Vietnam Adventure, Discovery 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 65 reviews.

David Risley

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written September 2011
A truly fantastic holiday. Group Leader, Linh, was brilliant and added a very personal insight into Vietnamese history and culture. Connections were seamless and essential to cramming so much into two weeks. I firmly believe it would be impossible to have experienced so much without a great guide and itinerary.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Halong Bay is amazing. We were there when the rain was pouring down and then when the sun was shining. It's one of those places that you have to stop and really appreciate where you are. Unforgettable. Equally unforgettable, but completely different, was being pedalled around Ho Chi Min city on a three-wheeled bicycle. The motorcycle traffic that envelops you for the whole journey is indiscribable - you'll just have to try it for yourself.
What did you think of your group leader?
Priceless. Linh, is a great team leader who works tirelessly to make your holiday as perfect as it can be. However, what sets him apart from most other guides is his ability to explain things from a very personal perspective. You can read as many books as you like, but none of them will provide Linh's personal touch. He also takes you to places you'd never find in a guide book - restaurants that are tucked away on a back streets and the homes of local people.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take enough clothing for a week and wash it when you get there. It costs about £1 per load. That will give you plenty of luggage allowance to buy a super cheap suitcase in Hoi An and fill it with ridiculously cheap tailor-made clothes.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Visit Vietnam before is becomes too developed. It is changing so fast that there is no time to lose.
Polly Fenn

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written August 2011
A busy and packed trip with lots to see along the way. A chance to experience the culture, sights and people of this very unique country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling in the beautiful countryside of Hoi Ann, past paddy fields, shrimp farms and banana plantations, spotting water buffalo, local dwelling places and fishermen along the way. A true snapshot of real Vietnamese life. Don't forget your camera and plenty of water!
Also the water puppets in Hanoi and the lantern festival in Hoi Ann were spectacular.
The cottage industries were very interesting (you can see rice paper, coconut candy and much more being made and then you get to sample the finished products!).
What did you think of your group leader?
Linh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely well organised, yet sensitive to the group's needs. Humerous and with an impressive command of English, Linh went way above and beyond expectations to ensure that everyone had a good time and was well looked-after. His knowledge and expertise of the country was second-to-none and his interesting and informative talks gave me a real insight into Vietnamese history and culture. We were all enchanted by the impromptu singing moments!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I travelled in August, so it was very hot and very humid, with short occasional bursts of rain, so pack accordingly. Vietnamese people dress modestly (I didn't once see a local lady wear a skirt) so slacks, T-shirts and long-sleeved light tops go down well. A brolly is great because you can use it for rain or as a parasol (if you're a lady)! Walking sandals were fine for most occasions. I didn't have a problem with mosquitos but I did take precautions so that's probably why!
Crossing the road: much has been said about this and it's all true! Pandemonium in Hannoi and slightly more rdered chaos in Saigon. Fear not! Cycles and bikes WILL make a path around you - but keep an eye out for cars and vans, which are less forgiving!! Don't be phased by the incessant horn-beeping: you haven't done anything wrong - it's just their way of telling you they are there...! And if in doubt, cross with a local!
You can get your laundry done very cheaply at Hoi Ann or Nha Trang (local family, NOT at the hotel which is expensive!), so pack lightly. You'll probably be taking back more clothes than you brought because you can get clothes made to fit in Hoi Ann at very good prices.
Contrary to previous reviews, the Mekong Delta homestay is NOT communal sleeping - you will be in threes or fours and couples are given their own 'room'. The rooms are clean and comfortable and I had one of my best night's sleeps there! Mosquitos nets and bedding are provided so no need to take your own. Enjoy the experience - it's one I'll never forget!
Oh- and do take US dollars (as well as GBP) as you get a better rate of exchange and it's widely accepted.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The only thing that slightly marred the holiday for me was that I found the accommodation in the twin berth cabin on the junk cruise boat (Halong Bay) very claustrophobic and uncomfortable. This was partly because the air con didn't work and so it was incredibly airless making sleeping out of the question. It's 'only one night', but do check the air con works!!!!
There were one too many boat trips for me (I counted at least six) and I would have preferred more cultural outings, but overall a fantastic and varied trip. It is pretty full-on though so don't expect to feel 'rested' at the end of it!
John Weatherall

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written July 2011
An outstanding trip
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Everything.............the trip was so diverse, couldn't mention one thing that we didn't like. This trip has something for everyone.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tom was fantastic and such good company too. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for us. He went far beyond the expectations of your normal travel rep.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
don't take too many clothes, or pack lightweight clothes. Plenty of places to buy more and there are two places to do laundry, one in Hoi an the other in Nha Trang.
You don't really need Dollars, we took some and if you do take any exchange it to Dong as soon as you arrive in the airport in Hanoi ATM's everywhere so as long as you have a visa/debit you can use that but remember all the charges.....you can draw out normally 2,000,000 dong a time........about £60 ish plus your bank charges, their bank charges and the exchange rate but its still a handy option.
If you are on the group flight and go via Malaysia get some local currency or Dollars for drinks and food.
Take Malaria tablets, Deet 50 or 100 spray and long sleeved shirt and long trousers for the mekong delta as there are loads of mosquitos oh and a sleeping bag liner although the lodge is very good quality.
(the only dodgy accommodation on this trip is the sleeper train although you aren't in it overnight, the journey is about 10 hours and you are in a 4 berth sleeper)
a fantastic trip, well planned with no hassel........the guides are fantastic
.....only negative, vietnam is poorer than thailand and tourism is in its infancy, near some of the hotels and sights there are the usual postcard, fruit sellers shirt sellers etc....they can be quite pushy but just be polite and patient and walk past them and they won't cause you any issues
you will love it....enjoy
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it........we had a great group which helps as everyone got on really well. What can i say....fantasic guide, fantastic company and a fantastic trip
Nicola Anderegg

