4 independent reviews for Vietnam cycling holiday, small group
Reviews for Vietnam cycling holiday, small group
Jo Bertenshaw review 21 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I loved the fact that it was an active trip that allowed you to get up close with the real Vietnam. We cycled through villages where local children ran out to say hello to us and we saw places you wouldn’t normally had you just travelled by bus or train. Cycling up the Hai Van Pass was a real challenge but will always be very memorable experience. Our guide was fantastic and full of knowledge about Vietnam.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do get fit for the trip as you will enjoy it more. Alternatively, if your fitness is lacking, opt for an e-bike; those who took that option were able to keep up with everyone (and beat us on the hills!) and it meant that they too could enjoy it and not struggle, feeling like you were being left behind all the time. Also, there is no shame in getting on the bus if the cycling gets too much for you, several people took that option at times too. Other more practical tips would be to bring Camelbak (or equivalent version) as it made it easier to rehydrate whilst cycling. Definitely wear padded cycling shorts and a small (quick dry) towel is handy for when you are all hot and sweaty! Also, have tops that cover your shoulders as the sun is really strong and when you are out in the sun for hours, you definitely catch it. Finally, do read the trip notes, it contains lots of useful advice for the trip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, lots was done to have a more positive effect on the local people and the environment. We ate in many local restaurants, cafes and even people’s houses. Not only did that mean it was cheaper but you are supporting those smaller places that might normally get overlooked in a village or town. Water was bought in bulk to share which meant we didn’t keep buying plastic bottles of water. Snacks, including lots of fresh fruit, were bought in the local markets. These were also shared to reduce food waste. We were all given a fabric bag and this took away the need to use plastic bags when shopping.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a fabulous holiday that I would totally recommend.Michel Bogdan review 16 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Not only one thing to choose: the stunning landscape, the bike group with people who have the same passion for biking, the moment we completed the last kilometer, the big variation in taste and food, the very friendly people and children along the route etc, etc.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try to book some extra days before- and after the trip to do the Halong Bay trip and at the end the Cu Chi tunnels trip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, a lot of times our guide took us to local restaurants to benefit the local people. We also were more conscious to use less plastic bags ans straws.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good trip, not cheap, but value for money. However it would be very helpful if there was a little bit of communication possible between the attendees before the trip starts. This would help to break the ice a little bit in the beginning. But for so-called privacy reasons this was not permitted. The travel agency should facillitate this so attendees can give their permission or not (by ticking a box or something like that).Neville Douglas review 22 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A combination of small things really. Cycling in Hanoi the first time. Good companionship. Learning where various fruits and herbs originate.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Read these and other comments and glean as much information as possible. ie seat padding. Rather than build up a lot of dirty laundry. Wash each evening and alternate two sets of clothes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I only have the integrity of the tour operator to go on. Buying fresh fruit and braving Street Cafes is all an individual can do. In Hanoi, next to the lake school teachers ask you if their pupils can practice speaking English with you. I found that inspiring.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Demanding, enjoyable. I will do another elsewhere.Belinda Sartori review 20 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was amazing. The only way to see Vietnam.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book it - but pack carefully as you dont need too much and changing hotels most nights.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant.Holiday Reviews
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