Asia hanoi to luang prabang trip highlights Exploring the old quarter of Hanoi Sail amongst the beauty of Halong Bay Explore the stunning temples and waterfalls of Luang Prabang Stay with the village headman in Ban Sopjam Discover the minority villages of Mai Chau region in Vietnam Explore the intriguing Vieng Say Caves Travel in the company of Fairfax travel blogger and columnist, Ben Groundwater welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Hanoi to Luang Prabang Cycle with Ben Groundwater trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: HBG Grade Moderate Activities Cycling, Adventure Touring, Day Walks and Cruising Accommodation 15 day trip, 9 nights hotel, 4 nights homestay and 1 night traditional boat why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable trip in Vietnam & Laos. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. Our guides and vehicles are the best available and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips, our partners in Vietnam & Laos continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the paths less travelled. Our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. 1 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
hanoi to luang prabang China Vietnam Hanoi Mai Chau Sam Neua Luang Prabang Laos Thailand 2014 trip dates 17 May - 31 May trip cost Joining Hanoi: $4190 options & supplements World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. the trip Enjoy a spectacular journey of discovery from North Vietnam to Laos in the company of entertaining Fairfax travel blogger and columnist Ben Groundwater. We will explore at handle bar level this friendly land, where exceptional hospitality is guaranteed. Without a doubt cycling is one of the best ways to explore a country and our complete service includes comfortable geared bikes, a support crew and backup vehicle. We begin in Hanoi to discover its special French colonial character and marvel at the bustling old quarter. Cruise through the tranquil islands and emerald waters of stunning Halong Bay onboard a traditional junk sailing boat. Explore the beautiful valley of Mai Chau and its many ethnic minority villages. Then we enter Laos and cycle to the intriguing Vieng Say Caves where the Lao People s Revolutionary Party lived during the Secret War. Continuing through rolling mountain scenery to Nong Khiew we travel by boat to the village of Ban Sopjam where we stay with the village headman. We complete this exhilarating journey of discover on the banks of the Mekong river in the World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang with its exquisite golden temples and waterfalls. We hope you can join us! about your escort Fairfax Travel blogger and columnist Ben Groundwater (AKA The Backpacker) is one of Australia s most widely read travel writers. He is a regular contributor to Fairfax newspapers and websites, and is also the author of Five Ways to Carry a Goat, a memoir of his time touring the globe while staying with his readers. During his 10 years as a professional travel writer Ben has schlepped through more than 70 countries. He still gets lost sometimes. at a glance Day 1 Arrive Hanoi Day 2 Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (cycle approx 20km) Day 3 Halong to Ninh Binh (cycle approx 20km) Day 4 Cycle Ninh Binh to Mai Chau (cycle approx 70km) Day 5 Cycle Mai Chau to Na Meo (cycle approx 50km) Day 6 Cycle Na Meo to Vieng Say (cycle approx 25km) Day 7 Cycle Vieng Say to Sam Neua (cycle approx 28km) Day 8 Cycle Sam Neua to Vieng Thong (cycle approx 60km) Day 9 Cycle Vieng Thong to Vieng Kham (cycle approx 55km) Day 10 Cycle Vieng Kham to Nong Khiew (cycle approx 50km) Day 11 Ban Sopjam Day 12 Ban Sopjam, boat to Nong Khiew Day 13 Nong Khiew to Luang Prabang (cycle approx 35km) Day 14 Cycle Luang Prabang to Khouang Si Waterfalls (cycle approx 50km) Day 15 Trip concludes in Luang Prabang what s included English Speaking cycling guide Bike mechanic 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners Airport transfers (day 1 and 15 only) Comfortable 3* hotels on a twin share basis (or best available in remote areas) Private air conditioned vehicles Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary Expert bilingual guides Medical kit Trip accompanied by Ben Groundwater 2 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. Day 1 arrive Hanoi On arrival you will receive a transfer to the group hotel. This late afternoon, your tour leader will meet you at the hotel where a trip briefing will be held in the hotel lobby. This evening we have tickets for a performance of Hanoi s famous water puppet theatre, a series of 17 stories presented by 11 puppeteers whom traditionally performed during the monsoonal period when rice farming in the Red River Delta was not possible. The stories reflect their way of life and dreams as well as providing respite from their demanding work schedule. Prior to this we will have welcome dinner in a local restaurant and an opportunity to sample specialty dishes of the north. Overnight: Hanoi meals: D Day 2 Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (cycle approx 20km) This morning we depart for Halong Bay, one of the most stunning natural wonders of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island gateway we enjoy a relaxing bike ride to the Tuan Chau Marina (approx 20km). We then join our traditional junk sailing boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. We will spend the night on board the boat in our own cabins. Halong Bay is dominated by more than 1600 limestone karsts and islets which rise out of the waters of the bay up to heights of 100metres, and the numerous caves and grottos spread throughout the bay. Many of these uninhabited islets and outcrops have been given imaginative names by the locals, due to their perceived shapes, including Wading Ox, Fighting Cock, Small Fish, Tortoise and Wallowing Buffalo. Day 3 Halong to Ninh Binh (cycle approx 20km) This morning we have the option of an early morning Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck to soak up the morning ambience. Explore the Cave of Surprise (Sung Sot Cave) before returning to the cruise for lunch while our vessel cruises past spectacular scenery. On arriving at the pier we journey by road towards Ninh Binh, collect our bikes and cycle to our hotel. Overnight: Ninh Binh Day 4 Cycle Ninh Binh to Mai Chau (cycle approx 70km) After breakfast we depart earlier for Mai Chau. Mai Chau is located in a beautiful valley and surrounded by stunning scenery. Green mountains dotted with lakes, a patchwork quilt of rice paddy fields, and stilt-houses makes this area a tranquil destination. After a 1.5 hour journey by road we arrive at our starting point and start cycling through the picturesque, rolling hills towards Mai Chau. Tonight enjoy a local dinner and a traditional dance performance. Overnight: Mai Chau (Homestay). Day 5 Cycle Mai Chau to Na Meo (cycle approx 50km) This morning we set off on our bikes to Dong Tam town, along the mountainous national highway and through picturesque Pu Luong and Pu Ha Nature preserves. From Quan Son we journey by road (54km) avoiding the traffic to Na Meo border crossing. Arriving in the small town of Na Meo, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight: Na Meo Day 6 Cycle Na Meo to Vieng Say (cycle approx 25km) After breakfast we journey to the border and after crossing into Laos we cycle the peaceful roads towards Vieng Say. Arriving in Vieng Say in the afternoon we have time to freshen up before driving outside of town to explore a nearby network of caves inhabited by the Pathet Lao during the Vietnam 3 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
fast facts Countries Visited: Vietnam, Laos Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Escort: Expert local leader in each country Brochure Reference: Active Adventures *Ask our staff for more information. War. The Pathet Lao was a communist nationalist group in Laos that was founded in 1950 and took control of the country in 1975. They were closely associated with North Vietnam s Vietnam People s Army and South Vietnam s Viet Cong. The caves, both natural and artificial, were extensively developed and used during the Vietnam War. Overnight: Vieng Say (Guesthouse) Day 7 Cycle Vieng Say to Sam Neua (cycle approx 28km) This morning we cycle to the area known as Cave City, where up to 23,000 people sheltered from bombing raids during the Secret War. Wander through the amazing karst landscape in the middle of town and visit some of the caves that were used as hospitals, schools and even a theatre during the war. We then continue cycle to Sam Neua. Overnight: Sam Neua Day 8 Cycle Sam Neua to Vieng Thong (cycle approx 60km) After breakfast we mount our bikes and continue on our path westward. Today we are departing early for an epic day s ride to Vieng Thong over the mammoth Laotian Alps, cycling a quiet and winding route past traditional villages and over two 1500m passes. Time permitting en-route we will pause to explore Hing Tang (Suan Hin), a man-made formation of ancient stones. At Nam Nouan we journey by vehicle through the hills to Vieng Thong and after freshening up, walk to the nearby hot springs to relax any tired legs before exploring this small town set on the Nam Khan River and largely inhabited by hill tribes particularly Hmong and lowland Lao. Dinner at this town s only restaurant. Overnight: Vieng Thong Day 9 Cycle Vieng Thong to Vieng Kham (cycle approx 55km) Today is another long day over the Laotian Alps, rising early to the noise of the local hill-tribe market we start our ride to Nong Khiaw passing through the beautiful jungle and forest scenery of two National Park with lush green mountains over three passes. The beginning of our ride from Vieng Thong is flat until reaching our first challenge, a 750m climb, before descending a winding river valley road until we reach our next climb of 640m, before coasting down to Vieng Kham for lunch, next to a scenic river. After lunch we take our vehicle over a third climb (or cycle if you prefer!) to Vieng Kham. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Vieng Kham Day 10 Cycle Vieng Kham to Nong Khiew (cycle approx 50km) After a leisurely breakfast, we say goodbye to the small town of Vieng Kham and set off for an easy ride through rice field and peaceful villages. In the afternoon we journey by road to Nong Khiew. Overnight in Nong Khiew Day 11 Ban Sopjam This morning we take a boat to Bansopjam. This village was the stage of an NXNE assistance project to build a new school. The locals are subsistence farmers as well as proficient hunters and fishermen. In the late afternoon enjoy a refreshing bath in the river (women should wear a sarong). Tonight we try tasty organic Lao cooking! To truly experience Lao life, we will sleep in the village headman s house which will have comfortable mats, pillows and mosquito nets. Please be aware that there are no showers or western toilets in the village. Overnight: Muang Ngoy meals: B,D Day 12 Ban Sopjam, boat to Nong Khiew Today we enjoy a local breakfast and explore the surrounding village. We will likely be the object of curiosity for the village children who only rarely get the chance to interact with westerners and a game of football is a great icebreaker. Free time this morning to relax and explore. This afternoon, 4 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com trip grading This adventures involves cycling and walking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Road cycling is also highly recommended. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. we take a boat down the Ou River, which originates near the border with China before joining the Mekong near Luang Prabang. Enjoy the scenic boat ride south to the small rustic town of Nong Khiew. Overnight: Nong Khiew Day 13 Nong Khiew to Luang Prabang (cycle approx 35km) This morning the support vehicle will take us from Nong Khiaw towards Luang Prabang. Begin cycling through rolling mountain scenery, passing Leu tribal villages. Stop to explore the mysterious caves of Pak Ou. These two caves are linked and are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims during the Secret War. Continue cycling to Luang Prabang. As the road get busier approaching Luang Prabang, we will get off our bike and take the bus for the last 50km. Arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon. In the evening, we will enjoy the dinner with ceremony of Baci. Overnight: Luang Prabang Baci ceremony: Baci is a traditional Lao ceremony of well wishing, dating back to the times before Buddhism was widely accepted as the main religion of Lao people. It is celebrated on many occasions; for example to please the house spirit, to thank the spirits after a family member recovered from illness, after a woman gave birth to a child and also before one of the family members leaving for a long journey, to marry, to welcome honorable visitor, to farewell visitors, to pay respect to senior age or parents. The Baci is mostly held within the family or in public. During the ceremony all members of the family as well as invited relatives and friends are sitting around the Pha Khouan, a traditional bouquet of flowers. An older man of the village is conducting the ceremony by leading preaches and good wishes for health, prosperity, safe travel or whatever may seem important. To convey the wishes to you, the white cotton threads are bound around your wrists, called in Lao Soukhouan. This tradition comes from the old belief that 32 souls are living in the people s body. Wishing all bad souls or bad influences leaving and all 32 good souls staying in the body is accompanying the binding which finally mean to not let the souls leave the body. The threads should be worn for at least 3days. The ceremony will be followed by Lao traditional dancing performance. Day 14 Cycle Luang Prabang to Khouang Si Waterfalls (cycle approx 50km) An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Today we cycle south to the Khuoang Si Waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear bluegreen tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Bring a bathing suit if you d like to swim. We cycle back to town. We then continue visit this fabulous city including Wat Mai, the city s oldest temple of Wat Sene, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated gilded 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. Farewell dinner at local restaurant. Overnight: Luang Prabang Day 15 Trip concludes in Luang Prabang After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a wonderful collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure flight. meals: B 5 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Halong Bay Extension Vietnam by Bike Thailand and Laos Cycle Thai Cooking School and Homestay Mekong Delta Cycle Angkor Wat Cycle Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor Wat Cycle country information LAOS Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, is situated on the Mekong River, one of the world s great river systems, and is the center of northern Lao arts and culture. The town has rightfully been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Easily accessible with direct flights daily, Luang Prabang and the natural beauty of the Seuang River Valley, create the perfect setting for community service groups. Laos is landlocked by its neighbors Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. The mighty Mekong River runs the entire length of the country, providing fishing, irrigation and fertile farmland along the delta. Its population of 6 million people is distributed through modern towns, rural villages and isolated, ethnic, mountain tribes. The deeply entrenched Buddhist culture touches every part of life, making encounters with the Lao people one of friendship and warm welcomes. Temples, pagodas and stupas dot the country, with glints of golden rooftops visible as the sun rises over the mountains and the early morning alms giving ceremonies see the towns flooded with saffron robed monks. The Mekong River and its many tributaries are integral to the Lao way of life. They provide