Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite part of the trip was the visit to Halong Bay. The karst mountain scenery was just gorgeous and our experience dining and sleeping on the boat was exceptional. Kayaking here was the cherry on top. My most inspirational moment was likely visiting the day program for individuals who had been mentally or physically impacted by the war. Having an opportunity to purchase some of the beautiful embroidery they created was very meaningful for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jay was an absolutely incredible guide from start to finish! He made the most of our travel time together on the bus by sharing his wealth of knowledge about Vietnam and the rich history of the country. He was always willing to answer our questions and did all that he possibly could to maximize our enjoyment of the trip. Dee and Thida were our guides on the extension in Cambodia and they were also terrific. These three guides enhanced my enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would have been more comfortable on the hikes if I had brought along my hiking poles. If doing the Cambodia extension, and using American currency, it is important to know that currency will only be accepted if it is crisp and rip free. It is also preferred that it be dated within the last ten years.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the cultural immersion, even during cycling there was so much culture to bathe in. You cannot escape the cultural aspect, and you’ll learn so much about the making of different crafts, and how the indigenous communities combine their efforts to ensure their survival and that nobody in their community is left vulnerable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hue (Lilly) enthusiastic, sociable and shared local and historical knowledge as well as personal experience. Her organisational skills were spot on and her spoken English was excellent. In short, she went over and above to ensure we were happy and safe. She’s probably by far the best tour leader I’ve had on Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went during the first two weeks of April so don’t underestimate the weather. The further South you go the hotter it becomes. Make sure you drink plenty of water, take a hat, sunblock, sunglasses, hand sanitiser/wet wipes, swimwear, inset repellent and a good pair of walking trainers and sandals. Take quick dry or light cotton clothing. The homestays and sleeper train provide decent bedding and mosquito nets (in former) but might want to take a sleeping bag liner. Fortunately Hue had the foresight to request gel saddle seats to save us from sore bottoms during our bike rides. Having gel seats is not a norm but can be requested by the tour leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just how well the country has recovered from the devastating American/Vietnam war and how the people have gotten on with their lives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very lucky to have Ashley Truong as our leader. A young woman from the central part of Vietnam who was always happy to chat and share her knowledge of all parts of Vietnam. Apart from the organisational aspect of her role which she fulfilled admirably, she was fun and understood the group's sense of humour which wasn't too off the wall but is often difficult for a non native English speaker. She explained a lot of the history and current political issues of the country without appearing to be biased or bitter. She made the trip all the more worthwhile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The homestays are quite adequate for westerners although you do have to share with several others and the toilet facilities are clean but basic. The hotels are clean but generally 3 star and perhaps a bit dated in the decor. It seemed very safe (although you do have to take sensible precautions with wallets and cameras). Crossing the road is a case of walk purposely across without hesitation and the scooters will drive around you which can be a bit disconcerting at times. The treks are really just walks around the homestays and the bike rides are mostly on roads with the attendant lorry and scooter traffic. So the activity level is pretty moderate. You are on the go all the time except for a couple of nights in Hoi An which is a fun filled city where you can get bespoke clothes made up overnight.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many different things to do and see. I enjoyed the optional cycle tour in Hoian where I tried to weave mats, samples rice wine and made rice paper. The bamboo theatre show in Ho Chi Minh was an excellent entertainment on our last evening. The tunnels in HCM City are terrifying, and although I baulked at going down with the group, I did manage a solo scamper. The thought of people crawling through and living in tunnels a quarter of the size that we went through is terrifying but inspires admiration. My advice? take part in everything so that you can experience everything.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ashley was beyind excellent. I arrived a day earlier than the trip start and she responded immediately with recommendations of activities for the morning. Throughout the trip she was well-organised and calm. She has a grear sense of humour and sense of fun and showed that she really cared that we had a good time

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try as much as you can and join in! The treks are not arduous and the cycle rides are short with plenty of rest opportunities

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many inspirational moments. I particularly enjoyed the boat trip around Halong Bay. You won’t see such an amazing sight anywhere else. The contrast between Hanoi and Saigon, while not inspirational, is definitely an experience not to be missed. In both cities, the scooter is king of the road and the sheer number of them on the go at any time of the day or night is not to be missed. The Cu Chi Tunnels were extremely interesting and if you can manage it, definitely worth going down them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Tu Vu was the best group leader I’ve ever had. Nothing was too much trouble for him. All he seemed to want was for us to have the most brilliant time ever and be safe at all times. He was a constant source of information telling us so much about Vietnam that you can’t get from a book. Tu also was very funny and we spent a number of evenings playing cards together having a great laugh. After 2 years of no tours, he seemed to just step straight back into the role as if there had been no break. He is also the youngest group leader I’ve ever had and had endless amounts of enthusiasm and energy. When monsoon rain caused flooding in Hue and Hoi An, our planned activities had to be cancelled. Tu very calmly made alternative arrangements with Exodus and kept us informed of these at all times. There was no sense of panic or not knowing what to do by him, just a very professional approach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for constant traffic in both Hanoi and Saigon especially scooters. It’s an experience to be enjoyed not feared. Go with an open mind and you’ll have the most wonderful time. This is not a trip with a lot of difficult physical activity. If you can manage it, go to Cambodia as well but do check flight times as five days can be only three and a half days in reality.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so many great moments but really meeting locals was just fabulous. Hearing the guide being so honest with us, and answering our questions about the life and culture was just amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tu the group leader was amazing, he went far above and beyond what was necessary. His knowledge was so impressed and he was so friendly and easy to have a laugh with

Advice for Potential Travellers

No, I think all the trip notes and the guide really make it so easy

Most Inspirational Moment

Really difficult to answer, but I really enjoyed the boat trip from the second homestay to Thung Nai, the scenery was beautiful. I also enjoyed the optional bike ride out of Hoi An, and the cookery class. I would definitely recommend doing these if you can. It's just a great trip and there are too many highlights to mention!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ashley is a legend!! The most professional, organised, knowledgeable and fun group leader you are going to find. She works so hard, we were lucky to have her lead this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a busy trip, but the rewards are great! Embrace all the opportunities, even if it means an early start (the floating market).

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say; there were so many. Experiencing the street life in Hanoi where traders carried their wares on paniers balanced on their shoulders as they wove between the traffic. Sharing a long house with all the other members of our group on only the second night of the trip. Wondering why there was a large boat travelling towards an end of the Da River reservoir and then later finding in moored by our homestay and discovering it was the mobile supermarket; stocked with almost anything you might wish to buy. Kayaking amongst the rocks in Ha Long Bay. Eating in a restaurant across the road from our hotel in Hoi An where we were the only western diners, live fish swam in plastic bowls at the side of the restaurant and we enjoyed the best seafood noodles of the trip (and we had enjoyed quite a few) Trying the many variations of Pho. The cooking lesson in Hoi An and helping to prepare dinner at our wonder Mekong Delta homestay ……………………………...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tuyen was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. He opened his country up to us with great enthusiasm and supported all of us throughout the trip. The mix of history, culture, food and personal experience was amazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I ignored advice from other travellers to take your own bike saddle and regretted it as I couldn't cope with the narrow saddles and had to give up after a few miles; which was a shame as I had been very much looking forward to the bike rides.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay boat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sometimes difficult to understand what he said, but he was very hard working.