14 days tour

Cycling In Laos

Cycling In Laos

This tour includes:

Transport

We use private coach/mini-buses, usually with air-conditioning. Roads in Laos are mostly quiet but progress is slow due to the mountainous terrain. There are some transfers throughout the trip to cover some ground but these are generally between 1-3 hours. Vehicle Support: The coach and support vehicle will accompany the riders at nearly (90%) all times throughout the tour, allowing you substantial flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you like. Free transfers are only applicable if booked in advance directly through Exodus before a trip commences.

Meals

All breakfasts and 1 dinner are included. The food on this trip is a real highlight. The national staple of Laos is sticky rice which is served with all meals and is often used as a scooping device to pick food up as meals are traditionally eaten with hands and not utensils. Typical dishes to accompany the rice are laap (or larb) which is a salad of any kind of minced meat; mok pa, which is fish steamed in a banana leaf; grilled chicken, pork or fish; and jaew, which are dips that might be made from roasted aubergine or tomatoes. Undertones of lemongrass, chilies and ginger are everywhere, imparting spicy and sour notes that bring heat and layers to dishes. Noodle dishes are common and the sweet offerings tend to focus around the abundance of fresh fruit available โ€“ be sure to seek out the mangosteen, the sweet segments are a local favourite and unlike any other fruit. Western food is readily available almost everywhere. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these items from home. You may find it beneficial to bring some โ€™cycling snacksโ€™ with you from home; high energy snack bars are not readily available locally. For snacks and drinks during the rides, a kitty is normally arranged (see Extra Expenses in the trip notes) and these snacks tend to be a combination of nuts, fruit and biscuits. In the more remote areas the food is likely to be basic and the breakfasts will be simple.

Guide

All groups will be accompanied by an experienced cycling tour leader from start to finish. The tour leader will be assisted by a bike mechanic and local guides will be used at various sights.

Others

All transport and listed activities Arrival & departure transfers Local bike hire

Accommodation

10 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses (all ensuite) and 1 night sleeper train in an air-conditioned open plan sleeper train in soft-bed berths. All the hotels/guesthouses we use have twin rooms with en suite facilities and are clean and comfortable, with friendly staff. As we are travelling away from the usual tourist haunts there is less choice so please be prepared for this in order to see places that are not frequently visited by tourists. The overnight train is in air-conditioned second-class soft sleepers, bedding is provided. Berths are โ€™open planโ€™ along the coach wall either side of the central aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk, and an upper bunk folds out from the wall. An attendant will make up your bunk with a proper mattress, and will hook up the curtains which are provided for privacy. Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day to day itinerary are the standard accommodations used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality. Single supplements are available (on request) and only available for 11 nights during the trip. Single supplements are not available on day 7 in Pak Beng or on Day 12 on the overnight train. Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request - only available 11 nights) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycling In Laos

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Chiang Mai
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Chiang Mai

      Chiang Mai, โ€™The Rose of the Northโ€™, is known for its temples, markets and the many colourful hilltribes that live in the area. Chiang Mai is a former religious and cultural centre. Twice coming under the control of the Burmese, there is a strong Burmese influence reflected in the architecture of the city. In the evening we can visit the night market where many of the hilltribeโ€™s handicrafts can be seen. There will also be a group briefing in the evening with your leader to hear all about the trip ahead. De Charme Hotel or similar

  • Day 2 Day 2: Warm-Up Ride Around Chiang Mai Old Town And Visit Doi Suthep Hilltop Temple (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Warm-Up Ride Around Chiang Mai Old Town And Visit Doi Suthep Hilltop Temple (Breakfast,Dinner)

      After our bike fitting we start to explore Chiang Mai on two wheels. We will visit the old town, the temple of Vieng Kum Kam and numerous cultural highlights in the morning. Weโ€™ll stop for lunch before driving up to the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep, the most revered Buddhist shrine in the Chiang Mai region. On a clear day the temple affords an excellent view over Chiang Mai and its striking temple landscape. There will be the opportunity to listen to the monks chanting before returning to the city for a chance to try northern Thai cuisine at dinner. De Charme Hotel or similar

