Thai Indochina Explorer

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• AB

  Alma
  Written on January 27, 2018

  4.5 - Excellent

  The Indo China Tour was good. There is a mixture of activity. Guides always try to do their best to show case their country, especially IS our tour guide in Thailand. She is very helpful, she educate us about the food in Thailand and always on top of everything

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  Anonymous
  Written on September 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This is an amazing trip! I didn't know what to expect as this was my first holiday with Exodus and I was not disappointed! Visiting three countries in two weeks seems a bit much but it makes me want to revisit each one in more depth! The culture and diversity of each country was impressive. Of course any group holiday is made even more enjoyable by the company and all I can say is a big thank you to my fellow travellers for making this trip so memorable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The people of both Vietnam and Cambodia inspired me after hearing and seeing the traumas they have suffered over the years. Liem (sp?) our guide for the The Cu Chi tunnels was very informative and answered all questions thrown at her during our visit here and to the Vietnam War museum. Paddling along in a sampan during an horrendous thunderstorm was totally surreal! Staying in the Homestay was a brilliant experience along with Mrs Baa the owner allowing us all loose in her kitchen, brave lady! Two (sp) our guide for the Mekong leg of our trip again was very accommodating and answered all questions! Nothing was too much trouble. Having visited the Killing Fields and S21 during our visit to Cambodia was a very emotional time for us all I think. It was an incredibly humbling experience, knowing that this atrocity happened in my lifetime and to hear first hand how it has touched every family in Cambodia in some way. Although it was emotional I think that the itinerary was handled with sensitivity allowing us time to reflect and gather our thoughts. The people of both countries have shown resilience in the face of adversity and this has inspired me personally to take stock. We visited a couple of restaurants in Cambodia, Friends International in Phnom Phen and Muram(?) In Siem Reap, these are a must! Training restaurants for young people that are marginalised for various reasons, the youngsters were an inspiration!What did you think of your group leader?Thyda our group leader, with us through Vietnam and Cambodia was amazing! Her knowledge of the places visited was second to none! She was exceptional! She was able to read a situation, tailor it to the groups needs even without us being aware of it half the time. Thyda made everything run so smoothly, she is a definite asset to the tour company! She found some amazing restaurants. She was extremely accommodating, sorting out everything that was needed to be sorted without any fuss! It was just a shame that she did not finish the tour with us to Thailand, we missed her dreadfully!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The humidity is extremely high in August! Be prepared! Lots of wet ones, cool spray, sunhat to try and help keep you cool. Drink lots of water. Take tissues or toilet paper from hotel with you in daybag and be prepared for squat toilets in some places, you do get used to them after a while! Take antibacterial gel too. Lots of deet is needed, especially when in the Mekong Delta Homestay. Is there anything else you would like to add?This holiday is a must! It was not too taxing at all. There were not too many long bus journeys during the travels. The itinerary was very well thought out except for the Bangkok trip. Far too rushed. Off plane, straight into lunch, Grand Palace and canal ride as well as river boat ride back to hotel. Felt as though the stopwatch was on us and we were being rushed from one place to the next without any breathing space. Would have been so much better to make this a half day trip the following day after having settled in to hotel and got our bearings. I was not impressed with Sihanoukville at all. From the trip notes i was expecting to spend time on idyllic sandy beaches. It was more like a backpackers/hostel seaside town with a shabby/dirty feel about it. The hotel here was definitely not up to the standard of the other very good hotels we had stayed in on the trip. I had to ask to be moved as the room smelled musty and there was mould growing in the wardrobe. In the defence of the hotel, they were very prompt with apology and moved me immediately. There was work in progress during our stay so we could not use the facilities. Maybe Exodus should have used another hotel instead. Again, in defence of the town we did go on a boat trip that was an experience in itself for good reasons as we had such a laugh and did spend time on a lovely quiet beach, I would not let this put you off going on this trip as its only a small blip in an otherwise amazing experience. There is so much to see and do on this trip that I would even go on it again as I feel there is so much to see and learn. I would definitely recommend this trip.
