svichy
newbie
Posts: 3

#1 Posted: 10/4/2008 - 10:02


Hello there all you fantastic helpful travellers,

I am considering cycling part of a 10 week trip in SE Asia which will take me to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (I am using the region's "explorer" suggested itinerary as a guide).

I have heard that Vietnam is good for this.

A couple of questions:
- Would you recommend joining a tour or going solo?
- Can you recommend some good tours?
- What is the best thing to do about luggage when going solo?

... and last, but not least, which are some good streches suitable for cycling?

Thanks in advance.

Svichy

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2418
Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 11/4/2008 - 07:58


Hi svichy,

The most popular option is to cycle the length of the country -- Hanoi to Saigon or the reverse -- but that's a long long long pedal!

An area that has always struck me as a good spot for cycling is the Mekong Delta -- it's flat -- totally flat -- and large swathes of it are undeveloped. The towns are interesting and there's not a lot of tourists down there.

If you were doing some kind of loop into the Delta you could leave the bulk of your stuff in Saigon...

Not sure about tour operators -- Google cycle tour operators Vietnam and see what you get.

Tilapia
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 160

#3 Posted: 15/4/2008 - 05:02


Hi Vichy,

The stretch from Chiang Khan to Nong Khai, along the Mekong, is excellent. It takes at least two days if you're really humping it, but I recommend that you take your time and spend 4 or 5 days doing it with a stop in Pak Chom, Sangkhom or Si Chiangmai. The road (211) will take you through Thai Bo and straight past the Friendship Bridge and into Nong Khai (just stay on 211 and DO NOT go onto . You can continue on 212 on the Thai side down to Mukdahan, or further, or you could cross the Friendship Bridge and continue on the Laos side.

Most of the trip is flat except for the area around Pak Chom which is quite hilly, and absolutely lovely. There's not much traffic on the west side of Sangkhom, but between Sangkhom and Nong Khai it has increased significantly because of the bridge. It's still not bad, though. Plus, there are lots of small sideroads you can take that go through villages and farms.

If you're feeling up to it, you can begin your trip in Loei and cycle up towards either Chiang Khan, or over to Tha Li and then over to CK and beyond.

Of course, you can do all this in the other direction.

You can do it solo. No tour needed. As long as you've got the river beside you, you'll never get lost.

Another good area to cycle in is the area around Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai. Flat, scenic, close to Tak, places to stay, very little traffic. You could start in Phitsanulok, negotiate the traffic over to Sukhothai, cycle around the temple areas there, and then head north to Si Satchanalai. This is an amazing place that sees very few people aside from Thai tourists and worshippers. There's a bit of a hippy community there, but it's very low key and welcoming. From there you can head up to Uttaradit, and then Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai ... etc. etc. etc.

Lots of great areas in the north and northeast.

Hope this helps get the ball rolling.

Have fun.
Mike

Tilapia
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 160

#4 Posted: 15/4/2008 - 05:07


Ooops ... sorry ... a couple of things ...

1) I meant to type out "Tha Bo" and not "Thai Bo."

2) I didn't finish this ... "... DO NOT go onto Highway 2. Just stick to 211 and you'll ride straight into Nong Khai, right past Muk Mee Guest House. Just keep the river as close to you as possible otherwise you will end up, unknowingly, on a busy highway (#2) heading north towards the Friendship Bridge."