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written July 2011
A wonderful trip with many and varied activities. Vietnam is fascinating, a country in transition, with interesting scenery, friendly people and a healthy diet!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Almost too many to mention: Halong Bay, the Cu Chi tunnels, Hoi An- buying tailor made clothes, the cookery class there and cycle ride to the beach- the general melee of the traffic (especially in Hanoi and Saigon), the War Remnants Museum, a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and finally, for my daughter, the Water Puppet show in Hanoi.
What did you think of your group leader?
Trong was great- friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and well organised. This was an unusual trip in that the group consisted of our family alone (parents plus "kids" aged 22 and 18) and Trong was able to relate to each of us well and was good fun to be with. He had lots of local contacts and recommendations for us and generally helped us to make the best of our time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You don't need too many dollars- we took 50% of anticipated spending which was too many. Agribank ATMs will allow you to draw 4, 000, 000 VND (about £120) for a 20,000 VND( 60p) fee-plus UK fee of course- other banks seemed to restrict the amounts to 2,000,000 for the same fee.
You don't need a sheet sleeping bag for the Mekong Delta, though I am not unhappy with the beautiful silk ones I bought for 75000 VND each.
Eating out etc is surprisingly cheap!
If you are thinking of tailor-made clothes take photos from home if you particularly like any designs- the tailors are expert in making them.
If you like milk in coffee you could consider taking some powdered milk since usually condensed milk is supplied.
July was very humid and hot especially in the north but we had far less rain than anticipated and simply jumped into taxis (also v cheap) if it poured. Personally I was not troubled at all by mosquitos though my husband would disagree!
We were fascinated by our visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, almost a pilgrimage for some Vietnamese and perhaps evidence of the influence of Communism, even today. This is not on the tour but well worth a visit.
We found the laundry services at the hotels quite expensive, plus some things stretched and others shrunk........you have been warned!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just go!! We had been planning and looking forward to this trip for a long time and it did not disappoint in any way.
Josie Rhodes

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written June 2011
Although this trip is full on we enjoyed every moment.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlights of the holiday were sea kayaking and swimming in Ha Long Bay; snorkelling off Nha Trang and visiting the orphanage there; climbing the 150 steps up the Marble Mountain and seeing the caves used as a hospital by the Vietcong during the American Vietnam War in the 1960’s; cycling to the beach at Cua Dai; shopping in Hoi An; riding on the reunification express and culminating in the Mekong Delta homestay where our hosts made us very welcome.
What did you think of your group leader?
Although the travelling group of 15 people ranged in age from 24 to 65 we very quickly bonded, and a good time was had by all, thanks to Tom our marvellous guide who gave us just enough information to make everything interesting and created opportunities for excitement and fun too. The evening on board the boat in Ha Long Bay was a great ice breaker.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When we told our friends and family we were going to Vietnam the general response was “What do you want to go there for?” We had heard that Vietnam has beautiful scenery, that it is not yet very commercialised, the food is enjoyable, and that there is some interesting history and culture.
We found plenty of history and culture and delicious food, but also enjoyed the shopping, the variety of activities provided and the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. They are very poor, but seem very happy. The traffic is insane – imagine China’s bicycles replaced by mopeds! Red traffic lights are there to be ignored and the mopeds use the pavements as much as the roads... Building is going on everywhere and the country is just beginning to become more commercialised.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks Exodus for a truly great time!
Christine Smith

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written March 2011
Fantastic trip the organisation was brilliant from start to finish (including booking arrangements). A very well thought out and well planned holiday. It hit all the buttons!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Thought the Cu Chi tunnels was a fantastic experience. So many highlights though also loved Halong Bay, and experiencing the Mekong Delta
What did you think of your group leader?
Thang was incredible. His organisational skills are second to none, his knowledge unbelievable, not only about the places visited on the trip but his cultural knowledge and lots of snippets on the way of life out there which were so interesting. The meals we were taken for were fantastic and such good value. What a lovely person to be with. He definitely made the holiday for me and my husband. Well done Thang! best guide for me.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just go and enjoy, you can get clothes washed on this trip at two locations so don't take too much we could have taken less.
Towels are provided throughout another saving on luggage.
Christine Lane

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Written March 2011
Fascinating country, wonderful scenery, people and food ,we learnt so much of Vietnam's history and travelled to diverse areas of the country. I would highly recommend it to friends and fellow travellers.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels
What did you think of your group leader?
This being my eighth Exodus trip all group leaders have been very good, however the group leader on this trip surpassed them all in terms of organisational and social skills, knowledge, humour and constant concern for our welfare.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travel light as plenty of opportunity to get laundry done en route.
Everything very cheap
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a fantstic trip.

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Vietnam Adventure

Our Clients’ Reviews

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