Laos
"Journey Back in Time"
Cycling in Northwest Laos is a one of a kind adventure.....mystical moutains, the majestic Mekong River, saffron robed monks collecting alms, working elephants. It's what most of Southeast Asia used to be like, but no longer is. It's 6 million people are very friendly, welcoming and curious. The Northern part of the country is mountainous and lush with spectacular scenery.
The November 29 trip is going to start in Vientiane and end in Chaing Rai Thailand. This is the opposite of what we have done in the past.
November 28 and 29
Meet in Vientiane on November 29. Some of the group will be arriving from Bangkok and others will be arriving from Hanoi. We stay at the very nice Inter Hotel on the banks of the Mekong. Plenty to do and see in and around Vientiane
November 30, 2007
Ride to NaNam or Thalat. Rather take than the very busy Highway 13, we head out on Highway 10 through increasing rural countryside.
December 1
From Nan Nam we head east back towards Highway 13 and then north to the hip counter culture hang out of Vang Vieng.
December 2
Vang Vieng north to Kasi.
December 3
We head from Kasi to the every popular cross roads of Kiu Kacham. Kiu Kacham is one of the smallest towns we stop in , not much really, but it is also one of the most popular spots we stop. I don't get it either.
December 4
We continue on to Luang Prabang, the old capital and a Unesco World Heritage site. Here, the monk collect alms and plenty to keep us busy for a free day.
December 5
Free day in LP. Go to the nite market. Check out Mount Phousi at sunset. Visit the many many wats in LP. Also there is the option of going to Kuang Si falls outside of town or even taking the boat up the mekong to visit Pak Ou caves. Or visit the paper making and whiskey making villages.
December 6
We continue today on our journey north to Pak Mong.
December 7
Pak Mong to Udom Xai
December 8
Udom Xai to Luang Nam Tha
December 9
From Luang Nam Tha we will arrange small boats to take us for a 2 day journey down the Nam Ha River. We will have a homestay in a village along the way. The Nam Ha river flows into the Mekong where we turn north and head to the Thai river town of Chaing Khong.
December 10
Arrive in Chaing Khong. From Chaing Khong we ride our bikes again to Chaing Saen and then transfer to Chaing Rai
December 11
In Chaing Rai we can visit the nite market, get some messages for our travel weary bods and generally celebrate the trip. From Chaing Rai can catch a flight to Bangkok or otherwise continue on with more exploration of SE Asia.
Included:
14 nites accommodations at guesthouses/hotels. We have one homestay planned.
Most meals in Laos
Transport of baggage
Sag Vehicle/Driver
Private chartered boat(s) on Mekong and Nam Ha
English Speaking Lao Guide
Excluded:
Airfares
Visa - $50
Beer, wine booze
Meals in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Immunizations from your doctor or travel clinic
Airport transfers
Spain