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...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ?

• 

  Amy Thomas

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written September 2012

  I don't think there are any words to describe this trip. It by far exceeded expectations, incredible landscape, extremely friendly people and amazing food. If you're thinking of doing this trip, stop thinking and just book! It'll be one of the best things you've ever done. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I think there were a few great moments, the landscape at the end of the 100km day and the feeling of finishing it. Halong bay and the kayaking was so much fun and Halong bay is beautiful. Having clothes tailored in Hoi An was a lot of fun, make sure you take some pictures with you!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lam was fantastic, really felt that he cared if we were having a good time. Was attentive to detail and made the effort to interact with the group and really got our humour.Also recommended some really good restaurants.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It's a very full on holiday so if you have the spare annual leave book a bit of time off when you get back. Use good sun screen. Don't pack too many clothes, you'll spend most of your time in cycling gear. If you have a good bike seat, take it with you!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  You'll find that there are a lot of opportunities to get great photo's so make sure you take a good camera with lots of memory. One of our group also had a gopro camera which was great and took really good footage. Make a pact to share the photos and footage at the end of the trip, we set up a facebook page which worked well.

   
• 

  Fiona Shepherd

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written August 2012

  A brilliant cycling adventure which combines moderately challenging cycling through ever-changing scenery with a real opportunity to experience the culture, history and people of Vietnam. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The penultimate day of cycling - 110km into Hue, including a 10km up-stretch through the mountains.  Off the bike, it would have to be cruising in Halong Bay, one of the numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites that we visited along the way.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Outstanding.  Lam is full of knowledge about his country, and a highly organised and competent tour leader.  Full of fun and energy, he led us brilliantly and is an excellent ambassador for Vietnam and Exodus.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Being comfortable whilst cycling is the key to maximum enjoyment.  Own saddle and padded shorts are for winners!  One of our group also brought cleats - a nice to have but not essential. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Bring a camera, charger and spare SD card - you will not be short of things to take photos of.

   
• 

  gabriele h

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written August 2012

  Cycling Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi, switching to boat and train at times, was an amazing fortnight! We saw so many different parts of Vietnam and were always received by amazingly friendly locals. And in the breaks we got rewarded with yummy Vietnamese food and drinks (better than Italian coffee!).  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were so many every day, between amazing scenery, great team spirit, the best group leader (Lam) ever and his so smily team, great food and ever so friendly locals! However, cycling through endless graveyard scenery (might sound a bit dark now but it was unique) and rice harvesting at sunset time near Hue. And how brilliant was wave jumping at Mui Ne after a day of sweaty cycling in the August heat!!  And last but not least the great team spirit!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  You can wish for no better tour leader than Lam! The enthusiasm for his country and his efforts to look after everyone of the entire cycling team are just unparalleled! His team of drivers and mechanic just loved him, and so did we! He is simply the best!!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The summer heat and humidity make cycling more demanding than in Europe. A camelbag will provide water more easily and cooler than a water bottle. Bring very good sunscreen and enough clothes to change (even though washing is possible every 5 days or so).  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is a great and fast-paced trip with so many different impressions and experiences! Highly recommendable, especially during the summer months when groups are smaller.

   
• 

  Charlotte Baverstock

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written August 2012

  You know what? It was amazing. Probably the best thing I have ever done.I really wanted to see Vietnam and I love cycling and being active - so it seemed like the perfect holiday for me. But it totally surpassed my expectations.  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It is so hard to pick a most inspirational moment as the whole trip was very special.

  General highlights which came along constantly include cycling through all the towns and villages, waving and smiling at all the amazingly friendly people, high fiving the children, practising English with locals on their mopeds driving alongside us as we cycled. The landscape was so beautiful and varied - different every day. And each village we passed through had it's own character. We did a lot of cycling, 110km was the furthest we cycled in one day - but it was so much fun I didn't notice the distance.

  The day we left Dalat was an incredible day of cycling which included some uphill sections but then an unbelievably beautiful 30km descent down winding mountain roads through impressive scenery into the valley.  

  Cycling 10km uphill to the top of the Hai Van pass on the day we left Hoi An was a spectacular challenge with such a feeling of achievement on reaching the top! 

  And the food was delicious - a different local speciality every night.  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lam was incredible. He was so enthusiastic and went above and beyond to ensure that we were all happy. He made time for everyone in the group, to talk to them, answer their questions and crack a few jokes! He explained very skillfully to us what to expect of each day or section of cycling so that we were prepared but not daunted, informed but not bamboozled with information. 

  Along with his team he organised us and looked after us so well that all we had to think about was enjoying the cycling! The mechanic was always at hand to fix any problems with the bikes, the bus was always available should anyone need a rest from cycling for a leg of the journey, and water, snacks and fresh lemonade were all in plentiful supply constantly. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I wasn't sure how my legs were going to cope with the mileage but I was definitely bike-fit enough to enjoy all the scenery and interactions with people without struggling with the cycling. Cycling over hills in North London every day to get to work and back stood me in good stead for the hills in Vietnam.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I would recommend a trip with Exodus if you would like to have an active holiday in an interesting part of the world and fancy an organised trip rather than doing your own thing...

