Cycling - Exploring Luang Prabang by Bike

📍 Transfer from hotel to Tamarind: 15 mins Cycling distance: 7 km Difficulty: Very Easy

Welcome to Laos, the Land of a Million Elephants, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Upon arrival you will be met by your local guide and transfered to your hotel. 
After check-in we enjoy a half day guide tour on bicycles to experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of this charming town with visits to French Indochinese buildings and ancient Buddhist temples. 
Today’s itinerary includes a visit to Wat Sensoukarahm, Wat Mai, Wat Xieng Thong- the most revered temple in Luang Prabang and the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum) where you will explore the history of Laos. Finish with the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’s ethnic minorities. The entrance includes and Cocktails and snacks at the Patio when you are done with the Center visit.
Returning to the hotel, take a rest and freshen up before being transferred by  Tuk-Tuk to the most famous restaurant in town, Tamarind Restaurant, for an adventurous Lao Gourmet culinary discovery!
Overnight In Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer by Boat from Ban Pak Loung to Ban Chan: 1 hr Cycling distance: 27km Difficulty: Medium

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel at 8:30 am by minivan and head to the bike station to collect our bikes before cycling towards the former Royal boat pier. 

We will cycle along the Mekong on small village paths and rocky trails towards Vat Chom Phet, which used to be Kings’ favorite temple to retreat when he needed to get away from the court’s hassles, and Vat Long Khoun.

We then take a dirt road and peddle our way through the untouched and rarely visited countryside. Along the way, we will stop at a Ban Nakham for snacks and refreshments. Certain parts of the path are hilly and tracks are irregular. 

Next stop, we’ll ride towards a Khmu village where we will enjoy our lunch at local village and take time to wander around 
After taking time to relax and rest we cycle back towards the mighty Mekong. If you feel the need for a short rest you can hop on the back up minivan at any time. 

We stop in Ban Pak Loung, a Hmong village, and then board our private boat, cruising upstream to Ban Chan, this village is renowned for its pottery making. 

Tonight’s dinner will be at the excellent Khai Phaen Restaurant (crispy Mekong River weed), established by the Cambodian based NGO, Friends International. Khai Phaen is a training and vocational school for street children and young people in the Luang Prabang region.

Overnight In Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Optional Transfer by boat from Ban Pak On to Luang Prabang: 1.5 hrs Cycling distance: 30.9 km or 61.8 km Difficulty: Medium

This morning, enjoy your bountiful breakfast at the hotel before meeting up with your guide for the day’s briefing.

Hop on your bike to start today’s exciting journey. Our first stop will be Ban Xang Khong, a village which is popular for their textiles and Saa paper making. There are many potholes created by trucks that sometimes take this road so ride with caution. We soon hit the quieter back roads and explore an old brick manufacturing factory before stopping to enjoy some shade and some snacks. Next stop is Ban Xang Hay, a village which specializes in making traditional rice-wine. We then encounter diversified agriculture and hill tribe villages whilst the mighty Mekong is never far away. 

Upon arrival at Ban Pak Ou, we will have time to stretch our legs and visit the village before stopping for lunch at one of the best local restaurants in the area with unique views of the caves and river.

After visiting the caves we get back on board the boat for a cruise down river to Luang Prabang (the more adventurous riders have the option to cycle back to Luang prabang). Laos has several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation and they continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country. Taking a local boat cruise is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover the life along the rivers and observe daily activities of fishermen and villagers.

Upon arrival back at the boat pier you cycle back to your hotel or take a transfer.

This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at Tangor restaurant to have a taste of Asian and French fusion cuisine.

Overnight In Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Today is at leisure until you transfer to the Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast