This was my fifth Exodus Cycling Adventure (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Vietnam, and South Africa:... Trevor Topp, 2019 See more reviews
An adventure off the beaten track, and a great opportunity to experience Laos while it's... Kate Thompson, 2019 See more reviews
I was lucky enough to be part of an adventurous crowd who socialized well. The steep bits came... Tony L, 2019 See more reviews
PtkkrBoth countries were great value.Laos is a country at the crossroads of the direction it... John O'Donnell, 2016 See more reviews
Far more than a holiday, this was a real experience. We travelled through villages in Laos... Liz Clare, 2016 See more reviews
Great Bike Ride, lots of hill climbs and even more fast descents through spectacular limestone... Grant Lawrie, 2016 See more reviews
This is a cycling trip not for the 'faint hearted' It is a truly cultural experience... Carol Jones, 2015 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Chiang Mai to Bangkok Day 1 Depart London Day 2 Arrive Chiang Mai Chiang Mai, 'The Rose of the North', is known for its temples, markets and the many colourful hilltribes that live in the area. Chiang Mai is a former religious and cultural centre. Twice coming under the control of the Burmese, there is a strong Burmese influence reflected in the architecture of the city. In the evening we can visit the night market where many of the hilltribe's handicrafts can be seen. There will also be a group briefing in the evening with your tour leader to hear all about the trip ahead.De Charme Hotel or similar Day 3 Warm-up ride around Chiang Mai old town and visit Doi Suthep hilltop temple After our bike fitting we start to explore Chiang Mai on two wheels. We will visit the old town, the temple of Vieng Kum Kam and numerous cultural highlights in the morning. We'll stop for lunch before driving up to the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep, the most revered Buddhist shrine in the Chiang Mai region. On a clear day the temple affords an excellent view over Chiang Mai and its striking temple landscape. There will be the opportunity to listen to the monks chanting before returning to the city for a chance to try northern Thai cuisine at dinner.De Charme Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Transfer to Chiang Rai; cycle along the Thai/Burma border into the heart of the Golden Triangle Leaving our hotel early we set off by bus to the Chiang Rai Province, the northern most province in Thailand (approx. 2.5 hours transfer). We visit the revered Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) before cycling to Mae Sai. We journey (cycle and 1 hour transfer) into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the compact region where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet offering a heady mix of cultures and landscapes. Serene at Chiang Rai Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Visit an Opium Museum; cycle towards border to Chiang Khong The Opium Museum is our first stop today (after a 30 minute transfer) which highlights the history of opium from its natural properties to its illegal uses, and gives historical information on the Opium Wars that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. The Golden Triangle was previously one of the most extensive producers of Opium until Afghanistan became the world’s largest producer. We'll next start cycling at Chiang Saen following a quiet route towards Chiang Kong, which borders Laos. The cycling today is mostly flat with a few rolling hills passing through tobacco and corn plantations. Ibis Styles Chiangkhong Riverfront or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Transfer into Laos; cycle to Luang Nam Tha This morning we transfer across the border into Laos and onto the village of Ban Nam Chi (approx. 2.5 hour transfer), where we will start today's cycling. Today we cycle through quiet jungle-lined roads marvelling at the mountainous landscape along the way and stopping for lunch in Vieng Phuou Ka before finish our cycle at our guesthouse in Luang Nam Tha. The Luang Nam Tha region is a land of 39 ethnic tribal groups. The Nam Tha river weaves itself through the countryside and has many ethnic tribal villages dotted along its length on one side and dense jungle of the national protected area on the other. There is a night market not too far from the hotel which provides the opportunity to feast on the local speciality of bamboo and green papaya salad or slow cooked Laotian pork belly. Thoulasith Guesthouse - Luang Nam Tha or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Rural cycle to the Udomxai province We start the day with a ride from Luang Nam Tha to Udomxai. The town is formed by many small villages and is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups; Hmong, Tai Dam, Akha, Tai Lue and Yao. The cycling today will pass through rice paddies and rolling valleys with a few hill climbs before transferring to the town. After arriving in Udomxai, your leader will take the group for a walk around the centre of town including a walk up to Xaymoungkhoun temple, where you can see a Buddhist stupa aged more than 600 years and enjoy views of the city from here. Charming Laos Udomxai or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Continue through Udomxai province to Pak Beng We cycle directly from the hotel today journeying towards Pak Beng. The area is an important intersection between China and Vietnam and has a unique multicultural atmosphere. Located in the Nam Ko River basin and surrounded by scenic mountains the area is famed for its Chinese produce. We will stop for a late lunch before cycling a further 20km where we hop into the the minivan and transfer (approx. 