Internationale groepsreis Cycle Indochina & Angkor

Ruth

Het was een super rondreis. Heel goed georganiseerd, een mooie balans tussen fietsen en cultuur. Enorm veel indrukken opgedaan. Een uitstekende reisleider, die oog had voor alle groepsleden en voor een fijne sfeer zorgde.

Miguel

Fietsen was erg leuk en mooi door Azië . Leuke manier van reizen

Marie

De fietsreis naar Indochina was in 1 woord geweldig. Het fietsen, de groep, de begeleiding, echt fantastisch. Onze tourguide Is, was geweldig. Ze zorgde steeds dat alles perfect was geregeld en zette zich daar meer dan 100% voor in. Ook de mannen uit de biketeams zorgden ervoor dat wij overal veilig konden fietsen en ieder op zijn eigen tempo. De hotels waren uitstekend en de homestay een prachtige ervaring. Ik was alleen gekomen, maar voelde me dat geen moment. We hadden een hele hechte groep waarin ik me meteen welkom voelde.

Astrid

Er is geen omschrijving ingevuld

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This holiday promised much but failed to meet my expectations. Exodus has recently started using a new local tour operator and it showed. The organisation on this trip was well below the quality standard I have come to expect from Exodus. This trip could have, and indeed should have, been better.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The night on the homestay was a highlight. We got to prepare some of our own food and had the best meal of the entire holiday. The boat trip along the Mekong Delta wasn't bad either!

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was inexperienced having completed this trip only once before. Although friendly and helpful this lack of knowledge was evident and contributed to the less than satisfactory experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are considering this trip i would advise you to wait until the local tour operator has gained more experience otherwise the trip may not meet, never mind exceed, your expectations.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Be prepared - the cycling distances were occassionally less than those listed in the trip notes. Be aware that the optional trip listed on day 7 in the trip notes is only possible if you choose to reduce the cycling distance by half (from 70km to 35km).

Trip of a lifetime

This was my first cycling trip - but it won't be my last! I had a fabulous time traveling with my friend and 2 other people (a very small group) the past few weeks. The highlights were cycling in Thailand - the roads are fantastic (seriously, they're better than in the US/UK...) and the countryside is beautiful, and the support team are fun and helpful; then Angkor Wat in Cambodia - just unmissable, and super to be able to experience them on bike; and then cycling down the Mekong Delta in Vietnam - literally hundreds of children running out to say hello, and an amazing variety of sights and smells as you cycle along tiny back roads.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our first day cycling in Vietnam, though tiny villages of people who were just delighted to see us. Totally unforgettable! In addition, Angkor Wat, which makes you feel like Indiana Jones and is just mind blowing

What did you think of your group leader?

We had Rit - and what a great guy! He was a monk until the age of 25, and told us all about his background and Thai culture which was fantastic (we also benefitted from being such a small group). His organization was flawless - everything was always ready, prepared and on time, so all we had to do was get on the bike and pedal. He was also very funny and genial, which made the whole trip a real pleasure. I can't recommend Rit highly enough.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

So here are some must-takes and don't-takes! Must take - padded cycling shorts - you would be *even* sorer without these! - cycling gloves - otherwise your hands start going numb..... - lots of sunscreen - cycling/sport sunglasses - we discovered that regular ones don't really work well with your helmet... - hand sanitizer and tissues - about a third of the toilet stops are drop-toilets with no running water... Don't need to take - snacks - even though this is in the packing list, the team goes out and buys crisps, fruit and chocolate bars every night, and they're available every hour when you stop. I ended up not eating the ones I'd brought with me - too many clothes -there are 3 opportunities to wash clothes, so you only need a week of clothes, max - electrolyte powder - again, they have this on the support van, although if you like a particular kind, then definitely bring that You also might consider - a handlebar bag - we brought these, and were glad we did. They gave us instant access to our camera, sunblock, hand sanitizer etc., even between the van stops. However, you can also get into your daypack on the bus during the breaks so it's not something you *have* to have. - I cycled mostly in Tevas (sport sandals) and found it more comfortable and cooler than wearing sneakers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had a fabulous time, and definitely want to try a cycling trip with Exodus again. I'm not super fit, and I struggled with the high temperatures at times (38 - 40 c) but the team was patient and kind, and even pushed me up some of the hills!

