Friday, February 15, 2013

motor bike tours asia

Mountain retreat of Mughals and Buddhist lamas, the Alps of India. Valley of paradise. These are terms  used to describe Kashmir; one of India´s wildest destinations. Kashmir boasts some of the highest and most rugged landscapes on earth in mountainous Ladakh and one of the most sublime in serene Dal Lake. These rugged Buddhist regions, reachable via the world´s highest mountain passes, are a little slice of Tibet transplanted to India - wedged in by roaring rivers and snow-capped mountains.
DAYLITTLE TIBET - TOUR | LADAKH | KASHMIR
1Arrival in Delhi. Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel.
2Early morning we take the Shatabti express train to Kalka. After a briefing on bikes and traffic and a few circuits round the parking lot, we ride a few kilometers towards Shimla before heading back to Kalka for dinner.
3A ride up to Shimla, the former summer residence of the British Raj which is at an altitude of 2200 m.
4An endless up and down and round and round...  and some memorable scenery on the road to Mandi.
5A relaxing ride brings us to Manali.
6We cross the 3.890 m high Rothang Pass on route to Keylong.
7Scenery that makes you feel as if you´re on the moon. And a great camp at Sarchu.
8Another remarkable day through two passes above 5000m!! We camp at Rumtse.
9On the way to Leh, the capitol of Ladakh, we visit the monasteries of Hemis and Tikse.
10We explore Leh and its vicinity with  Stok palace and Matho monastery.
11Another highlight of the tour! We cross Kardung La, at 5.603 m, the world's highest motorable road.
12We explore the sand dunes and ride our motorcycles  across Kardung La and along the Indus valley to Alchi.
13We leave Alchi in the morning for Kargil. On the way, we visit Lamayuru Monastery in the "Moon Valley". (2weeks motorcycle tour ends here and turns back from Lamayuru to Leh. Day 14 is spent in Leh then leave for Delhi on day 15). 
14Via the memorable Zoji-La pass, we reach Srinagar, where we spend two nights on a luxury houseboat.
15A day to relax, visiting the Moghul gardens... 
16...and the floating market on a Chikara boot taxi.
17We leave the Kashmir valley and the House Boats behind and wind üor way southwards to Jammu. Night in Patnitop.
18Going up the into the hills again, to Dharamsala.
19A day at the Dalai Lama´s house in exile, Dharamshala.
20
A relaxing motorcycle ride  towards the end of our trip takes us to the little village of Pragpur.
21Trough the Himalayan foothills to LeCorbusiers Chandigarh!
22Train ride to Delhi and time for a last shopping spree.
23Farewell! Flight back home.
 
AT A GLANCE
Touring the world's highest passes!

DATES: June, July, August
START / FINISH: Delhi / Delhi
DURATION: 23 day vacation, 17 riding days (3 weeks), 16 day vacation, 12 riding days (2 weeks),

ROUTE: Distance covered around 1600 miles / 2600 km (3 weeks) and 870 miles / 1400 km (2 weeks)
Day rides 50 - 180 miles / 80 - 290 km.
ROADS: Mainly  tarmac but for around 400 km some stretches with gravel.

ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable middle-class hotels and houseboats, A comunal camp (a large tent with beds).
REST DAYS: Leh, Srinagar, Dharamshala
RIDERS REQUIREMENTS: A comfortable ride on gravel - steady nerves for the traffic!
GROUP SIZE: Min. 4 and max. 10 riders - space for pillion rider in our follow up car
.
WHAT´S INCLUDED: All meals, all non-alcoholic beverages, all entry fees, petrol for the bikes.
HIGHLIGHTS: World´s highest roads, home of the Dalai Lama, Buddhist monasteries, houseboats on Dal-Lake, sand dunes at 12000 feet, the joviality of the Ladakhi people.
Mountain retreat of Mughals and Buddhist lamas, the Alps of India. Valley of paradise. These are terms  used to describe Kashmir; one of India´s wildest destinations. Kashmir boasts some of the highest and most rugged landscapes on earth in mountainous Ladakh and one of the most sublime in serene Dal Lake. These rugged Buddhist regions, reachable via the world´s highest mountain passes, are a little slice of Tibet transplanted to India - wedged in by roaring rivers and snow-capped mountains.
DAYLITTLE TIBET - TOUR | LADAKH | KASHMIR
1Arrival in Delhi. Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel.
2Early morning we take the Shatabti express train to Kalka. After a briefing on bikes and traffic and a few circuits round the parking lot, we ride a few kilometers towards Shimla before heading back to Kalka for dinner.
3A ride up to Shimla, the former summer residence of the British Raj which is at an altitude of 2200 m.
4An endless up and down and round and round...  and some memorable scenery on the road to Mandi.
5A relaxing ride brings us to Manali.
6We cross the 3.890 m high Rothang Pass on route to Keylong.
7Scenery that makes you feel as if you´re on the moon. And a great camp at Sarchu.
8Another remarkable day through two passes above 5000m!! We camp at Rumtse.
9On the way to Leh, the capitol of Ladakh, we visit the monasteries of Hemis and Tikse.
10We explore Leh and its vicinity with  Stok palace and Matho monastery.
11Another highlight of the tour! We cross Kardung La, at 5.603 m, the world's highest motorable road.
12We explore the sand dunes and ride our motorcycles  across Kardung La and along the Indus valley to Alchi.
13We leave Alchi in the morning for Kargil. On the way, we visit Lamayuru Monastery in the "Moon Valley". (2weeks motorcycle tour ends here and turns back from Lamayuru to Leh. Day 14 is spent in Leh then leave for Delhi on day 15). 
14Via the memorable Zoji-La pass, we reach Srinagar, where we spend two nights on a luxury houseboat.
15A day to relax, visiting the Moghul gardens... 
16...and the floating market on a Chikara boot taxi.
17We leave the Kashmir valley and the House Boats behind and wind üor way southwards to Jammu. Night in Patnitop.
18Going up the into the hills again, to Dharamsala.
19A day at the Dalai Lama´s house in exile, Dharamshala.
20
A relaxing motorcycle ride  towards the end of our trip takes us to the little village of Pragpur.
21Trough the Himalayan foothills to LeCorbusiers Chandigarh!
22Train ride to Delhi and time for a last shopping spree.
23Farewell! Flight back home.
 
AT A GLANCE
Touring the world's highest passes!

DATES: June, July, August
START / FINISH: Delhi / Delhi
DURATION: 23 day vacation, 17 riding days (3 weeks), 16 day vacation, 12 riding days (2 weeks),

ROUTE: Distance covered around 1600 miles / 2600 km (3 weeks) and 870 miles / 1400 km (2 weeks)
Day rides 50 - 180 miles / 80 - 290 km.
ROADS: Mainly  tarmac but for around 400 km some stretches with gravel.

ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable middle-class hotels and houseboats, A comunal camp (a large tent with beds).
REST DAYS: Leh, Srinagar, Dharamshala
RIDERS REQUIREMENTS: A comfortable ride on gravel - steady nerves for the traffic!
GROUP SIZE: Min. 4 and max. 10 riders - space for pillion rider in our follow up car
.
WHAT´S INCLUDED: All meals, all non-alcoholic beverages, all entry fees, petrol for the bikes.
HIGHLIGHTS: World´s highest roads, home of the Dalai Lama, Buddhist monasteries, houseboats on Dal-Lake, sand dunes at 12000 feet, the joviality of the Ladakhi people.



Monday, February 11, 2013

Biking Mekong Delta 7days

http://bikingvietnam.com/tours/biking_mekong_delta.htm
DEEP OF MEKONG DELTA BIKING ( 7DAYS )
Cycling in the Mekong Delta lets you see a part of Vietnam that is quite unique. This area is known as the "bread bowl" of Vietnam and boasts flat and lush scenery, quite unlike any thing else you will see in Vietnam. The rich soil makes the Mekong Delta a fruitful production area for rice coconut, sugar cane, all manner of fruits and vegetables.
The adventure starts with a ride from MyTho to TraVinh on the quiet back roads, lunching on an island before staying with a local family. We enjoy boat journeys as well as riding by orchards and seeing Vietnamese life by the river. Day three takes us through the Khmer area and we see much evidence of this with the architecture and the many Khmer people who populate this area. The last day we take in the floating market and many of the cottage industries before we head back to Saigon in the afternoon.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Two of  trip covers a little over 300 kilometers on well surfaced roads. The daily distances are not too long and the terrain is gentle so this trip suitable for most people, but it's advisable to have a modicum of fitness to enjoy the riding! Fast cyclists can ride at their own pace, as detailed directions are available from the tour leader. Our route is designed to take us off the main roads as much as possible

