Essential Information - Vietnam to Laos
Indochina
Getting there and away
Our cycling holiday starts in Hanoi. We appreciate that people join redspokes tours from all over the world. No matter what time you arrive at the airport you and your luggage will be transferred to your hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday on the trip start date, you may have to wait for your room to be made available. If you decide to arrive before this date redspokes can assist you in booking your accommodation and will organise a transfer to your hotel at an additional cost. Our holiday price does not include your international flights.
The tour ends in Luang Prabang and if you are flying home on the departure day your transfer to the airport is included in the tour price. If you decide to stay beyond the last day of the tour redspokes can help you organise extra accommodation and transfers to the airport if needed for an additional charge.
There is an afternoon flight with Vietnamese Airlines or Laos Air advertised from £90 - £115. You can buy this online - see www.kayak.co.uk. Alternatively you can buy a multi-destination ticket, fly into Hanoi and return from Luang Prabang. If you decide to arrive before the start date or stay on at the end of the tour, we can reserve your accommodation and transfers at cost price.
If flying from the UK Singapore Airways appear to be the favoured airline by our customers. Check out www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk for an idea of times and prices.
Visa
You must be in possession in a valid passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after date of arrival and at least six blank pages available for your Laos visa.
Vietnam: British and Thai passport holders do not need a visa if they stay in country less than 14 days. For information relevant to the country for which you hold a passport, check with your local Vietnam embassy for up to date advice. If you do require a visa please be aware that an e-visa is not acceptable for this tour as it will not allow entry or exit from Vietnam at the Tay Trang border gate. Your visa must be applied for in advance. You can arrange for a visa on arrival in advance of the trip and our agent can provide you with a travel document that will permit entry to Vietnam for issue of the visa. There is a £10 admin charge for this. The visa fee is payable at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi.
Laos: Your visa will be issued as you enter the country. The visa fee is payable in cash in dollars only (no other currency is accepted). Please visit this website for further information: Laos visa regulations.
If you would prefer to pay an agent to get your visa, we would suggest using Travcour (UK) Ltd.
Insurance and vaccinations
It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. All persons are expected to arrange their own insurance. Polices should cover any potential risks involved in a mountain cycling holiday. We ask for copy of your policy to be sent in with your completed booking form.
Snowcard Insurance Services specialize in all mountain sports holidays including mountain biking. Their policies include emergency medical and repatriation expenses as well as mountain rescue. They are also able to insure personal belongings including equipment as well as travel cover for cancellation, delay and missed departure. Follow the link below to obtain full information and a quote: www.snowcard.co.uk.
Plan ahead for your vaccinations, some of them require more than one injection you should seek medical advice at least six weeks before travel. No vaccinations are currently required for the tour, but the following are recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus. If you have recently travelled in a Yellow Fever affected part of the world, proof of an inoculation is required. Expert advice on medication should be sought.
Cycling support and grading
All of the time you will have the security of a back-up vehicle; either a truck or (and) a bus. The vehicle will carry our entire luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The back up van will be with us throughout the day stopping around every 15 miles. Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc, however, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so you must ensure that your bike is in good working order before the tour. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.
Equipment and bike stuff
Tough as bikes can take a battering and low geared (such as a 22-tooth granny cog on the front crank driving an 11-32/34 block on the back). Comfort is important, as there are some long days, so make sure your saddle and riding position are appropriate.
A mountain bike is a good option. Front suspension will help with the washboard tracks and potholes, but it is not essential. If you have flat bars, fitting bar ends will give you a different hand position and help with the climbs. The trip can be done on a traditional touring bikes, but it is important to ensure it has got strong enough wheels, sufficiently wide tyres (37mm is about the minimum) and low enough gearing. It's worth investing in a pair of 36 spoke, hand-built wheels, using a good quality rim (e.g. Sun Rhyno, Mavic or Rigida).
Tyres
The route is a mixture of poorly maintained tarmac and very rough gravel tracks. The best tyre for the job is probably the Schwalbe Marathon XR. It's very tough and hardwearing and has a decent tread for the gravel without being too knobbly for tarmac.
Spares
We would advise the following: a multi-tool, tyre levers, pump, 2 spare inner tube, spare spokes of the correct length to fit your wheels - check with a bike shop, brake pads, a few spare links for your chain, spares for any unique or high-tech items on your bike, e.g. fluid and bleed kit for hydraulic brakes.
