Key Places:
Laos - South to North Cycling Holiday
A Hospitable Journey
Ban Faen
Ban Faen village is home to our guide Khen Phetxayphone, most of the villagers are farmers who work in the surrounding rice fields, it has no running water or electricity, a generator provides 2 hours electricity a night. When redspokes started to work with Khen in 2001, we talked to the Headman and Elders to determine what support the village needed and where our support would have the greatest effect. After some discussion, it was agreed that the 2 main issues facing the village was access to clean drinking water and the school. We decided to start by helping the school. This decision was not unanimous, as there were mixed opinions about the value of education, particularly for girls. Nonetheless, our first donation went towards concreting the school floor.
In 2003 redspokes and supporters started a charity LVCF. Shortly after we ran our first project building a school in Ban Faen. This school is now complete, we have gone on to build a second (basic) school in one of the rural Hmong villages we visit.
The LVCT decided in 2006 to look at issue of clean water and the issue of land mines, a major issue in this poor country.
Click here to view our ethical cycling and charity work...
Luang Prabang
A stunning city, its architecture a combines ancient Lao monasteries dating back over 500 hundred years with French Colonial styles from the 19th and 20th centuries. Nestled in mountains at the confluence of the Nam Khan and the mighty Mekong Luang Prabang's location could not be more perfect. With over 32 ancient temples in easy walking distance, Luang Prabang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, in order to preserve the temples and ensure that new development is limited and in keeping with the magical city.
Wat Xieng Thong is unmissable, and undoubtedly one of Luang Prabang's finest temples. It was constructed in 1559 by King Say Setthathirath and is a beautiful monastery in typical Laoation style. The old Royal Palace, now a National Museum houses many religious and royal treasures, not to mention the Kings collection of old American 50's and 60's automobiles.
With many restaurants, stunning views, great markets and a chilled out atmosphere, Luang Prabang is definitely Lao's hidden treasure.
Mekong River
The mighty Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world and one of the least spoilt. It is the heart and soul of South East Asia with more that 50 million people depending on it and its tributaries for food, water, transport and other important aspects of daily life. Its floodplains are bursting with food crops during the dry season and the river supports one of the world's most diverse fisheries.
Travelling down the Mekong through Laos/Thailand its importance in obvious as you observe its significance to the people who live on its edge. It is their only means of transport as around them lies mountains and thick jungle. It is a rich supply of fish and crops are planted up its banks. Everyone washes in it, plays in it, swims in it and generally their lives revolve around it. A trip along the Mekong with its rapids is relaxing, exhilarating, and fascinating. It provides an opportunity to glimpse into another way of life.
If you need assistance or wish to discuss the tour, please feel free to call us on +44 (0) 1463 417707.
Alternatively, you can email us on office@redspokes.co.uk for more information on this adventure holiday.
Key Places
There are several key places on our Laos - South to North cycling holiday. Please choose from the following list for more information on each key place.
Customer Testimonial
"Excellent tour, I think I'll struggle to find a much better holiday..."
Chris Fielden