  • Day 3 Day 3: Transfer To Chiang Rai; Cycle Around Countryside Of Chiang Rai (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Transfer To Chiang Rai; Cycle Around Countryside Of Chiang Rai (Breakfast)

      Leaving our hotel early we set off by bus to the Chiang Rai Province, the northern most province in Thailand (approx. 2.5 hours transfer). Upon arrival in Chiang Rai province, we start riding and exploring the Chiang Rai rural area. Chiang Rai is truly a city of Artists, today during our ride we will visit the revered Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple), Mae Fa Luang Art and Cultural Centre, Wat Rong Sue Ten (The Blue Temple) and Wat Huey Pla Kang which is home to the impressive Quan Yin statue. We stay overnight in Chiang Rai city. Maryo Resort or similar

  • Day 4 Day 4: Visit An Opium Museum; Cycle Towards Border To Chiang Khong (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Visit An Opium Museum; Cycle Towards Border To Chiang Khong (Breakfast)

      This morning, we journey into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the compact region where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet offering a heady mix of cultures and landscapes. The Opium Museum is our first stop today (approximately 1 hour transfer) which highlights the history of opium from its natural properties to its illegal uses, and gives historical information on the Opium Wars that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. The Golden Triangle was previously one of the most extensive producers of Opium until Afghanistan became the worldโ€™s largest producer. Weโ€™ll next start cycling at Chiang Saen following a quiet route towards Chiang Kong, which borders Laos. The cycling today is mostly flat with a few rolling hills passing through tobacco and corn plantations. Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel or similar

  • Day 5 Day 5: Transfer Into Laos; Cycle To Luang Nam Tha (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Transfer Into Laos; Cycle To Luang Nam Tha (Breakfast)

      This morning we transfer across the border into Laos and onto the village of Ban Nam Chi (approx. 2.5 hour transfer), where we will start todayโ€™s cycling. Today we cycle through quiet jungle-lined roads marvelling at the mountainous landscape along the way and stopping for lunch in Vieng Phuou Ka before finish our cycle at our guesthouse in Luang Nam Tha. The Luang Nam Tha region is a land of 39 ethnic tribal groups. The Nam Tha river weaves itself through the countryside and has many ethnic tribal villages dotted along its length on one side and dense jungle of the national protected area on the other. There is a night market not too far from the hotel which provides the opportunity to feast on the local speciality of bamboo and green papaya salad or slow cooked Laotian pork belly. Thoulasith Guesthouse - Luang Nam Tha or similar

  • Day 6 Day 6: Rural Cycle To The Udomxai Province (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Rural Cycle To The Udomxai Province (Breakfast)

      We start the day with a ride from Luang Nam Tha to Udomxai. The town is formed by many small villages and is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups; Hmong, Tai Dam, Akha, Tai Lue and Yao. The cycling today will pass through rice paddies and rolling valleys with a few hill climbs before transferring to the town. After arriving in Udomxai, your leader will take the group for a walk around the centre of town including a walk up to Xaymoungkhoun temple, where you can see a Buddhist stupa aged more than 600 years and enjoy views of the city from here. Charming Laos Udomxai or similar

  • Day 7 Day 7: Continue Through Udomxai Province To Pak Beng (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Continue Through Udomxai Province To Pak Beng (Breakfast)

      We cycle directly from the hotel today journeying towards Pak Beng. The area is an important intersection between China and Vietnam and has a unique multicultural atmosphere. Located in the Nam Ko River basin and surrounded by scenic mountains the area is famed for its Chinese produce. We will stop for a late lunch before cycling a further 20km where we hop into the minivan and transfer (approx. 1 hour) to Pak Beng town for our overnight spot on the side of the Mekong. BKC Villa or similar

  • Day 8 Day 8: Board Slow Boat On The Mekong To Luang Prabang Visiting Buddha Caves En Route (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Board Slow Boat On The Mekong To Luang Prabang Visiting Buddha Caves En Route (Breakfast)

      Today we journey to Luang Prabang region by boat, cruising along the Mekong River which starts its journey high in the Tibetan Plateau, eventually emptying itself into the sea in the south of Vietnam. Its journey takes it through 7 different countries in Asia. Travelling slowly allows us to absorb the pace of the riverside settlements and marvel at the mist covered mountains towering above us. En route to Luang Prabang we will visit the famous Pak Ou Cave, cut out of the limestone banks which line the river at Pak Ou. These caves are filled with thousands of Buddha images brought by the surrounding villagers as a sign of their devotion. After visiting the caves, we then transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to our hotel in Luang Prabang for the next 2 nights. Luang Prabang Legend Hotel or similar

  • Day 9 Day 9: Cycle To Beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Chance To See Monks Receiving Alms At Dawn (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Cycle To Beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Chance To See Monks Receiving Alms At Dawn (Breakfast)

      Approximately 25 km from Luang Prabang are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. We ride from our hotel, leaving Luang Prabang passing through a rural landscape of rice paddies and Lao Lum villages. Once at Kuang Si Waterfalls, we will have a picnic lunch and perhaps take a refreshing dip before cycling back to Luang Prabang where the rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping, or there may be a possibility for an orientation bike ride of the town (any entrance fees are not included). This evening there is a chance to visit the night market in town with beautiful traditional Lao and hilltribe textiles on sale. For those up at dawn there is chance to witness the daily parade of saffron-robed monks receiving alms. Luang Prabang Legend Hotel or similar

  • Day 10 Day 10: Luang Prabang To Vang Vieng (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Luang Prabang To Vang Vieng (Breakfast)

      Today we drive south from Luang Prabang to Phou Khoun through more mountainous terrain (approx. 3 hours), passing through numerous Hmong villages. Once in Phou Khoun we pull out the bikes and start riding. The ride includes a superb winding descent with magnificent views of limestone karsts which gives the impression of entering into โ€™Lord of the Ringsโ€™ territoryโ€™. This is followed by shorter climbs and easy riding through rice paddies and villages as we approach Baan Yao. The rest of the journey (approx. 2 hours) taken by bus to Vang Vieng, a popular town with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. Amari Vang Vieng or similar

  • Day 11 Day 11: Vang Vieng To Vientiane (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Vang Vieng To Vientiane (Breakfast)

      This morning we transfer 2.5 hours from Vang Vieng to Pakkayong village where we start todayโ€™s ride. Passing through local rubber plantations, small villages and along the Nam Ngum river, we pause for lunch along the way until we reach Ban Don Noun village where we hop on the bus for a 45 minute-1 hour transfer to Vientiane, the sleepy capital of Laos. In the evening the perfect option is to retire for a refreshing beverage and watch the sunset over the Mekong River. Sabaidee@Lao Hotel or similar

  • Day 12 Day 12: Free Morning To Explore Then Cross Over The Friendship Bridge Into Thailand; Board Overnight Train To Bangkok (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Free Morning To Explore Then Cross Over The Friendship Bridge Into Thailand; Board Overnight Train To Bangkok (Breakfast)

      This morning is free to shop or explore Vientiane before we start cycling in the early afternoon from our hotel across the Laos/Thailand border. After completing border formalities and farewelling Laos, we continue to ride (on the left in Thailand!) a short distance to Nong Khai railway station. Here we say good-bye to our Lao guide and the group will be transferred to a local hotel for a couple hours to relax before returning to the train station for our overnight train journey to Bangkok. Overnight Train

  • Day 13 Day 13: Bangkok City Tour; Free Time (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Bangkok City Tour; Free Time (Breakfast)

      On arrival in Bangkok we transfer to our hotel. Later in the morning we take a short walk to the Chao Praya River where we board a long tail boat for a tour of the local canals. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East because of its intricate canal network. We get a glimpse of daily life as we pass locals selling their wares by the river. We will visit what to this day remains the home of the Thai Royal family at the Royal Palace complex followed by Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailandโ€™s most venerated images. Another highlight is Wat Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok, housing a 46m long, 15m high gold-plated reclining Buddha. We then head back to our hotel by ferry. This rest of the day is free for further exploration of this exciting city before we a final group dinner (optional). Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel or similar

  • Day 14 Day 14: End Bangkok
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: End Bangkok

      For land only clients, the tour ends this morning in Bangkok after breakfast.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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