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 November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A very well organised trip with an excellent balance of cycling and sight-seeing. The route offered a wonderful opportunity to see a variety of countryside, interacting with local people and a good range of cycling experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through a small village and being greeted by young children running down to the roadside to say a big "Hello", and give us a high-five.Cooking my own meal on a small barbecue in a restaurant in Nha Trang (ask to go there if you leader does not suggest it).Reaching the top of the Hai Van Pass after a terrific morning cycling from the outskirts of Da Nang.Seeing the market stalls in the old quarter of Hanoi with all their fresh produce of fish, fruit and vegetables.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Chi, gave us sufficient guidance and yet enough freedom to enjoy the cycle in a way that we were comfortbale with. Nothing was too much for him, and he went out of his way to ensure that all members of our group enjoyed the holiday. His knowledge of all aspects of the trip, from the bikes, the roads, the hotels (including local laundries for cheap washing), local restaurants, to the sights was fully up to our needs. He also spoke excellent English. He could even appreciate my rather bad jokes! Overall Chi really made the holiday, reaching a very high level of satisfaction.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were very lucky with the weather on our trip. Although it was apparanetly in the wet season, we had no rain during the day (it rained a few times during the night), and this made it very hot and humid. We were provided with plenty of fresh drinking water and lemon drink at each stop, and it proved very important to keep well hydrated. Do try the great range of fresh fruit available at roadside stalls and markets.The overnight train ride from Hue to Hanoi was in "first class" but do not expect too much. It was clean, but cramped and with very limited facilities.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A great mix of cycling, culture, tourist sights, countryside and a post-cycle chill out in Ha Long Bay. My first cycling trip, but it won’t be my last. I did find the heat and humidity a bit too much, but the support crew looked after us all really well. Fantastic trip and a great introduction to a cycling holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

We experienced such a variety of scenery I can't choose one particular bit. Starting out with the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, the cycle to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the 30km descent through the national park. I felt a massive sense of achievement in cycling up the Hai Van Pass. Experiencing the 1st Class carriage on the overnight train to Hanoi is not to be missed, and the beauty of Ha Long Bay and kayaking amongst the limestone islands was the perfect end to the trip. But I can't not mention the rest of the group - they were all fantastic, and without them it wouldn't have been half the trip that it turned into.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was fantastic. He helped me out a lot when I was struggling in the heat/humidity. He was constantly laughing and smiling with us all and making sure that we were all OK. He made sure that we didn't leave anything behind as we packed up each morning, and that we were all well fed and watered at the rest stops. He gave us advice about the terrain we were due to cycle on and stopped us at the side of the road to explain the sights. He was very knowledgeable about the history of his country, and shared this information whenever he could. He recommended some truly fantastic places to eat in the evenings. I didn't really have to think about anything other than the cycling - Lam sorted everything else out, and went far beyond what I expected from a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The heat and humidity makes it more difficult than cycling in Scotland - and the rain is 10 times worse.Travel light, because you have to carry your own bag when getting to/from the overnight train. There's a couple of places to get laundry done, so you don't need too many clothes. When cycling you hardly need to carry anything - camera, sunscreen and water and that's about it. Bring a head-torch for the Cu Chi Tunnels - it's very dark down there. Most importantly - bring your sense of adventure and be prepared to just "go with the flow".

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Fabulous hokiday, cycling was great and a perfect way to see any country, but there were also the people, the cities, the history & of course the food. There is a lot of time spent transferring by coach and I was quite concerned by this before we travelled, but it is worth it to have so many wonderful, varied experiences.Our guides were excellent and the support staff made us very welcome. The cycling is not too challenging in itself, but the heat/humidity do make it seem harder, especially on the climbs, however the van is there to give you a lift if you need it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think everyone must rave about Halong Bay, absolutely stunning, and don't miss the sea kayaks.The children were a constant source of entertainment, but watch out for the occassional over-energetic high 5! For me the best scenery when cycling was from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon, couldn't take enough pictures, but there were numerous other highlights as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 leaders due to an unfortunate bereavement for Lam after 1 week. Lam was a total joy to be around with the most infectious smile. Linh was a great guide, telling us lots about the history of the country and worked hard to ensure we were getting the most out of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes are good and pretty comfy, but I did wish that I'd taken a gel seat cover with me.

