Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights The Perfect Combination Experience Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam It would be difficult to find two destinations so geographically near, yet so completely different. Arriving in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, we ll cycle for two days through tropical countryside the atmosphere as charming and picturesque as the first time we visited here more than a decade ago. Continue to Laos, discovering a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy and miles of Mekong-side riding. Complete your journey exploring Siem Reap s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor and the overwhelmingly friendly people of Cambodia. Seeing these countries by bicycle is the perfect way to connect in an intimate and memorable way. WHY TRAVEL WITH B&R Each of our trips in Southeast Asia features a local guide. Travelling and biking with us every day, they add enormously to the depth of our experience in this magical region. As we always work with the same guides, over the years, they ve become an extension of our B&R family. Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.6 view > / the details p.7 view > / next steps p.8 view >
The Journey The Name Vietnam is derived from two separate words; Viet and Nam. The word Viet refers to the country s largest ethnic group, while Nam is the word south. 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 Ninh Binh TODAY, WE TAKE A SHORT DRIVE OUT OF THE CITY TO NINH Binh. Along the way, we ll stop for a ride through some of the local villages, getting a taste of daily life in rural Vietnam. Most of the ride is spent on quiet local roads in the area of the Red River Delta. We then continue to our home for the next two nights, a gorgeous ecolodge with the stunning limestone mountains of Tam Coc surrounding us. HOTEL Emeralda, Ninh Binh Neighbouring Ninh Binh s Van Long Nature Reserve, the lush grounds of Emeralda offer breathtaking views of the surrounding tropical forest and mountain range. The resort supports its local roots, designed with traditional Vietnamese materials and offering fresh local produce at all three restaurants. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A 30 km (18 mi.) ride through villages and gardens on levees near Hanoi. Day 2: A 45 km (28 mi.) ride through farmland and villages with options for more biking in the afternoon. Known as the Ha Long of the Land, our ride this morning takes us through the lush countryside and farming villages of Ninh Binh. Lunch is at a Buddhist temple in Hoa Lu, the 10th and 11th century capital of Vietnam. This afternoon, there is time to explore more of the nearby temples. Then, continue cycling toward our hotel and take a late afternoon boat ride in a limestonewalled nature preserve. Tonight we sleep and dine at the hotel, a spacious resort boasting the Van Long Reserve as its backdrop.
The Journey Ancestor worship is a very serious tradition and one of the most unifying aspects of Vietnam. 3 Days 3 & 4 Luang Prabang This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we will drive two hours back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we will take a gentle walk near the hotel and explore the trendy West Lake area of Hanoi. Following an excellent lunch, we will board our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Your guide will assist with the visas and then we head straight to our hotel to relax. Dinner tonight involves a special Lao welcome at a century-old villa with a traditional Lao Baci well-wishing ceremony. HOTEL Sofitel, Luang Prabang Built upon a UNESCO site, this former Governor s mansion is a beautifully redesigned oasis of calm. Twenty-three tastefully designed suites, in addition to a spa and pool, form the heart of this hotel, which is a blend of classic colonial design and contemporary Asian style. This is serenity and magic in the heart of Luang Prabang. THE ACTIVITY Day 3: A walk leisurely around Hanoi s West Lake area. Day 4: A moderate 30 km (18 mi.) bike ride through the hills north of Luang Prabang. The next morning, we re back on our bikes for a gentle day of riding. From the hotel entrance, we cycle north out of town. The road gets quieter and more scenic with every kilometre we leave behind us, the Mekong by our side the entire time. After conquering a few rolling hills we are rewarded with a lovely boat ride toward the nearby Pak Ou cave, once inhabited by a hermit who achieved enlightenment. The upper and lower sanctuaries contain more than 4,200 wood and gilded Buddha statues. From the caves, we reboard our vessel for a gentle cruise down the Mekong and lunch along the way, arriving back at the hotel in the afternoon. After some time to relax or perhaps a plunge in the pool, we venture out for a walking tour of this unparalleled UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll see the town s famed mix of stately temples and vestiges of French colonialism. A definite highlight is Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful temple dating back to the 16th century. The roof of the main chapel sweeps low to the ground and coloured-glass panels adorn its walls. Tonight we enjoy a fine meal in the hotel s dining room in anticipation of an early start tomorrow morning.
