Cycle Indochina & Angkor Wat

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 67 reviews.

Jones Janet M

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written October 2010
A brilliant way to see 3 countries and learn about the history and culture.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Where can you begin - there was so much. The wonderful temples of Angkor Wat, the colourful spirit houses in the villages in Thailand the tears from seeing the photographs in the war museum of the devastaion of Cu Chi in Vietnam . There was so much to take in.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jo was everything you need in a leader. Patient, funny, nothing was ever too much trouble. He also took comments on board and acted on them immediately.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't worry about laundry there are plenty of places to get laundry done enroute and cheaply. Take plenty of deet and a padded saddle. High factor suncream is a must. 1 dollar notes are useful as everything is "one dollar". A few spare pairs of shoes as often it rains and the shoes get very wet and muddy and smelly.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do it! I thought 90km would be too far for me - but it was split up in such a way that I never noticed the distance. There were such interesting places to visit enroute you just don't realise how far you do cycle.
Chris Hull

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written July 2010
This is a great trip for experiencing these 3 countries, cultures and cuisines, that are in some ways similar but in many ways very different.Generally flat cycling which may not be to everyones taste but the countryside still offers great views.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting the Ankor complex, eating spiders and crickets, the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, spicy Thai curries, exploring the Cambodian genocide, there are so many reasons to recommend this varied trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
As with all tours, the leader is an important element and there were no dissapointments in this department. Both the various country leaders and overall leader were all very good.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Whilst there are some long distances covered, the cycling is not too strenuous and the support team assure regular breaks and refreshment.
With most cycling being on tarmac, if bringing your own bike then I'd consider a hybrid or at least some skinnier, less knobbly tyres to ease the journey.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Everyone that I know who's been on this trip has thoroughly enjoyed it. Go for it.
simon park

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written December 2009
Fantastic holiday, leaders brilliant especially Watson, scenery and hotels all excellent. Great fun as well with a good group.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing borders was always full of interest, amusement - but worked well.
The optional boat trip to the floating villages near Siam Reap was really worthwhile, interesting and fun
What did you think of your group leader?
Watson from Thailand was a real star - never flustered, even when people disappeared temporarily
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Enjoy it, take a gel saddle, wear open shoes/sandals as they are far cooler - especially when its really hot & sticky - keep drinking and taking photos
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All the food stops and dinners were good, the Vietnamese Pork soup at lunchtimes was especially good
Paul Elliott

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR WAT

Written March 2009
In my view, the perfect way to see 3 very different but equally amazing countries.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It's very difficult to pick one moment as the most inspirational as there were so many.. the smiles and friendliness of the locals, most of who have so little compared to what we are used to; exploring the temples of the Angkor complex; visiting a school in Thailand (puts our language skills to shame when you hear a 9 year old speaking very good english); the boat trip in the Mekong delta and cycling around some of the islands in the delta.... and more!
What did you think of your group leader?
Joe was simply excellant!! Very knowledgeable, always knew the best places to stop along the route to experience local life, made the boarder crossings run very smoothly (even down to having a list of exactly what to write on the immigration forms) and an excellant guide to what and where to eat to get the most out of each country.
The local guides in Cambodia and Vietnam were also excellant. Also very friendly and knowledable ... especially Mr Thy... MBA!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Definitely take a padded saddle cover and mozzy spray ( we found Avon's "Skin So Soft & Fresh dry oil spray" worked as well as any of the more expensive anti-mozzy sprays with DEET in... and smelt a lot better!).
Carol Hill

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR WAT

Written November 2008
The countries we visited were fascinating with lots to see and experience. One of the best things about cycling was being close to the scenery and local people going about their lives. The organisation and support was great with plenty of cold drinks and snacks.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were lots...seeing a rainbow over Angkor Wat; sunset at the temple looking down over Angkor Wat; taking a boat trip along the Mekong waterfront at Phom Penh to see the water festival boats and fireworks; sunrise over Ho Chi Minh City; seeing a beam of sunlight lighting up the carvings at the Jade Emperor pagoda. Hearing the noise of some kind of crickets in the evening and of children shouting 'hello' as we cycled past. Sometimes we could not even see the children but they saw us!
Cycling along in the heavy rain on a few occasions (whilst optional as the bus was there if we wanted it!) brought a sense of achievement when we reached our destination.
What did you think of your group leader?
All our local leaders- Jo, Sam and Duy- were informative, friendly and helpful. Wassan was with us for the whole trip and was great. He made sure everyone was okay, sorted out any problems that arose, was flexible about adding in extra trips or visits and kept us entertained with his comments and even magic tricks!
The places we stopped for rests and snacks were all well chosen and an extra under cover one at a local school was added in one day in the rain.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There were less mozzies around than I thought there might be but it was hot and humid. So cool lightweight tops for the evening were needed.
The locals wore 'plastic poncho's' in the rain and they did work quite well at keeping the mud and rain off clothes.
Sandals are probably better for cycling in the rain than cycling shoes as they dry out better. The guides cycled in flipflops when it rained!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was a great experience. We normally travel independently with friends but found this trip a great way of seeing 3 countries in a short period of time. There were more short trips along the route to see things being made- e.g. candy, rugs, rice noodles etc- than I had expected and it was really interesting.
Selina Dicker

