5 independent reviews for Cambodia & Vietnam community cycling vacation
Reviews for Cambodia & Vietnam community cycling vacation
Fiona Brenninkmeijer review 3 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cycling through rural areas away from mass tourism, having contact with local people in their communities, trying their food and leaning about their lives.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
My husband and I cycle regularly (road bikes) so didn’t have too much trouble completing the long days in the saddle. Towards the end we appreciated borrowing paddle seat covers as the time in the saddle was long towards the end. Warm temperatures and high humidity some days made it challenging going for those not acclimatized or less fit. Be mindful of staying hydrated, we used sports rehydration tablets regularly, so remember to pack them as they were not really available to buy (only rehydration sachets from the pharmacy). Also read up on the history of the region to fully appreciate the challenges communities have faced in the past and how those challenges impact moving forward.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic exploratory trip through Cambodia and the south of Vietnam. Physically challenging and at times mentally challenging being confronted with the history of this region. Well organized support team in Cambodia and Vietnam.Mark Woolner review 1 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Perhaps my most memorable moment was seeking refuge in a humble home during torrential rain, lighting and thunder. The family was very welcoming and the first occasion when I had Vietnamese coffee followed by green tea. My (very) white skin was much admired !!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use thin lightweight, breathable fabrics that are short and long sleeve. They can easily be hand-washed. Some cycling tops are ideal as they provide useful pockets. A bag you can easily attach/detach from a bike is useful. It's too hot for a rucksack ! A breathable baseball cap with a piece of cloth sewn on the back to cover your neck is a useful piece of kit. As is a small piece of cloth to mop ones brow. Use short fingered padded gloves, and well vented footwear.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, as we frequented local cafes , restaurants , shops and other facilities. The impact of bikes on the environment being minimal.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was my first cycling tour and much better than anticipated. I'm glad I spent months training as the cycling can be gruelling at times, not so much the distances but the heat. It was wonderful to escape the cities and to see rural Cambodia and Vietnam. The accommodation and food throughout was better than expected. I'm vegetarian and there was always something available. The food can be quite exquisite and very cheap. It was a pleasure to visit various NGO's and thought provoking. I wanted a vacation to escape my 'comfort zone' and I got it.Susie Deuchars review 10 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wonderful greetings given by all the families as we cycled through villages. The incredible temples in the middle of the countryside and spectacular scenery. Of course, you can't forget the early morning cycle to Angkor Wat and the splendour of these temples. We also loved the impromptu boat rides when the road disappeared under water. Our guides were amazing and the visits to the NGOs were inspiring.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for some incredible experiences, some extremely varied cycling, from the craziness of Phnom Penh to the isolation of dirt tracks through the paddy fields. Enjoy the local food and try as many restaurants run by Friends International as possible!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the visits to the NGOs were inspiring and we have not only made our stipulated contributions (which we considered a brilliant idea) but we also now support them monthly. Local impact was kept low and positive and it was fantastic to see how some of the NGOs were helping to sustain village life and crops4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The most amazing experience for us all, whether we were young adults in their twenties or in our fifties!Charlie Stockford review 13 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting th NGOs, cycling out of Phnom pehn, flighting through sand in the midday sun, cycling through rice fields, conquering a 20k mountain climb or cycling into the chaos of Saigon/ hoi chi mihn? Too many to mention....2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do some training .. get just some saddle time in so that you are used to a few hours on the bike. Don't expect western culture or cuisine ... it rice and noodles and mor rice and noodles. Delicious but a mental shift for breakfast.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes absolutely. Brett really made sure the hotels and ngo visits really focussed on local economy and culture.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Bloody brill ain't. Not life changing but a shift off the norm. Opened your eyes and brought me back to reality from 10 years of corporate safety net. Do these vacations ... really open your eyes to what is going on I our world and the wonderful, friendly smiley people who are out there.Ali Kenny review 2 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Very hard to pick just one element of the trip, it was all memorable. Cycling through Vietnam and Cambodia gives you a chance to immerse yourself in local life in a way that traveling by any other means would have been impossible. We cycled well off the beaten track, through villages and paddy fields, along dirt tracks and local paths. We ate incredible local, fresh food and visited some fascinating places on the rest days. Brett is a great tour leader, knowledgable and committed to making a difference to the communities we visit, he genuinely enjoys sharing his passion for this part of the world and encouraging others to see how they can make a difference.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with an open mind, a willingness to learn and be ready to enjoy all the experiences that the trip will bring you. Don't be put off if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing this wonderful adventure with a group of great, like-minded people.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
What makes this tour different to other cycling vacations is the opportunity to visit and engage with NGOs working with some of the most disadvantaged communities. Their vision and commitment to making a lasting difference is inspiring and we were able to directly support their work. On a daily basis, we stopped in cafes and markets in small villages and town along the route to buy food and drinks and stayed in local, family run hotels supporting local tradespeople.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was, without doubt, the most memorable and wonderful small group vacation I have been on. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in visiting and learning more about this amazing part of the world, who enjoys a physical challenge and/or want their travel to have a direct, positive impact on local communities.Holiday Reviews
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