Thanks again to David, Echo and Lee for looking after us so well. Clean comfortable hotels with friendly staff, lots of unique beautiful scenery. I especially enjoyed the off the beaten track routes through the small friendly villages.
Pat Green - UK on China - South
Due mainly to my personal circumstances this is the second time that I have participated on the Yunnan tour in 12 months. Of course I would not have contemplated repeating my Yunnan experience if I did not consider that it was the best of the 10 tours that I have been on over the last 5 years. If anything I would say the 2016 tour was even more enjoyable than my 2015 experience. From the routes, tea breaks, accommodation, food, scenery, guides and drivers I did not hear one word of criticism from anybody in the group. This success is based on the personality, efficiency and dedication of the leader, David Walker and his template should be followed by all tour leaders.
Arthur Brittenden on China - Yunnan
The tour was better than I had anticipated. The brochure pretty much explained what we were in for, but it was just so interesting. Some of the paths were quite narrow, some of the bridges were 'interesting' to cross and some of the roads were quite rough but the bikes we had hired were perfect. The weather, well you couldn't have asked for anything better, cloudy most days with a few showers which actually were quite welcome to cool us down. Everything ran so smoothly, just like the traffic, it just flowed. Seeing the countryside away from the cities and the people who were just so excited to see us 'westerners' was great. Definitely would recommend this tour, it was TERRIFIC!
Angela Rayner on Vietnam - Mekong Delta Region
The Tri-nations tour exceeded my expectations in all areas. The scenery was specular, like something out of a movie. As we moved from country to country through some very remote villages the locals and children all gave us a wave with a smile on their faces. I feel I have seen the country, not just the tourist hotspots. This trip was my first experience cycling mountains and I was apprehensive at first and fully prepared to use the support vehicle. I gave it my best shot and with the encouragement of David and his team I have come away with a sense of achievement, tackling far more mountain passes than I ever expected to on the trip. David is an excellent tour leader and uses excellent local guides and drivers who make you feel welcome in their country and help to give an insight to the local culture and cuisine. Excellent food, splendid company and awesome riding.
Caroline Gameson on Tri Nations. Vietnam-Laos-Thailand
Although some days were quite challenging the support and enthusiasm from David and phong always kept us in good spirits. Their great sense of humour and kindness made it an extremely enjoyable trip for the whole group.
Lynne Yates - Manchester on Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh Trail
Very happy to have participated to the Northern Thailand tour, I had a great time. A bicycle is such an ideal way to discover a country! The scenery was stunning, far away from the beaten tracks, the weather great, the food excellent, the members of the group all lovely people. The Northern Thailand tour was the third cycling tour which I did with David as tour leader. And again David proved his excellent skills. Dedicated and very concerned about our wellbeing: faster, or a slower cyclist as I am, he shows that he has a heart for all of us, and that is what makes the difference to other cycling tours. The local guide Natt and driver Gor did also their outmost to make us feel as real VIPs!
Lieve. Belgium. on Thailand North - The Jane Tour
David kept the riders together as a cohesive group with his quick wit and never ending entertaining stories. He made sure he always behind the last person no matter how tedious it must have been for him at times, always stopping for photos when requested and never showing impatience at the many delays and demands of the different needs of the group. A perfect group leader. Phong entertained us with his local knowledge of the tribes, rice and hemp growing. He always ordered the most delicious meals and acted as an interpreter when needed. He was always upbeat and funny and I looked forward to seeing him each day
Thea Hughes - NZ on Vietnam - Northeast. The 'Eighteen Special
NE Vietnam, following North Thailand and Yunnan, was my third trip with Painted Roads this year. Once again the trip exceeded my expectations with both the challenging but achievable and rewarding climbs together with the fantastic scenery probably resulting in it being the memorable tour to date
Arthur Brittenden - UK on Vietnam - Northeast. The 'Eighteen Special
The tour was everything the brochure said, possibly even better. The tour leader and his assistant were always available for any assistance, giving answers to any queries one might have. The support vehicles and drivers were also very helpful, nothing was a trouble. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Angela Rayner on Thailand - South
I found the Central Vietnam Tour to be hugely enjoyable. It was a delightful journey following the Ho Chi Minh Trail as it winds its way through some incredibly varied scenery. For the most part the cycling is on very quiet back-roads which undulate gently with the occasional short climb – overall an altogether easier challenge than the more mountainous North Vietnam routes. Even the longer 100k plus stages were managed with relative ease, by all of the group, with everyone finishing with a smile on their faces. As ever the organisation, support and encouragement were first-rate, and I thoroughly recommend this tour for anyone wishing to see a different aspect of Vietnam and its warm and friendly people. Thanks for a memorable experience (again!)
Nigel, UK on Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh Trail