Cycling Vietnam

Clothing
It's shorts and t-shirts most of the way, as it will be hot and humid in places, so you don't need anything too heavy. Some long trousers or canvas trousers are good for evenings, and a couple of long sleeve tops as well. If you had a waterproof light jacket, it's handy as you might get some rain along the way.

When it comes to sightseeing, I would recommend wearing breathable shoes such as sandals, flip flops or lightweight walking shoes as it's can be humid and you will be walking around in the heat. 
There are one or two sights were you will be walking up lots of steps and visiting caves, I just wore trainers.
 
It's very casual so you don't need to take any smart clothes or footwear. However, it's always nice to dress up for the evening meals so you may wish to bring some nice clothes to change into for the meals in the restaurants.  You can get clothes made out there (in Hoi An in Vietnam especially) so if you have a favourite top, take it with you and they can make a copy.

Laundry
You can wash stuff out yourself or get laundry done in the hotels, so don't need to take a huge amount. You can also buy loads there as you go. Anywhere you stop for more than one night should be able to do some washing, somewhere around the middle of the trip maybe.  Laundry is rarely a problem in SE Asia, so maybe just check with the leader and he'll help you organise

Wifi at hotels
The hotels are generally very good, a lot of them are relatively new and have good facilities. I wasn't using Wifi myself so not 100% sure. I would imagine that some of them would. There would definitely be cafes around you could use in the larger towns and cities, but there is internet almost everywhere anyway, so not sure you want to drag a laptop all the way out.

Most, if not all, hotels also have air con.

Weather
The weather will be hot and humid mostly, with a chance of rain in a few places. But when it does rain, it generally dries up pretty quickly. It doesn't really get cold, but you may want a light jacket for night time. It's usually quite pleasant during the day, so it should be light clothes, with a layer you can add if you feel chilly. Think of a warm summer's evening here, and it's not dissimilar (but probably a bit warmer!).

Money
It's generally a very safe area, as long as you exercise the same degree of common sense you would at home, so taking mostly cash isn't a problem. I took sterling cash and changed that as I went along. I also topped up with my ATM card a couple of times, mainly for shopping. Dollars are very common in Cambodia and Vietnam, but I had no problems changing sterling anywhere I went.
There is no real benefit to getting Dong or Bhat before you travel, as you can change as soon as you arrive at the airport on arrival, or there are plenty of banks in the city centres. The leader will advise you when and where it's best to change, but it is quite straightforward. Dollars aren't strictly legal tender over there, but people will take them maybe as tips or for larger payments. When it comes to small stores, restaurants or anything like that, they will expect local currency.

General
As I said, if you're in Hoi An in Vietnam, it's a fantastic place to get some clothes made, if you like, and most of our group got something done. You can either get something made form all the books they have (catalogues from all the UK stores!) or take out a favourite piece and they will copy it - cheap as well!

Take along some decent non sweat suncream, good sunglasses and a hat with a brim for shade - all important.

I took a wheelie suitcase with a handle, but it doesn't make a huge difference as your bags are just moved from hotel to van and back again - so whatever is easiest for you.

I would recommend taking mosquito spray and taking precautions such as covering your skin in the evenings (particularly at dusk) with long sleeve tops and covering your legs and ankles.  To be honest, it's okay in the north but you need to take extra care in the south. Take some DEET or bug spray and lather up as the sun starts to go down, and you should be fine. You'll pick up a bite or two probably, but nothing too serious.

Diane Knight - Web sales

There are some great local crafts you can buy throughout the trip, all hand made and very reasonable. For anyone interested in getting some clothes made, Hoi An is the place to do it. The local tailors can usually turn garments around in a a day or so, and you can pick up some bespoke items for a fraction of what they would cost at home. Just leave some room in your luggage!

Diane Knight - Sales

It varies day to day, but on average you will do 40km - 60km (sounds like a lot but you'll get used to it quite quickly!). The longest day we did was about 95km, and the shortest just 20km. It can be quite warm so drinking plenty of water is essential. There are a few days with some steep hills but the support bus is always nearby for anyone who wants to take a break and avail of the air-con. A lot of the roads are straight, flat and pretty quiet, passing through countryside filled with small towns and villages - expect lots of waving and "Hello hello!".

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.
Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.
Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

For additional information please visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

No. The leader carefully breaks up the distances covered with refreshment stops and lunch. The terrain will vary but clients are always free to hop on the support vehicle that shadows the whole group, if they feel like a break. Saying that, you do cover more ground than you think, especially with a tailwind behind you!

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

Synthetic, cotton or merino wool tops will be perfect for cycling , especially when it's hot . Shorts (could be padded) will also be great as it will almost certainly be too hot for cycling in trousers. Stiff sole shoes are in general better for cycling but you could also go for sandals. A lightweight windbreaker (or water-resistant/proof top) may come handy in the unlikely event of a spell of bad weather ; however, in case of rain you may well go for being wet because of the rain rather than because of your own sweat under a jacket.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

The hotels are of a very good standard, roughly comparable to a 2/3 star standard with air conditioning, spacious rooms and centrally located. Because certain areas have only opened up to tourism relatively recently, in the past 15 years or so, most of the hotels are newly built but in a traditional style. More remote areas can also have slightly more basic facilitiers, but these are usually more than compensated for by the location.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

On average, a lunch should cost no more than £3 and dinner up to £10 including drinks. The standard and quality of the restaurants is very good while still retaining a traditional ambience. In the more remote locations, it's amazing how the local people can prepare such delicious meals!

Diane Knight - Sales

No, it must be gotten in advance. We suggest applying for the visa at least six weeks before departure. It is normally valid for 30 days and will ask for your entry and exit days. You can add the exact dates or, because you can use the whole 30 days, you can put the start date down as a week before you're due to get there and extend it for 30 days beyond that. This way you are covered in case there is any changes to your plans. Either way is fine.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Staff member Imran Arshad, recently travelled to Vietnam, and you can read his article here to get a personal viewpoint of the area.

Like a lot of South East Asia, Vietnam meals consist mainly of rice, vegetables and frilled or stir fried meat. The staple dish is Pho, which is a noodle broth with veg and meat. You can buy it off many small roadside stalls very cheaply, as well as the more established restuarants you will be visiting during the trip. Due to the French colonial influence, another item you shouldn't miss is the fresh baguettes, filled with cheese, pate or meat, again available from small stalls in most towns.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Vietnam where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

You can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.

Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!