Please ensure that your bike is in good working order before you leave on tour. If you are not the most mechanically minded we suggest that you get your bike looked at by a professional bike mechanic. We particularly suggest looking and adjusting all wheel spokes, greasing all your bearings, checking your brakes/gears cable, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamps, tires and put in new inner tubes and check wheel rims are not worn. In addition make sure the bike is well serviced and ride it with as much care and attention as possible.
Clothing
Here's our recommended kit list. It's not rigid - feel free to vary it at as necessary to your specific needs:
Good quality waterproof jacket, warm hat (it can get cold in Sapa), sun hat, cycle gloves, mid-weight fleece top, long sleeved shirt, travel trousers, 2 wicking t-shirts (synthetic or merino wool), cotton t-shirt for around town, 2-3 pairs of underwear, 2-3 pairs of standard socks, cycling shoes, e.g. spd's, trekking shoes, flip-flops, flip flops / sandals.
Other suggested items are: a bike helmet, a pair of dark glasses (the sun can be very strong), a small day sack or pannier (assuming you have a rack to attach it to) to carry clothing, camera and valuables, a couple of spare passport photos, photocopies of key documents, e.g. passport (data and visa pages), travel insurance policy, airline tickets, camera, photos of your family and postcards of your town to show the locals.
Baggage allowances and your bike
Your bike must be carried as a part of your luggage allowance and, to this end, we do ask that you to make every effort to keep your total check-in baggage to an absolute minimum. The baggage allowance for most airlines for an economy-class ticket is 20kg per person; although a degree of flexibility is usually extended to groups and the check in staff may accept up to 26kg per person without imposing excess baggage charges. Your bike (in its cardboard box) will weigh 15 to 18kg. So, that means you will have a small allowance for clothing, etc. You should carry small heavy items in your day pack / pannier which you can take onto the plane as hand luggage.
What's included and what's not
Accommodation will be in hotels, guest houses and a home stay for the duration of the tour. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room; single rooms are sometimes available at extra cost.
All food is provided on tour apart from the rest days in Sa Pa and Luang Prabang and lunches and evening meals in Hanoi.
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that £250 will be more than enough to cover the 14 day tour. Visa costs are, Laos £20, Vietnam £48. Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. $40 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
Further information
On all our tours the guides carry a medical kit. We do recommend that you bring your own first aid supplies which should include: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, a cold medication, diarrhoea treatment, pain killers, plasters, insect repellent and re-hydration salts.
Vietnamese is the official language; English is generally favoured as a second. Chinese and Khmer and numerous other local languages are also spoken in places. Lao is the official language of Laos, English is the official business language of the Lao government.
Vietnamese New Dông (approx. VND 17,500 to $1). Laos Kips (approx. 8,000 to $1) The US Dollar is the most favoured foreign currency in both countries, we recommend taking some US Dollars. British currency can usually be changed in the larger cities. There is a charge for changing money in banks. ATM are widely available in most towns in both countries.
Buddhism is the major religion in Laos and Vietnam. In the far north of Vietnam Hoa Hao and Cao Daism are among the indigenous religions along with groups that have animist beliefs. Ancestor worship is an important influence in Vietnamese culture. Other religions are Christianity and Islam.
Recommended reading
Murphy, Dervla. (1999) One foot in Laos. Christopher Robbins, (1989). The Ravens: pilots of the secret war of Laos. The most thrilling read of all the books on America's secret war in Laos.
Holiday Status (available, guaranteed)
Before booking please check the status of the trip you are joining. We do not advise you to book flights until a trip is confirmed to run.
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There is a 5% booking incentive discount for all "Available" and "Available 2 More To Guarantee" tours. To confirm your place on a tour please make the deposit payment. Your deposit payment is fully refundable at any stage before the tour shows as "Guaranteed". Your final balance is payable no later than 56 days before the trip start date.
On booking your trip you are agreeing to our booking conditions. Please read them fully via the link here. For each holiday a minimum number of participants is required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed'. You can check the trip status for each departure on our ‘Dates and Prices’ page. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has reached guaranteed status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.
