At a Glance
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A thrilling 9-day adventure whisking you through the ambience of three breathtaking Southeast Asian regions. Immerse in quiet countryside villages, ancient temples, lush landscapes and harmonious culture as you cruise the serene Mekong River and cycle the wonders of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Your adventure begins in World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos where you catch a sweeping view of the Mekong River and a thrilling adventure of the classical Wat Xieng Thong, a notable holy site in the country. Get astonished walking down the series of scenic cascades to the three-tiered Kuang Si waterfall. Witness a fascinating contrast of the modern and rural world as you bike along peaceful roads through twee villages and local markets. From one quaint country to another, fly to Cambodia only to discover the ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 8 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels including 3 nights aboard the Heritage Line Ship on a twin share basis
- All luggage, airport, hotel transfers and shuttle transfers as specified in itinerary
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Biking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expert Trip Leaders, on ship and on shore
- Off-the-beaten path exploration
- Impeccable and personalised service from ship staff and leaders
- Exploring lesser known routes away from busy ports
- Dedicated support vans
- Easy-to-use route directions so you're free to explore independently
- Off-ship lunches in genuine settings
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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Level 1, Approx. 24 km (15 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft) On the first day of the trip, you meet with your tour leaders today at Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel, Luang Prabang at 9:30 a.m. Make sure to come in your biking clothes, daypack, everything else you might need for this trip and your luggage, which will be conveyed to our first night’s accommodation. First we snack on a special light local delicacy right in Luang Prabang, a World Heritage town with a beautiful combination of Laotian and European monuments that have been carefully maintained overtime. Then your trip leaders, introduce our National guides, fit your bike and give you a brief talk on biking safety and techniques before we head out. We set out on a rousing ride along winding roads through rural settlements all the way to the central part of Luang Prabang- an experience to help get you accustomed to the peculiar biking conditions of Southeast Asia. Lunch break is at the north-wing of the peninsula where Luang Prabang is situated; from where you can enjoy vast immaculate views of the Mekong River as you equally enjoy a delightful lunch of Laos’s exclusive and exquisite cuisine. Guided by our leader, we go on to tour the legendary Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist temple of great historical and religious significance. |
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Later in the afternoon, we retreat to the lavish Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, a 5-star serene resort located on the lush Phou Vao Hills, and our home for the next two nights. Savour the tranquility at the sculpted grounds give way to endless cloud forest. Revive in the freshwater infinity pool, teetering on the cliff edge, or indulge in the Mekong Spa. Afterwards, relish delectable Al-fresco French-inspired meals in the elegant La Résidence's Mountain Terrace. Enjoy a hearty reception and a toast to an amazing week ahead. |
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Energized by a sumptuous breakfast, we proceed on an exceptional local boat ride down the Mekong River all the way to the legendary Kuang Si waterfall for a blissful experience as we walk down the series of cascades that make up its unique features. With our bikes, we cycle down tranquil roads, through aesthetically eccentric villages that offer uncommon visions of the modern and rural worlds blended together in an inspiring way as we return to Luang Prabang. As the afternoon rolls in, you might want to relax and rewind with a cocktail in hand by the La Residence's cool poolside and book a therapeutic session in the soothing spa or take a walk through Luang Prabang's lively centre and other worthy attractions in the locality. At dusk, just before dinner, step out to catch the mystifying voices of monks as they perform their evening chants; it feels truly enchanting to hear the voices resound through the neighborhood, indicating the close of a glorious day. An appetizing dinner with your tour leaders awaits in Manda De Laos, one of the choicest restaurants in town, located in a tranquil atmosphere overlooking lily pad on a UNESCO classified pond, featuring distinguished Laotian Family Cuisine specialty from all regions of Laos. |
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This morning we start out before the sun rises to capture a magical moment of numerous monks in saffron robes matching out admirably for their daily ritual of collecting alms from other faithful Buddhists. We then proceed to climb up to the very peak of Phou Si, a hallowed mountain, to see a spectacular view of nature, of karsts precipices beyond and over the peninsula through the morning mist, a picture-perfect screen. Having descended back to town, we venture into the bubbling morning market for a thorough exploration of all that can be savoured; an appetizing experience just before a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Prepared for a real-time breathtaking experience, we set out to an absolutely contrasting world of remains of a once powerful empire, almost destitute rural settlements that survived the years of Khmer Rouge and a rowdy company of a fast growing Siem Reap as well as a continuous stream of tourists flooding the famous ruins. We bike through the less-crowded settlements to escape the ever-rowdy situation to the best of our abilities as we enjoy equally eye-catching sceneries. |