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 3, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent trip and a great introduction to SE Asia. The pace was just right and the combination of cultural activities and free time was perfect. It was great to spend the 2 weeks in sociable, like-minded company and my fellow travellers and tour leader made it even more memorable.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many...! The Homestay in the Mekong Delta was a highlight of the trip, even down to getting caught in a thunderstorm and torrential rain on our Sampan boats! The host was welcoming and her food delicious and the surprise entertainment at the end of the night was magical. The Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam were also amazing to experience, especially facing my fears of claustrophobia..!Cambodia was special too, particularly the moving visits to the Killing Fields and S21, both very emotional but essential places to visit to truly understand the history of this wonderful country. Although our time in Bangkok was short, the Royal Palace was extremely impressive and exceeded my expectations prior to the trip.What did you think of your group leader?Thyda was outstanding! Her passion and enthusiasm for her country was evident and her knowledge second to none. Nothing was too much trouble and she certainly went the extra mile in organising our meals and activities in the evenings-she was great company and was sorely missed when we left her behind in Cambodia! A top notch holiday made even better with our fantastic group leader. Our additional tour guides in Vietnam were also very good, especially our guide (Too??) who was with us during the Mekong homestay.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Deet is a must, especially in the Mekong. If you like shopping, make sure you have room in your luggage...souvenirs and gifts are very cheap! Be prepared for the humidity...even in monsoon season. Light, summer clothes (and waterproofs!) are essential.Is there anything else you would like to add?The whole trip was superb, but I was disappointed with the resort of Sihanoukville...it didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the trip and the rather 'tacky' resort was not what was expected. Our hotel, which was in the process of being renovated, was again disappointing compared to others we stayed in and although the rooms were comfortable enough, some areas of the hotel were closed. (ie swimming pool) Although a stay by the beach was appealing, this resort, sadly, was not.Our short time in Bangkok was enjoyable and the Royal Palace impressive. However, after arriving off our flight from Cambodia, the subsequent lunch and tour of the palace was extremely rushed and I felt that I couldn't appreciate the sights of the palace as much as I'd have liked. There was so much to see yet we had too little time. Maybe a free afternoon after arriving in Bangkok and the palace visit the next day would be better.Despite these minor hiccups, it was still an amazing holiday and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to experience some of the highlights that SE Asia has to offer. Once again Exodus has delivered a fascinating, action packed holiday and given me some long lasting memories. Thank you!
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  Anonymous
  Written on February 14, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Brilliant trip!  Lots to see and do with a wide variety of historical and cultural interest. Great food and cheap!  Thoroughly recommendedWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The history of CambodiaWhat did you think of your group leader?T was superb!
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  Anonymous
  Written on December 14, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  A great way to experience the culture of 3 countries.  While there are many similarities, each country and it's culture was unique.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I found the resilience of the Cambodia people to be amazing in light of what they went through in the last 30 years yet in turn were so friendly and welcoming.What did you think of your group leader?Our tour leader, Kinal, was fantastic!  She was very knowledgeable, she worked at engaging all members of the group and most of all she was a lot of fun.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Lot's of Deet, especially on the ankles.Make sure you try the fried spiders. Is there anything else you would like to add?The only improvement to the trip would be to either spend more time in either HCMC or the delta then drive through to Cambodia and not stay in Chau Doc.
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  Anonymous
  Written on December 13, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  A great trip! A mix of cultural sites, emotionally moving sites (war remnants, killing fields) and relaxing beach time. All round a great way to rest and see 3 countries!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The Cu Chi tunnels (Vietnam); S.21 prison and killing fields (Cambodia) was definitely the most moving part of the journey. You get to both see and experience (if you go into the  Cu Chi tunnels) what it was like when these events were happening.The Homestay was also very nice in seeing what life in the Mekong delta was good.Finally the visits to Bayon Temple/Angkor Wat and the other temples was fanstatic!What did you think of your group leader?Kinal was an incredible tour leader. She kept the group energy up and made the tour both fun and efficient. She had excellent knowledge of the areas she took us round (in particular Cambodia which is where she's from) and had everything well organised. All our questions were answered well.Kudos to her for her skills as a group leader!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I took ~ £300 with me to cover food and other expenses and it was about right.Take bug spray (in particular to the Mekong Delta) Is there anything else you would like to add?Definitely book yourself on this trip if you want and introduction to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. (or in general SE Asia). You will not be disappointed!!
