There is no better way to experience the stunning countryside of Laos than by bicycle. Our 8-day itinerary takes you off the beaten track following the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, exploring remote villages and relaxing in natural hot springs with sundowners at the end of an exhilarating day.
CYCLING IN LAOS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cycle through Laos' green and mountainous landscape
- Visit off-grid ethnic minority tribes in their villages
- Relax in riverside accommodation in Northern Laos
- Watch the sunset on the banks of the Mekong River.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Luang Prabang
Enjoy a VIP arrival in Luang Prabang and transfer the short distance to your hotel. Luang Prabang is the crown jewel of Laos and the best preserved traditional town in SE Asia due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage town. You will immediately feel its laid back charm and its spiritual culture. Here there are few cars, except the odd vintage Citroen or people carrier doing the airport run, but much more you will see bicycles, mopeds and people taking time to walk to their destination. Nothing is too far. Enjoy sunset on the banks of the Mekong and dinner at Manda de Laos which offers a fantastic introduction to Lao cuisine around a beautiful poolside setting.
Overnight: Satri House
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Day 2 Cycle to Nong Khiaw
After breakfast, head off with your guide for your first full day of cycling. After a short drive, jump on your bike and cycle to Nong Khiaw, a small town on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw boasts a dramatic backdrop of limestone mountains, stunning river views and genuine local colour. Stop for lunch along the way and then when you reach your hotel, enjoy a massage and a well-earned sundowner by the hotel's swimming pool with views over the Nam Ou River. All meals are included here.
NB: A back-up minivan is provided and you can choose to travel by minivan part of the way if you wish. The total distance is 87 miles.
Overnight: Mandala Ou
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Day 3 Nong Khiaw to Muang Khua by boat and then to Muang La
Leave Nong Khiaw early this morning by pirogue (flat-bottomed boat) along the Nam Ou River. This is an area where there are no roads and so you really feel you've stepped back in time. Journey slowly upstream, stopping on the way to visit a remote village. After two hours, disembark and board a tuk-tuk for a short trip to pass the new Nam Ou Dam, before continuing your cruise upstream for another 2.5 hours. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch on the way, before reaching Muang Kua by mid-afternoon. From Muang Khua you can cycle through the lush green scenery before arriving at your hotel by early evening.
NB: A back-up minivan is provided and you will need to drive some of the way as it is too long a distance (70 miles) for an afternoon.
Overnight: Namkat Yorla Pa
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Day 4 Relaxing at Nam Kat
Today is a free day at leisure with a guide and bicycles at your disposal to explore the area if you wish.
Overnight: Namkat Yorla Pa
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Day 5 Cycle to Pakbeng
After breakfast, mount your bicycles and continue to Pakbeng. This scenic route offers various opportunities to stop at villages en route, such as at Ban Yor, an interesting Tai Leu minority village. Arrive in Pakbeng in the late afternoon.
NB: A back-up minivan is provided and you can choose to travel by minivan part of the way if you wish. Total distance is 98 miles.
Overnight: Pakbeng Lodge
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Day 6 Pak Ou Caves and Luang Prabang
After breakfast make your way down to the Mekong River and board a slow boat downstream to Luang Prabang. En route you can make a stop at Ban Thone, a Khmu village, where, depending on the season you may see the locals panning for gold, basket making, and some blacksmiths at work. Following lunch on board you have time to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves crammed with thousands of Buddha images and then continue your cruise down to Luang Prabang, arriving there by late afternoon. Dinner will be arranged at Khaiphaen Restaurant, a vocational training restaurant which serves delicious local cuisine.
Overnight: Satri House
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Day 7 Luang Prabang
Enjoy a morning's tour of Luang Prabang by bicycle. Start by visiting the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum which gives a good overview of the local history. Follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful historical Heuan Chan Heritage House, taking in its history and architectural charm while learning about the connection it has with the Royal Palace. After a refreshing Iced Tea in the gardens, continue your cycle up the peninsula to the country's most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. With its roof sweeping low towards the ground, this temple's architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style. Wander the temple grounds before crossing the road to Wat Khili where this temple's charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage. Your final visit today, is the excellent 'Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre', which gives a great insight into the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos.
Return to your hotel for time to relax by the pool and an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Kiridara Luang Prabang
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Day 8 Depart
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| High | $ 3,746 |
| Low | $ 3,385 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a double/twin room throughout.
- Itinerary can be tailored to accommodate all levels of fitness.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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