Cycle Indochina & Angkor Wat - Thailand, Cambodia, 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...

Average Review Rating: from 67 reviews.

Nicholas Gaved

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written March 2013
Great Holiday with like minded people
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise, it was well worth getting up at 5am.
This should be the time to start the tour of Ankgor Wat as later in the afternoon the heat becomes unbearable also there are a milion other Tourists.

What did you think of your group leader?
Our Leader Siam was brilliant even though he had just ridden with us 10-15k when we stopped for a break he was around the group making sure we all had drinks, snacks and answered endless question with a big smile on his face.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you are at least a little bit fit and you will enjoy it much more, don't bother taking energy drinks or bars are the kitty provide plenty of them.
Sharon Boulter

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written March 2013
Well organised trip, loved the three countries, although I found Thailand a bit dull, Cambodia was great the food very tasty, lots to see and impressive, Vietnam was great again lots to take in, loved the homestay very friendly great food. I think we definiately made the local laugh on the many ferry crossing one day as we were the only ones in life jackets (was it really necessary). Only one restaurant in vietnam I have to complain about, but thats me being picky. The accommodation was more than adequate. Overall a fab holiday and highly recommended.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cambodia is an awesome place Siem Reap was my best moments there.
Saigon is motorbike city a leap of faith just crossing the roads, but brill again.
What did you think of your group leader?
Siam was brillant and fun helped me out when my bags didn't arrive when I did.
Digger Cambodian guide was brill too, couldn't do enough for you.
Lingh Vietnan guide again brill liked to sing lots kept us entertained, very safety conscious.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't need rabbies injection, had no trouble at all with dogs. Even in end Feb it was quite hot, so if your not used to the heat make sure your fit enough to cope with 3 long days of cycling in the heat, even though we stopped every 10k to cool down. After that the cycling is easy. The so called hilly day they tease you about is nothing to worry about, they obviously have no idea of what mountain climb looks like, even though they are around you, they clearly stay away from them.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Could of done with more euthentic meals especially in Vietnam, there was one lovely lunch by a river, it was too early unfortunately, very tasty but people were too full from breakfast. And the homestay food was great. Had no idea we were making our own dinner, still fun.
Helen Loveless

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written March 2013
This was quite probably the best holiday of my life so far. The countries were so beautiful and interesting, even more so than I'd hoped, and the people were wonderful too and really made the trip. The whole trip was incredibly well-organised and while expensive, worth every penny.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many amazing and inspirational moments, but for me the standout moment was visiting a school that Exodus supported in a rural village in Cambodia. The community had so little materially but it was amazing to meet the children and the man trying to help them learn against all of the odds.
It was also very special and a real privilege to be shown around the temples of Angkor Wat by our wonderful guide, who had lost his father and other family members under the Khmer Rouge regime. He gave us a true sense of the bloody history of Cambodia but also demonstrated a huge pride in the wonderful country that it is, and the capacity of the Cambodians to forgive and move on into the future.
Other standout moments including racing on wonderful roads in Thailand in 38 degree heat and enoying competing with other people in the trip. I loved it!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Nee was really great. She was a real discplinarian but with 16 or 17 people all wanting to do things their own way, that was definitely needed. She whipped us all into shape in terms of timekeeping and was really good at working out what worked for different people in the group. She was funny and interesting and I would definitely recommend her. The other team leaders were also fantastic, in particular Fila, who was team leader in Cambodia. Again he was really knowledgeable, passionate about his country and ensuring that we all learnt more about it, but in a really accessible, fun and entertaining way. I think Exodus has chosen some really brilliant team leaders on this particular trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just be open to the new experiences you are going to have and don't presume anything. It is good to try everything - though maybe not the fried tarantulas in Cambodia! - and just to enjoy every moment. In retrospect, I would have taken more snacks and pencils etc to give to the children in Cambodia. Also stick to dollars rather than worrying about other currencies, each of the countries accepts dollars and it saves you wandering around with pockets stuffed with huge amounts of foreign currency worth about 30pence.
Other than that, use lots of sunscreen, take lots of pictures and just have an amazing time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I really did have an absolutely amazing holiday, potentially life-changing. Travelling in this area was like nowhere else I had ever been and to see so many new sights, scenery and have the privilege of meeting so many amazing Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese people was wonderful. I can't wait to book my next Exodus cycling trip.
Stephen Gilmore

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written February 2013
A great sunny cycling trip whilst the snow was falling back home.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The locations of the hotels are so well chosen that when our visit coincided with the funeral of the King of Cambodia we were just one block from the security cordon and 2 blocks from the crematorium. Similarly in Ho Chi Minh City we were just a block from "Flower Street" expecially decked out for the New Year.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nee our leader very soon felt like part of the group, but at the same time quietly ensureing that the needs of everyone in the group were being met. She is an inspirational lady going running every morning before cycling - just to keep fit. She was very much in control of the fairly complicated logistics with three support teams and two border crossings.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring a handlebar bag, to carry the small things you want to have with you like camera, sunscreen, repellant, money Unfortunately Exodus do not provide small panniers. Whilst you of course can have a bag on the bus which follows, but the bus is normally never just there when you want it! Bum bags and day sacks are too sweaty and inconvenient.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Book your trip to coincide with a King's funeral (difficult!) or to coincide with Lunar New Year (happens every year!)
Elizabeth Mckee

