Cycling 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 73 reviews.

Alan Smith

CYCLING VIETNAM

Written February 2013
This trip exceeded my expectations of the adventure I had signed up for. Vietnam is a beautiful country and there is no better way to get a real feel for the culture and 'real Vietnam' than to cycle through it. The cycling itself was great, I would say at the high end of moderate on some days, but the bus is always there for people who do not want to climb the hills.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the children in the small villages and towns who wave, shout out hello and try and give you a 'high five' as you cycle past. These children are obviously poor, but they are so happy that it teaches us something about out material way of life.
The ever changing scenery from coastal, to mountain and frm small villages to bustling cities is the other main memory of the trip, and Halong Bay is just fantastic!
What did you think of your group leader?
Tho was a great Group Leader, and let's not forget the support team (2 drivers plus the mechanic). As a team they worked very well indeed and we were shown places that 'normal' tourists would not see, ate in small house restuarants and generally avioded most of the tourist traps. Tho worked tirelessly and was knowlwdgable about the culture and history of Vietnam, always willing to talk about anything. Organisation was great: Turn up when you are asked to and that is all you have to worry about. Working as a team on the ride you should never get lost, but can ride at your own pace.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring good quality padded cycling shorts (at least 2 pairs) and some 'bun cream'! Most people wear loose shorts over the top of the lycra ones. The only people who suffered were those who were saddle sore.
Don't rush the rides through the most senic areas, stop, take photos, soak in the atmosphere!! Most of our group did.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are looking for a bit of an adventure that is not too grueling, with good oriental food and some sightseeing in between the cycling then this is a great trip. Our Group Leader said that every day would be another best day.. and he wasn't often wrong!!
Mike Rice

CYCLING VIETNAM

Written February 2013
An amazing adventure that will always be a great memory. First Exodus trip, now planning our second
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing all the children on the side of the road as we cycled through the remote villages.
Cycling downhill 30km and on another day cycling up 10km
The Vietnamese people are a happy nation.
Great crew who looked after us
What did you think of your group leader?
Chi and his 3 helpers were excellent. Chi's knowledge of his country was immense and he had a great sense of humour. Really well organised although I did think we could have got going quicker after some stops.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We didn't have any problems with mosquitos.
The overnight rail journey wasn't great - a lot of tired people next day.
Our baggage didn't arrive on our plane but about 8 hours later. Consider putting any important cycling kit in hand luggage.
Generally it is very cheap to eat and drink. If I went again I would take mainly Dong rather than Dollars.
Waiting 6 hours at Kuala Lumpar on return wasn't fun especially as some in group caught a later flight with a much shorter wait.
We had two crashes which kept the injured parties off the road for a couple of days - it is safe but you need to be careful
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our fellow travellers contributed to a great holiday. The slower cyclists were very considerate and minimised any waiting around by getting started quickly after a stop.
Chi organised some great group dinners in the evening.
Night in Halong Bay exceeded our expectations.
Hotels were generally of a good standard
Natasha Greig
CYCLING VIETNAM

Written February 2013
Everything I’ve come to expect from Exodus. Excellent organisation, great hotels, fabulous food and the best guide yet. If you do this trip…..you want Chi as your leader!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The 30k downhill was superb and surprisingly riding through the tail end of a monsoon gave a real energy boost. The freshness after 3 days of humidity was wonderful.
What did you think of your group leader?
Chi organised the trip impeccably. He was fabulous and both him and his aides Nang, Can and Lee worked tirelessly to make the trip memorable and fun. This was my 8th trip and Chi was easily the best guide I’ve had.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Buy souvenirs when you see them. I was surprised at how localised items were. I saw a beautiful wooden bowl at one lunchstop (after the 30k downhill) and didn’t buy it because I assumed there would be more…there weren’t! also, at the top of the 10k hill you have to run the gauntlet of pearl bracelet sellers but these don’t appear elsewhere. Definitely buy something if you like it.
The boat in Halong Bay was wonderful. In fact every night’s accommodation was of a far higher standard than I expected / have experienced on other trips.
As mentioned by others, there was a delay in some of the groups luggage arriving. Make sure you carry at least one cycling outfit and one casual outfit in your hand luggage.
Don’t go mad downhill!
There are long transfers on the bus so take music/book/pillow.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The cycling was a great deal harder than expected because of the humidity. If you struggle in the heat this should be a definite consideration as to whether you book the trip (I found it far worse than India!)
jamie sarre

