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

Steven Adcott

Reviewed February 2017

So close to excellent that I give it excellent

This really is an adventure and a half, full on with interesting and varied cycling. What makes this trip special is the contrasts between city and countryside, some of the sights will remain in the memory bank for a long, long time. You will learn to jaywalk in Saigon, a very valuable skill which will be practiced often. be prepared for some long travel time in the coach and the train from Hue to Hanoi is a cracker! The food is remarkably inexpensive but there is a limit to how many spring rolls and rice and noodles you can munch through in a fortnight. Take advantage of the excellent breakfasts, omelettes are a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day brings new moments to savour and it is difficult to isolate one above another, however if pushed, I would say that cycling up the Hai Van Pass (everyone who attempted succeeded) just about pips Whale Island for top spot. Got to mention the traffic management system in Saigon and Hanoi, or lack of it! You will never get your head round the number of mopeds and the free for all at roundabouts and junctions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was a good leader who could easily be great. he started badly by asking us for $100 each for snacks and tips kitty which was at odds with Exodus recommendation, the group eventually got this down to $81 each. In reality the snacks couldn't have cost much at all. There was an expectation to tip the Leader at the end as well. Long had a great back up team, but managed to lose 3 people, 1 of whom cycled 10K past a turning point. That said he was a real leader in every sense with an endearing personality Long managed a difficult itinerary with consumate ease and his time management was spot on. His choices for group meals were excellent. I liked him and his English was impressive, he was learning Cockney rhyming slang. His passion for Vietnam shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have a comfy seat, take it. There were gel covers available. There are ATM's in the Cities. You can pay in US Dollars or Dong for everything. This isn't a casual bike ride, expect to cycle at a reasonable rate, stops are at 20K or 1 hour.

Kevin Gruffydd Jones

Reviewed February 2017

Vietnam cycling trip

A vey well organised group with experienced friendly leader and his team. great group of fellow travellers. varied itinerary with wide range of travelling experiences.(bike, train, boat) and excellent accommodation and food. T^he bikes were maintained in excellent condition,

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down a 30km descent in torrential rain !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was fanatstic.Experienced, helpful with great attention to detail . He had an amazing knack of delivering bad news (e.g steep hill coming) whilst smiling all the time! His back up team of drivers and mechanics were also very friendly and helpful

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is not quite as flat as you might be led to believe. There are plenty of "undulations "but still amazing cycling away from the usual tourist haunts

Diane Whateley

Reviewed January 2017

Brilliant insight into life in Vietnam

Travelling alone on my first Exodus cycling trip I was apprehensive on a number of fronts! I worried needlessly, as the group of 17 assorted singletons and couples quickly bonded supported by the indefatigable, Long our tirelessly helpful guide. It was so much fun despite the cough/cold that beset many of us- the support bus was there to take the strain as well as providing endless and local snacks at the end of each cycling section.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting by the roadside waiting for the cyclists to arrive, when I was unwell, having banana fritters cooked for us by an old Vietnamese lady who could speak no English and we had no Vietnamese whilst showing the family, pictures of a pet dog! We felt part of the community. The prolonged party night on the train from Hue to Hanoi was a scream- the accommodation on the train was much better than I remember of British Rail - the craic was good and Long, the consummate host!

Thoughts on Group Leader

For Long, nothing was too much trouble and he dealt with our medical problems and everything else without missing a beat and with constant good humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In January, a variety of clothes is required- layers especially as the temperature in Saigon was 35 degrees and 16 in Hanoi. Also bring waterproofs as it can rain even in January, as we discovered. Females should bring a female-specific saddle to avoid saddle sore and padded pants are essential.

Sarah Hill

Reviewed January 2017

Lifelong memories

We were part of a group of 17 who quickly formed a close bond created entirely by the enthusiasm and generosity of our leader. Nothing was too much trouble Long went out of his way every day to make sure we experienced in full life in Vietnam. The trip ran like clockwork, without us feeling we were being rushed at any stage. He made it fun even when we cycled 100 k in a day taking in a very high mountain pass.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many of these. For me cycling into Hoi Ann city at the end of the day cycling through the bustling streets soaking up the atmosphere. The route that took us through backwater lanes where children rushed out to shout hello. The big descent down the mountain. The vegetable market in Delat. Having a leader who just oozed fun and motivated each one of us to keep cycling when the rain and wind lashed down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I said we could not have had anyone who could have done more, he made our trip, he made every day memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own saddle? Cleats would also be good. Bring warm clothes for Hanoi? Stay on for a few days in Hanoi it's a great place to spend time. Also try and have a day in Ho Chin Minh before the ride.

Claire Black

Reviewed January 2017

Cycling Vietnam

The two week holiday was extremely well organised, with a huge variety of site visits, cultural highlights and a knowledgeable and highly professional leader. I enjoyed the trip immensely and the group were wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed cycling down the mountains, having expended an enormous amount of energy pedalling up! All of the group were encouraged and motivated along the way. The bikes were strong and sturdy, giving confidence to the riders. I also loved cycling through the villages and 'high fiving' all the lovely, smiling children as we cycled past them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was extremely professional, knowledgeable, motivational, charming and all in all, exceptional. He managed to transport a group of 18 from South to North Vietnam, using cycles, minibuses, trains and boats, effortlessly and safely. There were no occasions where anyone felt unsafe and at every hotel none of us had to wait longer than a couple of minutes to be handed our room key. I had no hesitation in voting for him in the Exodus Leader Awards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise taking your own saddle!

Clive Beauvais

Reviewed January 2017

Cycling Vietnam

This was a very good cycling trip – rated as moderate and there was nothing to stretch the abilities of anyone. The scenery was very varied and spectacular at times. .