The Journey Laos contains the Plain of Jars, which is home to nearly 6,000 stone jars, each of which weighs a couple of tons. 4 Day 5, 6 & 7 Siem Reap, Cambodia the park, passing the temples of Bayon, Angkor Wat, the Elephant Terrace and the gates of Angkor Thom on our way back to the hotel. Freshen up before dinner in one of the best restaurants in town. Luang Prabang is at its prime just after dawn when the gongs chime to signal the end of morning prayers. More than 600 saffron-clad monks emerge from the temples and silently proceed through town to collect alms. We rise early today to witness and even join in this extraordinary ritual. When it s all over, we walk through the morning market and then head to the picture-perfect, multi-tiered cascades of the Tad Kouang Si waterfalls for breakfast. Our ride leaves from the falls and traverses rolling terrain mostly downhill initially, then uphill near the end. We finish pedaling once we ve arrived back in town for lunch, and then have the option to stay in town to explore and shop, or ride back to the hotel. We take a mid-afternoon flight to Siem Reap, where your guide will assist with arrival visas before we head to the hotel. As it was an early morning, dinner tonight is on your own; your guides will be happy to provide insider tips on the best places to dine and marvel at the beautiful sunset. Today will be an extensive discovery of the temples of Angkor Wat with our local guide, who will bring the stone celestial dancers to life for us. After exploring the exquisite Buddhist temples, we ll dig deeper into the park, traversing trails lined by a jungle of silk, cotton and strangler fig trees. Lunchtime provides a chance to explore the magnificent grounds of our palatial hotel (as well as its luxurious spa and pool). This afternoon, we head out early to explore the wild jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Famous for the jungle that still grows around it, this is an awe-inspiring homage to both nature and mankind. We bike from here through We further explore the temples of Bayon with our local guide today. Bayon Temple was constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This complex marks the exact center of Angkor Thom, making it the most venerated of the city s temples. The structure is considered by most Angkor specialists to be one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture there is. After lunch, the afternoon choice is yours to either take another great bike ride or hike through the Cambodia countryside, pay a visit to the lady temple of Banteay Srei, or cycle around Ton le Sap Lake. Your guide has some great surprises in store for dinner tonight. HOTEL Park Hyatt, Siem Reap The Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a perfect combination of oldworld charm, vivid history, culinary splendour and modern-day luxury. Located in the heart of Siem Reap, this central oasis offers top class facilities, the finest rooms, exquisite food, splendid modern comforts and tranquil tropical gardens to escape the hustle and bustle. This luxurious hotel is situated near the renowned 12th century ruins of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. THE ACTIVITY Day 4: A moderate 30 km (18 mi.) bike ride through the hills south of Luang Prabang. Day 5: A 28 km (17 mi.) ride through the Angkor Wat temple complex. Day 6: A 22 km (13.5 mi.) ride through the countryside. More options are available for those that want to bike in the afternoon.
The Journey Laos contains the Plain of Jars, which is home to nearly 6,000 stone jars, each of which weighs a couple of tons. 5 Day 8 Farewells Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning before being driven to the airport in time for your departure. If you re interested in extending your journey, your Travel Advisor would be happy to share some options. You might consider taking a cruise on the Aqua Mekong, or a 30-minute scenic helicopter ride over the temples that will bring you right to the airport!
