Southeast Asia Family Adventure
Experience Overview
This exciting family adventure in Southeast Asia takes us through three countries with divergent histories and strikingly different cultures. Journey from the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquillity of rural Cambodia and visit the magnificent shimmering palaces and temples of Bangkok. Pass through a spectacular patchwork of waterways in the Mekong Delta, take a cyclo (rickshaw) tour of Phnom Penh and relax on a tropical island with white-sand beaches before arriving at the magnificent temple complex of Angkor, which we explore by bicycle. We end our adventure in Bangkok, sampling fresh street food and visiting an enormous reclining golden Buddha.
Profile
— Accommodation: 12 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (guesthouse) — Travel by private minibus, bike and boat
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 12 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (guesthouse) — Travel by private minibus, bike and boat
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Though this trip has been designed for nine to 12-year-olds, it’s also suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds. Our Family trips are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little easier. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip visits the best parts of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand using a mixture of private buses and boats. There is a lot to see in the time you are here, but it is well paced so it doesn’t feel too rushed.
Travel time is kept to a minimum and most transfers are no longer than three to four hours. There are a few longer drives (seven to eight hours) but there is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has numerous stops where we spend two or more nights.
While choosing this trip, please note that some of the accommodation will be basic but is clean and tidy. The swimming pools may not be up to Western standards.
Local people and other Asian tourists may want to take photos of themselves with your children particularly if they are young, blonde and have blue eyes, you should be prepared for them to do this without asking permission first. You should also be prepared for lots of traffic in the bigger cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, where you have to relearn crossing the street!
Group Description
Generally, we use different staff and vehicles for each country. For this trip, there is a Vietnamese leader to start, followed by a Cambodian leader in Cambodia, then a Thai leader in Thailand.
Eating Drinking
13 breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus to ensure each dish packs a punch; chilli does feature highly but is easily avoided if desired.
Food is cheap in all three countries and Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta.
Breakfasts are usually buffets and there is plenty to choose from: fruit, bread, cereal/yoghurt (sometimes) and cooked breakfasts.
For lunch and dinner, allow at least US$12-US$25 per person per day. You can eat out very cheaply, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering is fairly similar in most places within each country. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat- or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.
Transportation
We use a private coach/minibuses, which will be quite comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to eight hours). Road conditions are often not good, and progress can be slow. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Huong Sen Hotel, 66-70 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84 28 3829 1415
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening at 6pm, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Bangkok Airport (BKK) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
Vietnam is hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures of about 28C-34C (82F-93F) but at times may reach 40C (104F). It is only a little cooler at nights. The region is mostly dry between December and April and there’s a rainy season from May to November, where the rains tend to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between.
In Cambodia, it is hot and humid year-round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between June and September; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day, though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella!
In Thailand, the weather patterns are very similar to Cambodia and you should expect year-round temperatures of 23C-35C (73F-95F). The rainy season normally runs from June to September; expect short, sharp showers but the sun will normally break through.
Spending Money
You should need about US$290-US$355 per person for meals not included, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, allow money to cover soft drinks (more if the adults like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Optional excursions
There are a number of optional activities, which your leader can help arrange for you.
— Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) trip, Siem Reap: minimum donation of US$3 but transport extra — Flight of the Gibbon ziplining, Siem Reap: US$20 per person (discounts for under 16s) — Khmer cooking class: US$24 per person — Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake: US$15 per person
Tipping
This is entirely at your own discretion; however, we suggest you allow some money for tips for the local guides and staff. In the countries visited, with the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary. The leader will suggest to the group that they donate US$38 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used to tip local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc, ensuring the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are, of course, free to do so.