   
• 

  Rob Cottom

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written August 2012

  The whole trip was amazing. The cycling was not too tough but we just went at our own pace when it did become a bit challenging. Take your camera and keep stopping... there's plenty to take photos of. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  All of it was excellent.The food throughout was both exciting and well cooked and the accomodation throughout was above expectations. Weather in July was good...not too hot and the rain was fun and refreshing...never cold.

  One highlight was riding water buffalo. A real laugh a minute. BRILLIANT!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader (Yan) and his co-workers were all of the highest standard. Friendly, informative, attentive and a wealth of knowledge about his country. Superb and could not be better from minute one at the airport to the last sad moment of farewell.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  No need for malaria tablets. Take energy bars for the odd snack if you want but Yan kept us fed with loads of snacks and the home made lemon drink was fantastic.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is our second Exodus cycling trip and both have been absolutely superb. What's more I don't believe anyone on either of our trips would disagree, and the ages ranged from 19 to 70.

   
• 

  Sharon Ditchburn

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written July 2012

  Vietnam is one of the touching Exodus trips I've been on, in terms of its history, natural beauty, village life, and potential for change (for better or worse).  I highly recommend that people take the opportunity to see it now, as it the pace of change is evident.  From sweeping deserted beaches, to luxurious mountain regions, and the ever present farming (land and sea), this country is determined to develop on its own terms.  Taking it all in at bike level is simply the best way to travel and Exodus again pulls out all the stops to make it an enjoyable and rewarding trip. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Many, of course!  Cycling through the villages with kids, scooters and buffalo everywhere was a great change from the frenetic and always entertaining city life.  The hammocks at every cafe!  Vietnamese have the low down on afternoon relaxation.  Great hills, both up and down, even in the July/Aug heat.  The roads were better than expected, and the lack of car traffic was quietly appreciated (altho the scooters are sure to provide a few anxious moments).  Seeing the bus with the home made lemonade ready.... The cooling water spouts half way up the Hai Van pass  :-)....  The 30km downhill section in the mountains..... The incredible cemetary road....  And the rather energetic Glee performances of our group at every available prompt (you had to be there!!)  Halong Bay is an absolute treat at the end of the tour.  And the food .... aaah, the food.  Fresh and healthy, what more could you want?

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Danh (the man) truly loves his job and his country, and it shows.  His desire to share knowledge and background so we understand the history and what we're seeing is great.  Superb organisational skills in a country which I imagine presents some unusual challenges at times, plus little things which made a difference to every one of us.  His patience is amazing.  The support staff were brilliant, with the quickest tire changes in the East and a helping push up the hills if flagging!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  To truly enjoy this be reasonably fit, although you don't necessarily need to be bike fit, it's good to have basic bike handling skills for those little moments of rough road or unexpected scooters.  There are some "undulating" days but this provides interest and to some a nice challenge.  Vietnam is quite hot this time of year, so camelbaks would be good to carry more water if you are a heavy drinker, but the bus/truck are never far away if you run out between stops.  Be prepared for rain on some days.  I generally wore lycra which wasn't a problem locally.  You may find your own clipless pedals are good for the hills.   Those who suffer from sea sickness be sure to take your pills so you enjoy the whole tour experience as there are several excellent boat trips you don't want to miss.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This tour is quite full on, don't expect to have hours on hand for shopping, etc.  It covers quite a good distance in a combination of cycling, transfer, and alternative forms (overnight train and boat).  However, some great relaxing moments on day boat trips, and swimming before dinner at some hotels.  The hotels were better standard than I was expecting and sharing was never too crowded.  Great trip!

   
• 

  Claire Ellis

  CYCLING VIETNAM

  

  Written May 2012

  This was such a wonderful trip - everything was better than I'd expected from how well we were looked after, to the scenery, the food and the cycling. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Cycling downhill from the Hai Van Pass. Well worth the trip up there. 

  Also drinking 50p ice cold beer in the hotel swimming pool on the beach after a particularly challenging day. Bliss. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent. Long was attentive, professional, enthusiastic, hillarious and knowledgeable. A great guide and a loverly person. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't do this trip if you're a hard core cyclist and only want to power through to the end. Go if you want to enjoy the experience at the same time as enjoying some varied rides. 

  I really valued taking a seat cover. I'd also recommend taking thin long sleaved tops and gloves. The sun was so strong and it was so hot that sun cream was pretty useless against the sweat. You need clothes for uv protection 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I didn't take malaria pills and was fine - I was pretty confident that we weren't in malarial zones. However, there is one mozzie heavy trip to the Cu Chi tunnels - DEET recommended. 

   

   

   

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ?