|
Code: |
VNLABK002 |
|
Routes: |
Hanoi -
Sapa -
Tam Duong -
Lai Chau - Dien Bien Phu - Muang Khua,
Laos - Odomxai to Pak Mong -
Luang Prabang - Kiu Kacham -
Kasi - Vang Vieng - Thalat - Vientiane |
|
Duration: |
19 Days |
Itinerary in brief
This is an adventurous, moving on tour through
the mountainous north-west provinces of Vietnam
and Laos. Luggage transfer and vehicle support
will be provided. The tour is suitable for fit,
experienced cycling enthusiasts. Vietnam's far
North West is undoubtedly the best place to
cycle in the country as the roads see virtually
no tourists and avoid Vietnam's notorious
highways. It wasn’t until the late 1990’s that
travel restrictions were lifted. Starting in
Hanoi, we’ll pass through stunning landscapes,
amazing karst rock formations, stilted houses
with thatched roofs, mountains nestled between
limestone outcrops and the highest concentration
of hill-tribe people in the country. We'll
cross into a remote area of Laos via the newly
opened border crossing at Tay Trang. From
the small market town of Muang Khua, we’ll take
a slow boat down the beautiful Nam Ou river
before cycling on to World Heritage Luang
Prabang, with its beautiful temples and
colourful night market. Our route south to
Vientiane, the sleepy capital of Laos, is on
virtually traffic-free roads. Great
cycling and some of the friendliest people in
Asia.
Detail Itinerary
Day1: Hanoi - Arrival
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport our guide who will
accompany you to your hotel will welcome you,
Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious
city that retains an unique old world charm and
some Asia ‘s most striking colonial
architecture. The many lakes and parks make for
relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we
embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through
the bustling old quarter streets named after the
specific goods once offered for sale at these
places. O/N in Ha Noi.
Day2: Hanoi Leisure [B]
A day to explore Vietnam’s beautiful and
tranquil capital, Hanoi.
Day 3: Overnight Train to
Lau Cai
We catch the overnight train for Lau Cai.
Despite what you might imagine, It's actually
plenty comfortable. You can buy snacks, get
things to drink, etc etc. There are 4 berths to
a cabin. It is a LOT better than a long plane
ride in the economy section.
Day 4 and 5:
Sapa-35K
We'll disembark from the train very
early in the morning and either bike or transfer
to Sapa. It's not all that far but it is
virtually ALL up hill.
Sapa is the hilltribe capital of North Vietnam.
There are a variety of minority people in this
area and they all come to Sapa to the market.
Day 6: Sapa to Tam
Duong (New Lai Chau)
We climb up to Tram Ton Pass at 2,000 meters and
then we have a huge 30k descent. We end the day
in Lai Chau (formerly Tom Duong). On the way,
you will pass plenty of minority, hill tribe
villages. You will also pass Mt Fansipan, the
highest peak in Vietnam (3100 meters). The
French referred to these mountains as the "Tonkinese
Alps".
Day 7:
Tom Duong (New Lai Chau) to Old Lai Chau
We have a couple pretty big climbs and
then follow the picturesque Nam Na river into
Muang Say (aka "Old Lai Chau"). We stay at the
hip Lan Anh Resort where there no doubt will be
an active badminton game in the evening.
Day 8:
Lai Chau to Dien Bien Phu
In 1954, the French Garrison at Dien
Bien Phu was pinned down when the Vietnamese
were able to do something thought
impossible....carry heavy artillery into the
mountains. When you ride in this area you will
wonder yourself how they ever did it. The siege
at Dien Bien Phu ended in a French surrender and
marked the end of French Indochina. Little known
is the fact that the US had developed a plan to
aid the French by using tactical nuclear weapons
at Dien Bien Phu.
Day 9:
Dien Bien Phu to Muang Khua, Laos
We depart Dien Bien and cross into Northeast
Laos at Tay Tran. This is the least populated
section of Laos. We continue on to Muang Khua on
the banks of the Nam Ou river.
Day 10: Muang Khua to Odomxai
This is a scenic lightly traveled road to
bustling Odomxai. Odomxai seems to be undergoing
a rennaisance. Lots of construction and activity
in the town these days. They have an airport
here also (with less than daily service). We
stay at the nicest place in town.