If you feel your leaders have performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, US$3-US$6 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point. The tipping kitty explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Highlights
— Sample delicious, varied cuisine and master chopsticks skills — Spend a night in a village homestay — Cruise the waterways of the Mekong Delta by dugout boat — Crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels — Discover the fruit and pepper plantations of rural Cambodia — Take a cycling tour of the Angkor temple complex — Marvel at Bangkok’s huge reclining Buddha
Trip Details
Product Code: 4349
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: verboats.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: FIJ
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Angkor Wat
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Angkor Wat
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— 13 breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners — All accommodation (see accommodation section) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Family-friendly hotels and a Mekong Delta homestayWe spend 12 nights in family-friendly hotels and one night at an island homestay on the Mekong Delta. Almost all the hotels have swimming pools and we can swim at the beach in Kep. We have aimed to select hotels for their location as well as character. In the rural areas, we use the best available accommodation – these have private bathrooms, reliable electricity and water supplies, good service and some added amenities. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Mekong Delta: Island homestay (night 3) Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine). Siem Reap: Angkor Holiday Hotel (nights 9-11) A short drive from the Angkor temple complex, this hotel is ideally placed for our adventures in Siem Reap. When you’re not out exploring, there’s a swimming pool to splash around in plus a restaurant serving Asian, Khmer and Western cuisines. Bangkok: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (nights 12-13) Among the boulevards and canals of old Bangkok, the 167-room Royal Princess is right in the action. It has plenty of amenities, including a ground-floor swimming pool and saltwater hot tub, plus plenty of sunbeds. There’s a decent selection of restaurants too, including: the Princess Café, for relaxed dining; The Empress, for Chinese cuisine; and Mikado, for a taste of Japan. Worth knowing There may be instances when you specifically want a single room. Perhaps a grandparent needs one, or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure they get a bit of space! Single supplements are available upon request (see price details below). Please advise us at the time of booking. A single room is available on hotel nights only.While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,325 ($238 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in the heat, hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Still commonly known as Saigon, it is an exciting, absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Our hotel is in the heart of this incredible city. A welcome group meeting is held later this afternoon with your leader followed by an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
We depart early to beat the traffic as we head to the Cu Chi tunnels, located two hours outside the city. Used by the Viet Cong, the network covers three levels and approximately 150mi (240km) of tunnels. Exploring Cu Chi gives us an indication of the tenacity of the Vietnamese people and the conditions that both Vietnamese and American troops had to endure. Originally the tunnels were very narrow but some have been widened to allow visitors to explore the system. We can crawl through them and are introduced to life below ground as we visit makeshift kitchens, bedrooms and even an underground hospital. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine. The afternoon is free for exploration and there are several interesting things to see and do – the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. There is also time to visit the War Remnants Museum with an interesting (if a little gruesome) photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we leave the busy city for the rice bowl of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta. We’ll be struck by the fertility of the land; fruit, vegetables, rice, fish farms, duck farms, there is cottage industry everywhere, all fuelled by the amazing network of waterways. We visit the interesting Cai Be floating market to see local industry in action. Recently, Cai Be is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and traditional trade conducted on a smaller scale. A short boat ride then takes us from Vinh Long to our island homestay. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner at the homestay and enjoy Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a modest guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. We have the chance to try local dishes cooked by our hosts for the night. Accommodation: Mekong Guest House Homestay (or similar)
After breakfast at the homestay, we transfer by boat back to Vinh Long then to Cai Rang floating market, one of the biggest in the Delta; the colour and fragrance of the market is sure to be remembered! We then continue to Chau Doc; close to Cambodia, it is an important trading town due to its border position and has a spot in the foothills of the picturesque Sam Mountain. An optional trip to the mountain provides wonderful views of the Mekong Delta and Cambodia. Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we leave Chau Doc for the Xa Xia/Ha Tien border, where we see a change of pace as we cross into rural Cambodia. We then travel to the picturesque riverside town of Kampot (approximate transfer time excluding immigration process is 3hr to 3hr 30min). Along the way, we stop at La Plantation pepper farm in the Kampot province. Upon arrival in Kampot, we check into our centrally located hotel, our base for the next two nights. Afterwards, the group takes an orientation walk along the Kampot River and there is the option to enjoy a sunset river cruise before an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Twin Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we drive (approximately 25 minutes) to the resort town of Kep and first stop for a short visit to Kep Mountain in the national park for wonderful coastal views. The town still bears the scars of civil war with the ghost-like remains of old villas. After, the group jumps on a boat for the short trip to Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island). Palm tree fringed with a small beach, this island is the perfect place to swim in warm water or relax on the sand for the day. Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day relaxing on Kep beach instead and enjoying your pick of the day’s catch from one of the seafront seafood shacks. Your tour leader can advise locally about both options. Accommodation: Twin Hotel (or similar)