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 29, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was an amazing trip - one of the best holidays we have ever been on.  The scenery, the people and the food were all outstanding.  The guides were very knowledgeable.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?In Vietnam it was the Homestay on the Mekong Delta.In Cambodia it was Siem Reap and the Angkor complex - an amazing place.  Also the boat trip on Ton Le Sap lake to the floating village was excellent.Bangkok was a pleasant surprise, surpassing our expectations prior to the trip.What did you think of your group leader?All of our group leaders were excellent (Thuy in Vietnam, Chianny in Cambodia and Da in Bangkok).Chianny's enthusiasm for his country and his people are worthy of special mention.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Travel light - the majority of the hotels have a very reasonable laundry service so be careful not to overpack.  Comfortable shoes are essential.Is there anything else you would like to add?This was a truly amazing holiday and we would recommend it to anyone who has not visited this area before.  The food across the whole region is amazing, although having rice for breakfast takes a bit of getting used to!!  There is vast contrast between the hustle and bustle of cities such as Saigon and the slower pace of life in smaller towns such as Siem Reap, but we are very glad we experienced it all.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 29, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was an amazing trip - one of the best holidays we have ever been on.  The scenery, the people and the food were all outstanding.  The guides were very knowledgeable.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?In Vietnam it was the Homestay on the Mekong Delta.In Cambodia it was Siem Reap and the Angkor complex - an amazing place.  Also the boat trip on Ton Le Sap lake to the floating village was excellent.Bangkok was a pleasant surprise, surpassing our expectations prior to the trip.What did you think of your group leader?All of our group leaders were excellent (Thuy in Vietnam, Chianny in Cambodia and Da in Bangkok).Chianny's enthusiasm for his country and his people are worthy of special mention.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Travel light - the majority of the hotels have a very reasonable laundry service so be careful not to overpack.  Comfortable shoes are essential.Is there anything else you would like to add?This was a truly amazing holiday and we would recommend it to anyone who has not visited this area before.  The food across the whole region is amazing, although having rice for breakfast takes a bit of getting used to!!  There is vast contrast between the hustle and bustle of cities such as Saigon and the slower pace of life in smaller towns such as Siem Reap, but we are very glad we experienced it all.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 21, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  A good mix of countryside / Mekon delta and cities. good hotels and excelent positions.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I loved the Delta boat trip.  For me one of the main attractions was the river system and everyday life on the river. I consider the holiday provided a good mix of everyday life and comfort.What did you think of your group leader?We had three different leaders and each one was knowageable, friendly and helpful.  The leader in Camboda in particular showed his love of his country and people.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Travel lightIs there anything else you would like to add?It would havd been an even better experence if the flights had been more direct eg london Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok london.  Or we could have spent the last days in Kuala Lumpur not Bangkok.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 21, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  A good mix of countryside / Mekon delta and cities. good hotels and excelent positions.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I loved the Delta boat trip.  For me one of the main attractions was the river system and everyday life on the river. I consider the holiday provided a good mix of everyday life and comfort.What did you think of your group leader?We had three different leaders and each one was knowageable, friendly and helpful.  The leader in Camboda in particular showed his love of his country and people.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Travel lightIs there anything else you would like to add?It would havd been an even better experence if the flights had been more direct eg london Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok london.  Or we could have spent the last days in Kuala Lumpur not Bangkok.