Thailand & Laos

Graham Searle, Oxfordshire, England

We had a fantastic time on the tour. We were hoping that it would be a really memorable experience, but it absolutely exceeded our expectations all the way. We came back firmly believing that cycle touring is the very best way to see a country, and that Laos is one of the very best countries in the world to see.

Everything about it was pretty much spot-on - the route, accommodation and food were great. The overall atmosphere was really good - in a group that size, I think that it's actually pretty impressive that there weren't any major issues in two weeks. I think that the effect of the personalities leading the group can't be underestimated. Dermot and Ken were fantastic, it's a tricky thing that you do but your cheerful and friendly ways really do make a difference. It's obvious that you both take a personal interest in each individual and how they're getting on / enjoying the trip - that's appreciated.

We are pretty impressed by the work your charity has done, and by how much difference a relatively small amount of money can make to these rural communities if invested wisely.

Debbie Denton, Chesterfield, England, UK

A big, big, thanks for a fabulous holiday in Laos/Thailand. Everything about the holiday we both enjoyed;- the friendly smiley Laos/Thailand's, impressive scenery, great cycling, food, weather,various types of accommodation, organisation, the diversity of each day, not forgetting our fellow cyclists - even the mad Scotsman !!, the list could go on and on !!! Best holiday ever, look forward to the next.

Jenny Nicoll, Sussex, England, UK

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed last Christmas/New Year in Laos. Know my comments are a little late but I've not long been back in the UK. Do you remember that the tour was part of my round the world travels and it was the first time I had ever been on a cycle tour as well as travelling on my own. I had an amazing time travelling, visiting over 10 countries in just 6mths.

Now I'm back, friends often ask where was my favourite place. Of course that is difficult to answer as I've had a great time nearly everywhere I went experiencing many cultures and doing some amazing things. However, I must say that the cycle tour comes right up at the top of my list for an overall adventure. I loved Laos, the people the country and the actual challenge of the cycling, which I did find tough at times. Ben and Ken were both great and very supportive and I thought the tour was very well organized. I was so glad that I decided to include this as part of my travels and would love to do another one sometime.

Claire Thomas, Edinburgh, Scotland

During the course of our travels through Laos, as well as experiencing wonderful scenery, good food and amazing cycling, we also managed to touch the Laotian culture. The Laotians have so little but gave so much warmth and encouragement which helped make this trip so special. The Laotian support crew who were driving the van, cooking and acting as local guides as well as Dermot the Tour Leader, did their utmost to make this a holiday to remember. I would recommend this trip to everyone.

Paul Massie, London, England

The tour delivered everything, and more, that I was looking for. Great friendship, a wonderful country, lovely people and a physical and mental challenge! The tour was superbly led by Dermot and Ken. It exposed us to a culture in a way I think very few other tours could match.

It was that insight into and brief experience of the Laos way of life that for me made this trip unique and certainly this was a view echoed by one or two of my fellow cyclists that I talked to.
So well done! And to cap it all, I am now on the lowest notch on my belt and trying my best to keep it there.

Ian Smith, Letchworth, England, UK

Laos/Thailand Lost In Time: believe everything you read about this tour. Go with high expectations and expect to come back saying every expectation was exceeded. You will be transported to a country where everyone is your friend; where everyone smiles and time has indeed stood still.

Don't expect luxury; expect to muck in a bit, expect it to be uncomfortable at times as it can be hot and sticky; if you can handle this your reward will be an experience that will move you deeply and have you returning home singing the praises of a wonderful country. I promise.

Chris Reade, Lancaster, UK

"COPE visit cancelled which was a shame. Trip was fantastic and very enjoyable. Cycling was tough, challenging and fun and camaraderie was great.
Hosts Ken and Co were always great and informative and humorous . Would be interested in another tour somewhere.
Food was good. We talked with Ken about varying the breakfasts a bit, maybe some porridge or muesli which he liked the sound of.
Interesting to see the place and meet lots of people. Homestay was a definate highlight as were the high mountains.
Thanks to you all. "

John Thompson, Newcastle, England

Having been lucky enough to travel in Asia a little, I had high expectations of our trip to Laos. These were more than surpassed. The trip combined the beauty of an amazing country with the spirit and huge smiles of a fabulous people.

Dermot and Ken provided professional and yet hilarious guiding and made us all feel very well looked after. One of the luckiest features of our trip was the fantastic group I cycled with. I couldn't have wished for a nicer group of fellow travelers, and really hope we can meet up again soon to do a similar trip. One of my best holidays. I can highly recommend it.

Cathy Sheehan, Auckland, New Zealand

I want to thank you again for a wonderful wonderful tour in Laos/Thailand. I am totally hooked and recommending redspokes to everyone I meet. I can't think of a better way of doing it.

The group was brilliant and so was the organisation, really stress-free for me. And having Lao guides and translators was fantastic.

On the first night I decided not to make snap judgements about the people in the group and just accept everyone and let them reveal themselves, and it really worked. They were all wonderful.

You have just the right touch - it's organised beautifully and takes away all the worries of doing it on your own, but leaves enough freedom to still make it an adventure. I liked the skillful way you went around and checked on everyone without being overbearing.

I fully expected to be bundled into the back of the truck on the day from Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham but it was great I was able to complete that challenging day.Your initial instructions about respect were spot-on. I felt proud of our group and the way we conducted ourselves - I think even our drunken behaviour was within acceptable limits.

Julie Niven, Edinburgh, Scotland

The best holiday I've ever had - it's going to take some beating. I've been on organised cycling trips before and this trip blew them all out of the water. The organisation was faultless, the cycling was awesome, the scenery was stunning, the people were fabulous. The welcome we received in Ban Faen will stay with me for a long time. A truly humbling experience.