This morning, if we didn’t do it yesterday, we journey to the countryside surrounding Kep to see rural Cambodia. In the afternoon, we travel from our seaside home to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which sits on the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Tonle Bassac rivers. To get our bearings, we take a sunset cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) trip. We finish with dinner at a local restaurant along the banks of the river offering traditional Khmer cuisine. Accommodation: Cardamom Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we visit the Royal Palace grounds, where we see the Silver Pagoda, one of the most holy temples in Cambodia and home to an impressive collection of gold, diamonds and other precious stones along with many traditional musical instruments. The rest of the day is free for your family to explore. Some family-friendly activities include a visit to the local markets or public gardens, about which your leader can provide details. Close by is the National Museum, which is set in a traditional Khmer building and displays a range of ancient artefacts, plus more modern pieces, and where kids can feed the fish! Adults in the group may also want to confront Cambodia’s recent tragic past with a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It will not be suitable for the younger family members. Your group leader can make recommendations and assist with bookings. Accommodation: Cardamom Hotel (or similar)
Travel by private air-conditioned bus (approximately seven hours) to Siem Reap. The trip is a great opportunity to see the real Cambodia, as we make several stops at points of interest along the way. We also see the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm, which is a valuable source of employment in a poor rural community (Santuk is closed on some important Khmer holidays). We also stop at Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia with some of the oldest structures in the country. After, we have a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant before continuing our journey to the small town of Siem Reap, gateway to the Unesco-listed Angkor complex. We get a sneak preview of the site with sunset at the temples. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
We leave early this morning and take a fun bike ride around the Angkorian ruins. It is an easy ride on flat trails and roads but for non-cyclists there is the option to jump onto a local remork – motor-rickshaw. The ride today is approximately 18.5mi (30km). On the bicycle, we can avoid some of the crowds and get a unique perspective on this amazing site. We take the backroads along the river through villages and into the Angkor park before cycling along the wall of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. With a moat on one side and thick jungle on the other, we rarely see another visitor. We might also like to stop along the way to see the monkeys that gather on the temple ruins. We finish our day with a visit to Angkor Wat, one of the most architecturally and photographically impressive sites in the temple complex. Tonight, we visit Phare, The Cambodian Circus, the country’s spectacular answer to Cirque Du Soleil. The performers typically come from vulnerable households and have gained international recognition through their practice. Expect modern Khmer tales that mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
Today is a free day for exploration and your group leader can make suggestions and organise transport. If you didn’t manage to fit it in yesterday, you might like to visit the jungle temple of Ta Prohm (Angkor pass required). Another option is to journey into the countryside. Around one hour out of town is the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), housed at the base of Kbal Spien Mountain. It has a collection of animals saved from trafficking, including gibbons, monkeys, anteaters, snakes, greater and lesser adjutant (Cambodia’s version of Big Bird), eagles, prehistoric water monitors and turtles. You pass through rural villages on the way where you can sample palm sugar candy as it is made. On the way back to town, you might like to visit the exquisite Banteay Srey (Citadel of the Women) (Angkor pass required). The small temple displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art carved into the pinkish coloured sandstone. For those who would like a more active day, there is the option of ziplining in the nearby canopy of Angkor Park. Flying through the jungle after climbing up from one of the canopy platforms is a real adrenaline rush! There is also the choice of visiting the floating village on nearby Tonle Sap Lake. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
It’s a long drive from Siem Reap to Bangkok (approximately 10 hours including stops for a border crossing and lunch); however, we break up the journey many times at local points of interest. We stop at a stone carving village where many of the inhabitants carve religious and decorative statues of all sizes from sandstone and marble. Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of beginnings and wisdom, plus Buddhist and Angkorian-style statues line the road in this town. After the border crossing, we take a break and have our first taste of Thai food at a local restaurant before continuing onto Bangkok, the capital. Famous for tuk tuks, khlong boats and incredible street food, Bangkok is an assault on the senses and provides a real contrast to sleepy Cambodia. Accommodation: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (or similar)
