Cycling In Laos & Northern Vietnam

17 days - from $2280

Cycle into another world and time while discovering one of Asia's hidden treasures
Laos, the land of a million elephants, is now the land of a million smiles, with stunning mountainous landscape and a laid back atmosphere, the result of a long isolation from its neighbours. Our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, from narrow roads shaded by jungle vines to shimmering rice paddies and mountains which are home to a mix of ethnic groups. Out of the saddle, we walk through villages and bamboo forest and visit Luang Prabang, one of Asia's most attractive towns, with colonial buildings, tree-lined avenues and colourful temples. The Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites, but one with more questions than answers. Located in one the most heavily bombed places on earth it is steeped in wartime history. We also visit the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and finish our trip in bustling Bangkok. The cycling is demanding at times, but our reward is to have roads almost to ourselves in SE Asia's friendliest and least known country.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Hanoi. 2 Ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter and on to West Lake; afternoon city tour. 3 Cycle to Tam Coc through stunning limestone scenery and villages; paddleboat ride on lake. 4 Transfer/cycle to Cuc Phuong N.P.; cycle amid lush scenery; visit Primate Rescue Centre. 5 Cross into Laos; scenic drive to Vieng Xai. 6 Visit caves used as military bases during Vietnam War; cycle to Sam Neua with some challenging hill climbs. 7 Drive through picturesque countryside to Xieng Khuang province and Phonsavanh. 8 Cycle to the old capital of Muang Khun; visit the Plain of Jars. 9 Cycle and drive to Luang Prabang. 10 Cycle to beautiful Kwang Si Waterfalls. 11 Cycle to the Pak Ou Caves by the Mekong River. 12 Scenic drive south; cycle to picturesque Vang Vieng. 13 Free day. 14 Cycle and drive to Vientiane. 15 City tour and cycle over the Thai/Lao Friendship bridge into Thailand; sleeper train to Bangkok. 16 Morning city tour; afternoon free. 17 End Bangkok.

Group size: Normally min. 8, max. 18, plus local leaders and local staff.
Accommodation: 9 nights comfortable hotels, 4 nights standard hotels, 2 night basic guesthouse, all ensuite, 1 nights air-conditioned open plan sleeper train train in soft-bed berths.
Food: All breakfasts and 1 lunch included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $437.50
Trip Reference: MOL
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Trek mountain bikes with front suspension GBP110, paid on booking.
Trip Reference: MOL