Most Inspirational Moment

2 things : The trip around Halong Bay including the time spent kayaking. Also the meal that we had with a local Vietnamese family.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about all aspects of Vietnam - its history, culture, way of life, countryside etc. Through relating personal stories, he helped us to get to know and understand the country in a way that ordinary guidebooks cannot. When 2 of our group had a serious cycling accident, his management of the situation could not be faulted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an excellent trip from the point of view of seeing Vietnam. But if you want to really test your cycling ability, this trip will not do that.

Rebecca Appleby

Reviewed January 2017

Great trip - want to do it all again!

This was my first ever Exodus trip and I loved it – in fact I finished it wanting to repeat it all over again! The cycling was incredibly enjoyable and a wonderful way to see the country which is full of friendly and generous people. I can’t fault Exodus at all – it was extremely professionally organised and managed all the way through. Lam (tour leader) and his team were all very friendly and helpful they made the trip so memorable that it was sad to say goodbye to everyone at the end. I was really impressed with the safety side of things – as a female travelling alone this was so reassuring. The buses or leaders would ensure they had people indicating directions so you felt very safe and secure. Our mechanic, Ly, was always at the back ready to help anyone too. Overall, a wonderful team atmosphere with a very knowledgeable guide. Hotels were excellent too! Can’t wait to do my next Exodus trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the 30km downhill ride - great fun. I also enjoyed hearing about the history, and cycling through the little villages in the country and having the children rush out to say 'hello' and slap your hand as you cycle past.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was just brilliant - a real professional. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Always had a smile and was encouraging us along - even in the rain early in the morning! A real asset to Exodus. Support team were also wonderful - couldn't do enough to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book the trip! And drink lots of Vietnamese coffee while you're there - it's great!

Julie Musk

Reviewed January 2017

Vietnam cycling - Dec 2016

Amazing country, beautifully seen from the seat of a bicycle. So many unusual sights – friendly people (attractive, relaxed, smiling, shouting hello); fields of rice, coffee, rubber, eucalyptus, dragon fruit, etc., farmers herding brown cows and water buffalo; basic living conditions, cooking, eating and washing-up in the open, spilling out onto pavement; scooters everywhere and crazy driving but it seems to work, no road rage; great respect for older people and ancestors (colourful cemeteries and every house has small ancestral shrine). Came back with a real feel for the country, wanting to learn more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descent from central Dalat mountains - 20 miles in cloud, heavy rain, with potholes negotiated at speed, past rushing waterfalls and slow Japanese cycle groups, it was such an exhilarating experience. Also 6-mile ascent of Hai Van Pass - fantastic views and sense of achievement. Hoi An – peaceful productive countryside, old town and favourite hotel of the trip (Hoi An Silk Village).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Danh Nguyen had a great sense of humour, and was aptly nicknamed 'the Happy Buddha' with an infectious laugh. He imparted his love for his country and great knowledge of history and culture to us, while being always professional and helpful throughout. Organised, unflappable, and with contacts everywhere, he really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the best money exchange rate, buy currency when you arrive in Vietnam (ask your guide to recommend nearest bank/money changer) - much better rate than in UK. Don't over pack - laundry is very reasonable (organised by the Guide, not the hotels).

Malcolm May

Reviewed December 2016

A great way to get some flavour of Vietnam

This cycle holiday was a good way to get some flavour of Vietnam, especially while travelling through the country side and villages. Our guide and support team were magnificent and the group we cycled with gelled very quickly which enhanced the whole experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling 32 km downhill from Dalat in warm rain was quite an amazing experience in a perverse sort of way. Another inspirational time was in An Bang village, famous for it's huge royal tombs. Climbing Hai Van pass was exciting for everyone. It's 10 km long but, with a gradient between 5% and 9%, it proved to be manageable and enjoyable for everyone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long Le was superb and went that extra mile to ensure that everyone benefitted as much as possible from the trip. He led a very good support team who were determined to ensure that our day to day needs were met with good humour and efficiency. Long Le clearly loved his country and he spent time to discuss a wide range of issues relating to this country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is changing quite dramatically compared to our last visit 20 years ago. Like Cuba, now is the time to visit Vietnam, especially the rural parts. Be prepared to cycle at your own pace, reminding yourself that you have paid for this trip and plan to enjoy the experience. There is no need to bust a gut to keep up with faster cyclists. If rain is likely, bring an old cycle top. For some reason, Exodus don't fit mudguards to their bikes and good tops can be easily spoilt.

Debra Thomas

Reviewed December 2016

Amazing way to see Vietnam

The title sums it up – a great way to see a beautiful country and meet the lovely friendly people.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think that when every single member of our group managed to cycle up the Hui ven pass that was pretty amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very professional - he gave us a great overview of the Vietnam war as his father had been a general in the south vietnamese army and the detail and personal aspect of this was a one in lifetime experience. He was very serious though and sometimes seemed very upset / angry if we asked questions whilst he was talking making me at times feel very uncomfortable. Towards the end he explained that in his culture teachers talk and explain things and people listen and do not interrupt or ask questions but in our western culture it is different and we are encouraged to ask questions and he finds this difficult. I wish he had explained this at the start! I would have preferred a guide who was more light hearted at times but this is not a complaint just an observation / preference. The only other comment is arriving at first meeting as single person in a group of mainly couples was a bit weird and he made no attempt at all to introduce everyone. To me a basic thing would have been for us all to say our names and introduce ourselves at that first meeting but this was not facilitated by the leader and as not everyone came to the first dinner it was awkward for next few days not even knowing some peoples names. In the same vein there was a real mixed ability of cyclists and again no attempt made to get an idea of abilities before we started cycling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is not flat - its very undulating with some difficult road conditions too (pot holes / water buffalo / motorbikes / monsoon rain / landslides ) - make sure you are a confident and competent cyclist!!

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