TOUR DETAILS
V I E T N A M & L A O S
Road Bicycling with Full Support
Cultural Sightseeing
Intermediate Cycling
90% Good Paved Roads
Arrival: Hanoi, Vietnam
Depart: Vientiane, Laos

Custom Tour

Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive late evening into Hanoi's war-era Noi Bai Airport. After clearing immigration (visa required) and customs, meet driver and for transfer into Hanoi (about 50 minutes) where your guide will check you into your hotel.

Overnight Hanoi.

Note: Authorization for Vietnam visa on arrival required in advance of arrival (arranged by VeloAsia). This document will be sent to you before departure.

Korean Air 679, Depart Incheon 6:40 pm, Arrive Hanoi 9:40 pm (Client)
To be assigned
The Silk Path Executive

SOS International, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Emergency (84-4) 934-0555 & 934 0666

Day 2

Rise at dawn to witness traditional exercise rituals on Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the busy morning market in the nearby Old Quarter before returning to hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, visit to the Soviet-era Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where "Bac Ho" lies in state, followed by the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's premier university for hundreds of years.

Afterwards, lunch in the lake area at 5th-generation Cha Ca Va Long , dining on cha ca, a famous northern dish of fried fish, while enjoying a "survival Vietnamese" lesson with your guide. After, begin touring of the bustling Old Quarter by cyclo (pedicab) and foot, pausing to visit with local family in their "tube" home who will play various traditional instruments, including the enchanting single-stringed Dan Bau.

After, enjoying bia hoi, or happy hour, on the streets joining and meeting Hanoians leaving from work. Dinner recommendations and transport provided to one of Hanoi's many fine restaurants. Afterwards, taking in karaoke, wildly popular in Vietnam. (B,L)

Bia Hoi, or happy hour, is a post-work custom unique to Hanoi, with draft beer and snacks served up in street cafes. Other culinary treats? The best pho (soup) in the country is from Hanoi, don't miss a piping hot bowl.

Day 31

Hoi An to Mai Chau
In the early morning (6:00 am), transfer to nearby Danang (about 24 miles), flying out of the historic military airport to back to Hanoi.

After arrival in Hanoi, transfer towards Mai Chau, a picturesque river valley region populated with a diversity of hilltribes near the border of Laos. After a 1 1/2 hour drive, arrive at our starting point and begin biking the picturesque, rolling hills towards Mai Chau until lunch, passing farms and small towns on the way. Although most hilltribes have adopted Western dress, we'll begin to spy ethnic White Thai, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.

After lunch, continued cycling over steadily longer hills until the final pass near Mai Chau, descending into the beautiful valley fed by the Ma River. After arrival, if the weather is warm, we can cool off in the pool before walking through the sprawling rice fields to a nearby hilltribe village where we'll enjoy a traditional dance performance and dinner. Overnight in Mai Chau. (B,L,D)

Vietnam Airlines 160, Depart Danang 8:15 AM, Arrive Hanoi 9:30 AM (1hr 15m) SQTFVW

Mai Chau Eco Lodge Deluxe

About 45 miles, flat and rolling hills on quieter roads through farms and countryside. Longer climb and descent nearing Mai Chau.

Day 1

Mai Chau
Today exploring the magnificent landscapes around Mai Chau, beginning with a morning ride into Puluong National Park, climbing the pass road to admire the terraced rice fields and descending down into a local town for a picnic lunch. We'll visit with locals before returning to Mai Chau, spending the afternoon cycling into the valley through farms along the river.

Tonight is our last night in Vietnam before the moving on into the hinterland of Laos.

About 18 miles in the morning over a gentle but steady climb on a packed dirt road through Puluong Park past samll villages and countryside. Afternoon on flat footpaths.

Day 2

This morning, we make a run for the border by bus along mountainous National Highway 15 through Pu Luong and Pu Ha Nature preserves and several developing border towns to beat the 11:00AM border closing time (about 70 miles). After arrival at the border, enjoy a picnic lunch a slow bureaucratic process to cancel our Vietnam visas and obtain our news ones for Laos. After crossing into Laos, and meeting up with our new crew, begin riding on national route 217 , cycling uphill and then over rolling hills towards Vieng Xai on paved roads along the river, passing hilltribe and local villages in the area, including Thai Dam, Thai Dang, Meuy, and Kmu. Pausing for snacks en route, including a delicious lao jerky.