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

It really is difficult to put into words how fantastic this trip is. Vietnam is a perfect country to see on a bicyle and the trip massively exceeded my expectations. The itinerary was busy but I felt was just about right, so as we could see everything of interest. The country is jam packed with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, very friendly people, lovely food and an all round great atmosphere. Finding a holiday to top this is going to prove hugely challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Young children rushing out onto the streets to greet and high five us as we're riding through the villages. As a group, we never got bored of this, even though it was a constant throughout the trip!2. Halong Bay is simply stunning.3. 30km cycle descent through breathtaking scenery.4. Hoi An was my favourite city and it was great to chill and have a relaxation day there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Lam) was the loveliest bloke you're ever likely to meet! He totally got our sense of humour and as well as him, the drivers and mechanic were an integral part of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate, just book onto this trip as soon as possible!

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

As previous anti-group and anti-guided tour travellers we’re now converted. You need energy for this packed itinerary but the glitsch-free organisation, very decent accommodation and excellent tour leadership delivered a memorable experience. Great value for money.

Most Inspirational Moment

sitting in a mountain village in a torrential downpour drinking Vietnamese drip coffee - about as far away from our day to day reality as you can get.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simply terrific! His passion for + knowledge of his country's history and culture was impressive. He kept a large group in line, hit every schedule and dealt with any hiccoughs in a quiet and professional way. Our praise extends to the whole support team who were diligent and friendly at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't panic about money exchange: dollars accepted everywhere, dollar or GBP exchange in most places.laundry faciliites available on route.malaria tablets not necessary.

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Brilliant Holiday. Very varied and about the correct amount of cycling.Great way to see the country and I felt we saw a lot of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

30 km descent into the national park. Made better by the fact that we had rode up some steepish hills to get there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was great with a good sense of humour. He was always ther for us and all done with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a great trip. We did not need malaria tabs. Just be reasonably fit but you don,t need to be Bradley Wiggins

Reviewed September 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

You know what? It was amazing. Probably the best thing I have ever done.I really wanted to see Vietnam and I love cycling and being active – so it seemed like the perfect holiday for me. But it totally surpassed my expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is so hard to pick a most inspirational moment as the whole trip was very special.General highlights which came along constantly include cycling through all the towns and villages, waving and smiling at all the amazingly friendly people, high fiving the children, practising English with locals on their mopeds driving alongside us as we cycled. The landscape was so beautiful and varied - different every day. And each village we passed through had it's own character. We did a lot of cycling, 110km was the furthest we cycled in one day - but it was so much fun I didn't notice the distance.The day we left Dalat was an incredible day of cycling which included some uphill sections but then an unbelievably beautiful 30km descent down winding mountain roads through impressive scenery into the valley. Cycling 10km uphill to the top of the Hai Van pass on the day we left Hoi An was a spectacular challenge with such a feeling of achievement on reaching the top! And the food was delicious - a different local speciality every night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was incredible. He was so enthusiastic and went above and beyond to ensure that we were all happy. He made time for everyone in the group, to talk to them, answer their questions and crack a few jokes! He explained very skillfully to us what to expect of each day or section of cycling so that we were prepared but not daunted, informed but not bamboozled with information. Along with his team he organised us and looked after us so well that all we had to think about was enjoying the cycling! The mechanic was always at hand to fix any problems with the bikes, the bus was always available should anyone need a rest from cycling for a leg of the journey, and water, snacks and fresh lemonade were all in plentiful supply constantly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wasn't sure how my legs were going to cope with the mileage but I was definitely bike-fit enough to enjoy all the scenery and interactions with people without struggling with the cycling. Cycling over hills in North London every day to get to work and back stood me in good stead for the hills in Vietnam.

