Discover Thailand, Laos & Cambodia -Cultural Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 41 reviews.

Dennis Miller

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written February 2013
A well organised trip with very experienced and personable guides.The sights, sounds, smells and chaos made for an incredible 16 days which I would not have missed. The people of Laos and Cambodia are the nicest you could meet and the children the most entrepreneurial I have come across.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Meeting Mr Lim at S-21 and the Killing Fields. So much dignity after such horrific experiences as a child and willing to risk the thought-police to tell us how it really is. It was a very overwhelming experience but an essential part of visiting Cambodia and Phnom Peng in particular. Do not miss!
What did you think of your group leader?
We had Noi in Thailand and Laos and Kueagn in Cambodia as our main guides. Could not fault them at all as they brought their own life experiences to how they showed us their countries. We were sad to leave them.
If you ask you will learn so much more than the basics and they were both so willing to talk.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Women, especially, should ensure that they wear respectful clothing for visits to temples etc.
You will need Baht for Thailand, Kip for Laos and dollars for Cambodia. ATMs and money exchange booths are everywhere so no need to fret and fuss about how much to take and in which currency.
The Nouvo Hotel in Bangkok is dry so use the bar directly opposite. Such a friendly owner, plays great music and his wife cooks wonderful noodles.
Laundries are everywhere and cheap and, as long as you don't mind swapping the occasional sock or t-shirt with a fellow traveller, they are the answer to how much to pack. And, if you can't wash it, buy another at the markets.
Laos and Cambodia are new to tourism, don't expect it to be like at home. The Chinese and Koreans are also new to tourism, so don't expect them to behave any differently.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Try all the optional extras, make the most of your free time and explore the places where you stay.
Go before it's too late and the countries become overwhelmed by tourists and development.
David Shelton

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written January 2013
This is a very busy and comprehensive trip and excellent value for money. It is extremely well guided and organised - which is typical of Exodus holidays. Although it is a short time in each country you will get a good flavour of each one.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Mekong river trip was great and relaxing after a busy first 3 days with early starts - Luang Prabang was our favourite place, although many of the stops were fascinating - it is hard to pick one.
What did you think of your group leader?
Soon was brilliant - very caring and patient and extremely knowledgable. She looked after us very well and really helped at the restaurants with menus and payment! She is a credit to Exodus. Li in Cambodia was also very good - well organised, friendly and helpful. Exodus guides are always very good!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for a busy and tiring first 3 days after the overnight flight. There is a lot to see plus early starts - you finally relax on the boat trip.
Do your shopping in Luang Prabang - it is by far the best place - Siem Reap has a lot to offer but the markets are not quite so good and it is more expensive.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't worry about the currency - it all works out OK - in Cambodia you only need $ - don't change any local currency. Thailand will only accept their currency - no $.
The killing fields are very sobering - you need to be well prepared - our guide was a child when Pol Pot was in power so his story was very moving.
Most of the accommodation is of good standard - but a couple of hotels in remote places are below par - but that does reflect the local economies and conditions.
This is a great trip - if you are not sure, go ahead and book. You won't be disappointed.
Brian Doggett

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written December 2012
I had high expectations for this trip as it covered many of the places I wanted to see. Did it achieve this ?? Boy you can say it did, time and again producing memorable moments that I will be boring all my friends for years to come, along with the 900 photos.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
How many can you list??????
Crusing down the Meknog River, what splendid scenery, I thought this would be the time to catch up on some reading but no way ! Too much to see, always something happening.
Playing "Simon Says" with 70 children in Pak Leung ( a small remote village in Laos) as part of the Book Bag project.
Feeding the Buddist Monks at 5am in Luang Prubang.
Watching the sun rise over Ankor Wat ( just a magical moment)
The floating village in Cambodia was just unreal, finding people living in such an inviroment. We nearly had an Angelia Jolie moment when coming across a beatiful smiling 18 moth old girl to be told both her parents were dead. Just heart breaking to leave her.
What did you think of your group leader?
You hope for expeienced and knowledgable group leaders and on this occassion I was not dissapointed in fact the two ladies far exceeded all my expectations. They provided useful information, loads ( but not too much) facts about the countries, let us into how they and their families live and work. Provided us with loads of goodies that I would not have been brave enough to try myself, and yes that did include tasting "deep fried Tarantula" and no it doesn't tatse like chicken. They were there when you needed them ( just like a mum) and offered loads of ideas to make the trip special. If you are lucky enough to get Nok or Allan on your trip I know you will get a great holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When Nok ( our leader) tells you "it will be cold on the boat in the morning" then believe her. It will be, despite by 10am the tempreture hitting 30 degrees plus.
Cambodia use the US Dollar as local currency so do not bother changing money when going into the country every where you go its just " one dollar"
Luang Prubang night market is the best, do not miss out bargains galore, no hassel and smiling hagglers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A great package with loads of interesting things,
If you have been thinking of visting Thialand, Laos & Cambodia then think no more.
Just get going and book it now.
Doreen Drews

