Cycling: SpiceRoads Launches 14-Day Tour of Vietnam and Laos

SpiceRoads has launched a new 14-day tour of Vietnam and Laos.

The Remote Vietnam and Laos by Bike tour will take cyclists from bustling Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, through traditional local communities nestled in stunning landscapes and fascinating historical sites.

The tour has been designed for people who want to get away from the main tourist thoroughfare, stay in authentic guest houses, and eat as a local.

The first day starts with a short transfer out of the frenetic city of Hanoi and into the peaceful countryside. The tour includes a visit to local artisans in Bat Trang, a leisurely cruise through three natural caves, and a visit to the ancient capital of the Dinh and Ly dynasties. After a night in Cuc Phuong National Park, the tour heads to the beautiful Mai Chau valley before cycling across the border into Laos at Na Meo. In Laos, there is a visit to the Vieng Xai caves, a nighttime wildlife safari along the Nam Nern River, and a trip to the prehistoric Plain of Jars. The tour ends in the enchanting Luang Prabang.

Highlights of the tour include:

- Riding through remote regions of Vietnam and Laos;
- Travelling by boat on the Ngo Dong River to Bich Dong Pagoda;
- Staying in Vietnam's largest national park, Cuc Phuong National Park;
- Visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where a wide variety of native monkeys and gibbons are saved from wildlife smugglers;
- Discovering the serene Mai Chau valley surrounded by rice fields and stilt houses;
- Exploring some of the 480 Vieng Xai caves used by the Communist army during the Vietnam War;
- Wildlife spotting in the jungles of Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area;
- Cycling through the historical Plain of Jars; and
- Boating to the famous Buddha-filled Pak Ou Cave.

The tour cycles on paved roads, alongside rivers, through lush paddy fields, into karst landscapes and peaceful villages before taking on some climbs to truly appreciate the views of the surrounding natural splendors.

On days when the climbs are tough, distances cycled are shortened; rides vary between 30 and 70 km per day with the option of cycling 100 km for one day.

The journey takes a route less frequented, and therefore some overnight stays at guesthouses will be basic (but clean), with shared facilities.

The tour cost is US$2,950 with an additional US$180 for bike rental. The single supplement is US$325. The tour cost is inclusive of accommodation, the majority of meals, support vehicle, and drinks and snacks while riding.

Bookings for 2015 tours (Sep, Oct, Dec) will include free bike rental.