Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam tour 33 days

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Bangkok arrival (D, G)

On arrival, you will meet the driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be your time before you have Thai dinner and Thai cultural performance. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok/Nakhon Pathom (20-40km) (B, L, D, G)

Heading out of town we travel by car to Samut Songkhran and begin biking on village roads past orchards, coconut plantations, temples and traditional Siam houses towards the floating market of Damnoen Saduak. This market is always a hive of activity as many people come from the surrounding areas to trade their goods. After seeing this sight we continue cycling to the Maekong River where we board a boat for an exciting trip. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the rural life close up. Along the way we anchors at the King Rama Park II, a traditional teak house museum in a large tropical park which displays rare Thai flowers and plants. We drive to the Rose Garden, our final destination. O/N at Nakhon Pathom

Day 3: Nakhon Pathom/Kanchanaburi (15-20 km) (B, L, D, G)

Today we make our way by car to Nakhon Pathom to visit the Phra Pathom Chedi as well as the large open market before we drive to Kanchanaburi. This enchanting town has plenty to see, some of which are the famous bridge over the River Kwai, the sobering War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. We also explore the beautiful countryside by riding our bike to the Hellfire Pass, where we visit the fascinating museum chronicling the events of World War II and board the train for a trip across the infamous “Death Railway”. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town. There are numerous options to choose from; however our guide are on hand to advise you invaluable information. O/N in Kanchanaburi.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi/Ayuthaya (20-40 km) (B, L, D, G)

The former capital of Thailand, Ayuthaya lies along the Chao Phraya River, and is surrounded by many canals giving this region a lovely name Venice of the East. After breakfast we drive to the outskirt of Ayuthaya and commence our biking trip on village roads. This is a wonderful experience as we pass through many villages and make fun with waving kids. We arrive at the ruin of Ayuthaya and have a chance to explore the many masterpieces by bike. The largest temple of Wat Phra Sisanphet, which was used as the Royal Temple Palace by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram built by King Prasathong in 1630 with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones to symbolize mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods. O/N at Ayuthaya.

Day 5: Ayuthaya/Bangkok (20-40 km) (B, L, D, G)

Upon leaving the town we enjoy a short boat trip on the Chao Phraya River to Bang Pa In which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17th century. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles, encircled by lush beautiful gardens and lake. We cycle towards the agricultural village of Bang Bua Thong and head across the Chao Phraya River to Koh Kred. After lunch at local restaurant we continue riding around the island and pass through many orchards, villages and pottery factories before we meet up with our car for few hour drive back to Bangkok. The trip ends after arrival at your hotel in Bangkok.

Day 6: Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off you luggage. If you arrived by mid day flight, we may proceed for lunch. After lunch, a walk through “downtown” Yangon, a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd century is a landmark in the city centre. late afternoon visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Yangon/Mandalay (B, L, G)

Morning fly to Mandalay, the city of bicycles. We will try to take the bikes along with your flight, since we are flying with ATR 72 air craft with small cargo space, and start biking from the airport after assembling. The supported pick-up will be waiting you and following you on the way to hotel. Recommend to bike until you get near the city. And then you will be transferred to the Hotel. Bike to some highlights in Mandalay such as Mahamuni Temple and craft shops and sunset at Mandalay Hill. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Day 8: Mandalay/Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura/Mandalay (bike) 50 km (B, L, G)

After breakfast, bike down to the jetty and cross the Ayeyarwaddy River by a private boat (45 minutes). Visit Mingun, an exclusive village for KING BADON whose dedications are of today-tourist-site. Things to see are unfinished and semi-ruined Pathodawgyi Pagoda, Mingun bell and Myatheindan Paya which is a resemblance of the universe. Proceed to Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals in Kobaung Dynasty, along the River by bike. Your supported pick-up will be waiting on that point. Up on the Sagaing Hill, nestling a number of monasteries for retreat, viewing the Mighty River from the top. Sit on the pick-up or continue cycling along the avenue via the river bank is on your wish. Arrive back Mandalay and overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Day 9: Mandalay/Myittha (bike) 74 km (B, L, D, G)

Morning after the breakfast, you will be transferred out of Mandalay for about 20 minutes to avoid the congested city traffic and bike southward along the superb high-way for about 40km where you arrive Kyaukse, the rice bowl during the Bagan period. This thriving small town is assumed to be the origin of Burmese, according the British scholar G.H Luce. Then, turn right to a by-way and arrive Myittha, a small charming town. Best place to be local and an added experience on the trip making a night stop at a monastery. Overnight with very simple accommodation.

Day 10: Myittha/Myingyan (bike) 80 km (B, L, D, G)

Say goodbye to the chief monk and bike to the south further. Breakfast shall be at a local tea-house near the market. Have a leisure walk there and bike to the south further. The road is flat, narrow and roughly tarred. Pass through many villages along the way. Should you take delight in visiting a local house on the way, the guide and the driver with you shall be of assistance. Overnight at a local guest house in Myingyan with simple accommodation, a perfect distance to make your night stop before Mt. Popa.