Reviewed September 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Cycling Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi, switching to boat and train at times, was an amazing fortnight! We saw so many different parts of Vietnam and were always received by amazingly friendly locals. And in the breaks we got rewarded with yummy Vietnamese food and drinks (better than Italian coffee!).

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many every day, between amazing scenery, great team spirit, the best group leader (Lam) ever and his so smily team, great food and ever so friendly locals! However, cycling through endless graveyard scenery (might sound a bit dark now but it was unique) and rice harvesting at sunset time near Hue. And how brilliant was wave jumping at Mui Ne after a day of sweaty cycling in the August heat!! And last but not least the great team spirit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

You can wish for no better tour leader than Lam! The enthusiasm for his country and his efforts to look after everyone of the entire cycling team are just unparalleled! His team of drivers and mechanic just loved him, and so did we! He is simply the best!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The summer heat and humidity make cycling more demanding than in Europe. A camelbag will provide water more easily and cooler than a water bottle. Bring very good sunscreen and enough clothes to change (even though washing is possible every 5 days or so).

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A brilliant cycling adventure which combines moderately challenging cycling through ever-changing scenery with a real opportunity to experience the culture, history and people of Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

The penultimate day of cycling - 110km into Hue, including a 10km up-stretch through the mountains. Off the bike, it would have to be cruising in Halong Bay, one of the numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites that we visited along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Lam is full of knowledge about his country, and a highly organised and competent tour leader. Full of fun and energy, he led us brilliantly and is an excellent ambassador for Vietnam and Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being comfortable whilst cycling is the key to maximum enjoyment. Own saddle and padded shorts are for winners! One of our group also brought cleats - a nice to have but not essential.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Vietnam is one of the touching Exodus trips I’ve been on, in terms of its history, natural beauty, village life, and potential for change (for better or worse). I highly recommend that people take the opportunity to see it now, as it the pace of change is evident. From sweeping deserted beaches, to luxurious mountain regions, and the ever present farming (land and sea), this country is determined to develop on its own terms. Taking it all in at bike level is simply the best way to travel and Exodus again pulls out all the stops to make it an enjoyable and rewarding trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many, of course! Cycling through the villages with kids, scooters and buffalo everywhere was a great change from the frenetic and always entertaining city life. The hammocks at every cafe! Vietnamese have the low down on afternoon relaxation. Great hills, both up and down, even in the July/Aug heat. The roads were better than expected, and the lack of car traffic was quietly appreciated (altho the scooters are sure to provide a few anxious moments). Seeing the bus with the home made lemonade ready.... The cooling water spouts half way up the Hai Van pass :-).... The 30km downhill section in the mountains..... The incredible cemetary road.... And the rather energetic Glee performances of our group at every available prompt (you had to be there!!) Halong Bay is an absolute treat at the end of the tour. And the food .... aaah, the food. Fresh and healthy, what more could you want?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh (the man) truly loves his job and his country, and it shows. His desire to share knowledge and background so we understand the history and what we're seeing is great. Superb organisational skills in a country which I imagine presents some unusual challenges at times, plus little things which made a difference to every one of us. His patience is amazing. The support staff were brilliant, with the quickest tire changes in the East and a helping push up the hills if flagging!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To truly enjoy this be reasonably fit, although you don't necessarily need to be bike fit, it's good to have basic bike handling skills for those little moments of rough road or unexpected scooters. There are some "undulating" days but this provides interest and to some a nice challenge. Vietnam is quite hot this time of year, so camelbaks would be good to carry more water if you are a heavy drinker, but the bus/truck are never far away if you run out between stops. Be prepared for rain on some days. I generally wore lycra which wasn't a problem locally. You may find your own clipless pedals are good for the hills. Those who suffer from sea sickness be sure to take your pills so you enjoy the whole tour experience as there are several excellent boat trips you don't want to miss.

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