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Cycling Through from Northern Vietnam to Laos Tour,Vietnam BikingTours, Vietnam cycling Tour
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http://www.greentrail-indochina.com Cycling Through from Northern Vietnam to Laos Tour 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 Green Trail Tours Co.,Ltd Add: Suite #1016 - B4 Building - Tran Dang Ninh Street - Cau Giay district - Hanoi - Vietnam Tel: + (844 ) 37 54 52 68 # 103 Fax: + (844) 37 54 52 77 Emergency call: (844) 98 906 9268 Ymsgr: greentrailtourism Skype: greentrailtours Local Time Standard time zone: GMT +07 hours Monday to Saturday : 8:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m (except Sunday) Website: http://www.greentrail-indochina.com Email: / |
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