This morning, a short walk from our hotel takes us to the Chao Phraya River, where we meet a longtail boat to journey along the khlongs (canals) of old Bangkok. Please be advised there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat. Afterwards, we pay a visit to Wat Pho, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the country and keeper of the magic behind Thai massages. In the afternoon, we have free time to explore. Why not pay a visit to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander to the bustling Khao San Road, pick up last-minute souvenirs, enjoy delicious street food or explore colourful Chinatown? Accommodation: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (or similar)
The tour ends in Bangkok this morning and we bid our farewells. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Jonathan Harper - Traveled, August 2022
Fabulous trip, something for everyone An amazing, eye-opening trip for our family of 4 – ages from 13 to 59. We all loved it. Most Inspirational Moment It was different for each of us. Photography at Ta Prohm. Ziplining over the jungle. Being in the pool with our new friends every night. Meeting small producers at sustainable businesses. Eating tarantulas. Learning about history at the Cu Chi tunnels and the Killing Fields. Boat trips, floating markets. Learning about real life in these countries from guides who were born and live there. Laughing a lot. Thoughts on Group Leader Absolutely amazing. We loved them. They are people who love their jobs and genuinely enjoy meeting people from different places and showing them the wonders of their countries. Nin in Cambodia was a a fount of knowledge about the ancient sites we saw. She combined this with stories from her own life and a taste for bad jokes - we were able to give her some new ones. TV in Vietnam made us welcome and entertained us with his gentle humour. They were both focussed on making sure we had the best possible time. We only had our Bangkok guide for 2 days, but he was cheerful and welcoming, and very helpful and efficient when I had a medical problem. Advice for Potential Travellers Go with your eyes open and a good camera. Take a good alarm clock too - there are some early starts. It's exhausting but so worth it. I wish I'd written a diary. Suggestions If you are considering this holiday for your family, do it! And ask for Nin and TV!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2022
Susanna Buckley - Traveled, July 2019
Wonderful family holiday A busy but well organised trip. This was the first time we’d done a trip like this and we don’t regret it. We saw so much in the 14 days – I don’t think we could have done and seen so much if we’d organised it on our own. Our two children (16 and 18 years old) had a great time. They made friends with the other young people on the trip and this made it easier and enjoyable for everyone. Everything was organised in a family friendly way and the guides were excellent. It was also good to see the way local communities can be supported by responsible travel. Most Inspirational Moment Hard to say - so many lovely memories. The sampan trip on the Mekong Delta and the stay at the homestay were great. The trip to Angkor Wat was amazing - the scale of the place is breathtaking. Thoughts on Group Leader We had 2 leaders - one in Vietnam and one for Cambodia and Bangkok. Both were excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers You need Vietnamese Dong for Vietnam. In Cambodia you can use US Dollars but sometimes it's easier to use Cambodian Riels. ATMs in Cambodia dispense US Dollars and Riels. For Thailand, you'll need Thai Bhat (our guide stopped just before the Thai border so that we could exchange). For visas, you need to pay cash in US Dollars. We found that we needed mainly cash - some of the restaurants didn't accept cards or some places (eg supermarkets) have a minimum spend before using a card and, if you only want a drink, that doesn't come to the minimum spend. Also, if you want to buy in the markets, you'll need cash. There were ATMs near all the places we stayed (except Mekong Delta). Pack light, cotton clothing, you don't really need activewear/trekking wear. There are local laundry services available in Cambodia - around USD2or3 per kg. Suggestions Wonderful holiday, wonderful memories. Everyone in the family had a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2019
Neil Pearson - Traveled, July 2019
Brilliant 'last' family holiday with our kids before they head off into the world / don't want to go on family holidays It’s a busy trip, with a lot packed into 14 days, but absolutely worth the effort as the experiences are amazing. We could never have done this in this way as independent travellers, so it was definitely the right choice to take the trip with Exodus. It just made everything easy and allowed the group to make the most of the time, and experience as much as possible. Very good ground transportation provided, comfortable and safe There are a couple of long drives, but they are broken up with interesting stops along the way – so while it looks a little bleak in the itinerary they are absolutely fine (although the Siem Reap to Bangkok drive is a tough one). Hotels all good to very good, and almost all with good pools too; the homestay is great too…more basic but one of the more memorable nights on the trip. Most Inspirational Moment 28km cycling ride around the Ankhor Wat complex is brilliant - it's all flat out there so not too taxing, although we were all tired at the end of the day. Killing Fields and S21 make for a very sobering and quite graphic day that you will not forget Cu Chi Tunnels and the museum in Ho Chi Minh City is brilliant and to see the story from a very local perspective is interesting Sampan down the Mekong River is great, quite short in the grand scheme of the holiday, but big on memories. Our kids (18 & 15) had an amazing time with the other kids on the trip, all about the same age and they all got on really well. So good to see them having fun and bonding with their peers. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour had 2 group leaders, one in Vietnam and one for Cambodia and Thailand. Very different personalities, but both very good and knowledgable and we never felt like we were in anything other than safe hands at all times Advice for Potential Travellers The temples are fine with shorts that are ON the knee, they don't have to be below the knee. For those people who had the wrong shorts, you could buy classic Asian cotton baggy trousers for $3 at the temples, so don't worry too much about this. A few of our group stayed on for an extra night in Bangkok, and I think this is good advice...an extra day of free time in Bangkok could be useful just to slow the pace down before you travel home as it's a busy schedule and you may want to take in a few of the sights that are not on the trip. The homestay is a brilliant experience, it's more simple accommodation than the rest of the trip, but is very comfortable and such a fun night for the group..it's the moment on the trip where we got time to chat and become friends with each other. Suggestions Amazing family holiday and experience - we all loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2019
