Most Inspirational Moment
Sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanh in Vietnam and PJ in Cambodia.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t miss the Cham ruins (optional tour) in Vietnam.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
A busy, rewarding trip.
“Highlights” is an apt descriptor. Visited many historically significant sites.
Spice Trails of Kerala
All trips need a number of key ingredients to come together to make it work. The first is an interesting and varied itinerary, the second an effective and efficient leader. Finally, your fellow travellers. We were fortunate enough to have all three on our late February 2025 visit and we had the most amazing & relaxing time really getting to see the real Kerala. There were also lots of local support staff (i.e. cooks, drivers, guides etc) and these also played their part behind the scenes to make it work. Thank you !
Most Inspirational Moment
As previous reviews have stated there are far too many memorable moments to list that it is difficult to pin down one or two. However, the camping / walking, houseboat on the backwaters, street food tour and a home cooking evening with an Indian family were our highlights.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Santhosh Kumar was our Group Leader for the entire 2 weeks. His efforts, energy, organisational skills and enthusiasm kept the itinerary moving along and made the trip so much more enjoyable. He is a great ambassador for all things India and this shone through throughout.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try to get used to the slower Indian pace of life as soon as possible. It will make the trip so much more enjoyable. As previously, GBP & USD money can be changed on the way to the first hotel (and many other places during the trip except the camping part). Warm, layered clothes for the (camping) are only needed after sunset and before sunrise in late February as the day soon warms up. Walks can be quite up & down on the camping part so bear this in mind when taking in conjunction with the distance and potential weather conditions. However, walks were well paced and you have plenty of opportunities to stop for water & short rests.
A superb adventure from start to finish
This trip had so many contrasting experiences and enchanting surprises along the way. It was quite a full itinerary but not arduous.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to choose one from so many….but I think the experiences in Hoi An were amazing; cycling through the countryside and seeing the lanterns at night
Thoughts on Group Leader
Huyen was perfect in every way. We all adored her. She was exceptionally well organised, generous with her time, nothing was too much trouble, knowledgeable, empathetic to our needs, funny and just a beautiful person.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We were glad we took thin blow up mattresses for the train. Getting VND currency was no problem from ATMs.
A superb adventure from start to finish
This trip had so many contrasting experiences and enchanting surprises along the way. It was quite a full itinerary but not arduous.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to choose one from so many….but I think the experiences in Hoi An were amazing; cycling through the countryside and seeing the lanterns at night
Thoughts on Group Leader
Huyen was perfect in every way. We all adored her. She was exceptionally well organised, generous with her time, nothing was too much trouble, knowledgeable, empathetic to our needs, funny and just a beautiful person.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We were glad we took thin blow up mattresses for the train. Getting VND currency was no problem from ATMs.
Real India on wheels
Our first cycling adventure with Exodus (after a great various activity tour to Vietnam last year) and this tour was just perfect for my husband and I as we love being active. However we still enjoyed the free days to explore and the sightseeing too. We had a great group and excellent guides. It was also our first trip to India and we felt as though we saw the real India, especially in the first week. The people were so friendly and they never stopped smiling and waving at us. The bikes were very good quality and suited to the mixed terrain. The hotels were generally of a good standard although a couple not so much but appreciate that it’s not always easy to find suitable accommodation in certain areas.
Most Inspirational Moment
For both of us it would be the impromptu visit to a junior school. The staff and children were so happy and made us very welcome. My husband would say the cycle up Ooty was his favourite ride but mine was the ride across the rolling Nilgiri Hills and the dramatic descent through the hills and tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats and tropical rainforest on day 6. Also seeing a tiger in Bandipur National Park.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Safi our group leader along with Vineeth and Arun were all excellent guides. They kept us safe through some busy areas and fed and watered to keep up our energy levels, as well as being friendly and spoke excellent English. We enjoyed the food at all the cafes and restaurants safi took us too and my favourite was the seafood one by the sea on our last ride.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some of the road surfaces and speed bumps are horrendous, traffic manic in the cities and the heat makes even the flat rides tiring but keep hydrated, follow the guide, take care and you will love it.