In the late afternoon, arrive in sleepy and remote Vieng Xai (below). Dinner at the only restaurant in town serving up delicious local dishes. Tonight we're roughing it, staying at the most basic hotel of the tour with bare rooms, simply showers and mosquito nets. (B,L,D)

Note: At the border, one passport-sized photo and US$36 cash required for Laos visa. ** Passport must have six months validity left to enter Laos **

53 km (31 miles) Laos border to Vieng Xai
Laos Tour Manager: Chitthavone Philavanh, Mobile: (856 20) 5577-1646 (24-hour)
Vixai Hotel, Mobile phone: 5712392, 5718474 (Very Basic Hotel)
Xamneua Provincial Hospital, Xamneua Town

Day 3

Vieng Xai to Xam Nua
After a leisurely start this morning, heading over to explore the nearby famous network of caves inhabited by the Pathet Lao during the Vietnam War. The large caves, both natural and artificial, were extensively developed and used by Pathet Lao in Vieng Xai during the war, including Khayson Cave, the office and residence of the Pathet Lao chief during the war period, and Souphanouvong Cave, also called Red Prince Cave, the residence of royal Prince Souphanouvong at one time. Then, onto Nouhak Cave, named for Nouhak Phoumsavang, who served as Lao PDR president from 1992.

After visiting the caves, we'll spend time cruising through local villages and enjoying the stunning scenery and tranquil setting during the short ride to Xam Nua. This area is one of the most remote and undeveloped in Laos. (B,L,D)

About 20-25 miles meandering riding today, longer riding by preference

GPS: Full Route profile
Chittavan Hotel (Basic Accommodation)

Day 4

Xam Nua to Vieng Thong
Our longest cycling day, today after a sunrise breakfast, departing early for an epic day's century ride to Vieng Thong over the mammoth "Laotian Alps," cycling the quiet and winding route past a smattering of villages over two 5,000 foot passes. From Vieng Xai, on National Highway 6 we will ride the over 50 miles to Nam Noen (with about 4,500 feet of climbing, nearing an altitude of 5,400 feet). Time permitting en route, pausing to explore Hing Tang (Suan Hin), a man-made formation of vertical stones that may be related to those on the Plain of Jars. At Nam Noen, we'll turn northwest (right) on route 1 towards Vien Thong, a hilly 36 miles way that we can shuttle in by van rather than bike for those who are tired.

After arrival in Vien Thong, freshen up before walking to nearby hot springs to douse worn legs before exploring the small town set on the Nam Khan River and largely inhabited by a collection of hill tribes particularly Hmong and "lowland" Lao. Dinner at the small town's only restaurant and overnight at simple guesthouse. (B,L,D)

130 km (78 miles) with about 10,000 feet elevation gain. Weather cooler here than in Vietnam, at altitude in the morning.
Souksakhone GH, Tel: (064) 810017, Mobile: 5313376, 6555249 (Very Basic Hotel)

Day 5

Vien Thong to Nong Khiaw
Another long travel day over the "Laotian Alps," rising early from the noise at sunrise from the hilltribe market directly in front of our hotel. After browsing the market, we'll begin biking after breakfast. Today we ride National route No 1c between Vieng Thong and Nong Khiaw passing through the beautiful jungle and forest scenery of two National Park with lush green mountains over three passes. After departing Vien Thong, cycling on flats until reaching our first challenge, a 2,400 foot climb, before descending to a winding river valley road for about 12 miles until we reach our next climb of about 2,100 feet, plummeting down to Vieng Kham at mile 86 (at 1,200 feet elevation) where we'll enjoy lunch along the scenic river. Afterwards, shuttling by van over a third climb of 900 feet (or cycling if you prefer), the rest of the day is over the undulating hills on a paved, good-condition side road heading northwest to Nong Khiaw, a picturesque northern outpost being discovered by backpackers.

