SpiceRoads Launches Five Bike Tours to Highlight Asian Heritage

Bangkok, Thailand, February 21, 2012 --(PR.com)-- SpiceRoads Cycle Tours, the leading bicycle tour operator in Asia, has launched five bicycle tours that highlight the best scenery, historic sites, art and culture that distinguish Burma, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. By bicycling short distances at a relaxed pace over seven days there is time to leisurely take in UNESCO World Heritage sites, meet the locals, enjoy excellent food (another heritage) and soak up the atmosphere.

Bhutan - Paro to Punakha
The Bhutanese are proud of their heritage and work hard to maintain it and this bicycle tour introduces an isolated country where Tibetan Buddhism is integral to the culture. The stunning mountains with dense forests teeming with birds compete with the historic dzongs (fortresses), monasteries and temples and the charming locals vie for your attention on this tour. The April 22nd tour is set to go. Also scheduled are departures in June, August, September and October. Cost is US$2,100.

Burma - Mandalay to Bagan
Burma's legacy of a proud and powerful former kingdom dates back 1,000 years and the temples that remain throughout the country are a testament to that era. From Kipling’s Mandalay travel via the Irrawaddy River to the temples at Bagan and end with a visit to the Shwedagon Paya in Yangon. The March 25 tour is guaranteed to depart, and scheduled tours are set for July, October and November. Tour cost is US$1,950.

Cambodia - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Cycling is the perfect way to absorb the rich history left behind by the Khmers of Cambodia between the 9th and 14th century. From the capital of Phnom Penh, a modern city that has retained its colonial charm, the tour rides to the ancient capital of Oudong and a complex of temples that are the oldest in Cambodia. In Siem Reap explore 500 years of history at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat while also taking in local lifestyles. Tours depart in March, May. July, September, October, November and December. Tour cost is US$1,250.

Thailand - Bangkok to Chiang Mai
This tour explores three UNESCO World Heritage sites, starting at the former kingdom of Ayutthaya, once one of the wealthiest cities in the East during its heyday. Continuing by bicycle through the rice basket of Sukhothai to the northern kingdom of Lanna with its unique style of architecture before ending in the northern capital of Chiang Mai. The next departure is on March 19 and tours are scheduled for every month thereafter. Tour cost is US$1,250.

Vietnam - Hue to Hanoi
This heritage tour starts in Hue exploring the citadels and tombs left behind by 13 emperors who ruled for more than 100 years during the golden era of dynasties. After learning about royalty the cycling continues to a village where the tradition of feng shui is reflected in the architecture. Riding south along the beautiful coast, the route passes numerous mausoleums, pagodas and war memorials. From the quaint town of Hoi An, once the largest harbour in Southeast Asia, the riding is out to the Hindu temples of My Son that were built during the 4th and the 14th century by the kings of Champas. This tour takes in three UNESCO World Heritage sites and is witness to traditional rural life of villagers and indulges in the delicious local specialties. The next departure is on March 25 and there are five more tours scheduled for 2012. Tour cost is US$1,100.

To introduce these tours SpiceRoads is offering a US$150 discount off any of the Heritage Tours that depart between now and October 1 if booked by March 15. Just enter HERITAGE to receive the discount when booking. (This cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts)

About SpiceRoads
SpiceRoads is a specialist bicycle tour operator based in Bangkok offering a range of two-wheel tours throughout Asia. SpiceRoads tours cater for every level of cyclist and range from day-trips to complete country explorations. Participants are invited to join tours with fixed date departures scheduled throughout the year, while private or tailor-made tours can be arranged for groups or individuals on request. The professional operations set-up includes a fleet of well-maintained mountain and road bikes and support vehicles. All tours are led by experienced cycle guides.

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