CYCLING VIETNAM

Written January 2013
A trip that exceeded all expectations. A fantastic country with friendly people, stunning views, great food and a big smile. Just go see it for yourself!!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moments would have to be the long descent, nearly an hour descending at speed with twisting bends and stunning scenery all around. Waterfalls, clear skies, greenery all around but dont take your eyes off that road for too long.
This is a country with a photo opportunity every where you look, be it in the city, on the road, in the mountains, along the coast, or just the presentation of the food!
Be prepared to be treated like a celebrity with all the local children running out of their homes shouting hello at the top of their voice, waving and giving you a high five as you ride by. Awesome
What did you think of your group leader?
Lam.
Fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble, everything was organised down to a tee he even manged to make it rain for a day whilst we were there, although we alll agreed we had enough after a few hours. He never stopped smiling was very helpul, answered questions, knew so much about his country a great cyclist and a good sense of humour. Superb guy all round and so were the rest of the crew including Mr Tam the mechanic who never stopped smiling and was quick as a flash going up those hills!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The best advice i could give is padded shorts, an absolute must. Some chamois cream and taking your own saddle would also be a good shout too. Be prepared to have a great time, take plenty of photos and dont stop smiling. Temperaures were hot and sticky in the south and on the roads, but a little cooler in the north especially in Hanoi. So long sleeve tops and trousers would be a good idea. A camel back would be sensible but not essential i also think some sort of trainng would be a good idea. Dont just turn up thinking you can do it on a whim if you havent put in the effort or are not fit enough. The heat does take it out of you but you do acclimatise and the lengths of the rides start off short and gradually get longer.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
What are you waiting for book your trip, you wont be disappointed!!! Oh and be prepared to see a million mopeds with some things that you never thought you would see being carried or riding on them. Now your really intrigued arent you!!
Jill Bobek

CYCLING VIETNAM

Written January 2013
An excellent introduction to Vietnam and its people
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
No one particular inspirational moment. Loved the cycling generally it is a great way to get under the skin of the country. Not forgetting the cycling snacks and the special lemon drink! Highlights were the old quarter in Hoi Ann and the boat trip in Halong Bay.
What did you think of your group leader?
For me best ever Exodus leader - have done 7 or 8 trips. He was very knowledgeable very enthusiastic and very entertaining. Also keen on safety without going over the top.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Visit the country before it gets over developed and forget the woolly hat and gloves as advised in the trip notes.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Bikes were in good order and well maintained with excellent mechanic and back up team.
Stuart Wilkins

CYCLING VIETNAM

Written January 2013
My first cycling holiday and my first trip with Exodus. A brilliant experience; I can undertsand why so many on my trip had been with Exodus many times before. I shall definetly be doing more and have recommended to friends. Vietnam exceeded my expectations... I shall return!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were too many to list, but I will try
- the people were very friendly, all the kids wanted to high-five as you cycled past.
- making it up the 10km climb and surprisingly quite enjoying it!
- Hoi An is a lovely place to vist
- kayaking in Halong Bay was pretty special as was the standard of the cruise boat we stayed on.
- oh yes and the food, the food, the food!
What did you think of your group leader?
The team and especially our group leader Danh Nguyen were no less than brilliant. I cannot speak highly enough about the perfect organisation and attention to detail, i would say this really made a difference and is a key factor in me booking with Exodus again.
- Danh's knowledge of the history and culture which he imparted with enthusiasm amd general banter was great. We also managed to eat in many interesting places due to his local knowledge and contacts
The overnight train from Hue was an "interesting" experience. From nowhere Danh managed to conjure up iced Mojjitos cocktails.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
- it's a busy schedule with mostly early starts
- leave some room in your suitcase for retail therapy purchases
- seek out the penguins in Qui Nohn bridge (ask Danh)
- definitely do it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
- an extra day in Hanoi would have been good. i could have arranged this myself if i had realised you only really get an afternoon and evening.
Nigel Hyde

CYCLING VIETNAM

Written January 2013
What an excellent trip. The Vietnamese people were very friendly and the local cuisine really needs to be tasted, such a variety of foods to experience. The journey through the paddy fields, the jungle and the cities showed what a changing landscape one could travel through. Certainly a trip never to be forgotten.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling through the traffic in the cities was certainly an experience that will stay in our memories for a long time. The sheer volume of scooters criss crossing our paths like an army display team is something everybody should experience. Cycling along the undulations (terminology for hills) created camaraderie among the group and also gave some amazing views. One of the most surprising places we cycled to was the 'Ghost village' between Hoi An and Hue; not only were the graves massive in size and colourful but the scale of the area covered was such an amazing sight.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was the best we could have ever expected. We received great advice on shopping and prices, ate at local restuarants that we would never have visited, or found, had he not been there, he had a great deal of local and historical knowledge and a sense of humour that never diminished. Such a dedicated group leader would be difficult to find again. Arranging a ride on a water buffalo has to be a once in a lifetime event and drinking the beer in the old Hanoi quarter while sitting on the tiny seats on the pavement like the locals, made you feel as if you were part of the daily activity in Hanoi. Such a time could only be experienced with the help of a truely wonderful group leader, should I return to Vietnam I would like to have Danh with me.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go to Vietnam! There is plenty to experience and there are places to see that are only in Vietnam. The main thing I would recommend is that you should go now while there is still a lot of Vietnamese way of life to see before the tourist industry becomes too dominant. Get on your bike and go!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Out of all the group tours we have been on this one by Exodus has been the best and would certainly be happy travelling with them again.

| | | | | | | |

Cycling Vietnam

Our Clients’ Reviews

CYCLING VIETNAM

CYCLING VIETNAM

CYCLING VIETNAM

CYCLING VIETNAM

CYCLING VIETNAM

CYCLING VIETNAM

CYCLING VIETNAM