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.

Hannah Bryant

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written November 2011
Having never been on a large group tour or travelled with exodus I did not know what to expect.I was very happy with the group we had fantastic dynamics all very individual characters mostly couples and the age range was from 30 -70+ but we all got on very well and with most of the group being very well travelled they gave me lots of inspiration for future trips.I was a solo traveller and so was a smidge nervous about this but the dynamics of the group meant I was very well looked after and having the usual holiday crisis including misplaced luggage meant that the group all leant me kit until my luggage was promptly reunited with me.Because the group jelled so well we spent most of our free time together and also chose to eat as a group on the evenings but there was no issue with anyone doing their own thing if they wanted a little private time away from the group I met up with friends on different trips on a few of the evenings.The itinerary covered a lot of things and gave a good introduction to the countries I would call it a Cambodia Laos Trip though not much of Thailand is actually seen. It was a reasonable pace not leisurely but not exhausting either. It would have been nice to have a few extra free time days as it felt like we were always on the go but none of the time was wasted even the days where long drives occurred there was always something good about the day like fantastic views or interesting tourist points to see.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My favourite parts of the trip were:-
Sailing down the Mekong a beautiful escape
The Ankor Thom Temples
Seeing how many ladies we could cram into a single tuk tuk (following a good evening out)
Full body massages for less than $10
Riding a bike on possibly the bumpiest track I have ever encountered then stopping for a beer whilst a local gentleman imparted some Buddhist wisdom on us.
The food couldn’t try enough always so much to choose from.
The beautiful people who despite having very little in comparison to what we have back in England appeared much happier with much more solid values on family and community support for each other.
My fantastic travel buddies who I met on the trip made me laugh till my sides hurt sometimes and always checked if I was ok.
I can’t really say the killing fields in Cambodia are a favourite because it made me feel incredible deep sadness but they are an absolute must it is too significant to not see.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had a group leader for each section of the trip each very different in their personalities and each offering a different experience. The benefit of different guides was that their local knowledge was evident.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When it comes to packing take only the essentials you can get everything else out there including spare clothes and if you don’t leave at least half of your case/sack empty you will end up leaving things behind or buying another case/sack to put trinkets in.
If you get a lot of trinkets it may be worth posting them home in a parcel.
Having lost my luggage temporarily it made me realises there is a difference between what you want and what you need; keep what you need in your hand luggage.
Make sure cash you take is small denominations or it gets tricky buying little things.
Interestingly I couldn’t use American dollars in Bangkok and had to change to local currency I was very surprised by that there were loads of ATM’s though and my hotel changed money for me although the rate wasn’t as good as it could have been elsewhere.
Always take a calling card from your hotel so if you do get lost you know where to get back to.
Make sure you take medication for coughs colds upset tummies ect and check well in advance what vacines you need.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Every trip will be different go with an open mind and enjoy yourself.
David Richards

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written November 2011
One of the best holidays I've been on due to a near perfect combination of content, excellant tour leaders and an outstanding group of fellow travellers who bonded over the 16 days of the tour to become a true second family. In truth this was three holidays in one with a separate tour leader for each country and three memorable farewell parties!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We shared so many memorable experiances together. I knew we had really gelled as a group on Day Three at our so called Standard Hotel at Chiang Khong which more than compensated for it's simplicity through its superb riverside location and the open air dining terrace where the night ended with us all doing the Hokey Cokey and singing Christmas Carols with a group of local diners - absolutely priceless! Drifting down the Mekong on our private slow boat with its' resident Laos family crew was heavenly.Then there was the cycle ride a group of us took at Vang Vieng through glorious countryside visiting tiny hamlets connected only by dirt tracks - we stopped at a wayside cafe for a refreshing drink and chatted with the owner: a former Buddist Monk with a remarkable tale to tell of his life through the terrors of his country's recent history and a purity of mind that left us both humbled and awestruck. The temples of Angkor exceeded my expectations and the fact that it poured with rain when we visited Angkor Wat only added to the other wordly atmosphere which was like a gothic horror film set: but the sun soon returned and The Bayon is surely the wierdest ediface (no pun intended!) ever built.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had one for each country: Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Each had different qualities: all were superb. It was obvious that without exception they had a genuine passion for their role and wanted to share the wonders of their countries with us. When we returned to Bangkok at the end of the holiday we were delighted to find our original group leader waiting for us at the airport. It was like meeting an old friend - we hugged and hugged - and what a fabulous farewell night dinner we all had with her.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try and read up as much as possible on the recent 20th century history of these countries before you visit -especialy that of Laos as it will add greatly to your understanding and enjoyment of the tour. As the tour leaders are well versed as tourist guides they are great at giving you lots of information on the historic Wats and Palaces but if you dig a little deeper there is a lot more to discover about the lives, hopes and fears of the local people, and to their credit all three leaders were very happy to chat about all aspects of living in their countries.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotels used on this trip were all of a very acceptable standard with one exception - that at Pak Beng, the Villa Sarika, which I regard as unsafe and unhygenic. Stopping at Pak Beng is a great experiance not to be missed but this particular hotel should be dropped from the tour immediately. While appreciating that it was probably the only decent option at Pak Beng in the past, it appears that there are now several new hotels either built or under construction in the village which should be checked out as an alternative.
Personaly I found the time spent in Pnom Pehn a low point on the tour. Visiting the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields was too harrowing an experiance for me and several others on the tour and I would happily have given it a miss - perhaps those who want to could do this as an option in the free time period. It's not that I want to shut my eyes to this terrible aspect of the country's history, it just seems the wrong thing to include in the tourist trail. Are their better destinations for the tourist pound, ( I believe the killing fields are now run as a private enterprise tourist attraction owned by a Japanese company) such as looking at the work of organisations dedicated to the relief of land mine victims for example?
Tracey Reynolds