Notes From the Road 6 Intro to Indochina By Nathan Lane The very term Indochina conjures up all sorts of romantic images, from regal colonial hotels to jungle-covered ancient temples. The smiles of happy people, whose culture, history, food and languages are a delight to discover, are infectious. Our journey begins in Ninh Binh an inland extension of Ha Longs s majestic limestone backdrop. Then onto Laos; with a rich history and charming blend of colonial and local architecture, Luang Prabang is picture-perfect. Boasting glorious gardens and numerous (and increasingly famous) Buddhist temples, Luang Prabang is perched on the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, making it a real joy to discover by bike. We invite you to continue onto Siem Reap with our Cambodia Biking Post-Trip. Explore not only the famous Angkor Wat but also some of the lesser visited temples of Cambodia s beautifully preserved. Angkor. Cycling through local villages, modern day Cambodia is also a joy to behold, particularly when you have friends seemingly at every turn. Indochina may no longer exist, but its magic and mysticism certainly does if you know where to look. Luckily for you, we ll show you where. B&R REGIONAL EXPERT Nathan Lane After guiding more than 100 trips for B&R in his own inimitable way, Nathan Lane transitioned into an award-winning Trip Designer he was named Vietnam s Top Travel Expert by Condé Nast Traveler. And yes, he knows he shares his name with someone famous (we tease him about it all the time).
The Details 7 VIETNAM Hanoi CHINA LAOS Luang Prabang Ninh Binh Gulf of Tongking INDIA MYANMAR LAOS CAMBODIA Hanoi VIETNAM Siem Reap CAMBODIA MALAYSIA INDONESIA Gulf of Thailand South China Sea 2018 Price: From $6,995 *Price is inclusive of $395 internal economy flights. ($1,000 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. * We will require your passport details at time of booking in order to secure your internal flights. Duration 8 days / 7 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Hanoi, Vietnam Sofitel Metropole Hotel Early morning Finish Siem Reap, Cambodia Airport After breakfast the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Often times that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) WHAT S INCLUDED All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners, including wine Services of B&R guide(s) and support vehicle All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees Use of a bicycle and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All transportation from rendezvous to dropoff, including internal flights: Hanoi Luang Prabang Siem Reap All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service Visa to Cambodia & Laos LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational This trip is rated recreational. The longest ride is about 45 km (28 mi.). The riding in Laos is gently rolling and the temperature should be quite comfortable. In Vietnam, the rides in Ninh Binh will be generally flat, with a few hills. MORE INFO How do I get to Hanoi? We recommend arriving in the region a couple of days prior to the start of your trip to ensure you have adjusted to the change in time and climate. Hanoi is a fun city to explore and well worth visiting on your own or of course we can help make arrangements for you. Our rendezvous hotel is the Sofi tel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a gorgeous French colonial-style hotel located in the heart of Hanoi, the Metropole is a hotel with a history. Built in 1901, it has welcomed politicians, business leaders and artists. It is a true landmark in colonial Hanoi. THE SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE, HANOI www.sofitel.com Built in 1901, this gorgeous French colonial-style accommodation is located in the heart of Hanoi. It offers 364 guest rooms & suites, complemented by a choice of three restaurants (French cuisine, Vietnamese specialties and Italian flavours), three bars, a lush and relaxing rooftop garden, a heated swimming pool, health club and the luxurious Le Spa du Metropole. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2018. Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 8 Weather: Vietnam month high low Jan/Feb 90 71 Mar/Apr 94 74 May/Jun 90 75 Jul/Aug 87 75 Sep/Oct 87 73 Nov/Dec 87 72 Siem Reap month high low Jan/Feb 90 71 Mar/Apr 94 75 May/Jun 92 77 Jul/Aug 89 77 Sep/Oct 88 75 Nov/Dec 86 72 Laos month high low Jan/Feb 75 71 Mar/Apr 84 80 May/Jun 85 83 Jul/Aug 83 82 Sep/Oct 80 80 Nov/Dec 75 71 your next steps At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your hotel accommodation for the night before your B&R trip. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Begin steps to secure a visa for Vietnam. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation Email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. YOUR BIKE We pride ourselves on having the very best equipment for each activity and locale, maintained by expert staff and custom tweaked just for you. Visit us at www.butterfield.com/ourbikes to learn about our biking equipment and see pictures of what you ll be riding. And don t forget that we will modify your bike to accommodate most special gear requests. Just ask. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor. We are always happy to help. FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/butterfieldandrobinson Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2018. Butterfield & Robinson Inc.