THE FOUNDER MIKE SMITH
In 1993 Mike sold his surveying company, resigned from his teaching position and moved to Moab, Utah and became a bike guide at Rim Tours. When Mike is guiding he is living his dream, he is in his element. Some of you may have already met mike and experienced his style of guiding - relaxed, laid back yet reassuringly competent. Client enjoyment is center focus.
Then 20 yeas ago, due to conversation with an American client, Mike set up Bike Vietnam. With his adventurous spirit and love of biking he flew to South East Asia and began to put together a team of Vietnamese and Cambodian co-guides. He made friends, encouraged and passed on his knowledge, passion and philosophy of guiding to Van, Chanra, Phoc, Kia, Dang, Dat and Thang.
Mike is a unique guy with inimitable sense of humor, who has a depth of knowledge and interests.This trip has Mike's personality printed upon it.
OUR GUIDES
I genuinely believe our guides are the secret to why our trips are so special and unique. Every guide loves their ‘job’. They also love and respect Mike. Our friendship and respect of them, leads to everybody pulling together and being committed to give our clients the best experience possible.They truly take joy in seeing sharing and revealing their country to all the guests.
Since our collaboration, 20 years ago, we have all been working on perfecting this itinerary.
OUR ROUTES
Mike and his guides have spent years searching and refining these routes. As part of developing “Bike Vietnam” Mike spent days, and sometimes weeks, riding and scouting out trails with his guides. In their down season the guides are always putting in extra time to refine and add to these routes.
The narrow path and back roads take you, traffic free, apart from a few locals on their scooters, in to the heart of rural life of Vietnam and Cambodia. As you cycle along the paths you will get a glimpse of daily authentic life. The locals are always happy to see us, waving, smiling and shouting hello, they seem surprised, yet delighted, to interact with a group of tourist cycling past their houses.
The hotels have been chosen for comfort and to reflect the culture and history of the country you are in.
They are really are quite the experience.