Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the temple complex of Angkor was quite amazing as was cycling though the streets of Siem Reap with the traffic. We felt perfectly safe with our guides in the traffic. Cambodia was a fascinating country and deeply moving at the various sites we visited in Phnom Penn. Cycling through remote Vietnamese villages with children high fiving us as we went past was just wonderful . Saigon itself was a fascinating places and the visit to the Vietnam war tunnels was very thought provoking . The whole trip was fantastic

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Moh and she was quite superb. She looked out for any cyclists tiring, She arranged and sorted all the logistics and she was really a credit to Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

It wasn't clear to me from the trip notes or photos on the website just what people wore for the cycling. You can definitely wear proper padded cycling shorts, and some of our group wore ordinary shorts over the top but it didn't actually matter whether you did or not in terms of decorum in the various countries which was something I had worried about ! You had to put on trousers for the temple visits etc in some places anyway .I would totally recommend cycling shorts with plenty of vaseline around the leg area and although it can be very very hot they don't seem to rub or chafe or make you overheat. Also I took a gel saddle cover which was essential and many others took their own saddle. You don't really need your own energy drinks and gels etc as this is all provided. Also if you get a bit fed up with regional food, by the time you get to Siam Reap and go off on your own for free time there are plenty of Western food places as well ! Sunscreen is essential. Many of the hotels stayed in had wifi or a computer in the lobby so you can keep in touch from time to time

Most Inspirational Moment

The smiling faces of the children as we cycled through many of the villages notwithstanding the high fiving which played havoc with my tennis elbow!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit is a true gentleman with a good sense of humour and top class organisational skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Potential for saddle soreness should not be underestimated. Padded cycling shorts, gloves, water bottle and sunglasses are essential. Best do this tour during rainy season as landscape will be likely be green and lush. For non-cyclists such as myself, I found the cycling quite demanding particularly the first few days though there's always the support vehicle should it be needed - though thankfully I never succumbed to the temptation!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many to choose from it is difficult to pick just one. The temples at Angkor Wat are quite amazing. The trip to Lake Tonle Sap as the sun set and the return boat trip in the chaotic flotilla of boats was incredible. The border crossing from Thailand to Cambodia was like being in a different world. Perhaps the fact that I was able to cycle 500 kms over the two weeks despite hardly ever having been on a road bike before the trip was the thing that will stick with me for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai was brilliant. He entertained, he encouraged us when we were tired and he provided challenge for those who were seeking additional challenge. His organisational skills were marvellous with every aspect of the trip covered quite seamlessly. He helped to make the trip a marvellous success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is worth doing a bit of training in advance. Mainly due to the weather back home, I had practiced mainly on an exercise bike with little practice out on the actual road. When I arrived in Bangkok, I was more than a little concerned that I might not have been fit enough to do this trip. However, the way the team provide support and pit stops with lots of fresh fruit and drinks along the way makes it a most enjoyable experience. The scenery, the company of the group and the friendly welcome we received from the locals made this a trip that I will never forget. One last word of advice though - padded shorts and a gel saddle cover are essential.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty and tranquility of rural Indochina and the Mekong delta; the obvious happiness of the families eeking out a living along the roadside; the respect shown to each other in mad traffic congestion; the unity which has followed some of the worse atrocities carried out by man. All inspirational but to hear the real life impacts of Khmer Rouge and US assaults on humanity from our guides was intensely moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She performed beyond the call. She shouldered responsibility for everything. She shepherded the whole group, moving up and down the cycle file to ensure all was well and to ensure we crossed roads safely. She pre-warned us of what to expect. She carried money to help out those less well prepared. She apologised profusely for shortcomings on behalf of others. And she still managed to maintain her sense of humour and her smile throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book before it is too late!

Most Inspirational Moment

The temples of Angkor especially Angkor Wat and getting a real understanding of the 'Pol Pot' Regime in Cambodia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai the 'General Manager' is very professional, well organised and has very good inter personal skills. Fully supportive of the all group members and equally his support teams. It is not easy leading 18 travellers through 3 countries and having different support teams but Chai made it look and feel 'seamless'.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not a regular cyclist but are reasonably fit and want 'an Asian experience' do not hesitate to consider this tour as 99.5% of the cycling is flat or on only very slight inclines although be prepared for the heat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling long distances most days in temperatures of 36 degrees was made much easier with plenty of stops where we were provided with drinks, energy bars, local snacks, and fruit. I was proud of what I achieved.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was enthusiastic, kind, full of local information and a pleasure to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first few days are the longest distances to cycle.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, seeing how happy the people are even though some have so little, there are smiles and laughter everywhere, the kids come running shouting hello as you cycle past and a hi five is greatly received. Everyone I met was very friendly and welcoming. At one stop a group for children cam got see us selling there goods and one boy had a live tarantula, I freaked, and his response.....don't worry lady I will not come close if you do not like. How refreshing in the UK the kids would probably throw it at you. It's made me this about life and money really does not buy happiness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai and Nat, were both fantastic. Always there to help, friendly and knowledgeable. I could not have asked for a better leaders, they are both an asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of sunscreen, and memory cards.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to pick a moment - we whizzed along some delightful rural roads in Thailand, climbed through the impressive towers of Angkor Wat, and soaked up a very special atmosphere as darkness fell on the stilted village and mangroves during the (optional) boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Is, who accompanied us as our guide throughout the trip, was a key factor in the success of the trip. Her sound knowledge of the region and in particular of the routines of rural communities made her particularly good at spotting things/places/activities which she knew would be interesting to us. Opportunities to watch people making items from local raw materials, harvest crops, prepare food etc, and to be able to inquire about their lives, allowed us to gain new perspectives and feel that we had gained from the experience rather than simply cycling past their doors

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling on this trip demands more endurance than hill-climbing power.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many - Cambodia with its awe inspiring temples, but then the sadness of the killing fields. huge numbers of children shouting hello when you cycled by, cycling through a flood in the Mekong Delta...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was amazing. He was so professional and made sure that we were well looked after and had nothing to worry about for the whole of the holidday

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to identify just one inspirational moment from the trip, as this section asks, because there were a number. Cycling through the back roads in Vietnam and around the Angkor area and through Siem Reap in Cambodia were highlights for me together with our visits to the Angkor temples. I was also very moved and saddened by what we learnt about the tragic events associated with the killing fields. Although very sad, it is a major historic event in Cambodia and an important part of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader for this trip was Rit and he was superb. He succeeded in managing everything seamlessly and nothing was too much trouble for him. He was always approachable and happy to assist. He was also friendly and joined us at meal times to chat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The main tip I would offer is to take very light cycle wear, if travelling in the warmer seasons, and apply plenty of sun cream particularly on the left side as one is travelling south most of the time. If my trip was typical of others, there is no need to bring snacks as there are plenty of drinks and snacks provided on the cycling days.