Ditch the tourist circuit and embrace the endless possibilities of two wheels by cycling through the cultural and natural hot spots of northern Vietnam and Laos. Revel in the landscapes of Vietnam and lap up the country’s flavours before heading over the border into Laos. Discover the country’s grisly and unique past, while switching it up with night-time safaris before concluding the breath-taking trip in the temple-filled and special atmosphere of the town of Luang Prabang.
SpiceRoads CyclingVietnam and Laos are Southeast Asia’s backpacker havens, but few people who venture can grasp what makes these countries so fascinating. By ditching the tourist circuit and fumes for the pleasures of cycling and remote routes you can be guaranteed to discover why these two lands are unique.
Accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides, you will immediately leave behind the smog of Hanoi and head for the natural and cultural splendours of northern Vietnam. Accompanied by the gentle flow of the Red River, you will pedal through the real Vietnam, marvelling at the towering karst mountains, the cascading rice terraces and quaint traditional villages.
The riding in Vietnam is a real feast for the eyes with stops at striking places like the Cuc Phong National Park and the mesmerising Mai Chau Valley. Sadly, the tour’s wheels must veer out of Vietnam, but fortunately for you it is into the exciting land of Laos. The trip really begins to crank through the gears now as you soak up the new vistas.
To understand the present it’s important to know the past, and this tour certainly provides that, with stop-offs in places such as Vieng Xai. Otherwise known as The Hidden City, this spot is home to hundreds of caves used by the Laos Communist Party for shelter during the Second Indochina War.
This is just one of many unique visits, another is taken at the prehistoric Plain of Jars sites. Thousands of stones are scattered across the Xieng Khouang Plateau, how they got there is shrouded in mystery.
While the riding in Laos is a huge highlight, it’s important to relax, and half-way through the tour you get a day off to visit the Nam Et-Phou Louey conservation area and enjoy a night safari on a long-tail boat. Keep your eyes peeled to spot exotic wildlife.
You can also take advantage of soothing hot springs at Ban Xang before getting back on your bike to continue this epic ride, which ends neatly in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a town renowned for its peaceful monks, array of exquisite temples, and glorious architecture.
It marks the perfect place to finish up a stunning journey of discovery that few will ever have the chance of experiencing without taking a bike around these glorious countries.