Be prepared for heavy vehicle traffic and lots of poor roads with Dust prevalent. Cycling Laos is for strong cyclists more interested in getting from A to B than taking in the scenery, local customs and culture. I have done several Exodus cycling holidays and this was the most demanding (correctly graded) but least rewarding trip I have done. The trip would be greatly improved by a change from the key roads to more circular trips that can use the back roads. The very full distance and set sight seeing agenda means early morning starts, combined with late finishes leaving little time to dawdle or do anything other than go out to eat in the evening. Unusually, I was probably the weakest cyclist in this lovely group which meant I never had time to stop to take photographs or take in the views. After the day’s cycling and the transfers, by the time we got to the overnight stays (all of a good standard for this kind of trip) you barely had time to freshen up and prepare for the next day before you were out to dinner and then early to bed for next early start. There was little or no time to take in the delights described in the trip notes. The roads are misleadingly described as being “often to yourself” and does not mention the fairly constant presence of heavy lorries. When these lorries or other fast traffic combines with the deteriorating roads you will have to put up with the dust. Our trip was just after the rice harvest (in some areas there are two) and crop burning meant there was a constant grey haze (even after a full night of rain) obliterating the potentially amazing views of rural Laos. I would recommend you do not go on the late Feb departure and check current forecasts of the harvest time. If you are looking for rural rides and time to take in the scenery I would suggest looking at other trips altogether. All cyclists take note of the grading for this trip and, unless you are a strong cyclist, consider an e-bike.
Cycling Holidays in Croatia
Croatia Cycling Holidays
Top 5 Towns to Explore on Croatia Cycling Holidays
Hvar: With its narrow, zig-zagging streets, Gothic palaces and trendy seafood restaurants, the Dalmatian port town of Hvar is a firm favourite for foodies and history lovers. It has been compared to a mini-Venice and its swanky harbour filled with yachts often attracts an A-list crowd in the summer, but there’s lots more to explore here. Walk among the ancient walls to discover striking cathedrals and centuries-old architecture or head up to the hilltop fortress for panoramic coastal views. You’ll also find several sun-drenched beaches and inland, sweet-smelling lavender fields.
Dubrovnik Old Town: Hugged on all sides by its imposing city walls, Dubrovnik Old Town is packed with history and old-world charm. The walls are some of the best-preserved in the world and you can enjoy the most incredible views as you walk along them. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the terracotta-tiled roofs of the city make Dubrovnik instantly recognisable from the coast. The streets of the Old Town are lined with churches, ornate palaces and fountains, creating a sublime backdrop for its many restaurants. WE recommend taking a pitstop on cycling holidays in Croatia to indulge in some of the finest seafood dishes in Dalmatia.
Pula: Right at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is mostly known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatres and ancient temples. Among its meandering streets, you’ll also find historical landmarks, stylish boutiques, galleries and restaurants. You might even fancy hopping off your bike to hydrate at one of the open-air bars where you can mix with the locals, or head down to the vibrant harbour and watch the yachts come into dock. A boat ride from Pula to Brijuni National Park will introduce you to the island’s impressive Roman villas, Brijuni zoo and Byzantine villages, where you can learn about the history of Marshal Josip Tito.
Korcula: At the heart of Korcula Island lies Korcula town with its marble-fronted buildings, red roofs and ancient port. The town stands beneath the gaze of the Dinaric Alps and is a true gem worth exploring on trips to Croatia. Many visitors come to sample the world-famous wines and fish stew, but the stunning scenery is a huge lure too. The medieval walls wrap around narrow cobbled streets where there’s a real air of history and rustic charm. Korcula is often compared to Dubrovnik, although it is less frequented by the tourist crowd. This is a great place to delve deeper into the soul of Dalmatia and experience life as a local.
Rovinj: Also known as the Venice of Istria, Rovinj is made up of a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and red-roofed houses that tumble down to the sea. Undoubtedly, it’s a Dalmatian beauty but there’s so much more to Rovinj than its aesthetics. Walk along the colourful harbour or visit the 18th-century St Euphemia’s Basilica where you’ll find noteworthy artwork and ornate frescoes. Winding up to St Euphemia is Grisia, a cobblestone street lined with art galleries and local, artisanal crafts, which transforms into a cultural hub in the summer.
Alan Carter Cycling in Laos
David Clark Cycle Morocco's Great SouthGood trip
David & Carolyne F Cycle the Back Roads of Sri LankaWe had the most fantastic cycling trip around Sri Lanka recently. Everything went to plan from the meet at the airport to the departure 2 weeks later. Each days cycling offered new experiences & sights – the scenery & wildlife was as varied and stunning as you could wish for. The hotels were of a very good quality & the food throughout the trip was both plentiful and of a high quality. We ate at some fantastic local restaurants which offered a real insight into the fantastic Sri Lankan cuisine. Our group gelled from Day 1 and this really helped make the trip memorable. The cycling was incredibly enjoyable and whilst stretching on a couple of days most reasonably fit people would easily cope with each days cycling. Our group leader Suresh was the most inspirational guide a group could wish for – extremely organised, very funny and used his extensive local knowledge to make the trip highly enjoyable. His support team were excellent providing back up bikes, food/water, transport & guidance – real unsung heroes. This was our first cycling holiday – would we recommend this trip – undoubtedly & we are planning our next one for 2024. The phrase Maximum Damage was used extensively by our excellent guide Suresh when we sat down to a buffet !
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