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written September 2011
A truly wonderful experience - breathtaking scenery in Laos, stunning temples, beautiful food, moving history of Cambodia, the buzz of Bangkok, elephant rides, kayaking, the buddhist spirit, a relaxing boat ride to name but a few!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me it was probably our visit to Angkor - the skill of the craftsman and the power of the religion. The trip has inspired me to learn more about photography so that I can capture for eternity the details of the visit.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had three group leaders, all bringing a different personality to the trip. One guide was more reflective, another more outgoing and the other more smiley! All knowledgeable and bringing to the trip a chance for us to get to know more about the way of life of the people.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Lots of tissues and antibacterial handwash! Remember that the accommodation either night of the journey on the Mekong is likely to be shared with lots of other local creatures! A spare towel may be in order too.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A good all round experience.
David Green

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written April 2011
From the vibrancy and smog of Bangkok to the wonderful journey on the Mekong and through the mountains of Laos, with its lovely gentle laid back people, this trip ended in amazing Cambodia a country to have you gazing in awe at its wonderful sights, tearing at your heart strings as you learn first hand of its tragic history and inspire you with hope for its young people to pull it back up by its boots.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
. Even though I am not a particularly cultured person, the highlight has to be the temples at Angkor. Awesome is not too strong a word to describe these amazing places.
What did you think of your group leader?
Had a fabulous time with a very nice mixed group of 4 couples and 8 singles ably enticed in the right directions by 3 lovely native guides who all showed great knowledge and understanding of their countries cultures and history. Each in their own way brought humour, pride and interesting perspectives to the contrasting cultures of the 3 countries visited. For me the mix of organised activities and events both as part of the itinerary and as optional extras and free time worked perfectly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Some people preferred direct flights from London but for me the breaks in the journey in Mumbai were a welcome respite from the claustrophobia of the aircraft.
Whilst you will need a reasonable amount of stamina this is not a taxing trip, take lots of light clothing because it does get rather sticky, but there are opportunities to get your clothes landered at no great cost. Make sure you have a good camera
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great holiday exceeded my expectations
Torsten Meier

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written March 2011
An good introduction to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Exploring the temples at Siem Reap.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had three group leaders, one for each country. All were well organised and always helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you read the trip notes and be prepared to see a lot of temples. There's not much nature/wildlife to see on this trip. This is something I was not aware of.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
When comparing this trip with the other Exodus trips I've been on, then I have to say that this trip is extremely slow paced, with lots of free time (usually in the afternoon). If you're mainly interested in going to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, etc.), make sure you check out the other Exodus trips to find the best suited for you.
Elaine Chapman

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written March 2011
a thoroughly enjoyable trip,perhaps a little tweaking here and there would make it perfect
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
visiting ankhor thom and pra thom at siem reap in cambodia. our guide knew the best way and times to visit sites and we managed to avoid crowds for some of the time. also talking to teenage monks around temples- most of them in all the countries are studying english and keen to practise- seek them out folks- makes you feel really helpful
What did you think of your group leader?
all 3 were excellent. the guide in laos was a little serious- but he had been a monk for many years! channy in cambodia was first rate- so jolly , knowledgeable and helpful.pui in thailand was also lovely and knowledgeable- highly amusing when she fell asleep on the river boat as we werent sure where to get off!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
do be wary of what you are eating- even at recommended restaurants,and never off the streets. beware of food in coconut milk-if not hot,dont eat. be aware of iced fruit drinks too!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
we had a wonderful group,of all ages and nationalities, so we had no problems apart from sickness and diarrhoea. i think perhaps more time in the capital of laos- vientiane would be good, and less in phnom penh.the time in the mountains of laos was perhaps a little long too- it is purely a haven for english speaking back packers in "happy" b and bs watching friends, which is a shame as the countryside is beautiful. a good experience was enjoyed by all. a little bit more activity would enhance the trip too
Rob Pearson

DISCOVER THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA

Written February 2011
A long slowly paced journey through three countries and the sights sounds and smells of their capital cities, culminating in the magnificent ancient cities of Angkor.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Angkor cities / temples are truely immense in scale; the moat around Angkor Thom is a mere 8 miles long. It was good to get away from the crowds and explore, on our own, the less visited Angkor temples e.g. Preah Khan.
Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek, the genocide "tourist" sites in and around Phnom Penh, were as horrific as prior reading suggested. Humbled and deeply saddened by man's inhumanity to his fellow man. Western monuments to the tragic loss of war seem to lack the tangibility of those we saw in Cambodia. It makes you question what it is to be a tourist, and what is or isn't a holiday.
What did you think of your group leader?
The various group leaders were all (thankfully) very different people and all proved an excellent service.
They all had plenty of knowledge of local culture, history and travel info.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't expect much physical activity other than what you can engineer in your free time.
Even allowing for the fact that indochina can be hot & humid, the activity level is leisurely.
The recommended daily costing for food and drink were adequate, though do budget extra for side trips and souvenir shopping galore!
If you are exploring the Angkor temples without the group, would suggest negotiating a tuktuk for the day; its quicker to get from temple to temple, and is cheaper than negotiating with a sellers market for a return journery from a remote temple.