water for laundry, cooking, washing, playing, fishing, travelling and irrigation. Through your service and travel options you will see Laos as a truly captivating country, where the gentle pace of life invites the visitor to slow down, relax and absorb the beauty of their surroundings. VIETNAM Vietnam is a country of immense beauty and geographical diversity. The country is roughly divided into three main areas Bac Po (north), Trung Bo (centre) and Nam Bo (south). The main feature of the north of Vietnam is mountains and forests along with the vast Red River Delta. The north is also home to the Gulf of Tonkin and a maze of islands in the bay. Central Vietnam is made up of agricultural plains wedged between the Truong Son Mountains and the South China Sea making some dramatic mountain passes overlooking ocean vistas. The Mekong Delta dominates the south of the country. Vietnam has been the site of battles and invasions for over 2000 years. Influences of invaders or modern day liberators have left the country with a unique cultural identity and a complex and fascinating history. This history has given Vietnam a diverse population made up of different ethnic groups, particularly from China. The predominant ethnic group is known as kinh and make up about 90% of the population. There are dozens of other ethnic groups including Cham and Khmer particularly in the south of the country. Since the early 1990 s, Vietnam has been opening its doors to tourism. Although the relatively long periods of isolation and a history of war has not produced a laid back tourism paradise like Thailand facilities and infrastructure in the country are changing rapidly. Vietnam is still a communist country although the Government is at times very pragmatic and forward thinking. You still need to carry with you an abundance of patience and a good sense of humour to overcome the overt bureaucracy and the inevitable delays, however, the fascinating history and culture; the resilient and proud people; and the beauty of the varied landscape help to overcome any possible frustrations. climate LAOS 6 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
The dry or cool season begins at the end of October and lasts until the end of February. It is necessary to take along a warm jumper or fleece during the cool season, as nights can be very cold, especially in mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang. The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton clothing and hats are recommended. The rainy season starts in June and ends in October. In the Mekong river valley temperatures rise to 38 degrees Celsius in March and April, and fall to as low as 15 degrees Celsius in December and January. On average you can expect daytime temperatures of between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius, with cooler night temperatures. VIETNAM Vietnam s climate can vary markedly from region to region due to its length stretching 1650 km from north to south. Generally two distinct seasons prevail in Vietnam. From November to April, the temperatures are usually fairly cool, especially in the north of the country. In the mountain areas temperatures can be as low as 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and there can be a constant light drizzle. Hotter temperatures and heavy monsoon rains characterize the months from May to October although you can experience rain at any time. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August. equipment provided The bicycles used on this program are 27 speed, aluminium frame, mountain bikes, equipped with hand brakes. The bikes are supplied with a water bottle rack maximum capacity 750ml. These bicycles are used on all of the trips and therefore are used by many different people throughout a season. It is possible that your bicycle might need certain slight adjustments before you commence riding. However, additional adjustments or repairs may have to be made along the way and at least one additional bicycle is supplied for each group in case a replacement becomes necessary. Sets of basic tools are aboard the follow up truck and your trip leader will assist with any difficulties. If you already have a saddle that you are comfortable cycling long distances on, you should bring this with you. A gel seat cover is also highly recommended and well worth the additional cost (available in cycling shops). We regret that there are only a few smaller women s bicycles and these can be reserved for shorter group members, so long as we are advised of your height well in advance of your tour departure. *For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. what you carry In your day pack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. Our support vehicle will carry all your luggage on cycling days. equipment required A bike helmet is compulsory on this trip. We also highly recommend bike pants, gloves and a gel seat cover for your own comfort. A full gear list will be provided on booking. what s not included Bike Helmet compulsory Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks Tips and gratitudes International flights Visas and related expenses Airport and departure taxes Travel Insurance compulsory 7 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM
info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip. 8 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 4/11/2013 2:05:09 PM