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written November 2012
A wonderful holiday! A good mix of exploring a little of the culture and history of Laos and Cambodia, relaxation and active pursuits for those who wanted the latter...me? I was happy exploring many and varied temples! The hotels /guest-houses were good and many of a much higher standard than I'd expected. The holiday was helped enormously by the group all being very friendly and fun and by having two great tour leaders.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many great moments...but to mention just a few....1)'Cruising down the Mekong through Laos for two days which allowed us to chill out, watch the people of Laos who lived/worked near the river and get to know each other. 2) All things in Laung Prabang although I would have loved the accomodation to be overlooking the river 3) Watching the sunsets from the hotel terrace in Vang Vieng 4) The many and varied Buddhas we met along the way 5) The Angkor complex 6) the Floating Village.
On a different note, very memorable were the visits to the centres, museums and sites associated with the recent and troubled histories of both Laos and Cambodia. They showed me the strength and the suffering of the people from both countries.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both tour leaders were amazing. We had Nok for Thailand and Laos and Alann for Cambodia. They were both knowledgeable, gave insights into the culture of their countries, organised, personable and good fun!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travelling in November was great as the weather was good throughout ( apart from a couple of downpours in some evenings) ..the Mekong was at a good level for cruising being early on in the dry season.
Don't miss the Floating Village in Cambodia. We were scheduled to have two full days in Angkor but Alann had organised our visits to the temples so well that most of us felt one a half days were enough. Some of us opted to go the the Floating Village....one of the highlights.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had two longish days in a minibus ( not consecutive days) in Laos....whilst the journeys were interesting, the minibus was not very comfortable and my back ached a little after each journey. Suggest that more money is spent on a more comfortable bus.
s b

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written April 2012
The group quickly divided up into sub groups with different agendas for the holiday. I wasn't expecting that and it created a frustrating atmosphere which seemed to throw the guides who obviously wanted to please everyone - but usually accommodated the most vocal minority to the detriment of others.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Laos - especially cruising down the Mekong and the general ambience in Luang Prabang.
What did you think of your group leader?
Their (3 No.) hearts were in the right place but I think they were exasperated by the disparate nature of the group and didn't know how to deal with it eg at one point 7 of the 16 had opted to go back to the hotel and 5 of us were left locked in a minibus for 90 minutes at the roadside while the guide and 4 of the group went to watch a sunset, if I'd known I was going to be left that long I would have gone back to the hotel too or demanded the minibus took us there as it was only 30 mins away. The Cambodia guide was the only one transparent about how the 'tips kitty' was spent and even then I was surprised this wasn't on hotel porters etc, and it went eg to the official government guide at the Killing Fields who I wouldn't have tipped anyway as he didn't allow enough time either there or at Tuol Sleng
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't go Feb to May if you can avoid it, the air in Laos is smoke-filled with burning of vegetation which besides reducing the visibility and appreciation of the scenery smarted the eyes. Dollars are only needed in Cambodia so taking £ alone would have been ok
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I was disappointed at the ethics of some of the group. Even though the guide in Thailand/Laos asked the group not to take photos of children without their parents' consent some did this anyway, how would they like a foreigner who didn't speak English walking down their street taking photos of their kids without their knowledge? Likewise some people bought souvenirs off street children even though we'd been specifically asked by the guide not to as it only gives the children a reason to stay on the street. I was also a bit gobsmacked some people bought caged wild birds to release, thererby perpetuating the practice by the locals of trapping and caging more wild birds to sell
Gyan Fernando

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written April 2012
For me this was a return to Laos after 12 years and I was delighted to be back there! As for Cambodia, it was my first time and it was really inspiring!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Ankgkor Wat in Cambodia was the most inspirational moment of the trip followed by The Killing Fields.
What did you think of your group leader?
All three group leaders were great guys and the whole group liked them. Noi was the star!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it! You can't go wrong but do avoid the Monsoon season. We managed to get out before the Monsoons broke.
janice harby

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written February 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed holiday. As expected organised with military precesion, beginning when we set foot in Bankok and exteding throughout Laos and Cambodia.We did enjoy the free time we had to ouselves and yet felt there was always somenone there to turn to for advice and help. Our second trip with Exodus but not our last.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Enjoyed the two day trip down the Mekong giving us the chance to get to know our group members well. The other memorable day was the extra trip the elephant sancturay in Luand Prabang. Who would have thought that two seventy year olds would have been sitting astride their own elephant bathing it in the river. Cambodia was also extremely memorable, our favourite place.
What did you think of your group leader?
All three of our guides were were very friendly and informative. Must especially mention Nok who was with us in Thailand and Laos. Great fun and was always there when needed. Would love to do another trip with her.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with an open mind and just enjoy the experiences which each day brings.