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"The Vietnamese taught me many things: about patience, the value of forgiveness, the strength of community, and family" — David Lamb Anyone who has traveled to Vietnam will mention three things that stood out most: the people, the scenery, and the food. This trip emphasizes all of these with sightseeing from the vantage point of the saddle. And in Vietnam, riding is the best excuse to eat! During this private tour, we'll encounter the legacy of French rule in the elegant colonial architecture and hotels, study the ancient Chinese influence on customs and food as well as the profound effect of the American period on Vietnamese culture, for better or worse. Ancient traditions, foreign influences and dynamic society make Vietnam a fascinating destination. Along the way we will observe the distinct personalities of Vietnam's provinces, spending quality time in the fertile Central Highlands, pristine coastal regions and the pastoral countryside where vast stretches of rice paddies meet a jungle foliage that is a hundred shades of green. In addition to stunning landscapes, bicycling will provide access to Vietnam's greatest treasure - its people. Their warm greetings and smiles come naturally and their optimism and enduring spirit are inspiring. The Vietnamese are happy to have visitors again, especially Americans, who are now a novelty, yet historically familiar. Our route travels the through the most scenic and interesting historic destinations in Vietnam, from the stoic, socialistic capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, where tree-lined boulevards recall the days when it was the French capital of Indochine, through the unique and charming town on the central coast—Hue, the imperial capital and charming Hoi An to the south. Freshly cooked meals and restful nights in comfortable boutique hotels will restore tired legs. Exploration by foot and boat round out our itinerary. The Splendors of Northern Laos "Nothing is better than being busy doing nothing." — Lao Tzu Luang Prabang, a little city of about 50,000 people, neither teems with excitement nor seethes with intrigue. Life flows slowly here, like the muddy Mekong. The people are gentle and unassuming. Two lazy rivers happen upon each other in their wanderings through Luang Prabang — the Nam Khan and the swirling brown Mekong. Traditional Lao houses, high on teak pilings, creep down to the river's edge, engulfed in tall swaying palms and jungle shrubs. Children laugh and play here, jumping from high trees into the rich brown river. A few small pirogues drift downstream, carrying fruits or hauling nets. A person could stay here forever and not even realize it... During this trip explore the unique splendors of Northern & Central Vietnam and Laos — on the way from Hanoi, Vietnam's stoic capital, to tranquil Luang Prabang, where monks still sway down the small streets, passing through bucolic Nam Ou River valley, north of Luang Prabang, where remote hilltribe villages are only accessible by boat. Encounter the legacy of French rule in the elegant colonial architecture, the thousand-year Chinese influence on tradition, arts and customs, as well as the profound effect of the Socialist government after the war. A combination of ancient traditions, centuries of powerful foreign influences, and recent economic and political liberalization make Laos a fascinating destination. In addition to exploring the country's natural settings, this trip will emphasize Laos' greatest treasure — its people. Their warm greetings and smiles come naturally and their optimism and enduring spirit are inspiring. Along the way, we'll spend quality, informal moments meeting and sharing moments with people whose lifestyles vary so much from own. Beginning in Hanoi, explore Vietnam's culinary landscape, savoring the distinct cuisines of north, browsing produce markets, and dining on traditional and contemporary dishes featured in our annual Iron Chef culinary adventure tours. After Laos, we exploring the treasures of the Khmer empire, the magnificent temples at Angkor. The adventure of a lifetime? Many of our past travelers have said so!
QUESTIONS? Call us at (415) 731-4377 or |
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