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great trip, wonderful views and people, but a little disjointed and less cycling that was advertised.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole Cambodia experience.  The cycling was amazing, through villages and backroads, to the temples and lakes.  The people in Cambodia were so welcoming and happy. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good, better than "normal" although I think she needs to find her feet a little.  Moh did go out of her way to help with a few problems on the trip, and also dealt with some people situations very well. She also handled the vietnamese guide very well, who was determined to ruin any tranquility with bad microphone moments The cambodian guide (Digger) was excellent, a wealth of information and a good cyclist

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A really great adventure, don't be put off by the distances this is  holiday with cycling, rather than a cyling holiday

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For me this trip was made by the great group, and good leadership.  I am looking forward to the next

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A tale of three countries!  All wonderful and all very different - landscape, people, food, history.   Very very hot and humid though - and the trip is frontloaded with mileage in East Thailand ... which was actually the least scenic or interesting part of the whole trip .  

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All of Cambodia - and do make sure that you make the trip to Tonle Sap. Having a Thai temple opened up just for us  by our lovely Thai guide and then sitting down with him in the temple listening to him explaining all about village life and the life of the village monks and bringing it all to life ...  and then finding out at the end that he had previously been a monk for 7 years!   It was also good to have some time in the cool calm in the middle of the day too. Phonm Penh for the history - our guide for the Killing Fields/S21 was absolutely superb and very humbling.  The team dinner in PP was amazing too. Homestay in the Mekong delta - for the experience, the hospitality and the food.

What did you think of your group leader?

Joe was great - calm, patient and willing to try everything! 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It is seriously humid and hot in November/December and the cycling is flat, flat, flat so very little breeze to keep one cool.    The support crew were great in Thailand in keeping everyone cool with ice and power drinks but bring your own power drink/rehydration tabs too ... they will definitely get used! You do need to be confident in high volume and erratic traffic (and complete absence of rules of the road!)  when cycling in and around Siem Reap and into and out of some of the Thai towns.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was an excellent cultural and historical tour in three amazingly diverse countries.  If your primary aim is to get under the skin of these countries then definitely go for it!  You will love it.  If you are a really really keen cyclist then you may feel (with the front loaded mileage) that you don't have enough time on your bike over the entirety of the holiday.

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

wide range of activites , easy interesting cycling, Killing Field visit very challenging, amazing range of food , much of it excellent, made more fun by a really good group

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I learned so much - temples of Angkor Wat area were amazing , the scenery of the Mekong Delta fasinating , the food at the homestay was stunning. The history of Killing Fields & S21 prison + Cu Chi tunnels was very sobering. Safely crossing the road in Saigon is always a challenge. Exodus specifically laying on the 'Tet' celebrations in Saigon for us - fantastic flower arrangements! Some restaurants closed but brilliant occasion.

What did you think of your group leader?

1st time for these leaders as Exodus have been taken over by 'Peak' I believe (please correct me if wrong) , so new local guides. To ensure quality Exodus had provided their own assessor - Rich , who added a lot to the group (& is nowhere near as serious as he looks on the Exodus You Tube cycle 'M' check!) Mo fro Thailand - worked very hard to make sure all went smoothly , stayed with us through to Saigon , arranged 2 birthday cakes for group members too! Dyka- Cambodian , very knowledgable about Angkor Wat area , enthusiastic cyclist but got the speed right Yan (?sp) - Vietnamese - could have cycled slghtly slower  - I would have stopped for more photos (probably spared the family more boredom!) All spoke excellent english & had ready smiles

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

there are NO hills on this trip! The cycling is easy , frequent breaks , plenty of water / sprite / bananas / other food

Is there anything else you would like to add?

for Exodus; 1) What about producing some cycling jerseys? Would need something relevant to the trip as 1/2 the point is to stimulate discussion - could say 'I've cycled south east asia with Exodus' - could apply to this trip , Vietnam + Loas trips? 2) We booked late & Malaysia airways were full. This was lucky for us - we were passed to Trailfinders , who booked us with Thai Airways. Same price for the dates but the outward journey was much easier - no stops & 5 hours quicker! 