A Feast for the Senses
This trip is certainly an insight into real India, we definitely felt we were in at the deep-end! We’ve previously cycled in Vietnam and Sri Lanka with Exodus and this trip was very different. Our previous holidays included a lot of information about the abundant flora, fauna and history of the countries, this trip not so much. However, it is very interesting to cycle through the villages and towns to see how the people are living and the people were very friendly towards us.
Don’t under-estimate he climb up Ooty Hill, it’s an unrelenting slog, but well worth the pain for the sense of pride at the top and the lovely stop at the Highland Cafe.
Some people in the group had asked for electric bikes and 2 of them were small-wheeled and, in my opinion, looked quite poor and not up to the job. However, our non-electric bikes were absolutely fine.
The roads are very busy and we had some sections cycling on the highway so I would say that this isn’t cycling for the faint-hearted. However, our guide was excellent at keeping the group together through the ‘dodgy’ bits! The cycling for the first few days does include a fair few hills so don’t expect it to be flat! Also, some of the road surfaces can be a bit rough, or even non-existent in some places, so don’t forget your padded cycling shorts!
Eating out is very cheap in the south and we had some delicious food. Also as far as I’m aware no-one in our group suffered with any tummy upsets.
In the main, the hotels were good. We had a couple which were a bit basic, but our guide explained that this was because there wasn’t anything else in the area, but other hotels were excellent so it’s swings and roundabouts.
All in all, a very good trip and we definitely feel like we’ve seen real, incredible, India.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a tiger in Bandipur National Park! One day our guide asked if we'd like to visit a little school and we had such a lovely visit. The children were absolutely delightful. Getting to the top of Ooty Hill!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Safi was a great leader and dealt with all this trip threw at him magnificently. Unfortunately, there were a few accidents which caused him to have to think on his feet but he never faltered and everything worked out very smoothly. He certainly earned his money on this trip! Vineeth and Arun also deserve a mention because they too were brilliant. The three of them worked tirelessly to ensure we were looked after extremely well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The roads are busy and rough in places. The weather is hot. Don't under-estimate the hills!
Fabulous Bicycling Trip in Vietnam
My husband and I usually go on self guided bicycling vacations. Choose this one because its the route I wanted without any planning hassles. It was a great choice. It was fantastic that we had a group leader, named Son, and his team Lee, Tee and Saow, who planed every detail. They got us out of the crazy busy cities by their bus/van. Routes were well planned and it was impossible to get lost. We had faster riders in the front and Lee in the back. Then Tee drove ahead and stood at every intersection to make sure we were all heading in the right direction. There were snack, water, and bathroom breaks. All breakfasts and lunches were included. Most dinners/not all were on our own . However Son always had great recommendations for restaurants . Couldn’t have asked for a better staff leader. Son was always organized and as he said 100 times. Enjoy yourself and safety first. He and his crew handled everything. Literally, no stress. Eat ,ride, eat ride, look at the wonderful scenery, and wave to all of the kids and people who say hello and wave at us as we ride by. The Vietnamese people were so welcoming.
Most Inspirational Moment
As we rode uphill, up the pass, everyone was waiting and cheering on each rider as they made it up. I was also inspired by all of the nice riders that were in our group. Nice getting to know all of them and their stories. Truly wonderful people
Thoughts on Group Leader
I would rate Son 20/10 if I could. Perfect leader. Always smiling, always organized, always safety first. He organized his team very very well also. I dont think the trip would be as fabulous as it was without Son.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have some riding experience before you book. There is a long downhill, some traffic and a couple of longer days. Even if you have an E bike you still need that experience behind your belt
Excellent
I first rate end-to-end experience. The route, the variations in landscape and the demands made upon the cyclist were all thoughtfully considered. The accommodation used was all very good, very clean and occasionally excellent. Our lunch stops were all interesting as we dined in local restaurants run by families. We were blessed with good weather, a fine trio of guides and a lovely group. Our support vehicle loitered around us when we were on the move and miraculously would appear under the shade of a tree with a table full of goodies and drinks. The early stages are green and lush, but as the Andes are climbed and Argentina entered, the route turns north and the landscape becomes less Alpine and more ‘high plains drifter’ and finally near desert with glacial topped volcanoes and lava fields. The Monkey Puzzel forests ate the end a cool green and beautiful treat. Both countries are calm gentle places, the driving generally very calm and where the people are kind and courteous. The Mantupechu villages and tribal lands were fascinating.
