Ashley Makepeace: Fremantle, Australia.

"A fantastic trip!!! There is no doubt that there are some long days but what goes up must come down, a long way down sometimes.  I cannot fault the organization from Dermot and Ken. The distance travelled each day was split up to make even the longer days manageable.  

This beautiful country, full of friendly, mellow people was enhanced by the contact with local people, including a home stay where there is electricity (from a generator) running water (otherwise known as a river).  Hearing about what some charities (inc. Cope) are doing to help and being able to give a small donation and seeing exactly who the money was going to was a bonus.

Biggest traffic jam we encountered, was the cows. Skills obtained included proficiency in executing high-fives to children at speed and not running any of them down, shouting “sa bai dee” to everyone, while fighting for breath on the “wee bumps”. Finally, a big thanks to the group, who added so much to one of my favorite holidays, I couldn’t ask for more".

Claire Thomas, Edinburgh, Scotland.

"During the course of our travels through Laos, as well as experiencing wonderful scenery, good food and amazing cycling, we also managed to touch the Laotian culture. The Laotians have so little but gave so much warmth and encouragement which helped make this trip so special. The Laotian support crew who were driving the van, cooking and acting as local guides as well as Dermot the Tour Leader, did their utmost to make this a holiday to remember. I would recommend this trip to everyone".

Paul Massie: London, England.

“The tour delivered everything, and more, that I was looking for. Great friendship, a wonderful country, lovely people and a physical and mental challenge! The tour was superbly led by Dermot and Ken. It exposed us to a culture in a way I think very few other tours could match.

It was that insight into and brief experience of the Laos way of life that for me made this trip unique and certainly this was a view echoed by one or two of my fellow cyclists that I talked to. So well done! And to cap it all, I am now on the lowest notch on my belt and trying my best to keep it there”

Allyson Wakeham: Brighton, England.

"Beautiful country, gorgeous people - the children brought tears to my eyes with their enthusiasm towards visitors.  Breath taking views, a well thought out route for a short visit and taste of Laos. Many thanks Red Spokes for introducing me to Laos."

John Thompson: Newcastle, England.

" Having been lucky enough to travel in Asia a little, I had high expectations of our trip to Laos. These were more than surpassed. The trip combined the beauty of an amazing country with the spirit and huge smiles of a fabulous people.

Dermot and Ken provided professional and yet hilarious guiding and made us all feel very well looked after. One of the luckiest features of our trip was the fantastic group I cycled with. I couldn't have wished for a nicer group of fellow travelers, and really hope we can meet up again soon to do a similar trip. One of my best holidays. I can highly recommend it."

Mike Shelton, Cheltenham, England, UK.

Really good trip, having spent the previous week cycling on my own in southern Laos/Thailand, it was great to have everything arranged. The big advantage of an organized trip is that you don't have to ride the dull bits and there are interesting extras like the Mekong river trip, the stay in Khens village and the Hmong village visit. The 15 mile interval between stops is just right. The support crew and all these stops added a lot to the trip

Clifford Erett: Belfast, Ireland.

"Belated happy new year to all at Redspokes. I'm emailing to thank you and your team for a fantastic holiday Dermot, it was one of (if not the most) interesting and enjoyable experiences of my life to date. The warmth shown to us from the people of Ken's village and the population generally was most humbling. Please convey my thanks and good wishes to Ken and his family, not forgetting Mr Lucky, forkeeping us well fed and watered while we enjoyed ourselves.

I will not fill your inquestionnaire Dermot because for me the trip was better than I expected,

OK so the hotels were not up to western standards but I feel that adds to the experience.

Don't change a thing Dermot; it’s a bloody marvellous tour"!

Owen Cooper: Manchester, England, UK.

"I was hugely impressed by the Organization throughout the tour, which was always low key/relaxed, yet clearly well planed. A huge thank you for designing an experience that'll stay with me for many years - the combination of cycling, scenery and meeting local people was superb. Few experiences live up to expectation, especially when you are really looking forward to something, but “lost in time” not only lived up to expectation, but exceeded it. Thank you".

 Cathy Sheeman: Auckland, New Zealand.

"I want to thank you again for a wonderful wonderful tour in Laos/Thailand. I am totally hooked and recommending Red Spokes to everyone I meet. I can't think of a better way of doing it.

The group was brilliant and so was the organisation, really stress-free for me. And having Lao guides and translators was fantastic.

On the first night I decided not to make snap judgements about the people in the group and just accept everyone and let them reveal themselves, and it really worked. They were all wonderful.

You have just the right touch - it's organised beautifully and takes away all the worries of doing it on your own, but leaves enough freedom to still make it an adventure. I liked the skillful way you went around and checked on everyone without being overbearing.

I fully expected to be bundled into the back of the truck on the day from Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham but it was great I was able to complete that challenging day.

Your initial instructions about respect were spot-on. I felt proud of our group and the way we conducted ourselves - I think even our drunken behaviour was within acceptable limits"

Chris Fielden: Nottingham, England, UK.

"Excellent tour, I think I'll struggle to find a much better holiday".

Rita Gough: Preston, England, UK.

"An outstanding experience that I will always remember. I felt part of Laos/Thailand, rather than a spectator and it was great riding through the less well known villages/towns".

Penny Weir: Avimore, Scotland.

"Thank you for such a great trip to Laos/Thailand - what a magical country. A great experience".