For each of the 20 countries that Bamboo Travel offers in Asia, there are recommended ‘experiences’ to make the holidays that little bit more special, and the latest offering is a full-day’s cycling safari linking some of the Mekong’s 4000 Islands in Southern Laos which are rarely-visited by other tourists.
The tour aims to get well off the beaten track, cycling along dirt roads and travelling on small local ferries to discover local villages, and sleepy temples on some of the more picturesque of the smaller islands, such as Don Phou Man, Don Saang Fai and Don Loppadi.
A highlight of the experience is a home-cooked meal of locally caught fish, papaya salad, sticky rice and home-brewed rice wine, with a friendly family on the tiny island of Don Loppadi.
The Cycle Safari is just one of the many experiences – including a trek up 100 waterfalls in northern Laos and a homestay on the Bolaven Plateau – included on the 15-day ‘Adventure in Laos’, which provides a chance to really soak up the culture and dramatic scenery of one of south-east Asia’s lesser-visited destinations.
The trip starts in the ancient city of Luang Prabang, then ventures north to the picturesque town of Nong Khiaw which serves as the base to explore the dramatic limestone scenery of the Nam Ou River and remote villages only accessible by boat.
Read about Mark Bibby Jackson’s journey to Laos in Nong Khiew and a Hundred Waterfalls.
The journey continues to the southern part of Laos, to explore the seldom-visited Nua Sao National Protected Area near the Bolaven Plateau.
The penultimate leg of the trip is a relaxing, three-night stay on the laid-back island of Don Khone in the 4000 Islands region of the Mekong (including the Cycle Safari).
The holiday, which ends with a short stay in the inviting capital city of Vientiane, departs between November and April and costs from £2895 per person (based on two people sharing a room).
This includes international flights and domestic flights (Thai Airways and Bangkok Airlines), all transportation on a private basis, 12 nights’ B&B (plus two lunches and one evening meal), drivers and guides.
For further information call 020 7720 9285 or visit www.bambootravel.co.uk.