Southern Laos by Bicycle

Our Southern Laos tour is a sojourn along the Mekong River to the former colonial outpost of Champasak, the serene beauty of Si Phan Don and the rich fertile lands of the coffee growing Bolevan Plateau. From the natural attractions of amazing waterfalls to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins and to the cultural Khmer temples of Wat Phu, this tour explores the quiet back roads of South Laos.

Tour Cost	US$1250	Single Supplement	US$275
Bike Hire	US$125	Total Cycling Distance	306 Kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	8 days/ 7 nights
Number of Cycling Days	6 full days	Tour Meets	Ubon Ratchatani
Tour Ends	Ubon Ratchatani	Countries Visited	Thailand, Laos
Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.

Day 1

Start point of the tour is Ubon Ratchatani and where you will be met and transferred to our hotel on the banks of the Mekong River.

Day 2

A short transfer takes us to the Laos border at Chongmek and we start to cycle on a flat tarmac road, passing through colonial Champasak towards Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex dating back to the 5th Century. Overnight at an eco-friendly hotel on Don Daeng Island.

Day 3

Today we ride to the village of Ban Niet Ngong and either ride or walk up to see Phu Asa, a curious site of stone towers. After lunch we transfer to our next ferry crossing to one of the biggest of the islands in the Mekong, Don Khong.

Day 4

Today we island hop, taking ferries and cycling from Don Khong to Don Som to Don Det to Don Khone. We rest as we cruise by boat to try and sight the nearly extinct Irrawaddy dolphins.

Day 5

It’s time to head up, to the coffee growing area of Laos: the Bolaven Plateau. A gentle but steady climb takes us up to a wonderful resort at the base of waterfalls, perfect for jumping in and taking a cool dip.

Day 6

After a visit to two waterfalls we ride a bit of uphill before descending via a quiet tarmac road through small villages. We overnight at a lodge right next to a waterfall that is perfect for cooling off.

Day 7

Today is free to swim at the falls, take an elephant for a ride, go on a short walk to visit a tribal village, or just relax.

Day 8

As we leave the Bolaven Plateau behind we ride on an undulating road that has a few surprises – some lengthy but gradual climbs – and stop at another impressive waterfall, Tad Pha Suam, before heading back to Thailand.

• I loved it - after 3 months of not cycling while in winter snow in Europe, this stretched me, but not too much. People who had difficulty were looked after well. Both Noi and Bui were fantastic - having been a tour guide many years ago I could see all the behind the scenes work they did as well as their magnificent work with all of us. We'll certainly do future SpiceRoads tours!

  Yvonne Weinberg - February 2011

• I just love it all, the off-road took us into the places I wanted to see.

  John Leittch - February 2011

• Outstanding!!

  The company was extremely professional. In the months I spent planning the trip, the office staff was very prompt, courteous and thorough in answering my questions. The guides were all wonderful. Whenever we had a request (fruit snacks, change in service on the part of one driver, etc.), it was instantly attended to.

  I would highly recommend Spice Roads and I look forward to another trip with them.

  Jayne Bradbury - March 2009