Laos - Northern Exposure

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• Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang, Laos

  D 20 km

  

  Welcome to Laos!  Our meeting point is at our designated arrival hotel. As everyone is arriving at different times, you'll need to make your own way to the hotel, an easy process with regular taxis and shuttles (you may wish to book an extra day to soak up the laid back charm of Luang Prabang).  Our first group dinner will be scheduled for 7:00pm and we'll head out for a feast of local specialities at one of a favourite restaurants.  Prior to dinner, we'll organise a bike fitting and orientation ride around the UNESCO listed town centre, taking in local life and the colonial and Asian fusion architecture. Stops include Heuan Chan Heritage House, a beautiful example of traditional Lao architecture, the Luang Prabang National Museum, once the Royal Palace housing a collection of personal items from the Laotian royal family and Wat Mai, a five-tiered roofed temple, an iconic representation of the elegant Lao style among other important temples. After dinner you’ll have time to wander the markets or grab a spot by the Mekong to while away the evening.

  Stay: Luang Prabang

• Day 2: Cycle Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw

  BLD 60 km

  

  After breakfast, our day begins with a picturesque 30km ride north along the Mekong River passing by several small villages to visit Pak Ou Caves. We'll jump aboard a ferry to cross the Mekong River and explore the 16th century cave complex before returning to Pak Ou. The next section of cycling will take us around 30km further along the Nam Ou River with breathtaking views of towering mountain ranges in the background. The scenery constantly changes, with each bend in the river revealing new vistas, local villages and hidden shrines. We'll transfer the last hilly section into Nong Khiaw and settle into our comfortable rustic bungalows overlooking the Nam Ou River. Nong Khiaw is a spectacular location surrounded by towering limestone karst mountains. We'll spend two nights here leaving ample time to explore the laid back village, the various viewpoints and surrounding rural area.

  Stay: Nong Khiaw

• Day 3: 100 Waterfalls Hike and Boat

  BL

  

  Our adventure continues with a tranquil boat ride along the Nam Ou River, relaxing in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we visit a small Lao village by the riverbank, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life, an opportunity to meet villagers going about their daily routines, and perhaps even have a chance to interact with some of the friendly locals. From here, we'll embark on a hike through streams and lush rice paddies, the air filled with the sounds of nature. For the next few hours, we'll be immersed in the sights and sounds of cascading water and dense jungle. The sound of the rushing water is deafening as you approach the 100 Waterfalls. We'll stop to enjoy a local-style lunch, prepared right on the rocks. At the top of the waterfalls a small farmers path leads us you back into the valley, revealing panoramic views of the Nam Ou Valley that stretch as far as the eye can see. The hike concludes with a scenic return to the village. The rest of the day is free to explore Nong Khiaw.

  Stay: Nong Khiaw

• Day 4: Cycle to Oudomxay

  BLD 90 km

  
  Starting directly from the hotel we cycle 30km along the scenic valley to the crossroads town of Pakmong. We'll transfer to the top of the mountain pass where we pause for a well-deserved lunch at a Tea Farm. From there, you continue cycling along the road, surveying the mountains. The scenery is simply awe-inspiring, a constant reminder of the beauty of this region. A long descent brings us to the capital of Oudomxay province, often referred to as Muangxay, before making our way to our charming resort located in a nature reserve.

  Stay: Oudomxay

• Day 5: Cycle to Pak Beng

  BLD 90 km

  

  We'll kick off the day today with a two hour transfer to cover some distance to our destination in Pak Beng. Today our road winds through the heart of rural Laos, where life seems untouched by the modern world. This remote region will see us encounter hill tribe villagers from communities like the Phu Thai, Thai Lu, Hmong, Thai Dam, Lao, and Khamu, each with their own unique customs and traditions. Children wave shyly from the roadside, while women work in their fields, their colorful attire adding vibrant splashes to the landscape. The locals warmly greet you, their smiles genuine and welcoming. Traditional weaving villages, where families continue the age-old craft of weaving on wooden looms beneath the shade of ancient trees are to be seen along our route. We'll roll into Pak Beng on the banks of the mighty Mekong River once more.

  Stay: Pak Beng

• Day 6: Cycle to Luang Prabang

  BL 80 km

  
  We'll rise early to views over the Mekong before jumping in the van for a long transfer to the top of the mountainous valley. Rural mountain views are our backdrop as we make our way to Luang Prabang. We have plenty of climbing to do today, rewarded by a long descent to the shores of the Mekong for a final time.  After crossing the river by ferry, we'll cycle to our hotel and the end of an epic ride. Tonight we'll head out for dinner and celebrate the end of our adventure!

  Stay: Luang Prabang

• Day 7: Departure Day

  B

  
  Today is departure day and we will arrange a transfer to Luang Prabang airport or train station.  Bon Voyage!

• Can we change the itinerary or customise the tour?

  Not for publicly listed dates, but if you have your own group or date in mind, Yes.  If you want to make a private booking we can help design a tour that suits you.  You may have ideas based on any of our tours or something in mind that you can't find on our website.  Just get in contact with us and let us know what you have in mind and we'll try our best to make it happen!

• Do you cater for vegetarians?

  Yes we do!  If you have any dietery requirements just let us know when you book in the space provided (Additional Requests).  For any severe alergies or other conditions it is best that you let us know in advance so that we can prepare and/ or advise you on what we can provide or what you might need to bring so that are well catered for.

• What about Covid 19?

  Covid restrictions have passed for most countries and it is now possible to obtain tourist visas for China. For China you may need to provide a personal Covid test within taken 24 hours before your departure, these are only checked randomly, and can also be taken on arrival.

  During all our tours we take care to avoid any transferring of any viruses, such as Covid, through providing hand sanitisers and minimising exposure.  As with any illness, all care will be made for the participants well being during the tour and we will help with any arrangements that need to be made if the participant needs to leave the tour (this will be at the cost of the participant).  Costs for unused segments of tours cannot be refunded, for any reason, as all tour costs are paid in advance.

• How to I make a booking and payment?

  Simply go to the "Dates" section of the tour page and click on the "book now" button, or click on "book" on the website header and select your preferred tour and departure date.  If you are booking onto an on demand tour and have your own dates in mind there will be an facility for you book here too.

  Before you book, we recommend that you read through the tour details and our booking terms and conditions. You can contact us about the trip if you have any questions at info@bikeasia.com or set up a time to chat about the tour.  

  Upon completion of your booking form we’ll send you an acknowledgement email and invoice for a deposit. All long trips (7 days or more) require a deposit of 300USD to guarantee your place. Trips departing within 60 days at booking will require full payment. Once your deposit is received, we’ll also send you a pre-trip information pack that will give you added information about the tour, the region you’ll be travelling through, a checklist of things to prepare, suggestions for packing, training tips and more.  For shorter trips and day tours we require full payment 30 days prior to the commencement of the tour or as soon as convenient if booking within 30 days of departure.

  Payments can be made on credit card via Paypal or through a direct bank transfer in most currencies. Information on payments will be present on your initial deposit invoice. Paypal payments will incur a 4% fee.