Guaranteed Limited - trips are open for booking and confirmed to run but have a limited number of spaces available.
Guaranteed - trips are open for booking and confirmed to run.
Available 2 More To Guarantee - trips are open for booking but not yet confirmed. 2 more bookings will guarantee the running of this tour.
Available - trips are open for booking but not yet confirmed.
Contact - If you would like to book this tour, please contact us.
Fully Booked - trips now closed for booking.
What's included
- Support vehicle
- Accommodation
- Most meals (see trip notes for details)
- Snacks and mineral water during cycling days
- Airport transfers on the start and end day of the tour
- Local professional English speaking guide(s)
What's not included
- International flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Meals not stated on the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide (s) and support staff
- Bike hire (available if required)
Getting there and away
The tour starts in Hanoi. You will need to arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary. Your flight departure at the end of the trip should be booked for the final day of the itinerary. We appreciate that people join redspokes tours from all over the world. Whatever time you arrive at the airport on the trip start date you and your luggage will be transferred to the joining hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday you may have to wait for your room to be made available. If you decide to arrive early or stay on after the tour, redspokes can assist you in booking your extra accommodation and airport transfers at additional cost.
Our tour price does not include your international flight.
Check out www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk for an idea of times and prices.
Bike Support & Grading
You will at all times have the security of a back-up vehicle; either a jeep or a bus. The vehicle will carry your luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The backup van will be with us throughout the day stopping around every 12 miles (20 km).
Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so if you are bringing your own bike on the tour you must ensure that it is in good working order. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.
Extra Expenses
If you wish to hire a bike or have a single room for the tour this can usually be arranged for you at extra cost. You will have the opportunity to request these extras at the time of booking or, subject to availability, at a later date, by emailing your request to us.
If you require additional accommodation or transfers in advance of the trip start date or at the end of your trip we can arrange this for you at extra cost.
Solo Travellers
We have a wide mix of cyclists on our tours from couples, friends to solo travellers. Our prices are based on twin shared accommodation. If you sign up for one of our tours as a solo traveller we will twin share you with another person of the same gender in your group. If you prefer to have your own room this is an option on most of our tours for an extra charge.
Eating & Drinking (Special diets)
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Insurance
It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.
You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
For people within the UK Snowcard Insurance Services specialize in all mountain sports holidays including mountain biking. Follow the link above to obtain full information and a quote.
Accommodation
We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.
The majority of the accommodation for this trip is in either Guest House or Hotel.
Some Hotels will have En-suite facilities and Air Conditioning.
Bike Hire
For this tour we have ********** in a range of sizes. They are mostly new for this season and all are well maintained bikes with ******** components and suspension forks. Spare parts (tubes, tyre, chains etc.) are included in the price of the bike rental and will be carried in the support vehicle with a tool kit and track pump.
The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. Those who prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, are welcome to bring these with you, along with your own cycling shoes and cleats. You are also welcome to bring your own saddle. I
f you are able to do a simple repair yourself then you can if you wish take a small repair kit with you as this will avoid the need to wait for assistance should the team or support vehicle be any distance away.
The bikes will come with one water bottle cage fitted.
We strongly advise all customers to bring their own cycle helmet as this is not included as part of your bike hire and hire or purchase options at your destination cannot be guaranteed. Please be aware that failure to wear a cycle helmet is at your own risk and might also affect the validity of your travel insurance.
Bringing your own bike
For this tour you will need to take a mountain bike which needs to be tough as bikes can take a battering. One that is low geared (such as a 22-tooth granny cog on the front crank driving an 11-32/34 block on the back). Comfort is important, as there are some long days, so make sure your saddle and riding position are appropriate.
Front suspension will help with the washboard tracks and potholes, but it is not essential. If you have flat bars, fitting bar ends will give you a different hand position and help with the climbs. The trip can be done on a traditional touring bikes, but it is important to ensure it has got strong enough wheels, sufficiently wide tyres (37mm is about the minimum) and low enough gearing. It's worth investing in a pair of 36 spoke, hand-built wheels, using a good quality rim (e.g. Sun Rhyno, Mavic or Rigida).
The route is a mixture of poorly maintained tarmac and very rough gravel tracks. The best tyre for the job is probably the Schwalbe Marathon XR. It's very tough and hardwearing and has a decent tread for the gravel without being too knobbly for tarmac.
