Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The thing that most inspired me and restored my faith in `humanity` was the welcome from the people, especially the children who waved and shouted hello wherever we rode. The riders in the Tour de France couldn't have had a better reception.The opportunities to undertake other activities was better than expected, and included snorkelling, parascending, kayaking, as well as a cookery lesson. And the overnight cruise in Halong Bay was superb.And the cycling wasn't bad either, with one awesome and some moresome descent of 30 kilometers !Mind you, it did get pretty hot as well; and when it rains, you know it, but carry on cycling anyway 'cos you'll soon dry out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi Nguyen, was very hard working; always available to help or translate, well organised and a dry sense of humour.  Both himself  and his team couldn't be faulted.Apparently he is very good at kareoke as well, but that's just his opinion!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go for it, and enjoy !

Suggestions

Don't wait too long to go to Vietnam, as it could soon get too westernised and lose some of it's beautiful charm.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Saigon you must visit the War Renmants museum and for me cycling the 103 km from Dalat past villages and forests was just out of this world. Meeting the local ethnic people along the way made this a great bike ride. To finish up with a 30 km down hill fast ride in the forest made a great way to end the day after some up hill climbs. Every day was different with other good cycling days and I was please to cycle up the Hai Van Pass even if it was not that easy I made it to the top and then it was all down hill. The food in Vietnam was good and very cheap in the places where we stayed. The beaches with golden sands and deep blue water are some of the best I have seen in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Lam and his staff helped out to made this a real great cycling holiday.  Lam made the holiday and with his staff we had good stops for rest every 15 to 20 km. So it was not so hard to ride 100 km in one day and after the fist few days you got use to longer days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best take good cycling cloths like pedded shorts as you will need them. A must is a long sleeved cycling shirt if you are not used to the sun you will burn and plentry of good sun protection and after sun. Gel cvover for the bike saddle can be of use.

Suggestions

If you like cycling then go for this holiday and you will have the time of you life and it a great way to see the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the cycling climbs. The descents were quite awesome as well. Had the best meal for a long time in Hoi An. Truly wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole team were wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

I spend a lot of time in the region so was not too taken aback at the culture, scenery or general hustle and bustle, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience of my first overnight train journey despite the "prison-cell" conditions of First Class and was left in awe of some of the viewpoints over the passes during the cycling stages. For me the triumph was finishing the 30km uphill climb at the end of the tour - and ignoring the group leader's sage advice on careful riding to hurtle down the other side through thick fog and kickbacks to lower altitude and some breathtaking views. Riding at its best!

Thoughts on Group Leader

His enthusiasm and versatility in changing the itinerary to ensure maximum experiences made the trip for me. He was on hand without being pushy and seemed genuinely interested in making the trip a success for everyone - while maintaining an irreverent attitude and humorous approach throughout. Even his restaurant recommendations were sound - ranging from Vietnamese to Italian and Asian BBQs - and seemed to ideally suit the mood / budgets of the goup. I would certainly view him as a major asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack - the tour leader arranged two laundry stops en route for pennies, but do consider the climate spectrum (in March at least) and pack a sweatshirt / jeans for evenings as you head further North.The Trek bikes provided were more than adequate for the cycling on this trip and unless you are a pro-wannabe doubt you would gain any additional benefit from the hassle of bringing your own machine, though a gel seat at least is a must.

Suggestions

A fantastic experience. I've never shared a room, been on a guided tour or been on a cycled much further than the next town.If the rest of Exodus's offerings are as enjoyable I will repeat all three.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling full pelt downhill for 30km in about 50 minutes.......starting in the mist, rain and cold weather at the top of the mountain and ending up safe and sound at the bottom with the biggest smile on my face!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was the leader - what a great chap....couldn't have wished for a better tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in March, the temperature difference between south and north is very noticeable. The mountains outside Dalat are colder than you will probably pack for.........and Halong Bay was a bit nippy too.  Take a fleece and a light rain-proof jacket.  Oh, and the coach will not have heating....just air con.  No issues with mozzies, the hotels are great.  Look out for the old propaganda posters to buy in Hanoi.

Suggestions

My second cycling trip with Exodus - the previous was Cuba - and this was better.  As ever, it's the group that makes the difference, and I was lucky enough to have a great one. 

Most Inspirational Moment

- day5 the downhill section from Dalat mountain to sea level, 30km all downhill at a speed of over 40kmh, RIDE OF MY LIFE -  day 10 the penninsula on the way to Hue City, this was most like in guide books, this is the vietnam they show on TV

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was very good, excellent guy, very fit biker

Advice for Potential Travellers

- suncare, long sleeve shirts for the ride

Suggestions

thank you

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was a fantastic leader, he was very informative, helpful, chatty, all round excellent.  We had a couple of bad incidents, one lady came off her bike and broke her leg and we were involved in a road accident.  Chi was fantastic with how he dealt with both incidents, we could not have asked for more in a guide.

Suggestions

Brilliant holiday - would very much recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling downhill in a monsoon (probably wasn't a monsoon but felt like it!), meeting the local people and seeing Halong Bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Chi was exceptional, for such a busy trip nothing was too much trouble for him and he was always there if needed. He also knew everything about everything, and you can't get much better than that!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visit Vietnam now before it becomes too spoilt and expensive. Get yourself fairly bike fit before you go so that you get the most out of your cycling. Be prepared for a very busy schedule and a lot of bus journeys! (necessary to be able to see the whole country)