Trails Of Vietnam

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...

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  Alan Wall

  TRAILS OF VIETNAM

  

  Written April 2008

  An excellent trip, exceeding our expectations in many ways. The quality of the hotels and homestays were better than expected and perhaps Exodus undersold this in the Trip notes. Our only concern was the cycling which for the most part was not on quiet backroads. These do not exist in Vietnam.Finally, the four day extension to Angkor Wat can only be described as fantastic. One could easily spend a week or more taking in the magnificent temples.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Walking in the hill tribe villages in Northern Vietnam was the highlight of the Vietnam segment. People leading simple lives the way they have for hundreds of years, apart from now having the almost universal motorcycle. The scenery is stunning with paddy fields as far as the eye can see set against a backdrop of the northern hills.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader, Hai, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country. From the moment he met us off the flight in Hanoi until he said goodbye in Saigon there was never a dull moment. Only once did he lose his cool as did most of the group, when a very large millipede decided to visit us at our homestay. A truly hilarious episode.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Although there is not a huge amount of physical activity on this trip the heat and humidity makes the walking and cycling moderately challenging. Unless you are a regular cyclist, cycling in Vietnam can be daunting: there is no such thing as a quiet road, even on narrow paths and bridges you will encounter motobikes, scooters, tuk tuks and other various improvised means of transport. Whilst this adds to the enchantment of vietnamese roads, the levels of polution, even in the countryside are high, the constant sound of blaring horns deafening; drivers do not give way they just sound their horn and keep going. Most of the cycling was during the hotest part of the day so take the advice of the tour leader and have frequent stops for water and go at your own pace as it easy to think the ride is a race.

  The trip notes definitely undersell the quality of the accommodation in the hotels and homestays. Having travelled to Cuba with Exodus where some of the hotels are adequate but basic all the hotels on this trip were far superior.

  The advice in the trip notes to travel light is well founded and a backpack or holdall is all that is needed. A daypack is useful.

  Eating rat, crocodile and water buffalo may sound awful but they are not that bad. Seriously though, the food was excellent throughout but vegetarians may struggle at times to find many dishes.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Angkor Wat etension really is well worth doing and I suspect not publicised well enough in the brochure. A few folk in our group were unaware of the possibility of this visit, so missed out

   
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  Eleanor Price

  TRAILS OF VIETNAM

  

  Written January 2008

  The holiday gave us a well rounded view of the country, just what we were after. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of the hill during the mountain trek only to be passed by  a 12 year old girl carrying a heavy basket on a head band, very humbling.

  Halong bay on the kayak, going down the tunnels, .... to many to list just one!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was always avaliable to help whatever the situation, without feeling that we where being mothered.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take an additional small rucksack for those nights you are separated from your main luggage.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It is a wonderful country, but the people are what make it special.

   
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  Carol Scott

  Trials of Vietnam might be more appropriate!!

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Hanoi is an amazing bustling city and definitely worth a visit.

   Halong bay is stunning.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  I found the leader very knowledgeable on local historical sights but unfortunately found him disorganised and poorly prepared for the trip -

  It was difficult to get information from him on our schedule -

  I felt he was generally disinterested -

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read and check with your local agent on the detail of the trip notes - quite a few parts of our schedule were changed locally and the changes we not for the best!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I have done 2 other exodus trips and both were excellent

   
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  David Crann

  trıp down memory lane

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  freedom to travel anywhere wıthout fear

  the guide was truly inspirational, his love of his country really shone

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  10 out of 10, superb

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  travel light and don't put your t-shirts in the hotel laundry or they'll never fit when you get them back!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  a fabulous trip, well organised tours, would recommend it to anyone and everyone.  You need to be reasonably fit for the cycling and walking, some people did not realise this.

   
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  Andy Smith

  TRAILS OF VIETNAM

  

  Written January 2007

  An intensive introduction to a wonderful country. Hikes and bikes took us off the beaten tracks. Very well organised and we were well looked after. Thoroughly recommended. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Cycling through back paths on the Mekong delta, where kids rushed out to see us, (as they don't see tourists there), showed us the contrasts of the country, but also how naturally friendly the people are, even those not trying to make a living out of tourists.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Never without a smile, efficient and solicitous, he gave us confidence, and his knowledge of the whole country and its history made the necesary long distances interesting.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Cold in the North, very hot in the South. Tell the guide if you get a dicky tummy, ancient ginger will fix it better than our drugs.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Vietnam is a strange country when you first arrive, especially if you start in Hanoi. Relax and you will quickly find your feet.  Walking was not arduous, cycling stepped up the gears later, but the bus was always around if it got too strenuous. Most of us were mere leisure cyclists, and coped admirably.

   

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