This epic bike journey takes you from the effervescent modernity of Chiang Mai to the tranquil, beautiful time-capsule of Luang Prabang, cycling along near-deserted roads amongst lush mountainous scenery in areas untouched by modern developments and commercialism.
From the walled city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, the trip will take you north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle before reaching Laos and following the trail of the vast Mekong.
Although the shades of green in the mountain scenery are what catch the eye, it is the cultural immersion in Laos that touches the spirit. Passing through limestone canyons and jungle covered valleys, which remain home to many indigenous peoples.
The people of Thailand and Laos are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so you are assured a warm welcome.
Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, final destination Luang Prabang is the old royal capital. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, the "jewel of Indochina" has an incredible blend of local and colonial architecture, giving the town a unique charm and character. The last days of the Cycle Northern Laos tour are spent cycling amongst the ancient and mysterious temples.
Notes
This cycle ride can be incorporated into a Symbiosis tailor made 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
Day 1 Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai is the starting point of this adventurous tour. The tour starts leisurely with a ride along the Ping River and heads to the handicraft centre at Ban Tawai for some shopping.
Day 2 Today is a treat for mountain bikers as the trail winds from rice fields set among soaring limestone cliffs through villages of local hill tribes. After lunch at a Forestry Camp the riding continues along serene mountain trails.
Day 3 Cycling on back roads through many small villages you'll see how the locals live and work. The afternoon ride is one of the most scenic on the trip and a real pleasure to cycle. The day is topped of with a stay at a beautiful resort with a splendid view of the Mae Kok River.
Day 4 Ride straight from the resort to a Jakhu village before hopping onto a boat for a leisurely cruise down the Mae Kok river. The afternoon riding is off road, with beautiful views of the river, before the surface switches to tarmac for our final push into Chiang Rai.
Day 5 Though today's riding is picturesque, through rice fields dotted with limestone karst mountains, on good road surfaces, the highlight will be the lovely lodge we'll spend the night at. Set right in the middle of a Hmong village you'll be able to mingle with villagers and have tea with the shaman.
Day 6 Today we leave Thailand behind, cross to Laos and spend our day relaxing on the Mekong River. We have a private boat so we can stop when we want to visit some riverside villages along the way.
Day 7 Be prepared for an epic day of challenging riding on a broken track along the Beng river, through pretty Lao villages and unforgettable mountain and jungle scenery. Cycling through rural Laos, you'll have to make way for all types of colourful vehicles and livestock.
Day 8 We are now in the central highlands, and there are some spectacular views across the rugged mountain landscape. We cycle through Hmong villages few people will ever visit and through some of the region's last remaining rainforest.
Day 9 After two challenging cycling days it’s time to take it easy as we boat down the Nam Ou River to the pleasant town of Nong Khiau. Watch life on the river, from the fishermen to the children playing in the waters.
Day 10 The last long ride of the tour! Cycling an undulating road we head west along the Nam Ou River, which makes for a very scenic ride. Once we reach Luang Prabang we head to our hotel and then freshen up for our farewell dinner.
Day 11 Rise early to watch the monks in their saffron robes collecting alms before we say goodbye at breakfast.
ADDITIONAL FACTS & FIGURES
- Single supplement: USD 225
- Bike Hire: USD 135
- Total Distance: 650 Kilometres
- Number of Days: 11 days / 10 nights
- Number of cycling days: Seven full days and three half-days.
- Road Surface: 75% paved surfaces.
- Support: Air-Conditioned minibuses and luggage truck rigged to take bikes.
- Group Size: Minimum 4. Maximum 16
- Staff: Western cycling tour leader (for groups of 8 or more), plus a local cycling guide, drivers and assistants for all groups. Groups of 4-7 will be led by our local guide and support team.
- Accommodation: One night in 4-star hotel, seven nights in 2-3 star hotels, 1 night in local guesthouse (basic). All hotels have en suite facilities and fans or a/c, except one night (basic local guesthouses - shared facilities). Whenever possible we try to use hotels with charm and local character.
- Food: All meals are included from Dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11.