 
Itinerary
 
7days Mekong delta cycling
Day 1
SaiGon - MyTho - BenTre - TraVinh (L,D) (+- 80km )
Driving to  LongAn, start cycling through rice fields and dragon fruit orchards. Lunch  in MyTho town. Pass ferry and keep on country road to enter the town. A wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches and islands. Overnight in TraVinh.
Day 2
TraVinh - CanTho. (B,L,D) (+-95km)
Morning cycling around this town, then warm up by 8km to BaOm pond, see old trees and Khmer pagoda nearby the pond. At TraOn small town by the mekong river, we take a ferry crossing and keep on 18km to BinhMinh, crossing ferry to Cantho for overnight. Overnight in CanTho
Day 3
CanTho - RachGia (B,L,D) (+-110 km)
Morning take  boat trip to Cai Rang floating market, then we have a longer cruise on a quiet country road to take in the magnificent scenery and get close to the locals as they go about their daily routine. Late afternoon take ferry crossing on to RachGia. Overnight in RachGia.
Day 4
RachGia - HaTien (B,L,D) (+-92km)
Ride a long the west coast to this vibrant border town. We turn off main road for ride to HonChong beach area, visit  ChuaHang cave and the Father & Son islet. Keep on to HaTien town. Overnight in HaTien.
Day 5
HaTien - ChauDoc (B,L,D) (+-100km)
Cycle along VinhTe border canal to TriTon,  followed by a ride up the sacred Sam Mountain with its panoramic view over the vast plains of the Mekong Delta and far into Cambodia. Overnight  in ChauDoc
Day 6
ChauDoc - CaoLanh - CaiBe (B,L,D) (+-160km)
Rising early  through an amazing riverside market and through floating villages with tons of fish farmed in cages underneath water. We have  ferries and local road to ThuanGiang and ChoMoi before heading onto Cao Lanh. Riding through the rural area of DongThap  pass many immense rice fields along canals & rivers, keep riding to CaiBe for the night. Overnight in homestay in CaiBe
Day 7
CaiBe - SaiGon (B,L) (+-80km)
Morning boat cruise to explore the local floating market. Short riding around Caibe town. Lunch & shower. Afternoon transfer to SaiGon. End of tour.

Tour overview
Tour Cost
 
Group Size
 2                     
 4-6
7-10
Price /person
990 USD
 6800USD
620 USD
Note: Prices are based per person, double occupancy, with a separate cost for solo travelers. If you are traveling in a group but prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee applies. Triple accommodations are not available in many of the destinations we visit.
Best Time to go
 Year around
 WHAT'S INCLUDED
bullet
English speaking local guide
bullet
Accommodations in hotels in Saigon, home stays and  local hotel around trip as mention
bullet
Meals as noted: B= breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
bullet
Cold drink as water, coffee, tea, energy drink by nutritional gel, juice  for cycling tour.
bullet
Airport transfers
bullet
Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary
bullet
Ground transportation with 100% vehicle standby.
bullet
Additional guides where necessary
bullet
Entrance fees and permits
bullet
Basic medical
WHAT NOT
International airfare; meals not noted on itinerary; Vietnam visa; insurance other than basic medical ; optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff; excess baggage charges; international airport taxes; cost of medical immunizations; items of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
Bike Hire
USD 50
 
Total Distance
300-350 km
Number of cycling days
5full days and 2 half-days
Average Daily Distance:
55km-60km
Off Road
0%
Max. Altitude
100 metres
Road Surface
This tour follows a mixture of well-surfaced roads
Support
One or two 16-seat air-conditioned buses converted to take bikes and bikers.
Group Size
Minimum 2. Maximum 16.
Staff
All groups will be lead by a Vietnamese cycling guide plus drivers and assistants for all groups.
Accommodation
We have 4 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in 2 star, one night home stay , all rooms have a/c and private facilities as a minimum and we always choose hotels with charm and character whenever possible.
Food
All meals are included
 Break every 15- 20 km ( 10 miles)  for tea break with water, coffee ,tea, juice, bread, tuna fish  , banana, apple... including
Moderate
Scenery

Vietnam Adventure Cycling Saigon to Hanoi


http://bikingvietnam.com/tours/saigon_hanoi.htm

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

 Classic cycling journeys, riding from SaiGon to Hanoi. Along the way we stop to visit the main sites in Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, and finally Hanoi. What makes this tour special is  our route will far from Highway One, as we ride along quiet or  back roads to discover the real Vietnam.
 With thousands of kilometers of stunning beaches and dramatic coastal roads as well as some of the freshest seafood going this trip is an indulgent experience. We are never far from a beach and stay in comfortable hotels to make this trip our most cushy adventure tour.
 
