Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I was out of my comfort zone a lot of the time but seeing the happy smiley faces of the children, waving and shouting hello was great and put a smile on my face. My favourite day was the cycle from Da Lat to Nha trang,, beautiful scenery, small villages and 32km of downhill, the only day I was not last. The local markets were amazing with every kind of fish, meat imaginable. You name it the market had it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was fantastic as were the rest of his team, the mechanic,the truck driver and the bus driver. Long was always smiling and encouraging. He was full of knowledge on all the different areas we visited. He could tell us about the different fruits He took us to great places to eat in the evenings ( although this not included in itinerary) be it restaurants or street food. One of the best leaders I have encountered, nothing was too much trouble for him

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had my 60th birthday while on this trip and as I said not a cyclist although I do consider my self reasonably fit, so do some fitness especially for the hills. Maybe consider sleeping mat or similar for the overnight train journey. Be prepared for some long days on the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the true back lanes of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

V good, helpful, happy and generous. The only criticism was that he was unable to control the pace set by some of the men.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, you need to be fitter than advertised and the pace is faster too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The single best moment of the tour for me was cycling through the back streets of Hue. The scenery was amazing, the streets were narrow, we passed rice paddy fields, buffalo and local people going about their daily lives with smiles on their faces. I couldn't help but smile as we cycled along.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was brilliant! He smiled continuously throughout the two weeks and worked incredibly hard from dawn till dusk every day to make out trip memorable. He brought a huge amount of the history, culture and style of Vietnam forward which would otherwise have been missed. His sense of humour was great and he always had a joke to lift us when we were tired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to cycle hard and fast, with plenty of hills. Don't underestimate it.

Most Inspirational Moment

How many inspirations can one have on a holiday? There were many for me, I loved seeing the diversity of the land, the cities were chaotic and crossing the roads a hazard but what vibrant and different places they were. The people of Vietnam were friendly and their children were an absolute delight, running out onto the edge of the road in the country areas calling 'hello' whenever they saw us cycling. They were our inspiration during the tough cycling times and their enthusiasm, openness and joy in calling was quite infectious to our own happiness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam our group leader was the best! He made a special connection with each of us and was constantly positive, happy and so very knowledgeable. He made our holiday into the best we could have wished for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We gave ourselves two nights in Saigon before the actual tour and we enjoyed that. Also cycling fitness helps to make the trip an even happier and enjoyable one.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being involved in a New Year world record competition at our hotel in Nha Tring

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic

Most Inspirational Moment

I think pushing myself up the Hai Van Pass, a climb of over 500 metres, and hearing the cheers of our group as each of us reached the top of the pass. Then plunging at ridiculous speeds down the mountain towards Hue.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was quite simply the best group leader we could have hoped for. He was protective when he needed to be, informative at all times, answered all our questions with knowledge and patience. Anyone lucky enough to get Chi as a guide will be rewarded with an inspirational leaded, an extremely well organised individual and a wonderfully warm human being.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst months of pre holiday heavy duty training will not be necessary, the better your body is prepared so the more enjoyment you will get from your holiday. Don't try to be the centre of attention, let the group dynamics sort themselves out. If our group was typical everyone will get along fine. Whilst the weather for us in January and February was perfect we did have a wet day with a head wind where a light cycling jacket would have been handy. If chaotic traffic unnerves you, pack a few sedatives or a blindfold!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Hai Van pass was the highlight of the trip for me. I never thought I would make it and being cheered on by the group as I reached the top was a very special moment, However, there were many wonderful moments ...seeing all the children who cheered us on as if we were super stars, negotiating our way out of Dalat in the traffic, eating lovely local food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Chi was the best. He was well organised, informative and funny. Nothing was too much trouble. The rest of the support team were also excellent. Our bikes were ready for us each morning, our water bottles were filled at each stop, We were also provided with fresh fruit and snacks at each stop and we were literally given a push up the hills if we were struggling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My padded shorts were invaluable. It was helpful to have two pairs as they did not always dry overnight when I washed them. Also a light waterproof top or fleece would have helped so that it can be removed and carried if the weather improves. We got very wet one day and not much would have helped. However we changed when we reached the bus and it was not cold.,We were provided with lots of snacks and drinks every 20 km but I would have preferred a camelbak to a bottle to enable me to cycle without stopping for a drink as I went as I could not get my bottle back in the holder without stopping. We needed hats and gloves at Halong Bay as well as fleeces and coats but this would depend on the time you are there. It was also cooler in the evenings and long trousers did not go amiss. A camera is a must!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to the top of the Hai Van Pass and having my tour group buddies there to cheer me over the finish line. And then the exhilarating ride down the other side was pretty amazing too. Being surrounded by many fit and adventurous people is really inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was so warm and friendly. It was lovely to spend 2 weeks with him, and learn about Vietnam through him. He's also great cyclist who pushed the fittest riders (not me!) to challenge themselves. The rest of the Exodus support crew were amazing as well - very good at their jobs of driving, mechanics, setting up drink stops, and also really friendly and a lot of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take padded shorts. Two pairs is enough, 3 is plenty, and you can wash them overnight and get laundry done fairly frequently. If you're a slower rider like me, then you might benefit from having a camelback drink bladder so that you don't have to stop to drink water or to take your eyes off the road to grab your bottle. It's 20kms between scheduled water stops, and sometimes I felt like I didn't want to pull over to have a drink because I didn't want to be miles behind the rest of the group. I didn't have a camelback but I will get one before my next cycling tour. If it's going to be a particularly hot time of year, also bring some electrolyte tablets to put in your water while you're cycling. It's just added insurance against dehydration. It makes a nice change from plain water as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding up the Hai Van Pass, the country kids delight in seeing the cyclists, the food and the sights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A top tour leader who is friendly, approachable and a grand bloke.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ride your bike more and do some hill work.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling with the local school kids.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Level of support while cycling is higher than I was expecting. Put all the stuff you might want in a day bag to leave on the coach, you don't need to carry it with you on the bike. A gel saddle cover worked for me and meant I didn't need to spend all day in soggy padded shorts. Get some clothes made in Hoi An. It's a lot of fun.