A great trip and a great experience, with excellent ground operation in all 3 countries, which made the trip work just so well. Initially nervous about the distance and the humidity, plus the water issues, these turned out to be just fine, and 2 days in BKK before starting the trip, helped with acclimatizing to the humidity. There was no shortage of cold, fresh, filtered water from the guys on the support teams in all 3 countries, and the added bonus of an electrolyte sachet each fill if needed, was just perfect. The roads in Thailand were simply fantastic, smooth, flat, fast, and using the ring roads we did, were traffic free. Cambodian roads was also good, and once the border crossing into Vietnam, the banks of the Mekong river, and her tributaries became our path, which were narrow, but smooth, and allows you to see the real village life and the friendliness of the local people. Excellent ground operators, excellent mechanical support, with great local knowledge, and good accommodation made the trip. The home stay, ( like many others, had visions of communal hostel sleeping arrangements ) was excellent, and in fact I would call it a Lodge, and was a true highlight of the trip. All rooms had their own showers and toilets, all 100% clean, and the family were just great. Cold beers on arrival, and a rice wine if need be, so enjoy the evening !!
Cycling, food, temples, boats, villages, history, villages and cities - a great and varied fortnight!! Like cycling Kerala & the a Tropical South (which I can totally recommend) this was another wonderfully varied trip. Loved the fact that there were many cultural, religious, historical and culinary experiences intermingled with cycling in a great part of the world. The cycling in Thailand was not as scenic as we'd hoped but the food and stops to see temples, rubber plantations, etc. made the long cycling days more interesting. We changed bikes 3 times (different bikes and back up teams in each country) which was not ideal but crossing the busy border between Thailand and Cambodia was a highlight for us (like India without the saris!). It was very hot and humid and some of the fairer people were sunburnt on the cloudy days!
Cycling Vietnam - Premium Adventure The Exodus team were just fantastic. Led by Lam who was perfect guide. Sieu and the 2 Vu's driving were great fun, very competent and thoughtful and could not have done more for us. Logistics were seamless at every hotel arrival and departure.