 

Date

Itinerary

Day 1

 

MARCO POLO BIKING is welcomes at the airport, pickup and transfer to hotel.

Free time.

Overnight in SaiGon. (D)

Day 2

 

SaiGon (No cycling day )

In the morning bicycle checking and arrangement.

Pm take tour to visiting Cu chi tunnel

Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Day 3

 

Sai gon- Catien national park (cycling +- 30 km)

Our morning departure from your hotel at 7: 00 AM,  driving do Dinh Quan where we stat cycling to CatTien national park ( 20km ). Arrival head quarter, check in room, lunch.Pm cycling in main route. Optional trekking tour. Back to head quarter for dinner and overnight in the park.  Optional tour for night spot watching. (B,L, D)

Day4

Cat tien national park –Madagui- Phanthiet. ( +- 70 km )

In the morning cycling ling to Madagu meet highway 20. Then we turn off road, then gradually down mt pass through farms of K'ho and Muong hill tribe. We keep on to TanhLinh and further to hw 1. Our van pick up and transfer to  MuiNe. (B,L)

Day5

Mui ne – Dalat ( +-60km )

Whole day cycling up to Dalat

Cycling in asphalt road behind beach and take back rod up to Dalat.

Overnight in Dalat. (B,L)

Day 6

 

DaLat  to NhaTrang ( cycling +- 90 km)

Morning Cycling from Dalat to along the flat to the six-mile climb up NgoanMuc Pass  into the beautiful pine forest of the center Highlands around DaLat. Small villages and strawberry, carrot and other crops line the empty road passing into  Thap cham bus shuttle past from PhanRang  to CamRanh bay location and  NhaTrang. Overnight in Nhatrang. (B,L)

Day 7

 

NhaTrang (  cycling +-  30 km )

VietNam's finest oceanfront city. Half-day boat excursion to nearby island and a marine reserve. Snorkeling and swimming over flowering coral reefs in warm, clear water, followed by sunbathing and  lunch. Cycling tour of NhaTrang, including Lon Song pagoda and PoNaGar Cham ruins. Dinner featuring shrimp spring roll, fried squid with pineapples, steamed crab, fresh fish and other seafood delicacies. Evening free to walk along the beach. Overnight in Nhatrang. (B,L)

Day 8

 

NhaTrang to QuyNhon ( cycling +- 80 )

 Leaving at 6:30 Am , driving 100km to Tuy Hoa , back road riding from there  to Quy Nhon covers some of VietNam's scenic coastline, featuring deserted blue lagoons and stone promontories overlooking the water below. Fishing villages dot the coast here.Not many travelers her, so lot of attention can be expected. Overnight in Quy Nhon. (B,L)

Day 9

 

QuyNhon to QuangNgai ( Cycling +- 55 km)

Early coastal riding followed by back road to Binh Duong  - which is also a nice place for a dip in the cooling South China Sea with past rural rice villages canopied by swaying coconut palm. End of cycling in BinhDuong, driving to Quang ngai. Overnight in Quang Ngai. (B,L)

Day 10

 

QuangNgai to MyLai- HoiAn / ( cycling +- 45 km)

Depart early along the coast and past scenic rice village. Lunch near a "secret" Cham sight. Regroup at ChuLai, a former American military base, and board our buses for the drive in to the MyLai Memorial.  Driving to Hoi An. Overnight in HoiAn. (B,L)

Day 11

 

HoiAn ( Cycling +- 20 km)

In the morning Vietnamese cooking lessons in town featuring local specialties by one of VietNam's most talented chefs. PM cycling  tour of HoiAn - to CuaDai beach on the south China sea for a clam bake, then take boat trip excursion on the river. Overnight in Hoi An. (B,L)

Day 12

 

HoiAn to Hue (Cycling +- 80 )

Our group will leave early in the morning for the top of Hai Van Pass by bus shortly after breakfast. Then we riding down to Lang Co lagoon, an ascent of the pass with stunning views of the coast and a thrilling 5-mile descent from the top of the green rice fields, back road cycling to Thuan An beach, which we will skirt by on our way to Hue. Overnight in Hue. (B,L,D)