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This is one of the best trips ever - and I've done plenty! Excellent guides, excellent route and came straight back and booked another cycling trip!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling around Angkor Wat and surrounding temple complexes was a way to see the sights that made you feel a part of it in a way that being on a bus would not have come close to.

What did you think of your group leader?

Superb.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great trip with easy cycling on flat terrain with mostly good roads. Lots of stops for fluid and carbohydrate intake. A wide variety of sights to see and the guide and local guides were very professional and informative.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The friendliness of the people in Vietnam, especially the children who greeted us with cheery 'Hellos' in every village. Not inspirational but memorable were the visits to sights of atrocities in Cambodia and Vietnam. Very upsetting but something that had to be experienced. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Very professional

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

No real problems to prepare for on this trip - just enjoy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Fab way of experiencing new cultures, foods, peoples whilst staying active

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling the paddy fields of Cambodia and Vietnam

What did you think of your group leader?

Absolutely fantastic

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

None really.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

The Cambodia part was great, the Vietnam part really nice too, however the first few days in Thailand (300km or so) was just tiring and a bit uninspiring with little to see - high mileage when everyone was jet lagged and short of sleep. The Mekong delta in Vietnam was lovely although some of the roads were really quite busy and it felt a bit too rushed at times with too few opportunities to take photos. More time in Cambodia and Vietnam to replace the days in Thailand would have suited me, plus more quiet backroads and tracks. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The temples at Angkor, the sunset on Tonle Sap, the homestay / guest house on the Mekong and the friendly local people everywhere.  

What did you think of your group leader?

Good fun and well organised but could have been more aware of health and safety issues and less dismissive of customer concerns.  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get bike fit - although it is very flat, the roads can be a bit rough and it is hot and humid! Don't go if you want to have a relaxing holiday. Most of it is quite early starts and some days are quite hard work.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I get a bit tired of the whole tips things. On this trip we tipped staff in three countries. To give an example, $40 to $50 was suggested by Exodus for the main tour leader. While not a lot as an individual, for the 17 people on our trip that was $680 to $850 for 2 weeks. Is that a tip or are we paying a big part of the guy's wages? A hidden charge I would suggest Exodus.     

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great way to see and experience 3 countries in 2 weeks.  Good weather, good food, good company.  Well managed by local guides

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Loved the floating village (optional trip).  Can see the appeal of this as an alternative lifestyle!

What did you think of your group leader?

Simply the best.  I've been on several guided trips and Wasan is a real star.   Kept us on schedule "you can have as long as you want as long as it's not more than 10 minutes".   Led us well, looked after us well, made sure we regularly fed and watered....   Nothing seemed too much trouble.    Trying to manage a group age range from 20's to 70's is a real challenge, my impression is that no-one was disappointed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just do it! Need minimal amount of clothes as regular low cost laundry available.  And of course you can stock up on cheap clothes in Saigon. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Wish it was all just in front of me rather than a fond memory!

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

 523.3km cycled in 30+ Degree heat (Im pretty sure that was the number! Definetly the 500 and .3km is correct thanks to Colins GPS), phew, luckily snacks and juice and wet icy towel always available at every stage. This was due to first class organisation and the talent and expertise of our trip guide Wasan who always made Plan A work out, but also always had Plan B up his sleeve just in case! If anything I wish we had cycled more as this was the best part of the holiday. Merit is also due to the more mature ladies of our group who kept up throughout. When I am 75 (the oldest of them) I will dream of being able to do half off what they did. Hotels were also better than I expected and good quality throughout. It appears the trip is about to go through a reorganisation of local staff though so I cant vouch for its future maintenanence of the allready extremely high quality. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling around the temples of Angkor Watt were worth the price of the ticket alone. It was a truely magical experiance the first day there in the afternoon sun at the end of a long and hot cycle ride heading back to the hotel just stumbling through one wonderfull sight after another. This is not to say that the myriad other wonderfull cultural wonders that litter the trip were of no significance as our emotions were sobered by the experiance of the recent past of cambodia and Vietnam but raised again by the wonderfull optimism and energy of the people.

