My last Exodus trip was cycling Kerala (just before lockdown) and it was fantastic. This trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam was just as good. We had 18 in Kerala and no couples, this one was only 13 and mainly couples so different dynamics but another great group. The whole trip was well organised, especially considering we had to travel through 3 different countries. Nut, our main leader was fantastic and went above and beyond in my opinion. All the many other guides, mechanics, drivers etc were also great, friendly, helpful and informative. I enjoyed the longer cycles in Thailand but feel we saw less of the real country than Cambodia and Vietnam. Lots of culture with temples, rice fields, water buffalo, boat trips etc. The killing fields and S-21 in Cambodia and the War remnants museum in Ho Chi Min City were sombre with many personal horrifying stories from our guides. The home stay was a highlight, lovely accommodation in the Mekong Delta and with a chance to try cooking our own Vietnamese food. Bikes were good, food excellent and nice hotels. Note for next trip, check flight options as there seemed to be a variety of options that were slightly more direct.
To repeat other reviews - action packed trip - more emphasis on cycling and not on sight-seeing like some other Exodus tours on offer. The distances, pace and elevations are rated moderate, but to some they would be challenging. The pace was faster than we normally go when touring - although there were frequent stops. Excellent organization and leadership from Lam and his team who refreshed us at regular intervals and kept our bikes in good shape. Their support couldn't have been better or more cheerful. Loved some of the quieter roads and villages but could have missed cycling through the city areas like Hue - unnecessarilly risky, in my view. High quality hotels all the way and some great meals. Not enough time to really see some overnight places like Da Lat. Overnight train trip an adventure but not for the faint of heart (toilets) or light sleepers. Great overnight boat experience in Halong Bay. We certainly saw the country from one end to the other.
Trails of Vietnam 20th January 2018 Just returned from this trip The Trails of Vietnam and we have had the time of our lives. It’s the first time as a couple we have attended a group holiday and we were a little nervous about how we would mix with the 12 other participants. We need not worry as our group were all of a similar age group (50 plus) and we all got on very well indeed. The group leader was called Thanh Vo although he preferred to be called ‘Ten’. Ten was a absolute legend and made the whole trip so enjoyable and he was professional and knowledgable throughout.
The balance of activities is perfect and the organisation was impeccable. We stayed in homestays with families in the Vietnam countryside and in some rather nice hotels in the towns and cities. What struck me is we never had to spend time waiting for anything. When we’d arrive at a hotel we didn’t have to all queue to check in. Instead we would immediately be given our room keys and sometimes our bags would already be waiting for us in our rooms. There are times when you need to pack for just 2 nights and leave your big suitcases at the hotel so take a rucksack too. The whole transportation of our baggage was very well organised throughout.
The overnight train is also great fun and its surprising how well we all slept on this journey. In some of the home-stays you are all in the same room (although you do have privacy) and the odd snorer in the group may keep you awake so take some earplugs!
The cycling was a reasonable length of time but do take gel cycling shorts to prevent a sore bottom. There is absolutely NO need to take a saddle or helmet as the equipment provided is of a high quality.
The walks/hikes were not too taxing and were very scenic and done at a leisurely pace.
There are plentiful times to do shopping to buy ‘original copies’ shirts/bags/trainers etc.
The bus journeys are done a very comfortable bus with plenty of room and WiFi onboard with suitably spaced out refreshment/toilets stops. We chose to relax and conserve our energy on the bus journeys and they were also some of the funniest parts of the trip too.
This really is a wonderful holiday experience. Go for it!
