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A great trip and a great experience, with excellent ground operation in all 3 countries, which made the trip work just so well. Initially nervous about the distance and the humidity, plus the water issues, these turned out to be just fine, and 2 days in BKK before starting the trip, helped with acclimatizing to the humidity. There was no shortage of cold, fresh, filtered water from the guys on the support teams in all 3 countries, and the added bonus of an electrolyte sachet each fill if needed, was just perfect. The roads in Thailand were simply fantastic, smooth, flat, fast, and using the ring roads we did, were traffic free. Cambodian roads was also good, and once the border crossing into Vietnam, the banks of the Mekong river, and her tributaries became our path, which were narrow, but smooth, and allows you to see the real village life and the friendliness of the local people. Excellent ground operators, excellent mechanical support, with great local knowledge, and good accommodation made the trip. The home stay, ( like many others, had visions of communal hostel sleeping arrangements ) was excellent, and in fact I would call it a Lodge, and was a true highlight of the trip. All rooms had their own showers and toilets, all 100% clean, and the family were just great. Cold beers on arrival, and a rice wine if need be, so enjoy the evening !!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I was a first time visitor to Cambodia, having done Thailand and Vietnam before, but certainly S21 and The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh were both high lights and low lights. As the local guide was at pains to explain, they cannot hide their history, and they are not proud of the actions of the Khmer Rouge, but the story has to be told, and to use his term, Cambodia is now " open for business " and is under very different conditions to that of '75 - '79. Angkor Wat cant be described, and simply must be seen, so enjoy the day trip, its well worth it. Siem Reap is a great city, vibrant, and safe.The school visit was also inspirational, and to see these young children just so hungry to learn from volunteer teachers, led by an incredibly inspirational Mr Long Waha, was truly a highlight.
What did you think of your group leader?
Moh was just great, and capably helped by Mee, who along with the ground operators, and the support guys, combined to make the whole leadership thing work just so well. Not once was either Moh or Mee down ( even when Moh decided to get close to the ground on one stage ! ) and they have such good patience with everyone, to make it so enjoyable.Go for the bulk dining and ordering thing which the leaders will do for you ( dont worry about separate ordering ) its makes it so much easier, and its generally such good food, and cheap as. Moh and Mee had it down pat, and worked excellently.The bike leaders were also just great and just a word to wise, dont take the guys on in Thailand, they are good, in fact, very good !! The open, flat, quiet roads allowed some us to have a go on some of the stages with them, and they are more than up for it !!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Perhaps consider some riding gear ( gloves, a good helmet, and some good padded shorts ) plus also look to take drylite clothing, which you can hand rinse each night, and it will be dry for the next days stage. But also useful when the tropical rain arrives, and means you will dry out quickly. Your choice if you take a shower jacket, but if you take drylite tops and shorts, then these will dry very quickly.
MTB Shoes, Cleats and Pedals are not necessary, but do make it a little easier, especially on some of the longer stages in Thailand.
Bikes were great, Specialized, with good gear set groupings, and no longer than 12 months old. Washed and serviced everynight, and a full inventory of parts if ever needed.
Oh, and 1 more thing, Take plenty of deoderant !!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A magic trip, great operators, and great balance of riding and holiday With just a litle bike fitness, enjoy a great 14 days !
Kara Brown
CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR
Written
Overall an excellent trip and one which I would and will recommend to friends/family. This was my first trip to South East Asia and it certainly gave me a feeling of wanting to go back and see more in this part of the world.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many memories which will stay with me for a long time, but the overall experience of seeing a different way of life was probably the most memorable. Crossing two land borders by bike was something which I was looking forward to before the trip and both were really facinating experiences ! Angkor is such an amazingly vast area and exploring it by bike was the ideal way to see it. In contrast cycling in some of the busy traffic in Siem Reap was quite an experience ! Our visit to the Killing Fields and fromer S21 jail in Phnom Penh were both really moving. Both are very important to see in order to fully understand the terrible events which took place in Cambodia in the 1970's & which the country has had to overcome. Into Vietnam and I particuarly enjoyed the cycling around the paths around the Mekong area the night after the homestay. The homstay itself exceeded expectations. Saigon was a city which impressed me and also exceeded my expectations. Although, I have never seen so many motorbikes - crossing the road was an experience !
What did you think of your group leader?
Moh was a excellent tour leader - really professional and ensured the smooth running of the tour from start to finish. There were two birthdays during our trip and she organised a birthday cake for both ! The leaders in Cambodia (Dyka) and Vietnem (Long) were also great and really passionate about showing us their respective countries. All leaders were full of energy and enthusiasm !
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The homestay night might be something which potential travellers may be unsure/curious about. I think everyone in our group would ageee that it exceeded our expectations. It was actually very newly built and had good shower/bathroom facilities. The food was also particularly good !
