13 days Bangkok to Vientiane - trip code GHLL08
US$2490 (single room optional for US$470)
'Lao lao' is a rice wine distilled locally in villages and while we don't suggest you consume it while cycling it does give a good idea of this trip - local, fun and tasty with the potential for a little bit of pain the next day.
We've taken the original Lao Lao tour and made it even better, with more great cycling as well as some village trekking and a boat down the Nam Ou River to mix things up a bit. This is now officially our favourite tour!
This is a great trip with wonderful variety, the cycling is spectacular. We ride along back roads and quiet highways and along side rivers before climbing up into spectacular limestone mountains and descending for a number of days through H'Mong villages to Vang Vieng, a travellers hangout town, then onto the (not so) bustling capital Vientiane.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Chiang Khong
Meeting at the Bangkok airport we take a short flight to Chiang Rai in the far north and drive out to our rustic wooden guesthouse that sits on the banks of the Mekong River, looking out onto Laos.
Day 2 | Mekong River
After crossing the border we spend the day cruising down the wonderful Mekong River, over nighting in Pak Beng. This is the perfect relaxing introduction to laid back Laos.
Days 3-4 | Cycling to Nong Khiaw
Our first section of riding takes us along one of the quietest sealed roads in Asia, over a mountain pass, and cruising alongside a river into the stunning town of Nong Khiaw.
Day 5 | Trekking Muang Ngoai
We leave the bikes and take a boat to the remote town of Muang Ngoi where we take a light, but unforgettable trek into the forest to visit the people who call this area home. The lack of road access makes this place something very unusual in our modern world.
Days 6-8 | Luang Prabang
After a boat then a bike ride, we reach Luang Prabang. You won't want to leave this charming town. Our first day is yours to wander the temples, visit the King's Palace or just relax. The second day will be spent on a ride exploring the local region, wildlife and a waterfall that makes for a perfect place to swim.
Days 9-13 | Cycling to Vientiane
We depart Luang Prabang and take four days to cycle to the Lao capital Vientiane. The first day is the most challenging as we climb up into the mountains but the rewards are unforgettable, mountains all around with small villages clinging to their sides. In Vang Vieng we will have a free afternoon to explore the caves or tube on the river. Our final day of riding brings us to Vientiane, probably the quietest city in Asia to celebrate the end of the ride.
October 2011 Special!
For the departure date of 17th October 2011, we will be running a slightly altered itinerary without the trekking component. This departure is discounted to just $2250 and is guaranteed to depart!
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Inclusions
English speaking Lao cycling leader, support vehicle, Mekong boat trip, Muang Ngoi trekking, Nam Ou kayaking, most meals, entry fees
Your Grasshopper Support Team
this tour will be led by our charming, experience and capable Lao cycling leaders
Group Size
minimum 2, maximum 14
Accommodation
6 nights comfortable hotel, 5 nights local guesthouse (with private bathroom), 1 night basic guesthouse. We cover the full spectrum of accommodation on this tour from one night in a basic guesthouse in a village high up in the mountains, a beautiful boutique hotel in Luang Prabang through to a comfortable large hotel in Vientiane.
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Days Cycling
8
Kilometres Cycled
626km
Bikes
not included - bring your own or rent a Merida mountain bike for US$160
Difficulty
moderate/difficult (customer rating: 4.1 out of 5 - the hardest being 5)
Cycling Conditions
We cycle on a well made main highway most of the way but traffic in Laos is very light. Three of the days have uphills to contend with.
Feedback and Reviews
"Amazing culture, people, scenery and riding experience."
- Bettina & Wolfgang, January 2008
"Surpassed expectations - the group, the country and its people, the cycling and physical challenge, the food and accommodation and the value for money - all were outstanding."
- Paul, July 2007