1 hour) to Pak Beng town for our overnight spot on the side of the Mekong. BKC Villa or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Board slow boat on the Mekong to Luang Prabang visiting Buddha Caves en route Today we journey to Luang Prabang region by boat, cruising along the Mekong River which starts its journey high in the Tibetan Plateau, eventually emptying itself into the sea in the south of Vietnam. Its journey takes it through 7 different countries in Asia. Travelling slowly allows us to absorb the pace of the riverside settlements and marvel at the mist covered mountains towering above us. En route to Luang Prabang we will visit the famous Pak Ou Cave, cut out of the limestone banks which line the river at Pak Ou. These caves are filled with thousands of Buddha images brought by the surrounding villagers as a sign of their devotion. After visiting the caves, we then transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to our hotel in Luang Prabang for the next 2 nights. My Lao Home Boutique Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Cycle to beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Chance to see monks receiving alms at dawn Approximately 25 km from Luang Prabang are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. We ride from our hotel, leaving Luang Prabang passing through a rural landscape of rice paddies and Lao Lum villages. Once at Kuang Si Waterfalls, we will have a picnic lunch and perhaps take a refreshing dip before cycling back to Luang Prabang where the rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping, or there may be a possibility for an orientation bike ride of the town (any entrance fees are not included). This evening there is a chance to visit the night market in town with beautiful traditional Lao and hilltribe textiles on sale. For those up at dawn there is chance to witness the daily parade of saffron-robed monks receiving alms. My Lao Home Boutique Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today we drive south from Luang Prabang to Phou Khoun through more mountainous terrain (approx. 3 hours), passing through numerous Hmong villages. Once in Phou Khoun we pull out the bikes and start riding. The ride includes a superb winding descent with magnificent views of limestone karsts which gives the impression of entering into 'Lord of the Rings' territory'. This is followed by shorter climbs and easy riding through rice paddies and villages as we approach Baan Yao. The rest of the journey (approx. 2 hours) taken by bus to Vang Vieng, a popular town with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. Amari Vang Vieng or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Vang Vieng to Vientiane This morning we transfer 2.5 hours from Vang Vieng to Pakkayong village where we start today's ride. Passing through local rubber plantations, small villages and along the Nam Ngum river, we pause for lunch along the way until we reach Ban Don Noun village where we hop on the bus for a 45 minute-1 hour transfer to Vientiene, the sleepy capital of Laos. In the evening the perfect option is to retire for a refreshing beverage and watch the sunset over the Mekong River. City Inn Hotel Vientiane or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Free morning to explore then cross over the Friendship Bridge into Thailand; board overnight train to Bangkok This morning is free to shop or explore Vientiane before we start cycling in the early afternoon from our hotel across the Laos/Thailand border. After completing border formalities and farewelling Laos, we continue to ride (on the left in Thailand!) a short distance to Nong Khai railway station. Here we say good-bye to our Lao guide and the group will be transferred to a local hotel (with pool) for a couple hours to relax before returning to the train station for our overnight train journey to Bangkok. Overnight Train Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 Bangkok city tour; free time On arrival in Bangkok we transfer to our hotel. Later in the morning we take a short walk to the Chao Praya River where we board a long tail boat for a tour of the local canals. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East because of its intricate canal network. We get a glimpse of daily life as we pass locals selling their wares by the river. We will visit what to this day remains the home of the Thai Royal family at the Royal Palace complex followed by Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand's most venerated images. Another highlight is Wat Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok, housing a 46m long, 15m high gold-plated reclining Buddha. We then head back to our hotel by ferry. This rest of the day is free for further exploration of this exciting city before we a final group dinner (optional).Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Depart Bangkok, arrive in London in the evening Depart Bangkok, arrive in London in the evening
Laos A visa can be obtained on arrival for most nationalities. The cost depends on nationality - it is currently US$35 for UK passport holders, and you will require 1 passport photo. For further information see the FCO website and look under 'Entry Requirements'. When you enter Laos, make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport. Not having a legitimate entry stamp could lead to arrest or a large fine.