There are good opportunities to do laundry in both Siem Reap and Saigon.
The longest cycling days are during the first part of the trip in Thailand, when it is most likely you will be recovering from jet lag/getting used to the heat. There is no pressure to complete all the cycling on these days and the back up bus/truck is always there if you want a break.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you want an experience of South East Asia in a little over two weeks go for it !
The only suggestion I would make to Exodus is to perhaps consider a slight change in the schedule so as to have a day seeing the sites in Bangkok at the start of the tour. Therefore, allowing the opportunity to see the sites of the city and have a day getting used to the heat, before starting the cycling part of the trip,and then gradually increasing the cycling distances each day, rather than having the longest cycling days at the start of the trip.
This was a first class holiday due to the organisation used. Thailand was a beautiful peaceful place, Cambodia was lively and full of historical interest. Vietnam was noisy and amazing to learn and see so much about the place. The cyling was at just the right pace as we were a large group they had other guides to keep an eye on all of us. Back up team always came up trumps with cold drinks and fresh fruit.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I surpose everyone writes Angor Wat and it is amazing but seeing little children in villages as we cylced through and village life is just as wonderful.
The wonderful food so different in each country.
Cycling along the back waters of the Mekong Delta.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had three leaders one for each country.
Siam in Thailand who over saw the whole trip. Very profressional and always managed to keep his hair on when things got difficult. Boarder crossings with so may of us wasn't any easy task.
Flio in Cambodai was full of information and knew when and were to go to avoid the crowds.
Yam in Vietnam was excellent also with lots of information about the local things to see and do also lessons on how to cross the roads!! Very important to learn .
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go and pracise some cyling before hand so you are ready for long days in the heat. Though we had plenty of stops so they don't feel so long.
Wicking tops for the heat and washing out easily.
Camera to photo Angor Wat at Sunrise!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
One of the best orangised trips we have been on and hard to beat for sights, cycling and atmosphere of places.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The whole Cambodia experience. The cycling was amazing, through villages and backroads, to the temples and lakes. The people in Cambodia were so welcoming and happy.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very good, better than "normal" although I think she needs to find her feet a little. Moh did go out of her way to help with a few problems on the trip, and also dealt with some people situations very well.
She also handled the vietnamese guide very well, who was determined to ruin any tranquility with bad microphone moments
The cambodian guide (Digger) was excellent, a wealth of information and a good cyclist
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A really great adventure, don't be put off by the distances this is holiday with cycling, rather than a cyling holiday
Is there anything else you would like to add?
For me this trip was made by the great group, and good leadership. I am looking forward to the next
Andrew Carlyle
CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR
Written
Both had a great time but the guide in Vietnam was a poor cyclist and could not keep up with the group. We all got lost in Thailand as the support vehicles did not know the way and allowed part of the group to go ahead. The whole group got split up and everyone was lost for an hour on the first day.
We were worried about being part of a group as we had only cycled on holiday abroad as couple before.
We needn't have worried !
Our group of 18 was, though, far too large especially for the guides.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing the border into Vietnam to be met by village children rushing out of their homes on the roadside, to say hello and wave to us!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader for the whole trip, Mo, was great although she had a difficult task at times especially as our group of 18 was too large.
Our Cambodian guide was great but the Vietnam guide was useless.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We were glad to have brought our own bikes as some of the others on the trip had problems with the hire ones being poorly maintained or the wrong size.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All sounds negative but we intend to book with Exodus to Sri Lanka next year! Hopefully the group will be smaller!!
Carol Fedida
CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR
Written
A really first class trip, completed with a great group of people, excellent leaders, fabulous weather (if a litttle hot!), excellent bikes and more than reasonable (on the whole) hotels. Visiting both Angkor Wat and Pnomh Penh Killing Fields provided some hugely thought provoking moments and added a dimension to this wonderful tour
We had a group leader throughout plus a guide for Thailand/Cambodia and then another for Vietnam. They were all really lovely knowledgable people and happy to help in any way possible. The cycling is supported at a level you will never probably see again. Our watermelon was cut and waiting for us at every stop along with at least one fruit we didn't know, our bikes were washed and tyres pumped up every morning, our punctures were fixed within minutes .......
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Whilst the cycling is not challenging, the distances and heat (38C/100F for us) in the first 3 days are. Cover up and apply lots of sunscreen (both of which I ignored to my cost) After that it's a doddle!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't be put off by the distances, there are almost no hills and the support vehicles are always there. Great chance to see 3 countries and meet the local peope who are delightful and excited to engage. Food is so cheap that when you're told a meal costs $6 you'll be horrified at the extravagance. Enjoy
from 67 reviews.
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