We strongly recommend that you have your bike fully serviced before going on the tour. Ensure that wheel spokes are adjusted, greasing all bearings, check gear and brake cables, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamp and tyres. Put in a new inner tubes and check wheel rims aren't worn.
We recommend that you take the following items with you.
- Multi tool
- Tyre levers
- Pump
- Spare inner tubes
- Spare spokes
- Check with your bike shop for disc/ brake pads
- A few links for your chain
- Spares for any unique things for your bikes i.e fluid or bleed kit.
Your bike must be carried as part of your luggage allowance. The weight of a bike in cardboard box is about 15-20kg, so please bear this in mind when packing for the trip and you may have to pay for excess luggage.
Passport & Visa
Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals - this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.
You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa and have 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.
Vietnam: British and Thai passport holders do not need a visa if they stay in country less than 14 days. For information relevant to the country for which you hold a passport, check with your local Vietnam embassy for up to date advice. If you do require a visa please be aware that an e-visa is not acceptable for this tour as it will not allow entry or exit from Vietnam at the Tay Trang border gate. Your visa must be applied for in advance. You can arrange for a visa on arrival in advance of the trip and our agent can provide you with a travel document that will permit entry to Vietnam for issue of the visa. There is a £10 admin charge for this. The visa fee is payable at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi.
Laos: Your visa will be issued as you enter the country. The visa fee is payable in cash in dollars only (no other currency is accepted). Please visit this website for further information: Laos visa regulations.
If you would prefer to pay an agent to get your visa, we would suggest using Travcour (UK) Ltd.
Please ensure you check that all the details on the visa are correct prior to your departure.
Health & Vaccinations
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advise on the correct vaccinations required for your trip. Also please refer to advice from National Travel Health Network and Centre.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for this trip, however the following are recommended Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis.
Vaccination requirements can change and we aren't medically qualified to answer your questions regarding vaccinations so please also check again with your health professional before departing for your trip.
Climate
Vietnams weather is split into two distinct weather patters Tropical and a temperate zone. The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South temperatues can stay almost the same. The Southern part of Vietname has 2 distincted seasons. The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 season with distinct difference between them. It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer.
The best time to visit North Vietnam is October to April, this is predominately a dry season with very pleasent temperatures.
Equipment List
In terms of clothing this is clearly up to you and we can only supply a rough guide as to what to take. This guide is entirely flexible and should be tailored to your specific needs.
- Cycle Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles or camelbak
- Base layer tops
- Fleece jacket/ pullover
- Waterproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)
- Padded cycling shorts
- Cycle shoes/ trekking shoes
- Lightweight socks & heavyweight socks
- Trekking Shorts
- Trousers
- T-shirts– lightweight
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Warm gloves
- Warm fleece hat
- Buff
- Towel
- Lipbalm/ sunscreen
- Flip-flops/ Sandals
- Sun hat
- Swim wear
Our guides carry first aid supplies, however we recommend you bring your own first aid kit which should contain the following item;
- Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer for headache)
- Lomotil or Diacalm
- Rehydration salts (Dioralite)
- Antiseptic cream
- Throat lozenges
- Plasters (band aids)
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
- Ear plugs
- Anti bacterial hand wash
- Antiseptic wet wipes
- Insect Repellent
Miscellaneous
- Energy Bars (gels, power bars)
- Energy/recovery drinks
- Camera
Tipping & Spending Money
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. £20 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
It is customary for this to be collected up and given to your guide who will distribute it amongst the team. Unfortunately there is usually a hierarchy for the division between guides, helpers and drivers.
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that £120 will be more than enough to cover the tour.
Country Profile
- Area 329,247 sq km (127,123 sq miles)
- Major language Vietnamese
- Major religion Buddhism
- Life expectancy 73 years (men), 81 years (women)
- Currency dong
Cycle Tops & T-shirts
Our professional cycling tops are designed with three rear elasticated pockets to give you plenty of space for your cycling essentials and comes with a silicone bottom hem. Lined with COOLMAX ® to keep you cool and comfortable and ensure moisture wicking. Available in varies sizes so please refer to size charts for more information.
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-001.jpg "Cycling through Vietnam and Laos")