CYCLE INDOCHINA AND ANGKOR WAT

Written July 2008
What an amazing trip, we could not of been looked after better by the guides and could not of seen so many interesting sites and experiences without them.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1. Cycling around the Mekong Delta through small Vietnamese villages where the locals could not of been more friendly, I felt like the queen waving all the way through and permanently saying hello to the children.
2. Homestay in the Mekong Delta sampling rat, spiders and rather too much rice wine.
2. On a more serious note seeing S21 and the killing fields in Cambodia are experiences I will never forget.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was absolutely AWESOME! He could not have looked after the group better, was great fun and was extremely patient even in difficult situations. In the event I go back to Thailand I would ask to join a tour with him as leader again.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are going on a cycling tour try and take a gel seat with you, the 90km days could be rather painful without one. Despite it being the rainy season I was suprised that it only rained twice whilst we were cycling so you don't need to worry about being overly well kitted out for rain.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks to Al, Wason, Sam and Tom for a great trip, all four of whom added different stories and qualities to the different sections of the tour.
gavin nettle

CYCLE INDOCHINA AND ANGKOR WAT

Written July 2008
Awesome trip, wonderful friendly people, a great group and superb organisation and guides. 3 inspirational countries with some very interesting historical and cultural sites both magnificent and emotive.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many great moments! The Angkor temple complex was amazing, S21/Tuol Sleng and the killing fields are harrowing and will leave you lost for words. Stopping for lunch at temples. Drinking beer and playing pool with the ‘interesting’ locals til 2 a.m. Saigon traffic – has to be seen to be believed! High five-ing the local kids who would run out to greet you, feeling like a rockstar in a Thai nightclub where everyone wanted to shake your hand, talk to you and clink your glass. The food markets with an interesting meat section. Cu Chi tunnels and firing an AK47 on auto. And, simply, the fact that you’re cycling through these countries which puts you so close to everything with the smells, sights, villages and people with all the space, heat, time and wonder that south east Asia has.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader, Al, and all the guides ‘spicy’ Wason, Sam and Tom were great. Helpful, friendly and informative, and always willing to join in the fun, or even start the fun! Any transport and back up was well organised and on time in the right place at the right time … and, Elvis is alive and well singing karaoke in Thailand!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try and get some long hours in the saddle before you go, the distances are easily manageable due to frequent stops but I think most of us were a bit saddle sore. If you have travellers cheques change them before Vietnam, I couldn’t change them until Saigon and make sure you have dollars, not UK pounds if you take cash. A small camalbak with room for suncream, insect repellent and camera is all you need – the back-up and refreshment stops are excellent and frequent. Rehydration salts could be useful, you’ll lose a lot of fluid on some of the days and may feel a bit ropey the next day and these will help (or maybe that’s due to the beer?). Take small dry-bags or sealable plastic bags for things like phone and camera when on the bike, just in case you get caught in a sudden downpour, or take an unexpected trip into the river. Go on the organised cyclo trip in Siagon just to experience the traffic up close, amazing!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just one downside to this trip … it’s not long enough Another week with some time in Bangkok, northern Vietnam and maybe a little more exploring of those little side roads here and there would be great. I was amazed at the friendliness and happiness of the local people considering how little they have, it’ll have you re-evaluating your own life. The accommodation was much better than I was expecting but at the end of a long hot sweaty day very welcome. Excellent food, some of the best being the local cheap places, even the sea-snake spider cricket and rat has to be tried, and no dodgy tummies! The cheeseburger at the FCC in Phnom Penh is recommended for a bit of indulgence. Get out and about wherever you can to see what local life is all about, there’s a great nightclub near one of the Thai hotels that has the most amazing live bands playing, great fun! The cycling ability of the group was mixed, from regular cyclists to novices, some will want to go fast but just go at your pace, at the stops nobody was ever really more than 5 to 10 minutes behind and if you just relax and slow down a bit you’ll see and enjoy it more. At the end of the day it’s a holiday.