A great introduction to Vietnam This was my first trip to Asia and the itinerary was excellent. We visited 3 main places Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh city. All very different but fascinating in their own ways. The trips to Halong Bay and the Mekong delta were also fascinating and very different. The Mekong delta used basic boats and Halong Bay boat was very comfortable with excellent food and service. We also had a great visit to cookery school where lesson was presented very well and with great humour. The visit to Angkor wat was fascinating and more impressive than anticipated. A great introduction to Asia
I had very high expectations of the country having wanted to go there for over 10 years and put the trip off on a few occasions. I know many people who have been to Vietnam and they have all come back with glowing reviews and this trip did not let me down at all. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single day and was amazed with how beautiful and old fashioned the country. Honestly, this is the best way to see a country as you really do take in sights, sounds and smells of it (plus a bit of mud, grit and diesel fumes). It will take a lot to top this trip.
Cycling Indochina & Angkor The trip was a retirement present to myself and in the months between booking and departing I had intended to get many miles under my (too large) belt. When the time came to leave I was more than a little anxious as I hadn't exactly hit my training targets, had never done this kind of holiday before and was travelling alone.
From the moment I first stepped on to the bike I knew that my fears were unfounded, The trip was among the best holidays I have ever taken. The cycling was wonderful, the scenery and ancient sites beautiful, the staff, support, equipment and organisation exemplary and the food delicious and cheap.
The accommodation ranged from very good to more modest hotels but all were clean and had en suite facilities. I had paid a single room supplement and was a litle disappointed to be sharing (for one night only) in the delighful "homestay" but this was a very minor inconvenience.
The group was large and diverse but here was huge companionship, support and banter between us and the staff ensured that both stronger cyclists and less experienced had plenty of fun and challenge.
It was brilliant to experience three different countries and cultures. In each the local tour guides gave interesting and educational background to visits. This part of the world has had more than its share of troubles and it was brilliant to see how each country is responding and developing. Throughout, the local people were welcoming and friendly - in Vietnam, for example, we were greeted by high-fiving children and shouts of "hello" at every village.
The days ranged from some long rides in the sun to occasional bus transfers and shorter excursions but all were punctuated by the excellent snack van providing lovely refreshments and fresh water at very regular intervals.
In summary I loved it, was sad when it finished and am already browsing the web for the next adventure.
Linh DoTravel Expert in Cambodia and Vietnam
Arturo GuerreroTravel Expert in Cambodia and Vietnam
Tran Thu HaTravel Expert in Cambodia and Vietnam