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written February 2013
A wonderful adventure with a variety of memorable experiences and scenery to excite and sometimes heighten the senses and awaken the spirit. There was also some brilliant cycling. The temperatures and sun were much hotter than I expected.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was all amazing. I loved the food from all countries. I loved swimming in the reservoir meeting the children on the road and at the schools. Seeing the people at work was humbling and fascinating. Crossing the boarder from Thailand to Cambodia was exciting. The temples were amazing as was the trip to the floating island. The visits to local families was welcoming and rich with memories and culinary experiences.
Too much to mention every day got better with a surprise around every corner.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nee nicknamed Mama Nee took care of us professionally and with tenderness from beginning to end. We knew we were safe in her hands
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't be worried that visiting 3 countries will be too much it was like 3 holidays fit into 2 weeks.
Do take sun cream and don't bother taking sterling unless you plan to change it when you get there

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just book it now you won't regret it. This was our second cycling trip and will not be the last. As always well planned and thought out with the correct balance of cycling, food, adventure and fun.
Good to be a little fit as you will enjoy it more and don't be afraid to take a rest in the van as it really is so hot some days. The cycling is flat but because of the heat it can be exhausting.
Judith Roper-Lindsay

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written January 2013
This was a fantastic trip - well organised and supported; a great introduction to culture and landscapes of three countries; easy-moderate cycling and a wonderful group of people for company. If you are thinking trying to get a feel for this part of the world in a short time, I'd recommend this trip - you even get exercise to burn off some of those rice and noodles!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It's not possible to select one - every day there was something new and exciting! Seeing the everyday life of Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese people - along the roadsides, on the rivers, in Temples, in rural villages and teeming cities - and having the chance to visit homes through the kindness of our guides' families was a stimulating (and humbling) experience. Learning to cross the road in Ho Chi Minh City (with your eyes closed) has to be a bonus! Visits to temples, palaces, and markets as well as war-related sites, all contributed to my introduction to these countries. Not to mention tarantulas, hornbills and catfish! And seeing everyone in the group achieve their cycling and travel goals was a great ending!
What did you think of your group leader?
Leaders - Nee, Dykka, Lam and the support teams in each country were all excellent - as were the local guides. Well-organised, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Mr Black's photos are awesome!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack light - you spend a lot of time in bike clothes so don't need many different day/evening things. The laundry in Siem Reap is excellent/cheap. Padded bike pants are essential - and do take your own saddle/pedals if you are a regular cyclist. Getting them on/off bikes is no problem at all thanks to great support.
Take - small bottle hand sanitiser (most comfort stops are fine but just occasionally....); US$$ for Cambodia and Viet Nam in small denominations - almost everything costs $1 and any note over $20 is difficult to change; pens, pencils, small notebooks as gifts for children - you spend a lot of this trip feeling privileged, and so often you want to give something and these are much better than sweets; go for the single room option - I had a great room-mate but this is a non-stop holiday and if you like some quiet time, a single room could give that.
Odds and ends: insurance - you will be asked if you are covered for helicopter evacuation - most of us didn't know, so you might want to check that out before you leave. Wifi - every hotel we stayed in had free Wifi - so contact home is possible daily (as long as things work!). Cycling snacks - huge amounts of wonderful fruit, iced water, electrolytes were provided by support team so you may not need as many from home as you think.
The trip description/notes are accurate in relation to cycling times, conditions etc - slightly over estimate difficulty, hills, if anything, for a regular cyclist. But try to do some practice/cycling in preparation - if you are saddle-fit it makes the cycling easy and you will enjoy the holiday so much more.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it! This is a great way to see so much of three countries; a good balance of sightseeing and cycling. Three long (average 85 km) days to start with, but on flat roads with good surfaces to get you through the jet lag, if needed! Only one long bus ride (to Phnom Penh) but that's an experience in itself. If you take all the optional extras (which you should do) there isn't much down time for reading or relaxing - but to do all this in 15 days you want to keep moving - you can read on the plane home! My first group cycling holiday but won't be the last I'm sure!
Martina Schaller

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Written December 2012
Great trip with a great group! Loads of cycling in Thailand and cultural cycling breaks in Cambodia and Vietnam. The guides did a great job and gave us valuable insight into each country's history, customs and traditions.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Group leader were perfect. One very organized that made sure everything went smoothly, some others more extroverted. All very knowledgeable of their country.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It's a great experience for cycling freaks as well as leisurely cyclists. Sportive and flexible midset guarantee loads of fun and an unforgettable trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I already miss my cycling family!