Day 11: Myingyan/Taungta/Mt. Popa (bike) 84 km (B, L, D, G)

Today shall be the most beautiful day to bike. The road is typical to the central dry zone. You will pass many un-bridged sand creeks winding the toddy forest towards Popa Mountain range with picturesque scenery taking away your exhaustion. On arrival to the foothill, continue bike up to your resort. Overnight at Popa Moutain Resort which offers great view towards the Popa Taungkalat and Summit.

Day 12: Mt. Popa/Bagan (bike) 50 km (B, L, G)

Time for your energy to walk up 777 steps and reach the summit of extinct volcano; the abode of Nat (spirit) called Mt. Popa. Outset with your bicycle to Bagan. Road is narrow but smooth and labyrinths in the toddy/palm trees. Enjoy observing how the local wine/liquor/spirit/candy is made from toddy seed. Arrive in the New Bagan where 2000 Pagodas and temples are rest. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 13: Bagan (B, L, G)

What make the experience of cycling with 2000 millennium old religious edifice better? This venue is an archaeological treasure as well as historical wonder and ranked as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO. Some highlights are Ananda temple (the master-piece edifice amongst 2000), Thatbyinnyu temple (the highest one), Dhanyangyi temple (the most massive one). You will also see how the lacquer items are made in a local workshop. Enjoy the sunset from a temple over looking the majestic flat plain. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 14: Bagan/Thandwe (Ngapali) by flight (B, G)

Today, we will fly to Ngapali Beach. Time to relax after all the exhaustion.

Day 15 & Day 16: Leisure at Ngapali beach (B)

Day 17: Ngapali/Yangon by flight (B, G)

Fly back to Yangon and explore the tales of metropolis Yangon in the afternoon. We plan to visit by car to Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning views of Schwedagon Pagoda and visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 18: Yangon/Bangkok (B, G)

After breakfast, you will be free before catching the flight to Bangkok. On arrival, the car will pick you up and transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 19: Bangkok/Luang Prabang (B, G)

After breakfast, you will catch the flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our transportation. After a short rest, we begin cycling to some of the major sights in this faboulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated guilded stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in coloured glass on the back wall and its three tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing classical Laotian architecture. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there we experience the hustle and bustle of the colourful Night Market where you can find a selection of traditional textiles, gifts and souvenirs made by the local people. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 20: Luang Prabang/Tad Sae (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we set off on our full day cycling tour. We head south of Luang Prabang, on route 13, passing by various local villages while enjoying splendid mountain and unspoiled forest scenery. Our biking route is approximately 18 kilometers on well-paved roads and 1 kilometer on unpaved dirt roads, to Tad Sae. On arrival, we take a small long tail motortaxi downstream on the Nam Khan River, passing stunning soft green mountains and observing the local activities at various small villages on our way. En route we stop at Tad Sae, a large beautiful waterfall which is cascaded in the forest with a cool natural swimming pool, you may refresh yourself from the sweat and humidity from cycling by immersing yourself in the cool and white waters of the spring in the big pool.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the waterfall on a Sala terrace. After lunch, we continue our boat trip downstream to retrace the tomb of the French explorer Henri Mouhot, who stumbled across Angkor Wat in 1860, but succumbed to a malaria attack in Luang Prabang on 10th November in following year. Your bike will be ready at the local pier near Ban Phanom for our journey back to Luang Prabang. We take a alternative route back to Luang Prabang, riding through and stopping over at the well-known weaving village of Tai Lue, who used to make silk weaving textiles for the former Lao royal family. We then ride to Luang Prabang by the late evening, to enjoy a short guided cycling tour in Luang Prabang before sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 21: Luang Prabang/Biking to Pak Ou Caves (B, L, G)

This morning, we head northbound from Luang Prabang. After approximately 22 kilometres of smooth cycling and a further 3 kilometres on rough roads, we reach the village of Ban Pak Ou. After enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by picturesque countryside, we cross the Mekong River to Pak Ou and Thamting Caves, located on the Mekong riverbank. We visit the interesting and mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We then embark on a traditional boat downstream the Mekong River with our bicycles. On the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where you can sample the local produce of Lao rice wine. Our next stop will be at Wat Long Khoune, a royal family temple, as well as Sakkarine Caves and Ban Xieng Mene, a traditional pottery kiln village. We then return to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 22: Luang Prabang (B, G)

After breakfast this morning, we drive to Luang Prabang to visit The National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We also visit the Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. After lunch, your time will be your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 23: Luang Prabang/Hanoi (B, D, G)

Welcome at the airport in Hanoi by your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Then, you’ll enjoy a traditional water puppet show before dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 24: Hanoi City tour (B, L, G)

This morning, spend a few hours exploring Hanoi by bus and on foot visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to visit the, his former residence and the famed one pillar pagoda. Then enjoy a cyclo tour through the vibrant street scene of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This afternoon, finalize your trip preparation with a full briefing and a bike fitting and short test-ride through Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 25: Hanoi/Hue (B, L, G)

This morning awake early to witness local Hanoi life along the lake shores followed by a ride through the outskirts of the capital. The route follows alongside the Red River, a fascinating introduction into life outside the big capital. After an early dinner back in the city, transfer to the train station for the overnight ride to Hue. (Today’s cycling is approximately 35km). Overnight onboard the train.

