Cycling Vietnam, dec 22nd - Jan 5th

Hi Jamie, 

I'll be dodging the turkey and mince pies in Vietnam too. 

 Niall

Hey guys,

 We'll be in Vietnam at the same time but on a different holiday (Vietnam Adventure -15-12-2012 to 29-12-2012).  I wonder if the journeys will cross somewhere along the line. 

Danielle & Jon

Hey

Now that its all booked im quite looking forward to it although not sure what to pack and how much of it. Xmas and new year on the bike will be a change from siiting in front of the tv. have either of you done a cycling trip before? I havent not sure what to expect but am looking forward to it. Danielle and john not sure if our trips will cross at all, on the last trip i did their were three groups all staying at the same location.

Jamie

Hi All,

I will be on the cycling trip departing on the 22nd. I am a solo traveller, who has never been on that type of of rganised trip before. Don't know what to expect and that's the beauty of it all. I am looking forward to meet my fellow companions in this adventure!

Hey

 Dont worry im also a solo traveller and this is my second trip with exodus, my names jamie.

 

Hey Jamie,

My name is Muriel. I have always travelled independently so this kind of trip will be a new experience. You mentioned it is your 2nd trip with Exodus. Where did you go before? Were you cycling on that 1st trip too?

Hi All.  I'm Sarah and also joining you on this trip.  It's a first for me but am really looking forward to it.

 

Hi

My first trip was kayaking in turkey, it was good the weather was ok but it was the last trip in the season. Im looking forward to this one though adn trying to get as much cycling in as i can so im ready for it. In this months traveller magazine there is an article about Vietnam and the photos are amazing. I have no idea what to pack, what about you guys???

Jamie 

Thanks for the top tip on Traveller Magazine.  Well done for getting out there and training.  I've just borrowed a bike (have been on it once) and started back at the gym so I think I've got a long way to go in, actually, not very much time.  It's good to hear a guy ask what to pack.  I'm definitely purchasing a gel seat and taking that with me - apart from that, I'm not really sure.  I bit of everything I guess. Sarah 

Hi Jamie & Sarah,

Nice to know there will be a few solo travellers on this trip! I am not sure about the packing yet, I have read that the weather from South Vietnam to North can be very different so I will take a bit of everything ... I am thinking layers. I might take my own saddle or buy a pair of padded shorts!!! I have been cycling every Saturday for the past 7 weeks doing about an average of 40 miles each time, not convinced it's enough but I am sure it will be fine apart for the Hai Van pass day!!!!!  Sarah good luck with the training and Jamie, keep going! I am sure it will be an amazing experience regardless. Muriel

Hi Muriel, Sarah, Jamie and Niall, I'm another solo traveller preparing for a cycle ride of a lifetime. Well, I'm hoping to do as much cycling as possible but training's taken a backward step (I had such high hopes when I booked so many months ago!). I haven't even thought of packing at the moment, but it's good to hear all your tips on what to take. It's also my first Exodus trip. Susan

Cant seem to find anything about visas? Is this something we need to get done or is this done by exodus. What about jabs has anyone had any yet?

 Jamie

I phoned my GP surgery last week, and they weren't keen to give me any jabs.  The receptionist kept suggesting I use a private travel clinic.  After advising me to book jabs 6 - 8 weeks before travel, the only appointment she would offer me was two weeks before we leave.  I think that Nomad travel clinics are offering a 10% discount to Exodus customers.  I do intend to get whichever jabs I need asap.

Hi Jamie

I called Exodus to find out about visas.  Yes, you definitely need one and I've just sent my passport off. I suggest you contact Juliana Gier, Customer Operations Support (Longhaul), EMail: jgier@exodus.co.uk and she'll send through the relevant documentation.  I'm also off to my local health centre tomorrow.  I'll let you know what they recommend.

Hey Sarah and susan, i contacted my surgery on monday and the nurse is going to give me a call, i aslo found a form to fill in regarding visas. But i will emeail Juliana and see what she says, thanks for that. Still havent got a clue what to pack as exodus says its colder in the north between November and March, lokking forward to it though hows the training going guys?? Have you done much training Niall??