Thailand A visa for Thailand is not required for British nationals for stays of 30 days or less. If you are unsure of the requirements please check with your nearest Thai embassy.
Laos There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Thailand There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Hotel, Guesthouse & Train 10 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses (all ensuite) and 1 night sleeper train in an air-conditioned open plan sleeper train in soft-bed berths. All the hotels/guesthouses we use have twin rooms with en suite facilities and are clean and comfortable, with friendly staff. As we are travelling away from the usual tourist haunts there is less choice so please be prepared for this in order to see places that are not frequently visited by tourists. The overnight train is in air-conditioned second-class soft sleepers, bedding is provided. Berths are 'open plan' along the coach wall either side of the central aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk, and an upper bunk folds out from the wall. An attendant will make up your bunk with a proper mattress, and will hook up the curtains which are provided for privacy. Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day to day itinerary are the standard accommodations used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality. Single supplements are available (on request) and only available for 11 nights during the trip. Single supplements are not available on day 7 in Pak Beng or on Day 12 on the overnight train. Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
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Reviewed April 2019 Trevor Topp Trip: Cycling in Laos Culturally Immersive This was my fifth Exodus Cycling Adventure (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Vietnam, and South Africa: Drakensburg & Kruger). As with my previous Exodus experiences, the logistics of transportation and accommodation were expertly arranged. Leader Rit and his Laoatian co-lead Mr. Sack ensured things ran smoothly and unobstrusively. The bikes were in good repair, though we did our best to put them through their paces. The trip is appropriately graded as a "4" - moderate/challenging....indeed there were a few short climbs that were a bit steep, but were not long, and were doable. Yes, the roads in Laos were rough, but that is quintissentially Laos on pavement! At no time did I feel unsafe with regard to the pavement or Chinese transport trucks. It's a great trip for meeting locals...we got involved in some village celebrations along the way. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Drinking beer with the locals in a village on the edge of the Mekong who were celebrating the arrival of a new baby. We just happened to drop in for a look around....we were warmly welcomed by all!
Reviewed March 2019 Bob Fitzs Trip: Cycling in Laos whats a review title Exodus should seriously consider cancelling this venue as a cycling holiday. The road conditions in Laos are so bad that they should be considered as dangerous. In our party of 18 there were 5 cycling accidents, one serious enough to require hospital treatment and cancellation of the remainder of the holiday. With the arrival in the country of Chinese financial input and the construction of a new rail link, the small poorly tarmaced roads of Laos cannot cope. The road surface is being destroyed by heavy lorries bringing in construction materials and equally big lorries taking fruit out of the country for export to China. Many times during this trip, we were cycling in thick clouds of dust being churned up by these lorries. I understand from our guide that they took the decision to change the cycling route on the last day because the road conditions were impassable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The day when we weren't cycling. The boat trip down the Mekong What did you think of your group leader? Our guide Rit is one of the best guides I have ever met. What he has to cope with in Laos considering the above detail on the road conditions makes him outstanding as a guide. He has to do far more than other guides I have ever met. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't go cycling in Laos until the road conditions improve. This will not be for at least 5 years while they finish the railway. Only by finishing the railway can they take the trucks off the road and start to replace the road surfaces. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus I would like to thank to thank Bob for his review, although we are very sorry to read that he was left disappointed with the cycling on this holiday. Further to client feedback, we have now adjusted some of the route on this itinerary to avoid most of the heavy traffic. We trust that these changes will improve the itinerary in terms of overall client enjoyment and safety. We remain sincerely sorry, however, that Bob felt Laos was not a suitable country for a cycling holiday. Kelly Reid – Product Manager
Reviewed January 2019 Kate Thompson Trip: Cycling in Laos A South-east Asian adventure! An adventure off the beaten track, and a great opportunity to experience Laos while it's still relatively undeveloped. A very well organised trip - packs in a lot and runs like clockwork. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lots! The children in the villages. Luang Prabang - beautiful setting and buildings. The trip down the river. Dropping in for lunch unannounced one day and the local café owner turning on a fantastic meal for 16. Elephants on the Mekong. The two border crossings. The freedom that comes from being on a bike! What did you think of your group leader? Rit is fantastic - very well organised, friendly, funny. Mr Sack, our Laos guide, was terrific too, and both support crews (Thailand and Laos) did a great job looking after us. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is an adventure rather than a holiday, but a lot of fun for all that. The distances are on the longer side and there's not a lot of free time. You need to be fairly fit as the terrain is hilly in places. The food was great and the accommodation was very good, including in the smaller guesthouses in Laos. The one at Pak Beng is a treat. Don't miss the elephants coming down to wash in the river in the morning! The roads are pretty bad in places, and sharing them with Chinese lorries in a couple of spots wasn't much fun - but the tour leader was flexible and found ways to avoid some of this. The UXO museum in Luang Prabang is worth a visit. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks for a great trip!
Reviewed January 2019 Tony L Trip: Cycling in Laos Cycling in Laos, and Thailand I was lucky enough to be part of an adventurous crowd who socialized well. The steep bits came early on and then it got easier, although there was one day competing with Chinese lorries over pock marked dusty roads which Exodus might care to re-consider, and on another day we chose a quieter alternative offered. Some of the scenery was not the most inspiring I've seen but it was enjoyable to explore an undiscovered country and the people in both Laos and Thailand are charming. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved swimming at the Kuang Si waterfalls, and the opium museum was an unexpected delight, Chinese tourists notwithstanding. It was fun cycling through the inebriated villages on new year's day, we were even invited to a village wedding on one day. The food is simple and tasty, anyone with a rigid diet might have problems as on a few occasions there was limited choice at lunch time. We never got to eat the elusive Laotian belly pork! What did you think of your group leader? Rit was great, so much to think of yet always calm and on top of things. Great to have Sach along too, very helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you go to the end of the waterfall at Kuang Si or you might miss the best bit, take your togs, you can change there and it's not that cold. Toilets have douches but no wc paper so always have it with you. For the dusty riding you might even consider a mask. Some confusion over single room at Pak Beng. Is there anything else you would like to add? A bit of pedalling in the weeks before the holiday would not be wasted.
