For the Vietnam section of this tour we will be using the Honda CR125cc, in Laos we will be riding CRFL250 Hondas and in Cambodia we ride XL250 Baja or ER250LTour Itinerary
November 2014 depart Auckland International Airport to Singapore, this is one of those horrible late overnight flights, then fly to Hanoi, where we will be met by Mike and Angela about 11.35am. Late lunch and a walk around the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi.
3 November 2014, free day in Hanoi which begins with a Ural sidecar city tour.
4 November Our first day on the motorbikes, where we head on the highway north, overnight in Ba Be, 230km.
5 November Begin day with a boat trip across BaBe lake. Our motorbikes are following on another boat. Ride the undulating terrain between 700 and 1300 metres above sea level which includes extraordinary mountainous landscapes and terraced rice paddy fields. Overnight Bao Lac 130km.
6 November Bao Lac to Dong Van
The district around Meo Vac and Dong Van are surrounded by impressive peaks and have some of the most spectacular roads anywhere in South East Asia. The road ahead is pure motorbike heaven, winding roads with little traffic, jaw dropping scenery and plenty of interesting people along the way who have retained their unigue clothing, language and customs. Overnight Dong Van 100km.
7 November Dong Van to Ha Giang
Stunning views of limestone karst hills as we depart Dong Van. We'll visit ancient Hmong Kings Palace. Continuing on winding roads with rocky and volcanic outcrops to eventually descend and follow the Chay River. Just before the town of Ha Giang we'll reach our riverside cottages. Overnight Ha Giang 150km.
8 November Ha Giang to Bac Ha
Great riding ahead as we pass through Ha Giang town and make our way twards Bac Ha. This road follows the beautiful Chay River where the roaqd begins to climb through the forested hills with great views of the terraced rice paddies. Passing through Hoang Su Phi District and its colourfull Hmong, Tay, Dao and Nung ethnic tribes. Overnight Bac Ha. 200km
9 November Bac Ha to Sapa
The attraction at Bac Ha in the Sunday market, one of the largest markets in the region. Bac Ha is populated by the Flower Hmong, and many other ethnic tribal peoples and they all come out in style early on Sunday for market day. A look through the Bac Ha market and we'll continue our journey to Sapa. Overnbight Sapa, 80km.
10 November Sapa (Rest Day)
Sapa is dwarfed by the surrounding Fansipan Mountain Range. "the roof of Vietnam and Indochina". Colourfully attired and super friendly black Hmong and Red Dzao people dominate the area and offer fantastic photo opportunities. There free time to exlppore Sapa town before dinner on the veranda of the Cat Cat Hotel. Overnight Sapa
11 November Sapa to Sin Ho
Sin Ho is a scenic mountain village that is home to a large number of ethnic minorities of White H'Mong and Red Dzao. The narrow mountainous road offers panoramic views of terraced paddy fields carved into the hillsides and ethnic villages perched on mountainsides. Overnight Sin Ho 150km.
12 November Sin Ho to Dien Bien Phu
The French defeat at Dien Bien in 1954 signalled the end of the French influence in Indochina. the battle fought around Dien Bien Phiu was the last major campaign by a European state in the region.
Overnight Dien Bien Phu 200km.
13 November Dien Bien Phu - Nong Khiaw (Laos)
After saying Tam Biet (goodbye) to our Vietnamese Crreww, wel''' cross the border in Laos where we'll meet Thongkhoon, Yee and our Laotian crew, onto our Laos Honda CRF250's and head for Nong Khiaw., Overnight at Nong Khiaw 195km
14 November Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
A great ride over some excellent winding mountain roads takes us to Luang Prabang the former Imperial Capital of Laos. Situated on a finger of land at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang was once known as Asia's sleeping beauty.
Overnight Luang Prabang, 171km
15 November Luang Prabang, Rest Day
Free to check out this charming town. The former capital of the ancient Lan Xang kingdom was made a World Heritage town by Unesco in 1995. It is known for its temples or wats, approximately 32 of the original 66 built before the French Colonisation are still in use.
16 November Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh
Today's destination is the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang province, and for much of the journey we ride through remote mountain trails. The plain of jars is a huge plateau where many mysterious, huge bottle shaped pots were discovered. Many of the jars are still intact despite the heavy and secret bombing of the region by the US during the American/Vietnam conflict.
Overnight Phonsavanh. 189km
17 November Phonsavnh - Vieng Thong
A blip of a town with friendly locals. Few people visit Vieng Thong in Northern Laos, but its a nice enough town that breaks up the journey and you'll get a taste of a real Lao village, far removed from the tourist trail.
Overnight Vieng Thong, 220km
18 November Vieng Thong - Kong Lor - Lak Sao
More stunning scenery along the road, traversing spectacular ridges, riding under limestone mountains and criss crossing countless rivers and streams. Heading south to the spectacular eight kilometer long Konglor Cave with a river running through it. After our cave visit we'll continue to ride East toward the Vietnamese border and overnight at the town of Laksao
Overnight Laksao 267km
19 November Lak Sao - Xepon
A rugged border town between Vietnam(Lao Bao) and Laos, (Sepon) in 1971 Xepon was the focus of Operation Lam Son 719. On February 8, the South Vietnamese Army supported by long range artillery, bombers and helicopters provided the United State armed forces-invaded Laos at Sepon. The goal was to intercept and disrupt movements on the ho Chi Minh Trail. The operation was a complete failure.
Overnight Sepon 277km
20 November Sepon -Tad Lor
The Bolaven Plateau is and elevated region in southern Laos. It is located between Annamite Mountain Range along which runs Laos eastern border with Vietnam, and the Mekong River to the west. The plateaus elevation ranges approx from 1000 to 1350 metres above sea level. The plateau is crossed by several rivers and many scenic waterfalls.
Overnight Tadlor 185km
21 November Tad Lor - Attapeu
Attaoeu Province is located on the southeastern tip of Laos. It is home to many diverse ethnic minorities and the early morning market is a great place to see them. The eastern slopes of the Bolaven plateau in Attapeu are heavily forested and support various wildlife species.
Overnight Attapeu 211km
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