Most Inspirational Moment
A loan gaucho complete with his dog, in leather chaps, broad rimmed hat with his holstered rifle working the vastness of the high plains checking his stock and fences.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good. He made us very comfortable, answered our many questions, rearranged a near disaster….road closure due to dynamiting a new section with a stunning and possibly better diversion than the planned route. The three guides worked well together shepherding us along, repairing our punctures, helping us whenever we needed and most importantly engaging with us all.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is a long way to Puerto Varsa….for me 30hrs door to door. I booked two extra nights at the first hotel for modest extra cost and was fresh and ready to go when we cycled off. Take your own saddle and grips (and pedals if you clip in). They will be fitted magically ready for you.
The country that keeps on giving
A fantastic and memorable experience. We would never be considered as bird watchers but you can not help getting caught up in the excitement of spotting some of the many exotic species of bird, reptile or mammals. A truly memorable holiday for all the right reasons. If you are considering visiting Costa Rica, then don’t wait!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention, every location gave something memorable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jonny Villalobos was a walking encyclopaedia. He is an extremely professional and friendly man whose enthusiasm and knowledge of Costa Rica wildlife, fauna and history was immense. Nothing was too much trouble for him, often adding on extra walks that were not included in the itinerary. His soul aim was to make our Costa Rica experience unforgettable which he achieved. He is widely regarded by his fellow guides as one of the best if not the best guides in Costa Rica.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the guide notes are comprehensive there are a few additional point to make. 1. There is no requirement to take lots of dollars as credit cards are accepted everywhere, the only dollars required are for tipping as indicated in the itinerary notes. 2. The exchange rates from dollars to colones is poor especially if you are exchanging from sterling to dollars to colones. 3. Large dollar bill are not accepted everywhere. 4. People do not dress up, smart casual clothes will do. 5 The voltage in Costa Rica is 120V, and not all hotels have hairdryers. 6. Do not wear expensive jewellery in San Jose 7. Binoculars are advised as is a good camera or a telescopic lens attachment for your phone.
The country that keeps on giving
A fantastic and memorable experience. We would never be considered as bird watchers but you can not help getting caught up in the excitement of spotting some of the many exotic species of bird, reptile or mammals. A truly memorable holiday for all the right reasons. If you are considering visiting Costa Rica, then don’t wait!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention, every location gave something memorable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jonny Villalobos was a walking encyclopaedia. He is an extremely professional and friendly man whose enthusiasm and knowledge of Costa Rica wildlife, fauna and history was immense. Nothing was too much trouble for him, often adding on extra walks that were not included in the itinerary. His soul aim was to make our Costa Rica experience unforgettable which he achieved. He is widely regarded by his fellow guides as one of the best if not the best guides in Costa Rica.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the guide notes are comprehensive there are a few additional point to make. 1. There is no requirement to take lots of dollars as credit cards are accepted everywhere, the only dollars required are for tipping as indicated in the itinerary notes. 2. The exchange rates from dollars to colones is poor especially if you are exchanging from sterling to dollars to colones. 3. Large dollar bill are not accepted everywhere. 4. People do not dress up, smart casual clothes will do. 5 The voltage in Costa Rica is 120V, and not all hotels have hairdryers. 6. Do not wear expensive jewellery in San Jose 7. Binoculars are advised as is a good camera or a telescopic lens attachment for your phone.