What did you think of your group leader?

What can I say about Wasan! His deft use of humour to keep us on track was masterfull and his organisational abilitities second to none.  The only black mark was the huge hug he gave me at the end of the trip. I am an engineer so such blatant shows of emotion are anathema to me, yuech!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

At the home stay watch your Mosquito control. I made the mistake of too many beers and must of set the Mozzie net incorrectly and forgot to spray my deet. 40 bites in the morning later...........

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I could have spent and enjoyed as long as I liked on this holiday but alas it was as long as it was only 14 days!. Thanks Wasan. If only there had been a couple of lads on the holiday it would have been complete, though my liver would have been less so. Special mention also to Ann the 21 year old with her life ahead of her, try not to be so cynical about it all!.

Amazing trip

My husband and I did this holiday in November 2015 so it has taken me a little while to write this review ! Although I cycle regularly since taking early retirement and he is a very fit cyclist I was anxious about the cycling content. However to reassure anyone who is worried, there is brilliant support and at any stage you can hop in the support bus for a rest as each days cycle is broken up into segments of 15 to 20 km etc . I wanted to see Vietnam and Cambodia and he wanted a cycling holiday and so this was the compromise and it was totally brilliant. There was about 17 in our group, and I immediately found out that most were much better cyclists than me. For the first couple of days in Thailand I found it quite taxing as the cycles were long , but the snacks after each stage more than made up for it when you re-energised and rehydrated.The feeling of achievement at the end of each day was amazing. The sights were fantastic. I thought the Thailand section not as inspiring as Cambodia and Vietnam but it was all part of the experience having never been to any of these countries before. The accommodation was pretty good in most of the places we stayed. The night in the traditional Mekon delta guesthouse was absolutely fine although not perhaps my trip highlight although I understand how it would be with others as the holiday info suggested. You even had a shower and ensuite in the guesthouse rooms although the walls were literally paper thin and the setting was beautiful. The various ferry and border crossings we did on our bikes were an adventure in themselves. All in all an awesome holiday

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling through the temple complex of Angkor was quite amazing as was cycling though the streets of Siem Reap with the traffic. We felt perfectly safe with our guides in the traffic. Cambodia was a fascinating country and deeply moving at the various sites we visited in Phnom Penn. Cycling through remote Vietnamese villages with children high fiving us as we went past was just wonderful . Saigon itself was a fascinating places and the visit to the Vietnam war tunnels was very thought provoking . The whole trip was fantastic

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader was Moh and she was quite superb. She looked out for any cyclists tiring, She arranged and sorted all the logistics and she was really a credit to Exodus

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It wasn't clear to me from the trip notes or photos on the website just what people wore for the cycling. You can definitely wear proper padded cycling shorts, and some of our group wore ordinary shorts over the top but it didn't actually matter whether you did or not in terms of decorum in the various countries which was something I had worried about ! You had to put on trousers for the temple visits etc in some places anyway .I would totally recommend cycling shorts with plenty of vaseline around the leg area and although it can be very very hot they don't seem to rub or chafe or make you overheat. Also I took a gel saddle cover which was essential and many others took their own saddle. You don't really need your own energy drinks and gels etc as this is all provided. Also if you get a bit fed up with regional food, by the time you get to Siam Reap and go off on your own for free time there are plenty of Western food places as well ! Sunscreen is essential. Many of the hotels stayed in had wifi or a computer in the lobby so you can keep in touch from time to time

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just a fabulous holiday

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Oct 2015

Excellent trip from start to finish. Organisation was amazing, we didn't have to worry about anything ourselves. Cycling was really good, with amazing support team throughout the three countries. Great group of people too who all enjoyed themselves. Will definitely do another cycling holiday with Exodus

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

So many - Cambodia with its awe inspiring temples, but then the sadness of the killing fields. huge numbers of children shouting hello when you cycled by, cycling through a flood in the Mekong Delta...

What did you think of your group leader?

