Cycling In Laos & Northern Vietnam

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Craig MacDonald

  CYCLING IN LAOS & NORTHERN VIETNAM

  

  Written January 2010

  My fourth holiday with Exodus and second to Indochina. This was a great trip and everything I expected: a really good group, the usual excellent guides and many 'varied experiences' (food, sites and cycling).   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Crossing the border from Vietnam into Laos. The Laos highlands were a marked contrast to Vietnam, scenically and culturally. As the trip notes indicate, travellers have not been entering the country for long by this route and this was apparent by locals' surprised yet friendly reactions. Laos appears to be a country that is changing fast, so I'm glad to have visited at ths time.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader, Al, was experienced, competent and suitably well-humoured. We were impressed by his quiet problem solving ability, which kept the trip rolling throughout. I had the misfortune to fall off my bike, unavoidably, and Al managed this well, again quietly checking I was alright and providing the help I needed without making a drama of it. Our local guides in Vietnam (Lam) and Laos (Tuey) were both welcoming and were able to answer our questions about their respective home countries.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take a camera and spare batteries. Plenty of plugs along the way to charge things up, if you have an adaptor. As the trip notes say, occasional stop overs are very basic, so be prepared to 'rough it' a bit. That said, most nights were in hotels that ranged from 'ok' to very good (and bore no resemblance to an enduring memory of 'basic' in a wintery Nepalese tea house). Cycling wasn't frighteningly arduous, bar the two climbs noted in the trip notes, which I did slowly and, ahem, with a bit of a walk at times. The rented bikes were great, so there's really no need to take your own. Bottled water is available throughout, so no need to take iodine, etc. Do take some insect repellant for occasional evenings (even in winter). We did encounter a few mozzies, though not loads. Take Imodium and rehydration sachets for the odd stomach bug. Laos wasn't cold in December, though a couple of foggy days in the highlands made a fleece and hat handy. Washable, breathable clothing and padded cycling shorts advisable, unless you're already saddle hardened. Money goes a long way and there are plenty of chances to change US dollars along the route (less so for travellers cheques outside main towns).    

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Laos is a developing country and, as with Vietnam, is politically still finding its way with western tourists. If you're sensitive to the history of these countries' recent past, this is a great time to visit. If you are of a nervous disposition, watch out for the meat stalls at local markets in northern Laos. Vientiane was lovely and relaxed for evening strolling and eating; and I wish I'd had an extra day. If you have time on the last day in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson house is an easy, laid back visit to round off, and has a shop for quality, locally-made silk products (which got me off the hook with my girlfriend on my return). If you can't, they have a shop at the airport! If you have time (I didn't), consider spending an extra day or two in Bangkok, which is huge and has loads to explore.  Have fun!

   

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