Hanoi to Luang Prabang by bike

BANGKOK  SpiceRoads has launched a new 14-day tour – Remote Vietnam and Laos by Bike – from Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang.
The tour has been designed for people who want to get away from the main tourist thoroughfare, stay in authentic guest houses, and eat local.
inside no 8The route:
The first day starts with a short transfer out of the Hanoi and into the peaceful countryside. The tour includes a visit to local artisans in Bat Trang, a leisurely cruise through three natural caves, and a visit to the ancient capital of the Dinh and Ly dynasties.
After a night in Cuc Phuong National Park, the tour heads to the beautiful Mai Chau valley before cycling across the border into Laos at Na Meo. In Laos, there is a visit to the Vieng Xai caves, a nighttime wildlife safari along the Nam Nern River, and a trip to the prehistoric Plain of Jars. The tour ends in Luang Prabang.
Tour highlights:
Cycling through remote areas of Vietnam and Laos
Travelling by boat on the Ngo Dong River to Bich Dong Pagoda
Staying in Vietnam’s largest national park, Cuc Phuong National Park
Visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where a wide variety of native monkeys and gibbons are saved from wildlife smugglers
Exploring some of the 480 Vieng Xai caves used by Pathet Lao government and army during the Vietnam War
Cycling through the historical Plain of Jars
Boating to the famous Buddha-filled Pak Ou Cave
Trip profile
The tour is mainly on paved roads, alongside rivers and lush paddy fields. It passes karst landscapes and villages before taking on some climbs to truly appreciate the views of the surrounding countryside. On days when the climbs are tough, distances cycled are shortened; rides vary between 30 and 70 km per day with the option of cycling 100 km for one day. The journey takes a route less frequented, and therefore some overnight stays at guesthouses will be basic (but clean), with shared facilities.
Costs and discounts
The tour costs USD2,950 with an additional USD180 for bike rental. The single supplement is USD325. The tour cost is inclusive of accommodation, the majority of meals, support vehicle, and drinks and snacks while riding.
Bookings for 2015 tours (Sep, Oct, Dec) will include free bike rental.

sourced:ttrweekly.com