Jamie

Hello all,

I too am a solo traveller on this trip. I've done a few Exodus trips, including cycling in Cuba and the Dalmation Coast. A gel seat and/or padded shorts is highly recommended from my past experience. From what I have read, you can apply for an online visa which takes 2 days to process, and you pick it up at the airport once you arrive with your pictures. (At least you can do this from Canada).  I too will try to get in some practice rides, but in the past I've found it hard to prepare for the heat and humidity. I've heard from other Exodus travellers that this cylcing holiday is amazing. Looking forward to meeting you all for the holiday.

 Glenn

Hey Glenn nice to meet you. Just had a glimpse of the itineray and what to take is anybody going to take a sleeping bag or mozzie net etc. It says its going to be chilly or not so warm in hanoi from november to march but then it says it will be humid in H C M C. I guess its a bit of a  mixed bag, pardon the pun. I think i need help on this one.

 Jamie

Hey guys my jabs are all sorted apart from typhoid, apparentley there is none in europe, so hopefully all will be well then, well thats what my surgery told me. Hows it going with all of you guys?

Jamie

Hi, I had forgotten to look on here for a couple of weeks. I'm sort of relieved to see that I'm not the only one who is worried about not have been on the bike enough. This will be our first organised trip, though we have been on a couple of bike tours before. We have sorted out visas which were quicker than I expected and our jabs are waiting for us at the doctors. I'd second Glenn's padded shorts recommendation and add that good chamois cream can be a life saver. Niall

Well jabs are sorted, visas off in the post. Drs appointment to be made to organise tablets left to go just the items of what to pack are left. Is anybody taking a sleeping bag? Does anyone know if we sit together on the flight? I take it its a group booking ? Training seems to be going okay although im not out on the roads i am down the gym getting on the bike. Thanks niall for reminding me i need to get some padded shorts

Jamie

Hey, I've been in contact with exodus and asked about sleeping bags and mozzie nets and if we need to take them. The answer is no, a sleeping bag liner and mozzie repellent will be fine. Also we won't be sitting together as a group on the plane ,just as when we get to the boarding desk. Not long left now guys. Jamie

Hello, I've realised today that it's just 3 weeks to go and I'm getting excited. Visa and jabs both done, so feeling like the essentials are sorted. Just need to fit in some more cycling. Beginning to worry about what to pack, but it seems like everything can be bought there so I shouldn't really worry. We're not on the same plane from London, at least I don't think so, so we'll meet you there. Louise (travelling with Niall)

Wow cant believe how close it is to going, got all the essentials done like visa jabs atc, Going to see my doc about tablets for the mozzies. Apparentley there are loads of atm machines out there so grab some dollars as a precaution before you go.

Is anyone bringing the turkey??? ha ha

Hi all

Just wondered if all of you were going to be on the flight out on the 22nd or are some making their own way there?

Jamie

Hi Jamie

 Louise and I are flying out on the 22nd on the Air Vietnam flight from Gatwick,  I don't think that's the 'official' flight so I guess we are making our own way there.

 Niall

Hi All,

Just back from the trip that started on 25th Nov.

If you guys have half the fun we did you'll have a whale of a time :)

Our first ever cycling trip (me & mrs ) , thouroughly enjoyed it, first visit to Vietnam too.

HCMC was hot and humid, things cooled a little by the time we got to Hue.

Think we were lucky in Halong bay as it was warm and sunny on our arrival but the morning we left it was overcast and grey but still not too cold. Long sleeve shirt sort of weather. Hanoi was similar, light jacket perhaps and long trousers rather than shorts.

I think padded shorts are a must and as it was hot and humid in the south I found a camel-bak like water carrier a great help. No need to spend a fortune, I got one in my local Tesco for about £11. 

Have a great time.

Andy 

Hi guys

Thanks Andy im sure its gonna be a great trip.

Well not long now, pretty much got everything i need done, hope to see you all either at the Airport or on the flight.

Best wishes Jamie