Cycling in Laos - Magical Mountain Tour

THE MAGICAL MOUNTAIN TOUR

TRIP PROFILE:
Although this is an on-road touring trip following the main highways, we hardly encounter any traffic. In fact on many days we will see no cars at all. Most of the roads are in reasonable condition but on at least two days they will be badly broken. Slick tires are okay, but you will need a mountain bike or hybrid touring bike.

We ride on nine-and-a-half days, covering between 700 and 800-kilometres; three days are free and one-and-a-half days are spent on boats.
Almost all of this tour is in the mountains so you can look forward to some challenging climbs and winding descents. There are very few flat rides and some long distances involved, so you should be in reasonable shape before you arrive.

We are supported by a big six-wheel Chinese truck and when necessary by boat. We spend two days travelling along beautiful rivers, giving you a chance to relax and take in the scenery.
In Luang Prabang and Vientiane we stay in comfortable hotels some of the other accommodation we use is a little basic, participants considering this trip should not be afraid to 'rough it' a little.

ITINERARY
DAY 1 Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow.
DAY 2 Arrive in Vientiane. Afternoon is free to explore the peaceful city.
DAY 3 We ride out of town following quiet roads close to the Ngum River to the market town of Talat.
DAY 4 Ride through rice fields and villages to Vang Vieng. We stay in beautiful chalets on the banks of the Nam Song River.
DAY 5 Ride an interesting loop through the stunning vertical mountains of Vang Vieng. We ride out to Hmong villages and visit the interior of some of the cave complexes.
DAY 6 Riding north from Vang Vieng into the hills. A couple of short climbs take us into some stunning valleys amongst the extraordinary scenery to Kasi.
DAY 7 Riding out of town we climb amongst probably the most spectacular scenery in Laos to Mouang Phou Khoum. We ride through area dominated by the Hmong people, proud independent mountain people famed for their opium production. The afternoon ride is along sweeping ridgebacks, traversing the central highlands of Laos.
DAY 8 Riding out of Kio Kajam we descend towards the Mekong Valley to the town of Luang Prabang. This is one of Asia's most picturesque towns.
DAY 9 A free day to explore.
DAY 10 We trade our bikes for boats for the day and travel north up the mighty Mekong River.
DAY 11 From Muang Noi we ride west and out of the Ou Valley, before climbing back into the mountains. The morning is spent climbing high into the Hmong homelands. In the afternoon we enjoy another of Asia's great descents, following a sweeping road down to the northern town of Udom Xai.
DAY 12 From Udom Xai we follow a rough road west to the picturesque village of Moung Beng.
DAY 13 Again we follow quiet trails heading east to the town of Pakbeng.
DAY 14 Our last day in Laos is spent cruising up the Mekong River.
DAY 15 We cross the Mekong into Thailand where we are met by an air-conditioned bus and transferred to Chiang Mai International Airport for the connecting flight to Bangkok and the onward flight to London/Heathrow or an other destination.
DAY 16 Arrive London/Heathrow.

Click here for full details in dossier LCT18

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

· Economy class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked separately if required, see main box).
· UK Air Passenger Duty Tax
· Accommodation as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)
· Services of a Western tour leader throughout
· Local guide throughout
· Private air-conditioned vehicles in each location
· Private (group) transfers to and from airports and train stations
· Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc.
· Breakfasts & Dinners
· The services of our local staff in Cambodia.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
· Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
· Visas
· Airport transfers on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard flights (supplement payable).
· Bicycle Hire
· Helmet or equipment.
· Airport taxes payable locally on each departure

ACCOMMODATION. The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of good quality private hotels (mostly 2 to 3- star). The hotels have air conditioning and we will normally have twin rooms with private facilities. 2 nights 4-star hotels, 3 nights 3-star hotels, 5 nights 2-star, 4 nights in basic guest houses with shared facilities. All hotels have en suite facilities and most have a/c.

FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Lunches & Dinners (except 2 dinners) which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of local dishes can be tried. Nutrition is important when cycling. Main meals include rice and there is always enough food and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, fruits and snacks are always available in our escort vehicle. Other drinks are not included in price, but widely available at local restaurants and shops along the way.

EXTRA EXPENSES: Visa $30. Departure tax: currently US$7. There are also a number of entry fees not included in the price: as it is hard to say what people would like to visit . There will also be a kitty to cover soft drinks, mineral water and snacks for consumption whilst travelling , though this is unlikely to cost more than about £20 for the trip.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 16. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced western guide, plus a local guide and where applicable a local driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

2007	Duration	Price	Flight ex London
20th May- 6th June	18	£955.00	£650.00
Single supplement		£135.00
Bicycle Hire		£100.00

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