Rit was amazing. He was so professional and made sure that we were well looked after and had nothing to worry about for the whole of the holidday

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

just an awesome trip, far excelled what we were expecting

14 days in Indochina, and a bit more

A small, eclectic group of people, who enjoyed each other's company, and shared some wonderful experiences on a cycle through 3 countries. The cycling days were long, fast and flat. Very enjoyable, on well maintained bikes. Safety was taken care of by a very attentive team, shepherding us through busy, but generally slow, and forgiving traffic in towns. Outside the towns, the roads were empty, and well maintained. The sightseeing was well organised, with commentary by well informed local guides.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The temples at Angkor Wat are huge and impressive. Cycling through the back streets alongside the waterways of the Mekong delta gave a fascinating insight into local life. However, for sheer, jaw dropping shock, nothing can prepare a visitor, for seeing the Killing Fields, and S-21 prison. The visit was made even more poignant, by meeting the only 2 living survivors, and from the personal insights of the Cambodian Guide.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rit did an amazing job. He was always good humoured, and tolerant of teasing. very good company in his own right. He led the tour through 3 different countries, with a separate support team in each one. No mean feat. A top cyclist, and a top man!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take US dollars for the tour tipping kitty. Use the out of hotel laundry, much cheaper than the hotels. Try to have a look at Chau Doc, in the short time you're there, an amazing waterfront on the Mekong. Take insect repellent, especially for the home stay.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

When it rains, you don't get cold.

Great trip

This was a fantastic trip which offered a really good mixture of cycling & sightseeing (countryside, cities, historical monuments & wonders of the world). I especially loved the cycling in Thailand, which is where most of the riding is done (the trip notes are not up to date so the mileage each day is a bit different in reality). The Thai cycling team are absolutely fantastic so you can go as fast or as slow as you like & I loved going for it. The feeling of freedom cycling along long rural roads in the sun passing, among other things, paddy fields, water buffalo & rubber tree plantations is amazing. In Cambodia it is more about the sights - Angkor Wat, killing fields etc so there is less cycling & what there is is a bit slower & the group has to stay together due to the roads being very busy. I would recommend reading up a little in advance of the trip so you can make the most & really understand what you're going to see as the local guides cant possibly tell you everything. In Vietnam again the cycling is quite easy but it's a really amazing place. The people of Vietnam are so welcoming with the homestay & Saigon being two of my favourite parts of the whole trip. The optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is also a must.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sounds obvious but the cycling was the highlight of my trip. The scenery was beautiful & it was lovely to ride along in such great surroundings, chatting to the group & the guides. I just felt great & everyone was lovely.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nee was brilliant - she made sure everyone was Ok at all times, organised us all, got us across the borders (not a particularly relaxing experience!), made an effort to socialise with the group & kept everything under control, but with good humour throughout.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The mozzies weren't as bad as some of the other reviewers have suggested (at least not in Sept when I went), so don't worry too much about that! I usually get bitten to death so was dreading that side of it but only got a couple of bites. Definitely take a gel seat cover as none of the bike saddles are especially comfortable. I took one & was very glad of it. Prepare yourself for some very basic bathroom facilities. They're fine but most Westerners aren't used to squatting so warm your thighs up!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would say I'm quite fit although not normally a cyclist, but I found that I'd have liked more cycling in the trip so if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge I'd consider going for a tougher trip. That said I'd have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this trip - don't wait, just book it! You won't have any regrets.

Brilliant

A great experience,perfect combination of cycling,temples and cities, through three interesting countries with like minded travelers and a great guide Rit.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not one but many, Cycling up and through the Angor temples. The children greeting and high fiving you when cycling through the small villages, The rides in Thailand with the Black family Mr black the support truck driver and photographer, his sons Noor and Nok the support riders, the snack break all prepared before we arrived at each stop and dinner at night with the group watching the days photos and video. The road side markets selling Snakes,Rats and spiders and finally the warmth and friendliness of the local people in each country. The laughs with the group and Rit.

What did you think of your group leader?

I read the reviews of Rit before we traveled and completely agree with them in that he is a genuinely caring generous person with a huge smile and is always making sure everyone is enjoying themselves.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

read the trip notes, all the advise is there and enjoy the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The level of organisation was excellent in all the countries and especially Thailand and the trip was exactly as it is described.