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We continue our electrifying ride to the elegant Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, our 5-star refuge for the night. A hotel praised by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world's top hotels. This magnificent resort has been perfectly restored to its 1930s glory and embodies a park-like setting. Check into your luxurious room and take the rest of the evening to wander around the property or go on to explore the town's vibrant centre. Afterwards, treat yourself to a flavorful dinner in any restaurant of your choice or one recommended by your leaders. Done with dinner, turn in and be sure to rest well through the night as you have a long day of exhilarating experiences ahead. Note: We will to the best of our abilities make sure a midday flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap is secured. However, Lao Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air often reschedule flights without warning. Should this be the case, we might be Leaving Luang Prabang a little earlier or later than expected. Meanwhile, as much as we will be trailing a direct route when we can, know that we might stop by Bangkok when needed. As for the extra time created whenever our flight schedule is changed, be rest assured that we'll be maximizing it to the fullest in Luang Prabang. |
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Today, we ride out through a less traversed route for a more thrilling experience as we approach Angkor for an exceptional see-sight of the many intriguing temples like Ta Prohm and Bayon. We shuttle from Siem Reap to the Ta Prohm complex. You'll see how much of a wonder Ta Prohm has turned out to be over time; hardly renovated, this edifice has retained its natural essence so much that the jungle covering the structures instead of breaking the complex apart, have helped to hold it together and add up to its distinctive features. Later, we hop on our bikes and cycle through rural localities and along littered roads; the serene side of Siem Reap. Get ready to be warmly welcomed by the villagers, particularly the children as they seldomly see tourists especially on bicycles. We get hosted to an exceptional lunch in a private apartment belonging to our local friends and get refreshed for our adventure to Bayon. Famous for its fascinating bas-reliefs and gigantic smiling-faces on stones, Bayon houses a great deal of captivating attractions. You might want to stop by the way for a water blessing; it is believed by the locals that this ceremonious ritual brings good luck. On our way back to the comfort of our homely hotel, you might want to pay a visit to Wat Thmey, a memorial that tells the gloomy genocidal experience that broke down Cambodia in the 1970s. |
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At the hotel, take your time to relax with all of the luxury amenities at your fingertips; spoil yourself to a calming spa treatment or chill out by the hotel pool with its Angkor Wat ancient bath formation. Take an adventure with a stroll around town to shop and explore to the fullest Siem Reap's central markets. Later tonight, we savour the flavours of delectable Khmer cuisine. Note: Siem Reap's weather can be on the hot side and to make biking adequately comfortable and pleasurable, little adjustments may be made in our itinerary through the ruins. In the extremely hot seasons, we may visit in the morning or late afternoon when it's a bit cooler. |
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Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: minimal As the sun rises, we set out to Angkor Wat for a guided walk tour through the immaculate temple grounds with a local friend. This amazing site beams with life as the morning sun lights up the age-old carvings and as we listen to the history of Cambodia and the ruins. After absorbing it all, we cycle to catch a glimpse of the ruins as we go back to the hotel for breakfast. Fueled up, we shuttle to the Siem Reap airport for an exhilarating flight all the way to the stunning Phnom Penh, the majestic capital of the country. Reaching Phnom Penh, settle into your room in our opulent refuge for the night, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, a 5-star hotel harmonizing luxury with old-charm charm. Unwind with a drink at its exquisite Writer’s Bar or relax at the Poolside Terrace. Alternatively, those in pursue for adventure can embark on an exciting three-wheeler, tuk tuk, adventure around the bustling city, later in the evening. Notice the indications of a not-so modern existence even in the midst of countless classical locations and vibrant newly constructed buildings which surely reminds us of all the strife and delayed development and conflict that this country has survived in time past. |
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Tonight, gather for a ravishing dinner at the hotel's elegant restaurant and spend time at its renowned Elephant Bar for its signature colonial decor. Note: There are chances of our airline making an impromptu change to the flight schedule, such as a time adjustment, stop over or rescheduling for the next day. Once more, thank you for your patience and kind tolerance. |
