Itinerary - Thailand & Laos

Lost in Time

Day 1: Arrive Chiang Rai

On arrival in Chiang Rai you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you'll have time to explore this laid back town and the surrounding areas. Attractions include the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre, several beautiful Wats, Mae Nam Kok River, and a night market with free Northern Thai music and dance performances. At 6 pm we will have a group briefing.

Accommodation Guest House (D)

Day 2: Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong

After an early breakfast we transfer to Chiang Saen where our cycle tour begins. Following the Mekong River we ride through lush jungle passing picturesque hill tribe villages where you will see simple bamboo huts on stilts. Under the huts women can often be seen weaving and children play alongside chickens and pigs. We arrive at Chiang Khong the border crossing point from Thailand into Laos. (Approximate cost of Laos visa 40 US)

Cycling Distance: 62 km (38.5 miles)
Total Climb: 914m (2,999ft)
Total Descent: 885m (2,903ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 3: Chiang Khong to Pakbeng

This morning we take a memorable boat journey on the mighty Mekong River to Pakbeng, surrounded by mist covered mountains. This is a wonderful way to understand the importance of the Mekong to the people living in traditional villages that we pass along the way.

Accommodation: Hotel (B, L,D)

Day 4: Pakbeng to Muang Beng 

After breakfast we ride along newly sealed roads through some fascinating villages, where excited children shout "Sabaai-dii, Sabaai-dii" (the Lao greeting) to every passing cyclist. There can be few places in the world other than Laos where you'll receive such a friendly welcome.

Tonight, we stop in Muang Beng on the banks of the Nam Muang river in a simple guesthouse.

Cycling Distance: 88 km (55 miles)
Total Climb: 869m (2,851ft)
Total Descent: 757m (2,486ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 5: Muang Beng  to Oudom Xay

Our route continues along this roller coaster road to Oudom Xay passing through many hill tribe villages that still retain their age-old cultural traditions. Each is recognisably distinct from the other as can be seen in the traditional dress unique to every village. Bunches of bamboo shoots are laid out by the road along with dried chilies for sale to the odd passing truck load of people. Modern life with all its trappings is still a long way off.

Cycling Distance: 58 km (36 miles)
Total Climb: 644m (2,113ft)
Total Descent: 487m (1,598ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 6: Udom Xay to Pak Mong

An unforgettable day as we go deep into the rich jungle, a tough climb at the start, then rolling hills with magnificent scenery before an exhilarating 18 miles (29 km) Descent to Pak Mong. A hard day.

Cycling Distance: 81 km  (50 miles)
Total Climb: 1,460m (4,790ft)
Total Descent: 1,619m (5,312ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 7: Pak Mong to Luang Prabang

Today we are treated to good, mainly flat roads. 25km short of Luang Prabang, you have the option of visiting the holy caves at Pak Ou, where we will find an ancient collection of thousands of precious Buddha statues. From here you can opt to cycle on or take a slow boat to Luang Prabang for around 20$ the exact price of the boat will depend on how many people take this option.

Cycling Distance: 83km (51 miles) or 112 km (70 miles) 
Total Climb: 554m (1,817ft)
Total Descent: 679m (2,227ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B, L)

Day 8: Luang Prabang

Rest day in beautiful Luang Prabang, encircled by mountains and situated on the banks of the Mekong at its confluence with the Nam Khan River. You are free to explore this delightful World Heritage town with 32 historic temples, ancient monasteries, the magnificent Royal Palace Museum and its French Colonial architecture. This is a place to chill out and enjoy the food, the peaceful surroundings and the people.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 9: Luang Prabang to Kiu Kachan

The big one, the ultimate challenge of the trip! After a pleasant start with a fairly easy 12 miles (20 km) we begin the first of two long ascents (support vehicle on hand) a 10 mile (16km) climb passing a spectacular scenery of limestone peaks, some of which are the highest in South East Asia. We than have a decent of 9 miles (15 km) before the second monster climb of 14 miles (24 km) before we arrive in Kiu Kachan.

Cycling Distance: 78 km  (48 miles)
Total Climb: 2,061m (6,762ft)
Total Descent: 971m (3,186ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 10: Kiu Kachan to Kasi

This morning begins with another challenging cycle, covering the first 30 miles (50 km) of a roller coaster ride. We stop for a well-deserved lunch at Nung Phu Khun before continuing with a spectacular 22 mile (38 km) descent, passing dramatic views of craggy limestone mountains. The scents of jasmine and lotus blossom drift through the clear air from the rich jungle flora. We end our day coming off the mountains at Kasi.

Cycling Distance: 95 km (59 miles)
Total Climb: 1,422m (4,665ft)
Total Descent: 2,395m (7,858ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 11: Kasi to Vang Vieng

Today is an easier day covering 48 miles (60 km) of gentle rolling hills to Vang Vieng. After lunch we have an option of a side trip to Tham Xang or Tham Hoi caves set in dramatic scenery on the banks of the Nam Song. Vang Vieng has recently become a destination for backpackers and is therefore a comfortable place with nice restaurants and guesthouses. Once we get there we can treat ourselves to some fruit milkshakes and pancakes, or have a Beer Lao and relax watching the sunset over the river behind stunning limestone pinnacles.

Cycling Distance: 59 km (37 miles)
Total Climb: 450m (1,476ft)
Total Descent: 571m (1,873ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 12: Vang Vieng to Na Nam

After a relatively gentle 14 miles (24 km) we reach the fishing village of Tha Heua where you can see all manner of salted fish being sold by the road. Here you have the option to take a 3 hour boat journey on the Ang Nam Ngum reservoir to Na Nam a small fishing village, passing many picturesque islands dotted along the way. Alternatively you can cycle the moderate 50 miles (84 km) along the road, climaxing in a steep 2 km climb before reaching our guesthouse at Na Nam.

Cycling Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
Total Climb: 695m (2,280ft)
Total Descent: 706m (2,316ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 13: Na Nam to Vientiane

Our last day of cycling starts with our last two short but hard climbs, before the road levels out for the 57 miles (95 km) all the way to Vientiane. Here the land is agricultural, passing paddy fields and more intensely farmed areas. As we near the Lao capital of Vientiane the roads, which until now have been relatively traffic free during our trip, start to become busier. We arrive at our guesthouse in the afternoon. We should have enough time to do any last minute shopping, then relax and celebrate the end of a great trip.

Cycling Distance: 97 km (60 miles)
Total Climb: 425m (1,394ft)
Total Descent: 489m (1,604ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L)

Day 14: Home

Tour finishes, a transfer is offered to those flying back on the late morning flight to Bangkok.

Meals included: B