Laos Cultural Discovery
Price upon request
Cycle Southern Laos
Overview | Itinerary
Cycle Southern Laos travels from the southern Laos lowlands of Pakse to the former colonial outpost of Champasak, then to the tranquil presence of Si Phan Don and the lush coffee plantations of the Bolovens Plateau.
From spectacular Laos waterfalls to the charming Irrawaddy dolphins, you will discover all that the Land of a Million Elephants has to offer. Cycling along serene country roads you will find your soul easing into the laid-back and spiritual nature of the country.
Starting in Ubon Ratchatani, Thailand, the trip crosses the border at Chongmek, Laos, before riding to the ancient, pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Phu, the 4000 Islands, or Si Phan Don, and then finally onto the Bolovens Plateau, known worldwide for its exquisite coffee.
Unforgettable views and varied scenery make this tour an exercise in how much beauty your eyes can stand!
Notes
This cycle ride can be incorporated into a custom designed Symbiosis holiday to Laos that can be adapted and tailored to meet your dates, preferences and passions. Please contact one of our bespoke holiday planners to create the ideal itinerary for you.
Itinerary
This Southern Laos bike tour is a sojourn along the Mekong River to the former colonial outpost of Champasak, the serene beauty of Si Phan Don and the rich fertile lands of the coffee growing Bolevan Plateau. From the natural attractions of amazing waterfalls to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins and to the cultural Khmer temples of Wat Phu, this tour explores the quiet back roads of South Laos.
Day 1: Ubon Ratchathani
Start point of the tour is Ubon Ratchathani, which can be reached by either flight or train from Bangkok, where you will be met and escorted to your hotel on the banks of the Mekong River.
Day 2: Wat Phu & 4,000 Islands
A short transfer takes us to the Laos border at Chongmek and we start to cycle on a flat tarmac road, passing through colonial Champasak towards Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex dating back to the 5th Century. Overnight at an eco-friendly hotel on Don Daeng Island.
Day 3: 4,000 Islands
Today we ride to the village of Ban Niet Ngong and either ride or walk up to see Phu Asa, a curious site of stone towers. After lunch we transfer to our next ferry crossing to one of the biggest of the islands in the Mekong, Don Khong.
Day 4: 4,000 Islands
Today we island hop, taking ferries and cycling from Don Khong to Don Som to Don Det to Don Khone. We rest as we cruise by boat to try and sight the nearly extinct Irrawaddy dolphins.
Day 5: Bolovens Plateau
It’s time to head up, to the coffee growing area of Laos: the Bolaven Plateau. A gentle but steady climb takes us up to a wonderful resort at the base of waterfalls, perfect for jumping in and taking a cool dip.
Day 6: Bolovens Plateau
After a visit to two waterfalls we ride a bit of uphill before descending via a quiet tarmac road through small villages. We overnight at a lodge right next to a waterfall that is perfect for cooling off.
Day 7: Bolovens Plateau
Today is free to swim at the falls, take an elephant for a ride, go on a short walk to visit a tribal village, or just relax.
Day 8: Depart Laos
As we leave the Bolaven Plateau behind we ride on an undulating road that has a few surprises – some lengthy but gradual climbs – and stop at another impressive waterfall, Tad Pha Suam, before heading back to Thailand.
Tour details
- Number of days: 8 days/7 nights
- Number of cycling days: 6 full days
- Cycling Distance: 306 km
- Cycling difficulty: medium
- Starts from: Ubon Ratchathani, Northeast Thailand
- Ends at: Ubon Ratchathanim Northeast Thailand
- Single room supplement: US$ 315
- Bike hire: US$125
- Group size: Minimum 4, maximum 16
* NOTE. Prices indicated on this website are shown as a guideline only and may be subject to currency fluctuations, banking fees and other changes outside our control. Pricing information is available in
other currencies.