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Level 1, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft) This morning, we transfer to the port to board the grand British Colonial-style Heritage Line ship for an ecstatic experience cruising on the Mekong River. This majestic ship also serves our princely home for another three nights. We journey east towards Vietnam as we engage in a discussion on the history of modern Khmer. Vietnam's Mekong coastal plain entails distinctive details that are eye-catching known as the "Rice bowl" of the country. It might interest you to know that the Mekong plays very significant roles in farming, transportation and food trade for a larger percentage of the population. As the ship cruises for most of the day, exploit the time to read a book while relaxing on the Sun Deck, or pamper yourself to a soothing massage or simply join an enlightening cooking class aboard. Formalities while crossing at the border shouldn't under normal circumstances take time but occasionally, it might take a little more time. On arrival in Vietnam in the afternoon, we go on a thrilling tour of our first location just outside Tan Chau village. Take a brief stirring spin into town through mini-road lining the numerous waterways that are peculiar to this region. Thereafter, your leaders get you familiarized with the exquisiteness of Vietnamese cuisine over one of our best 'street food' in a famous barbecue restaurant where we will dine and chat with other locals. When all is said and done, hop aboard the tender back to the ship for a full mouthwatering dinner before retiring into your cozy bed for the night. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: After an energizing Tai chi class, we disembark in a small tender and then hop on your bike for a truly elating ride through Tan Chau. First, we cycle enthusiastically through Tan Chau's back streets in the morning on roads that offer quaint sceneries that shuffle between ancient and modern, rural and urban. Next, we bike through an enchanting cultural Vietnamese setting all the way to the surrounding rice fields. An amazingly elaborate stretch of rice fields sprawls before your eyes as you cycle out of town. As you ride down a road you'll share with local cyclists going about their daily business, look out for a stunning view of fishermen casting their nets for a catch in the mini-canals around. With all of the rural-kind-of-events going on all around, for a moment, it might feel like a journey back in time. You can proceed to absorb more of the picturesque outlooks at the countryside or retreat early with an exciting loop back to our ship. At mid-day, enjoy cruising along the Mekong on the ship as you take in fascinating panoramic views from the Sun deck, with a drink shared with your newfound friends or rest and relax in your stately room. |
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Later in the afternoon, we go ashore to traverse the enchanting Mango Island on bike, catching scenic views of historical Catholic churches as well as Buddhist and Cao Dai temples along the way. As you return to the ship, be sure to delight yourself with the festivities in the local village, including tropical fruit tasting, traditional music and dragon dance before coming on board for a tasty cuisine at dinner. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Start the day with a guided walk through the lively commercial world of Sa Dec. This local market opens you up to the intriguing culinary diversity of Vietnamese. It is filled with numerous plant and animal based variables to astound you. Many of which are rarely found elsewhere. Take up your bike and for one last time, explore more of the rich diversity of sights to see along the Canals of the Mekong delta. Markets, fish farms, rice paddies and mango plantations abound along today's route. Lunch is hosted at a friends along the water, where we feast on a unique home-made delicacy before you hop on a private tender to Cai Be. A celebratory farewell dinner awaits aboard as we gather to toast an unforgettable voyage on the Mekong as the ship sails towards My Tho. |
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Wake up to a delightful meal in the morning before we go ashore in My Tho. By shuttle, make your way to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest metropolis in Vietnam where this awe-inspiring trip comes to an end. En route, get enlightened as our National Guide shares knowledge on Saigon's history and Southern Vietnam. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Luang Prabang, Laos
- The finish point is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Luang Prabang, Laos
Hanoi
Hanoi can often be much cooler than the rest of our trip, especially in November and December, with warmer weather during the months of January through April. Central Vietnam is almost always hot and humid with rainfall typical in November and sometimes in December. Because the seasonal showers can oftentimes break the heat and offer relief, our trips are not interrupted due to weather. However, we may need to amend our biking routes accordingly. Please be prepared for wet conditions.
Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia, you may expect to find warm weather year-round. As a result, our trip has been designed to incorporate more morning rides to escape the afternoon heat and humidity.
Laos
Has a tropical climate, which is influenced by the southeast monsoon which causes significant rainfall and high humidity. The climate is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season, or monsoon, from May to mid-October, followed by a dry season from mid-October to April.
Lightweight clothing is suitable for South East Asia’s tropical (often humid) daytime climate; however, a fleece jacket or warm sweater and long pants are essential for the cooler mornings and evenings in the north. Keep in mind that rain is always possible; in Vietnam, weather is especially unpredictable.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Rigid Mountain Bike Rigid Mountain Bike: custom-designed for more comfortable riding on trips where routes include some dirt and rougher paved roads. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.