Kick off this Luang Prabang cycling excursion with a proper bike fitting, then it’s time to start pedalling! Cruise through the flat streets of the city centre to the National Museum for a visit. Once the Royal Palace, the building now houses an impressive collection of historical relics and informative displays.

Continue exploring the downtown area this morning. The narrow peninsula, with the Mekong River on the west and Nam Khan River on the east, is a mix of residential houses, small businesses and dozens of Buddhist temples. Cycling through the streets and lanes, Luang Prabang reveals its true charms. Witness the daily lives of the people, see how religion forms an integral part of the culture and feel the atmosphere of a land where time seems to have stood still. Stops will be made a few wats of importance and to take photos of scenic spots.

Having worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at a restaurant known for its local specialties. Having rested and refuelled, return to the bikes and pedal out away from Luang Prabang to discover what awaits beyond the city limits.

The traffic begins to thin out away from the city and soon the Phosy Market appears. This large market is open daily and is predominantly selling locally-grown produce, fruits, and other items. Wander through the aisles, where exotic ingredients are beautifully displayed and stop to sample freshly-prepared snacks.

Back on the bikes ride on to Ock Pop Tock, a not-for-profit organization aiming to preserve traditional Lao weaving techniques. The centre sprawls over stunning rural farmland. A short tour reveals the age-old process of creating beautiful Lao textiles- from dying to the actual weaving.

It’s then time to head back toward the city, this time pedalling along a riverside path. One last stop will be made at the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. 

Spend time visiting the colour displays of costumes, tools and artefacts to better understand the rich diversity of the Lao people.

EXO Foundation proudly sponsors the museum’s latest exhibition “Seeds of Culture: From living plants to handicrafts”.

(Note: closed on Mondays).

Optionally, if you are “templed-out”, opt for a visit to the UXO Lao Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the problems caused by unexploded bombs and mines left behind by American armed forces after the end of the Vietnam War and the Secret War, which we often hear too little about.  The center provides a free entry and shows the outstandingly courageous work of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) to clear this dangerous ordinance.

From here it is a short ride back to the hotel, where the Luang Prabang cycling tour concludes. (L)

Notes:

closed on Mondays).

Optionally, if you are “templed-out”, opt for a visit to the UXO Lao Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the problems caused by unexploded bombs and mines left behind by American armed forces after the end of the Vietnam War and the Secret War, which we often hear too little about.  The center provides a free entry and shows the outstandingly courageous work of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) to clear this dangerous ordinance.

From here it is a short ride back to the hotel, where the Luang Prabang cycling tour concludes. (L)

Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Note: The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is closed on Monday.