In Nong Khiaw, we'll enjoy drinks along the pleasant Nam Ou River directly in front of our bungalows. Now this is Laos! Afterwards, venturing into town to eat at one of the restaurants along the river. After dinner, a massage in town can be arranged. (B,L,D)

  184 km (115 miles)
Phaxang Bungalows, Ban Sop Houn, Tel: (856-71) 810-014, Mobile: 5894119, 2962999

Day 6

Nong Khiaw excursion around Muang Ngoi
After a leisurely breakfast, one-hour cruise by longtail boat to Muang Ngoi, base for hiking to remote villages in the area. Muang Ngoi was controlled by the communist before 1975 and the province was under control of Pathet Lao. During Vietnam War, people in this area hid in the caves in the day times and worked at night because of continuous bombing ( land mines remain in the area).

Today, trekking to Tham Kang through stunning scenery, where, according to local legend, a sacred Naga resides. Also visiting in the villages of Ban Na and Thai Daeng before returning back to Nong Khiaw by boat in the afternoon for dinner and accommodation, and perhaps another leg massage before tomorrow's ride.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw. (B,L)

Day 7

Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang
Today we'll ride the initial, quiet and scenic section out of Luang Prabang which after 18 miles, joins a larger road with traffic coming in from China. Mostly flat with short rollers. After riding until lunch (at 54 miles), boarding a longtail boat for the remaining distance to Luang Prabang, once we reach the Mekong River making a slight upstream detour to visit the renowned Pak Ou caves. Located beside the river, the cave is filled with Buddha images and is a sacred place of worship for locals.

After the caves, continued cruising downstream to Luang Prabang. In the late afternoon we arrive Luang Prabang, one of Asia's gems and a UNESCO World Heritage. It is pleasantly located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and encircled by distance jagged peaks. In recent years it has been a popular, but not spoiled tourist destination, but it will be a bit of a shock to see so many tourists for the first time since Hanoi. In the evening a private baci ceremony, a traditional lao welcoming ritual for centuries. (B,L,D)

90, or 139 km (54 or 85 miles). Flat initially, then longer rollers. Traffic near Luang Prabang.
Mekong River Lodge
Weather in Luang Prabang for February is typically dry and in the 70s to low 80s during the daytime.

Luang Prabang's night market is one of the best in Indochina for finding unique, handmade goods and at a bargain rate. The market makes a good stop after watching sunset from Mount Phousi. How much to bargain? Typically, counter with offer that is about 1/3 or 1/2 from the price quoted. To see where the locals shop, take a tuk-tuk out to Phuosi Market, about 1 kilometer from the central area.

Day 8

Afterwards, we'll walk the small town, visiting the temples Luang Prabang in known for and meeting in one with monks to discuss their lifestyles. Also visiting other notable sites, including the colonial-era royal palace and museum. For lunch, we'll explore the central food market sampling street foods. In the afternoon, driving over to explore the local Phusi marketplace and other sites in town until late afternoon. At dusk, we'll trek to the summit of Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset. Afterwards, wandering the sprawling night market before dining on delicious lao food. (B)

Luang Prabang's night market is one of the best in Indochina for finding unique, handmade goods and at a bargain rate. The market makes a good stop after watching sunset from Mount Phousi. How much to bargain? Typically, counter with offer that is about 1/3 or 1/2 from the price quoted. To see where the locals shop, take a tuk-tuk out to Phuosi Market, about 1 kilometer from the central area.

Day 9

Luang Prabang
After breakfast, heading out to visit the delightful Xiem Lom elephant camp, spending time with your own juvenile Asian elephant, learning about the care of the endangered animals and trekking through the jungle along the Mekong River. After lunch at the camp, hiking into the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

After leisurely hike up to and swimming in the falls, continued biking in the scenic rural areas nearby passing through several villages and pausing to visit a local family and school as well as cottage industries until mid-afternoon.

Return to Luang Prabang by van to freshen up before sunset cruise on the Mekong, enjoying drinks on board before dinner in town. Note: Julie depart after lunch. (B)

Day 10

SIEM REAP ARRIVAL NOTES
Following immigration (visa required in advance of arrival), proceed to baggage claim and then exit terminal. Transfer on own to hotel.

Laos Aviation 931, Depart Luang Prabang 2:20PM, Arrive Siem Reap 4:20PM (2 hr 00m) RSGJN

QUESTIONS? Call us at (415) 731-4377 or or Email us.
We are happy to answer questions or inquiries.