Cycling Indochina & Angkor The trip was a retirement present to myself and in the months between booking and departing I had intended to get many miles under my (too large) belt. When the time came to leave I was more than a little anxious as I hadn't exactly hit my training targets, had never done this kind of holiday before and was travelling alone. From the moment I first stepped on to the bike I knew that my fears were unfounded, The trip was among the best holidays I have ever taken. The cycling was wonderful, the scenery and ancient sites beautiful, the staff, support, equipment and organisation exemplary and the food delicious and cheap.The accommodation ranged from very good to more modest hotels but all were clean and had en suite facilities. I had paid a single room supplement and was a litle disappointed to be sharing (for one night only) in the delighful "homestay" but this was a very minor inconvenience.The group was large and diverse but here was huge companionship, support and banter between us and the staff ensured that both stronger cyclists and less experienced had plenty of fun and challenge.It was brilliant to experience three different countries and cultures. In each the local tour guides gave interesting and educational background to visits. This part of the world has had more than its share of troubles and it was brilliant to see how each country is responding and developing. Throughout, the local people were welcoming and friendly - in Vietnam, for example, we were greeted by high-fiving children and shouts of "hello" at every village.The days ranged from some long rides in the sun to occasional bus transfers and shorter excursions but all were punctuated by the excellent snack van providing lovely refreshments and fresh water at very regular intervals.In summary I loved it, was sad when it finished and am already browsing the web for the next adventure.
This trip provided a wonderful insight into life in Vietnam and took me from one modern city, Saigon in the south to another, Hanoi in the North. I learnt about the history, culture and the people and travelled on a train and three different types of bot. The cycling not only enabled me to improve my fitness, overcome personal challenges but also allowed me to get 'up close' to the people and wildlife in this beautiful country.
Came away feeling that I saw and experienced heaps more than I would have done as an independent traveller. Added bonus was having a good group of fellow travellers which is always a bonus as everyone seemed to gel pretty well.