Alison Saveall - Traveled, April 2019
Fabulous Family Adventure This was an amazing holiday. We saw so much and it was so well organised – I cannot recommend Exodus enough! This was the first time we’d done this kind of trip with our nine year old daughter – and it was brilliant in the way it combined: having a family adventure, seeing places i’d wanted to visit, but made accessible and interesting for all the family; within the safety net of the trip being organised by someone that it was clear we could rely on. The detail and organisation was so well handled by Exodus and the guides, leaving us to enjoy ourselves, have adventures, watch the world go by, and learn about other parts of the world. I particularly appreciated the thought that went into supporting local people and businesses. Most Inspirational Moment Cycling around Ankhor Wat temples - and because it was super hot (40), Bun and the local guides had thought of everything: drink, fruit, and were mindful that we kept rehydrated, and there was even a back up bus in case we gave up in the heat! We also enjoyed the homestay in Vietnam - and the cycling trip that Phong had arranged for us there. Thoughts on Group Leader Both Phong in Vietnam, and Bun in Cambodia & Thailand were amazing. I had complete faith in both of them. Advice for Potential Travellers It is super hot in April, so to be able to spend time outside and enjoy the temples at Ankhor Wat (for example) in more detail, you may be better going in October - December. Having said that, we survived the heat and had a brilliant time. Pack as light as you can. And if you go in March/April, avoid vest tops and 'short' shorts etc - go for long and floaty tops and 1/2 or 3/4 trousers/skirts. Both for the heat, but also to respect the local cultures, and when visiting the temples. Suggestions Where to next!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2019
Martina Murphy - Traveled, July 2018
Holiday of a lifetime We have just returned from a two week adventure with our three sons aged 20,18 and 13. I can honestly say that our holiday exceeded our expectations. Our boys have all said that it’s the best holiday they have had .We experienced three very different countries and learnt so much. Our tour leader In Vietnam, Tam , was calm and organised and fed us infomation as we went along in a knowledgeable and personal way. Chheang in Cambodia was fab too and we were lucky enough to meet her lovely kids whose English was impeccable ! Hugh and Ant were also full of personality and good humour. We were fortunate enough to share our experience with a great group of adults and young people. Personally the homestay on the Mekong Delta was my highlight .The Killing Fields was harrowing . Learning more about the Vietnam War and visiting the tunnels was a humbling experience. We were exhausted but exhilarated . The organisation was seamless throughout . Most Inspirational Moment Homestay at Mekong Delta was an amazing experience. Thoughts on Group Leader All the leaders were friendly and knowledgeable . They told the history of their country in a personal and engaging way. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring US dollars as needed for Cambodia border . Sports gear/running tops comfortable for humid conditions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2018
Victoria Beswick - Traveled, April 2017
Family Fun in SE Asia It felt like a month’s worth of holiday in 2 weeks! The one other family were lovely- making it a real pleasure to travel together. The children really all got on well and that really made life easy! We would not have managed to see and do so much in 2 weeks if we had traveled independently- our guides (Tam in Vietnam) and Dyka (Cambodia and Thailand) were both knowledgeable and helpful and coped with our noise well!! The whole trip was as expected- apart form the VERY long drive form Siem Reap to Bangkok (much longer than anticipated due to Thai traffic). Apart form this one thing the bus was reliable and comfortable and everything was organised in a family-friendly and timely fashion. It really felt like our Guides did all the hard work and we just got to have the fun. We have some truly amazing memories and I think our children will talk about it for years (hopefully!). Most Inspirational Moment Everything along the Mekong Delta... the different boats, the local guide who knew everything, the Homestay and the food. Thoughts on Group Leader They were both patient and amazing. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack light- you will repack lots! Use local laundry facilities. Wifi was everywhere so tablets for long journies and cards/uno/ dobble etc are good for the longer bus rides. Suggestions We now have a list of places we want to revisit. The only day that felt like it was time wasted was the long journey to Thailand- consider flying that part!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2017
Neil Willcox - Traveled, July 2016
Faultless... Have just returned from this adventure, and feel compelled to write…the trip was one of the most fantastic, memorable experiences we have enjoyed as a family. We feel deeply privileged to have visited all 3 countries and meet the people, Cambodia in particular, and Exodus should be congratulated on delivering a hectic but manageable itinerary, with exemplary organisation, and guides who really helped us connect with the people, culture and surroundings. We were also impressed with the ethical choices made for excursions. Most Inspirational Moment Our favourite day was Ankor Wat by mountain bike, but we were particularly struck by the warm, gentle nature of the Cambodian people throughout our time there. Thoughts on Group Leader Kim was absolutely fantastic - a wonderful person and great ambassador for his country and culture. Ant in Bangkok and Nuan in Vietnam both deserve mention. Suggestions Already planning our next Exodus adventure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2016
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