Day 26: Hue (B, L, G)

Arrive in Hue this morning and begin cycling through town, across the Perfume River and to Hue’s Imperial Citadel. Explore the sprawling complex, rich with history, on foot before continuing the ride out to the countryside along dirt tracks to the Mausoleums of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Ride past relics and ruins until you reach the end of your journey at the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. (Tonight’s cycling is approximately 45km). Overnight in Hue

Day 27: Hue/Hoi An (B, L, G)

Today provides a classic day of Vietnam cycling, starting just outside of Hue and following a picturesque, peninsular road to Vinh Loc. Then join up with legendary Highway 1 for three intense climbs. After the hard work, you’re rewarded with a swim at Lang Co Beach and re-fuel with lunch as there is one more hill of the day – the Hai Van Pass. Transfer the remainder of the distance by van in to Hoi An. (Today’s ride is approximately 100 kms). Overnight in Hoi An

Day 28: Hoi An/My Son/Hoi An (B, L, G)

Set out for a challenging ride from the outskirts of Hoi An on a quiet back road to the famous Cham Towers of My Son. The ride is through a remote area where very few tourists venture, and surrounded by stunning views. You will arrive tired but triumphant at these most wonderful towers and enjoy a picnic lunch before transferring back to Hoi An for dinner. (Approximately 60km of riding today). Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 29: Hoi An/Danang/Nha Trang (B, L, G)

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy some free time in Hoi An before cycling side roads via the Marble Mountains to Danang. A short, afternoon flight transfers you to the white sandy beaches of Nha Trang. Relax and enjoy the sun and sand. (Today’s ride is approximately 30 km). Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 30: Nha Trang/Dalat (B, L, G)

This morning, transfer past the busy traffic of Highway 1 to the Po Klong Garai Cham towers for the starting point of today’s uphill ride. The road is quiet and shady for the most part as you pedal steadily upwards, ascending more than 1000 meters! As you near Dalat, the journey is rewarded as the temperatures begin to cool and lush green fields and hills fill your vision. (Today’s ride is approximately 100 km). Overnight in Dalat.

Day 31: Dalat/Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, G)

Rise early for a not-to-be-missed Dalat cycling loop. Pedal the quiet back roads in the shadow of Langbian Mountain, stopping en route to visit a flower farm, and enjoy great views of Dalat. Then, let the fun begin with the ride to Ho Chi Minh City – downhill all the way- arriving late this afternoon! (Today’s ride is about 80km). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 32: Ho Chi Minh City/Cu Chi/Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, G)

Depart early for the drive to Cu Chi Tunnels where you can explore this amazing network of underground tunnels used for years throughout the American war. Then, it’s back on your bikes for one last ride, this time along country roads around Saigon. Return to Saigon with plenty of time to browse the markets, enjoy additional sightseeing or soothing tired muscles with a massage. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 33: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B, G)

The day is at your leisure until transferring to Ho Chi Minh City’s airport for your onward flight.

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room.
• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above
• Return train tickets: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi, air-conditioned soft four-berth cabin, good local standard four-berth cabin.
• One way international flight tickets: Bangkok – Hanoi, including airport taxes
• Boats cruise as programme. For Ha Long Bay, you’ll join other passengers on a high quality wooden boat with comfortable accommodation, good facilities and an experienced crew. The boat will be fully licensed and comply with current safety regulations.
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
• The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunches and dinners, as specified, in the good local restaurants, picnics where suitable restaurants are not available, and full board on the boat in Ha Long Bay.
• VAT and other taxes

Our price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas
• Dinners, except as specified above.
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Insurance.

Hotel list for Five Stars standard:

• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) or similar
• Koh Samet: Ao Prao resort
• Hanoi: Melia Hotel (***** modern high-rise building in one of Hanoi’s leafy boulevards in the city centre, uninspiring bland architecture, but high-quality facilities, restaurants, and service, ten-minute stroll from the city centre) or similar
• Sapa: Victoria Hotel (***** the best hotel in Sapa with separate building)

Hotel list for Four Stars standard:

• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Koh Samet: Ao Prao resort
• Hanoi: Sunway Hotel (**** comfortable boutique hotel 15 minute’s walk from the city centre) or similar
• Sapa: Chau Long Hotel (*** overlooking Muong Hoa valley & Mount Fansipan) or similar

Hotel list for Three Stars standard:

• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Samet: Ao Prao resort
• Hanoi: Thang Long Opera hotel (*** city centre, walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake) or similar
• Sapa: Holiday Sapa (*** city centre, overlook the beautiful valley) or similar.

If, at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.