Day 13

 

Hue- (  Cycling +- 40km)

Morning driving from Hotel to the ancient Imperial Capital of VietNam set on the romantic Perfume River - arguably VietNam's most pleasant and picturesque city. After one hour visit in there, we will cycle along the tranquil Perfume River and through the high-walled Imperial Citadel, to the peaceful ThienMu Pagoda, Minh Mang King mausoleum. Boat trip back to the city. Overnight in Hue. (B,L)

Day 14

 

Hue- Hanoi (Cycling 40km )

Flight to Hanoi, upon arrival transfer to Hotel. 2 hours cycling in the afternoon on bank of RED RIVER.  Overnight in Hanoi. (B,L,D)

Day 15

 

(No cycling day). Breakfast , transfer to Airport  for flight home (B )

Or extension tour to HaLong Bay


Email us for details of itinerary: info@bikingvietnam.com, bikingvietnam@mail.com

Tour overview
Tour Cost
Group Size
 2
 4-6
Price /person
2,155 USD
 1,920 USD
 
Note: Prices are based per person, double occupancy, with a separate cost for solo travelers. If you are traveling in a group but prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee applies. Triple accommodations are not available in many of the destinations we visit.
Best time to go
From October to May
Group tour :  from 6 to 14 people     
 WHAT'S INCLUDED
bullet
English speaking local cycling tour guide
bullet
Accommodations in hotels as  7 nights in  3 star hotel and 7 night in 2 star hotel.
bullet
Meals as noted : B= breakfast, L= lunch , D=dinner.
bullet
Cold drink: water, tea, coffee, juice, Hammer energy, fruit  with banana , mango, apple ...
bullet
Flight ticket Hue-Hanoi
bullet
Airport transfers
bullet
Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary
bullet
Ground transportation with mini bus ( 100% transportation stand by ).
bullet
Additional guides where necessary .
bullet
Basic medical
bullet
Bike as TREK4300 hybrid with maintenance
WHAT NOT
International airfare; meals not noted on itinerary; optional tour; Vietnam visa; insurance other than basic medical ; optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff; excess baggage charges; international airport taxes; cost of medical immunizations; items of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
Bike Hire
120 USD with KONA DEW DELUXE
 
Total Distance
+- 1,100 km
Number of cycling days
12 full days
Average Daily Distance:
68km
Total Distance
+- 750 km
Off Road
0%
Max. Altitude
400m
Road Surface
This tour follows a mix of asphalt roads,  long cycling day . You should be confident of your physical condition .
Support
One or two 16-seat air-conditioned transit vans converted to take bikes and bikers.
Group Size
Minimum 4. Maximum 10.
Staff
Groups of 6 or more a  Vietnamese cycling guide and drivers as assistants. Groups of 4-5, an experienced English speaking Vietnamese cycling leader plus guide and support team.
Accommodation
 Nights in comfortable tourist class hotels. All accommodation has a/c or fan, hot water and private facilities.
Food
Meals are included as mention in itinerary.
During the " BikingVietnam.com"  the main meals are breakfast and the evening meal. Thus, breakfast should be large and substantial (and include cereals). We recommend that all participants should bring a supply of their favorite cereals as many of the hotels where we stay don't yet have cereal on offer at breakfast.
For lunch (picnic) you will need to make sandwiches in the morning, and take some fruit. We recommend you also bring along some of your favorite energy bars.
The evening meal will be in a restaurant, and precooked by the Organizers. We will make sure there are always plenty of carbohydrates and protein on the menu.
Don't forget adequate hydration is as important as a good meal and so you should make sure you carry enough water with you. In some stages there is no where to “top up” along the way. Follow your guides instructions for each stage. We recommend you use a hydration pack with at least 2l capacity, rather than water bottles. The water bottles don't carry as much water, plus it will get warm during the day, they are not as hygienic and the water bottle cage can get in the way when you may have to carry your bike.
NUTRITION We recommend you should bring nutrition  as  details:
* Hammer Gel energy gels are 100% pure complex carbohydrates
* Clif Bar energy bars are a great-tasting, convenient source of energy for any activity. Made with 70% organic ingredients
Mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber promote steady increase in blood sugar levels followed by a gradual decline for sustained energy
4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein; excellent for post workout recovery "
 
Active
Scenery