Cycling Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang

This tour is a challenging journey through the remote hills of northern Thailand and Laos. Starting in the bustling and energetic Chiang Mai, we take dirt tracks north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle before heading into Laos and down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. Traveling by boat as well as bicycle, this tour gives you a unique glimpse into rural Thailand and Laos.

Tour Cost	US$1,995	Single Supplement	US$325
Bike Hire	US$135	Total Cycling Distance	Up to 700 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	11 days / 10 nights
Number of Cycling Days	6 full days, 3 half days	Tour Meets	Chiang Mai
Tour Ends	Luang Prabang	Countries Visited	Thailand, Laos
Group Size	Minimum 4. Maximum 16.	Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai is the starting point of this adventurous tour. The tour starts leisurely with a ride along the Ping River and heads to the handicraft centre at Ban Tawai for some shopping.

Day 2

Today is a treat for mountain bikers as the trail winds from rice fields set among soaring limestone cliffs through villages of local hill tribes. After lunch at a Forestry Camp the riding continues along serene mountain trails

Day 3

Cycling on back roads through many small villages you'll see how the locals live and work. The afternoon ride is one of the most scenic on the trip and a real pleasure to cycle. The day is topped of with a stay at a beautiful resort with a splendid view of the Mae Kok River.

Day 4

Ride straight from the resort to a Jakhu village before hopping onto a boat for a leisurely cruise down the Mae Kok river. The afternoon riding is off road, with beautiful views of the river, before the surface switches to tarmac for our final push into Chiang Rai.

Day 5

Though today's riding is picturesque, through rice fields dotted with limestone karst mountains, on good road surfaces, the highlight will be the lovely lodge we'll spend the night at. Set right in the middle of a Hmong village you'll be able to mingle with villagers and have tea with the shaman.

Day 6

Today we leave Thailand behind, cross to Laos and spend our day relaxing on the Mekong River. We have a private boat so we can stop when we want to visit some riverside villages along the way.

Day 7

Be prepared for an epic day of challenging riding on a broken track along the Beng river, through pretty Lao villages and unforgettable mountain and jungle scenery. Cycling through rural Laos, you'll have to make way for all types of colourful vehicles and livestock.

Day 8

We are now in the central highlands, and there are some spectacular views across the rugged mountain landscape. We cycle through Hmong villages few people will ever visit and through some of the region's last remaining rainforest.

Day 9

A day to relax those overworked legs and enjoy the balcony of your riverside room or take a leisurely stroll around the small rustic town of Nong Kiau.

Day 10

A river journey between limestone cliffs on the Nam Ou river starts the day. Disembark at Pak Ou and visit the famous caves which are crammed with sacred Buddha images. Time to get back on the bicycles and a scenic ride to oneof Asia's most picturesque towns, Luang Prabang.

Day 11

Rise early to watch the monks in their saffron robes collecting alms before we say goodbye at breakfast.

• We enjoyed the whole trip. Both teams were very professional (Thai and Lao).

  Roger and Claudine - February 2012

• Out tour guides in both Thailand and Laos were very good and helpful to make the tour very enjoyable. Would recommend them and SpiceRoads to anyone interested in cycling in SE Asia.

  Dominic Rigby - October 2009

• Since I knew nothing about SpiceRoads and took a chance by way of the internet, I wasn't sure how it would and turn out.

  It has exceeded my expectations! - Well organized in all ways. The two initial leaders were excellent (Ant & Bottle). The two drivers in Thailand part were great, always there with a smile and plenty of food, etc.

  Overall, a Great trip - Thank you !!

  Bill Benson - October 2009