Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Four really …. Ha Long Bay - An amazing and beautiful place with the limestone peaks. We were fortunate that the weather for both days was beautiful and blue skies and calm seas . We were able to see this in all its glory and also to Kayak in the waters The Cu Chi Tunnels- again an amazing place and experience and to hear the stories Boat cruise from Whale Island and snorkelling and swimming in the beautiful clear seas Finally , inspired by all the Vietnamese people in Ho Chi Minh City on scooters. It was amazing !!! . I never tired of watching the people on the scooters. Many carrying all description of things and / or with two or three passengers , including children !!!! An amazing sight . No picture adequately show how it truly is !!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader , LAM NGUYEN , was excellent He led the group really well . He got to know all the members of the group quickly and helped everyone when necessary His instructions for the days were clear and it was good when they backed up with the Daily Ride Plans . He described the routes , during the days , clearly paying particular attention to safety when necessary…. “No Dominos” being his description and perfectly described what he didn’t want to happen. There were no accidents throughout the trip …. when you consider there was 17 in the group this shows he ran it perfectly His knowledge of Vietnam of the places we cycled and visited and of the history was very extensive . This made for the trip to Vietnam to be really interesting and memorable. Yes … Lam was an excellent Group Leader , and as said ably supported by the mechanic and bus support driver

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it !!!! Do not be put off by the trip notes where reference is made to the times spent on the bus . Whilst it can be a few hours there is always plenty to see thereby giving you a full appreciation of Vietnam

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking was exceptional, each day was different and this developed as the week progressed. The last day at Pte Piana was a highlight both the walking and exploring the sites of the trenches on the top of the mountain. Jenny recommended various options for our day off and a group of us visited the Lumen museum, on a whiteout day, it was a memorable experience. Christmas Eve celebrations in the hotel were exceptional and really added to the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny is an excellent leader, she is very knowledgeable and skilled and imparts confidence in her group. I particularly gained a lot from Jenny. She has a great can do attitude, she is roughly the same age and size as me and this gave me huge confidence to try things and also in my ability. Jim agrees with my comments.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Orang utan sanctuary and the Sunbears. Boat trips on Kinabatangan River.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both were totally brilliant. They couldn't have been better. Very well organised, excellent communication, totally helpful above and beyond what I would expect. I learned so much and had such a fantastic experience. They couldn't have done better. Special mention for Jason's prompt reorganisation when the train from KL to Penang was seriously delayed. He organised an alternative minibus which picked us up in less than half an hour!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Taj Mahal, the elephants at the rescue centre, Jaipur but more importantly the company and camaraderie.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajay was passionate about his country and about delivering the best experience for his clients. His English was excellent as proved by his sense of humour. We felt safe with him, nothing was too much trouble and he went above and beyond to ensure we had the best trip. It was my first time travelling with a group and he made sure all the singles were included and made us bond as a team. He was an excellent advocate for Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Abba Museum visit

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Taj Mahal visit, the cookery lesson and the Christmas morning experience (Hindu temple, flower market, street food, observatory).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naveen was an excellent leader. He gelled with everyone in the group and made us feel welcome, safe and looked after for the whole duration. He explained what was happening at every stage of the trip, ensuring we have the right information at the right time. He was flexible in his approach, always ensuring we had the best possible experience. He provided a range of helpful advice and guidance, and became a friend to everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day spent exploring the backwaters stands out. In a small boat, visiting local households in the morning, and on a houseboat from lunchtime for the night. I found the insight into the local way of life fascinating, and the slower pace very relaxing. The accommodation and food on the houseboat was the highest standard of the whole trip, and as our group was divided between 4 boats, it felt luxuriously peaceful. I loved it ❤️

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shine was a history lecturer, so very knowledgeable about the monuments visited. He could answer any question, which was great, however, sometimes there was an overload of information, impossible to focus on when standing in the heat. Shine was also excellent at spotting wildlife, and often stopped the bus to point out monkeys, bats, or birds in the trees. He also seemed to be able to identify every tree, plant and flower. We learned a lot about nature from him. He was also extremely caring, and showed genuine concern for anyone feeling unwell, or falling behind on treks. Our driver, Vinod, deserves a mention too. He was very skilled at navigating packed cities, hairpin bends on mountain roads, and pot-holed highways, and the bus was always spotlessly clean and fresh-smelling. He showed constant concern for our wellbeing, and was always pleasant and smiley. Lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some things I wish I'd done: - Packed lighter. It's very warm and humid, so loose cotton/linen dresses are best + a straw hat or umbrella to keep the sun off. - Packed older/cheaper clothes. India is very dusty & dirty, and the food stains, so good quality/expensive items get ruined. - Taken binoculars, to better see the incredible birds and wildlife. - Bought more! Clothing, pyjamas, robes, throws, rugs, fabrics, oil-based perfumes, incense cones/sticks & beautiful holders, brass, silver, gold, gems, spices, and art, are all good quality and cheap to buy. It's an excellent way to support artisans and independent traders, and give something back. The experience can be a bit hassly, as traders keep showing you ever more items, but if you can persuade them to let you browse, it's a hugely rewarding experience. - Spoken to more locals. Most speak English, and are happy to chat...about anything!

Most Inspirational Moment

The day spent visiting the marble pillars - a very good walk and an extremely interesting you place to visit. The variety of restaurants visited in the evenings and an extremely pleasant group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best leader I have travelled with - nothing was too much trouble for him and his knowledge was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lions Rock climb, whale watching as saw a blue whale and cycling to lunch at a local home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Definitely in my top 3 guides. Very informative, organised, detailed and yet quite firm. He was observante of everything from when on the bus, walking or in hotel. He assisted all the group at some point Only guide I've known to share how he spent the money

Most Inspirational Moment

Spice market; Taj Mahal; Seikh Temple; Hindu Temple; Flower market, Prince’s homestay:

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naveen is an excellent guide. He is organised and totally on top of things at all times. He exudes an air of confidence which he instils in the group in the apparent 'chaos' of India to a first time visitor. He has excellent knowledge of India and the region and was ever helpful and attendant