful, enterprising,confident, resplendent with gold starred red flags everywhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few: The giant recumbent golden Buddha in Wat Pho The frog sausage with green tamarind salsa from a street vendor near Siem Reap Cycling through the North Gate of Angkor Thum at dusk Being brought to tears by the guide in the Genocide museum Riding through the country lanes and bustle near Chau Doc with all the children shouting "hallo" to us

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai is a great guy - a fine advocate for Buddhism

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling is a bit of a side show and this trip is really more about imagining yourself in the heartbeat of another as Sebastian Faulks, I think, said. I felt privileged to have made the journey. The best day's cycling is the second day in Angkor Wat so don't go shopping as some of our party did. It is very hot - take lots of factor 50 sun block. Aside from the frog sausage the best dish was Fish Amok served in a hollowed out coconut - don't miss it

wendy fairhurst

Reviewed January 2020

Great trip overall - a real journey

Just returned from this trip . Myself , my husband and 3 more friends went on the trip – we are all keen on cycle touring. For myself and my husband, our overall experience was very good . Our guide, Chai was the best we have ever had . He dealt with a varied group with humour, fantastic organisation and always a smile. The group we were with was made up of British , Canadian, American and Australian cyclists . The group was great and bonded well under Chai’s expert guidance.
Culturally the trip is very interesting – Angkor Wat is fascinating and beautiful and the Killing Fields in Cambodia were life changing. Travelling through the 3 countries and seeing the various levels of development, political situations and living conditions was interesting and sometimes disturbing.
However the cycling itself was sometimes disappointing – in the first few days there is rather a lot of cycling along straight, featureless , flat roads in 35 degrees of heat. Being taken out to eat local food in the evenings was very enjoyable and welcome after this.
Cycling around Angkor Wat and the various temples which make up the complex was beautiful and the cycling in Vietnam is amazing – cycling through communities , hopping on and off ferries – everywhere a riot of colour and interest.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hearing the story of our young female guide in Phnom Pen give an emotional and personal account of the Polpot regime and life in Cambodia nowadays moved me to tears . Cycling around Angkor Wat Hearing our guide talk about his humane and pragmatic approach to Buddhism Cycling through villages and communities in Vietnam

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai was quite simply one of the nicest human beings I have ever met and an inspirational guide and leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the first few days of cycling which are long , scenery is not spectacular and it is very hot. It does get better! We are reasonably strong cyclists and were able to find enjoyment in blasting down the long, straight, quiet roads but still found the heat a challenge. Chai managed it well though and arranged stops every 8-10 miles to re-group and cool down. The team were always waiting with very welcome and delicious snacks and drinks. Go easy on them if you don't want to gain weight. Cycling around the Angkor Wat temples and in Vietnam is lovely. Go out with the guide to eat in the evenings - the local food and experience is fantastic and hotel food often very average. We did not get ill.

andrew bole

Reviewed January 2020

An amazing trip, a couple of tips

This is a really wonderful trip. I would highly recommend it. You get a unique view of the people, country life and see very few other tourists, outside of the big cities! A good balance between cycling and transfers on the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide makes the difference between a good trip and an amazing trip. Our guide, Nut, was excellent. He was calm, efficient and is vastly experienced so easily managed the large group (18) and so we were all relaxed and could enjoy the trip. Simple things were done very well. We visited lots of different artisans along the way but were never pressured into buying things. They guide handled tipping, meals etc

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some tips not in the trip notes: 1. It is hot and very sunny. Over xmas, there were no cloudy days and no rain. 2. Take lots of high factor sun cream. We used more than expected as you are out in the sun most of the day. You can only buy it in the big towns, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Saigon. 3. Wear white or light coloured tops when cycling. Dark colours absorb the heat making it even hotter! 4. You move most evenings, so can only visit the laundry in the big towns where you stay for more than one night, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Saigon. 5. Take a water bottle that fits in a standard bike water bottle holder. 6. We took our own clip in pedals (MTB prob best as in and out of them in the towns), which worked well. The bus is always close by so you can change shoes if you need to walk round a temple 7. To go into most of the temples you need to wear trousers or shorts/skirts that cover the knee. Applies to men and women. You can leave them on the bus, so dont need to wear them when cycling. 8. Take some electrolite tablets for your water, as you are out on the bike in the heat sweating alot!

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