Day 11:
Odomxai to Pak Mong
A tough climbing day at the start and then
rolling hills with magnificent scenery before a
29 k Descent to Pak Mong.
Day 12: Pak Mong to Luang Prabang
On to the historic and enchanting city of Luang
Prabang. We follow the banks of the Mekong
before entering the city proper. It's also
possible, with advance planning, to bike the 20k
in the opposite direction to Nong Khiaw and then
take a boat down the Nam Ou River. This will
take you right by the Pak Ou caves at the
confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers.
Day
13:
Rest day in
Luang Prabang
Today is a rest day in Luang Prabang. Luang
Prabang is encircled by mountains and situated
on the banks of the Mekong where it meets the
Nam Khan river. There is a lot to see in this
World Heritage Town: Temples, Monastaries, the
Royal Palace and French Colonial Architecture as
well as the beautiful falls outside of town.
It’s worthwhile to get up and observe the monks
collecting alms at 6 am.
Day 14: Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham
This section has some of the most spectacular
limestone, karst mountains in all of Southeast
Asia. We ovenight in Kiu Kacham. It is long and
challanging ride between Luang Prabang and Kasi.
Kiu Kacham is the half way point and a good
place to break up the ride. Kiu Kucham is at a
high elevation and on a clear day the ride here
is spectacular. There will be big bucket of VERY
hot water for your shower at the our friendly
guesthouse.
Day 15: Kiu Kacham to Kasi
We have a big 38 km descent passing dramatic
views of craggy limestone mountains. The scent
of jasmine and lotus blossom drifts through the
clear air from the rich jungle flora. We end our
day coming off the mountains at Kasi.
Day 16: Kasi to Vang Vieng
60 km of gentle rolling hills to Vang Vieng.
Vang Vieng is situated on a bend of the Nam Song
River and at sunset it is beautiful. Lots of
action in Vang Vieng. It’s a cross roads for
travelers and, unlike some other villages, you
will run into some here. All the travelers means
that there are lots of restaurants and
comfortable guesthouses. Check out the market
here. It’s very much worth seeing.
We have the option of jumping off the bikes and
kayaking the last 8k.
Day 17 Vang Vieng to Thalat
After a relatively gentle 24 km we reach the
fishing village of Tha Heua where you can see
all manner of salted fish being sold by the
road.
We end the day in Thalat which is known for the
exotic fare in it's local market. We are not far
from Na Nam where we usually eat dinner in the
floating restaurant.
Day 18: Thalat to Vientiane
Our last day of cycling starts with last two
short but hard climbs, before the road levels
out for the 95 km all the way to Vientiane. Here
the land is agricultural passing paddy fields
and more intensely farmed areas. As we near the
Lao capital of Vientiane the roads, which till
now have been relatively traffic free throughout
our trip, start to become busier. We stay at the
Inter Hotel on the banks of the Mekong.
Day 19: Rest day in Vientiane
We spend a final day exploring
Vientiane, the Capital of Laos. Visit That Luang,
or the old Burmese Stupa or get up at sunrise to
exercise with the locals or do some final
shopping in the huge market. It's a great place
to chill and recover
Included
* English Speaking
tour leader (other languages upon requests)
* All accommodations base on twin-share
at hotel, guesthouse and Home stay.etc…
* Meals detailed in the itinerary (B =
Breakfast , L = Lunches ,D = Dinners)
* A/C transfers and transportation.
* Boat trip mention in itinerary
* Mountain bicycle 24 or 27Speed (LA bike
or Trek bike. etc…)
* Sightseeing excursions as outlined in
itinerary
* Train Ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (Soft Sleeper
air-condition)
* Pump, bike tools, spares tubes.
* Spare bike
* Cold water box, small fresh towel.
* Mineral water drinking.
* Seasonal fruits.
* Snacks
Excluded:
* International airfares
* Travel insurance and bike helmet
(compulsory)
* Items of a personal nature
* Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
* Mineral water beyond that supplied
* Optional excursions
* Additional transport required due to
any emergency situation
* Personal expenses such as telephone and
laundry bills
* Visa fees
* Departure taxes
* Tipping for guiding
|