Reviewed November 2018 Steve Mallon Trip: Cycling in Laos Cycling laos The trip was not the best one I have experienced with exodus,I got the feeling the group was split most of the group did to mix and the group I felt did not gel which I found quite hard this for me was very disappointing,maybe I think this will put me off cycling with exodus again, What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The cycling was ok but very hot What did you think of your group leader? Rit was ok quietly spoken and had lots of knowledge of his country Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Hopefully if you go you will get a better group of people than I did please don't let this review put you off its just I had a very bad experience
Reviewed December 2016 John O'Donnell Trip: Cycling in Laos Cycling In Laos PtkkrBoth countries were great value.Laos is a country at the crossroads of the direction it follows.The influence of China is self evident and sad.Im grateful to see Laos as it is and not what it may become. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I think the Mekong River it was an incredible day finished by going to a huge local wedding that night Also one of the group who overcame difficulties that many people would not or could not.Always happy always supportive Made me accept the need to succeed and work at finishing each day What did you think of your group leader? They were what one would expect and did the job to a good level in both countries Both guides were attentive and caring Thank you Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Ride at your own pace and leave a little in reserve.If u like to descend at a frantic pace allow a little caution potholes are a curse as are some of the chinese trucks and cars not to mention odd domestic animals or small children.Otherwise great fun Is there anything else you would like to add? Be understanding that in some places facilities are basic and food as well.This can vary greatly from day to day Laos is a great place accept it is only opening up to our world slowly and it will be a great experience if one enjoys the moment
Reviewed April 2016 Liz Clare Trip: Cycling in Laos Cycling in Laos Far more than a holiday, this was a real experience. We travelled through villages in Laos where the children and adults were genuinely pleased to see you with the shouts of 'saibaedee' echoing from their homes. Children loved to 'high five' as we pedalled through their village. Although the temperatures were far higher than we had expected the team helped us through with plenty of breaks for snacks and fluids. Each section brought another satisfied smile. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day brought a new challenge. Rit, our group leader was an inspiration himself, watching his cycling style gave me something to try to aim for, although at a much slower pace! What did you think of your group leader? Rit was a softly spoken but interesting and cheerful guide who kept us busy from morning till night, He made sure we were looked after well and everything went to plan. His organisation and planning was very good and made the holiday run smoothly. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you are fit for the challenges ahead. March was hot and 'smoggy' so possibly a time to avoid. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was our first Exodus holiday but we are already planning where to go next. Totally inspired with having been able to cycle and enjoy the experience of being part of local life.
Reviewed February 2016 Peter Fowler Trip: Cycling in Laos Cycling in Laos A great cycling holiday through the northern rural areas of Laos What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many inspirational moments. The stand outs for me being the welcoming nature of the children and communities of the small rural townships, the descent through the limestone mountains and the boat ride down the Mekong River. What did you think of your group leader? The group leaders were fantastic. Funny and sociable, yet all the time keeping us informed, safe and on schedule. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take your time to look around and enjoy what is happening around you. Is there anything else you would like to add? The bike riding was fairly challenging in a couple of sections, particularly if the weather was warmer, but a van and support crew were always available to assist or provide a lift if required.
Reviewed February 2016 Grant Lawrie Trip: Cycling in Laos Cycle Laos Great Bike Ride, lots of hill climbs and even more fast descents through spectacular limestone mountains. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Riding past so many friendly villages , all waving and very friendly smiles from all ages of people on the side of the roads. What did you think of your group leader? The riding guides did a magnificent job , kept the faster people going fast while looking after the slower riders and those stopping to take pictures, the back up crew kept us fed and watered , and looked after anyone who wanted a ride in the van , everybody was looked after. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trip is not for inexperienced bike rider , but average fitness is good enough. If you like asian food , cycling , river trips and overnight trains as I do this is the trip for you Is there anything else you would like to add? There is a lot more to see in Laos but this trip was a great start
Reviewed December 2015 David T Trip: Cycling in Laos Laos cycling A well organised trip exploring the outer reaches of Laos. Rather too many long bus transfers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Drifting along the Mekong River in a traditional boat which we had all to ourselves. What did you think of your group leader? Rit & 'Mr La' were always enthusiastic but rather rigid in their asherence to the set programme. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do not go to the 'Complimentary' meal/ evening in Chiang Mai. It is the crystallisation of why Exodus cutomers do not go with other tour Companies - awful food, a 'theme park' style of entertainment all in the environment where there are hundreds of other long suffering tourists. Do not assume that because it is South Asia it will always be warm. Is there anything else you would like to add? Do not blindly follow the restaurants recommended by the guides - there are far better places if only limited research is done. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We would like to thank David for his review and we have taken his feedback on board; as of January 2016 some of the trip has been re-routed to help reduce transfer times and this is detailed in the trip notes. Although previous feedback regarding the meal in Chiang Mai had been positive, we have decided to use a smaller, local restaurant going forward which we hope our clients will enjoy. Megan Devenish - Trip Manager for Thailand and Laos
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