Trip valid: 01 Nov 2011 to 31 Oct 2013

Duration: 7 Days

Main Activity: Bicycling

Trip Type: Small Group Holidays

Suitability: All Levels 

Location: Southern Laos

Best time to travel:  October to February

Supported: By Minivan/Truck

Product Code: IDT-LSB007

Guaranteed to depart: From 2 pax

TRIP INCLUSIVE:

Experienced English speaking biking guide

Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

Bicycle rental and helmet for cycling days. (TREK 4300/4500 Mountain bike)

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.

Healthy snacks, fresh local fruits and soft drink for cycling days.

Bottled drinking water for sightseeing.

All sightseeing and entrance fees as stated in the itinerary.

Accommodation in twin share room in hotel with daily breakfast.

Simple First Aid Kit.

International flight reconfirmation.

TRIP EXCLUSIVE:

International flight to/from Laos

Laos visa

Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before departure.

Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)

Tips for guide, driver, porters. We recommend 3 USD/person/day for guide, 2 USD/person/day for driver and 2   

 USD/person/hotel when you check in/out.

Beverages and alcoholic drinks.

Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and inclusions.

Day 1:  Pakse – Champasak

Our trip commences in Pakse across the border from Thailand (please let us know if you need arrangements to Pakse). Meet with our guide for a trip briefing before riding to Champasak. Enjoy amazing Mekong River scenery and make a visit to a pre-Angkor Temple and the birth of the Khmer Empire at Wat Phu. Spend the afternoon cycling around the stunning Island of Don Daeng.

Cycling distance: 60km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meal: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Day 2: Champasak-Don Khong

Following breakfast, we continue South to Ban Kiet Ngong. The roads are relatively flat and we can cycle at our own pace  with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and interact with locals. On arrival at the village, we can choose to walk and/or cycle uphill to the temple mount of Phu Asa. Rest and lunch before our bus transfers us to Don Khong the largest of the 4000 Islands.

Cycled distance: Approx 40km

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel

Day 3: Don Khong – Khan Phanpheng – Don Khone

Today is a day to savour! In the middle of the Mekong lay 4000 Islands and today we go Island hopping to Don Som then onto Don Det and Don Khone following the old French Railway down to a beach. We then head off into Cambodian waters in search of the nearly extinct Irrawaddy dolphins before continuing on to the impressive Liphi falls, and finishing our cycling for the day at our bungalows in Don Khone.

Cycled distance: Approx 55 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Seng Alun Hotel

Day 4: Don Khone – Tad Fane

After breakfast cross over to the mainland and cycle to the “Niagara of the East” Khon Pha Peng waterfall, from here we transfer into the coffee growing area of Laos, the Bolaven Plateau. Start your ascent just outside of Pakse and bike into the temperate coffee growing area renowned for its Arabica and Robusta beans. These beans fetch some of the highest coffee prices in the world. The road is undulating, has a definite upward feeling, but it is gentle and is a welcome change from the predominately flat terrain of the past days, stop at Tad Fane falls, twin cascades dropping over 120m and spend the night in Tad E-Tu Resort a stunning lodge overlooking Tad E-Tu waterfall, plenty of time to swim and relax.

Cycled distance: Approx 30km

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Tad Fane Resort

Day 5 – Tad Fane- Bolaven Plateau – Tad Lo

Today we ride more than 70km, and though there is a gentle climb of about 15 km, you won’t even notice it as you take in the lush countryside and the great views of the surrounding mountains. You are then rewarded for your effort with a 900m descent. Arrive at the Tad Lo Lodge with front row views across the waterfalls. Watch out for the elephants bathing!

Cycled distance: Approx 73km

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Tadlo Lodge

Day 6 – Tad Lo

Today we are free to enjoy this wonderful area and hotel. Options are to sunbathe and swim at the falls, elephant riding – go on a short walk to visit a tribal village, or a 20 km bike ride for those with the energy.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Tadlo Lodge

Day 7 – Tad Lo – Pakse (92 km)

As we leave the Bolaven Plateau behind we ride on an undulating road that has a few surprises – some lengthy but gradual climbs, one is 5 km, another 14km. We then head downhill all the way into Pakse where the tour ends.

Cycled distance: Approx 92 km

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Should I purchase insurance?

Yes! This must cover medical care and emergency evacuation/repatriation. Also keep hardcopy of emergency contact numbers as well as insurance policy number.

What are the main vaccination and health procedures?

Before travel please consult a general practitioner for up to date advice on recommended vaccines and malaria prophylaxis.

Is there anything I can do to better prepare for a situation requiring first aid?

All guides have basic first aid training and carry a small first aid kit. But each client should also bring personal first aid supplies including antiseptic wipes, antiseptic liquid/cream, steristrips, sterile gauze and bandage as well as oral rehydration sachets.

What gear do I need for biking?

Helmet, gloves and shorts; stiff soled cycling shoes or trainers; water bottles, eye protection; lightweight waterproof jacket; insect repellent; sun hat; strong sunscreen, puncture repair kit.

What can I do to have a safe trip?

Wear a helmet! We can provide them, but you should also participate in this process and look out for yourself. This will contribute to the overall safety of the tour and allow you to have more fun knowing that you’re on your own adventure. It is customary to sign a disclaimer before hiring a bike. Traffic rules in Vietnam are not strict! It is advisable to ask the TITC guide about safe riding on the roads.

What are the bikes like?

Lightweight Trek 4300 & Trek 4500 mountain bikes with components from Shimano, Bontrager, and RockShox. Give your height when booking to guarantee the right one. (Note: the support vehicle will carry tools and spares and the guide will oversee repairs.)

What is the food like?

All or most meals are included on our trips. You will be treated to an extensive variety of traditional Laos  cuisine. We choose the finest restaurants in the cities to give you the opportunity to taste a great variety of local delicacies and flavors. In camps our cooks are experts in preparing nourishing wholesome and delicious meals. We will accommodate any special diet requests you may have including vegetarian, please request prior to the trip.

Do these tours support responsible travel?

Yes! We try to make sure that these holidays are as socially, economically and environmentally sound as possible. We are affiliate members of the Environmental Certification Green Globe 21 Scheme. Our goal is to deliver biking tours that do not contribute to the destruction of Vietnam’s unique cultural and natural environment.