Bike, Hike and Elephant Ride on an Adventure Multi-Sport Holiday in Laos

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Laos

Multi-Sport Mecca

Mountain Biking, Trekking, Kayaking and Elephant Riding

(13 Days)

They say that variety is the spice of life and on this Northern Laos Sports Extravaganza, there is plenty of it. Our adventure starts and ends in the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by forested mountains, the mighty Mekong River and golden Buddhist monasteries filled with chanting orange-robed monks. In 13-days we mountain bike into rural communities where time stand still; we spend four days on foot, trekking high up in the magnetic mountains through Hmong and Akha hill tribe villages with overnights in family homes. We ride elephants through expanses of bamboo forests and float down the peaceful Nam Ou River in kayaks. This adventure to Laos is a trip into the past, to a quieter, less hurried time.

Trip Highlights

Exploring the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang
Mountain biking through rural communities seemingly frozen in time
Riding elephants through bamboo forests and floating down the peaceful Nam Ou River in kayaks

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang, Laos (connection from Bangkok/Hanoi/Chiang Mai possible)

A BikeHike Adventures representative will be awaiting you at the airport upon arrival and will transfer you to a comfortable hotel. The evening is at leisure to explore the town by yourself. (D)

Day 2: Explore the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang (Mountain Biking)

Today we have a city sightseeing tour on mountain bikes, pedaling to interesting sights in and around town. The laid- back tranquility and charm of this town is extraordinary, especially for Asia. Today we visit Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. In the early evening we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, guided stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. (L,D)

Day 3: Luang Prabang (Mountain Biking and Elephant Riding)

The morning we spend on a great mountain bike ride outside of town. On a small road we wind out of Luang Prabang and reach the Elephant Park project area outside of town. Along the way we encounter some villages and learn about the Lao lifestyle. Arriving at the camp and river where the Elephants found their new home we have our lunch break. The afternoon we spend in nature again and also with the Elephants. We mount our fleshy elephants for an exotic ride through some forest and river areas. In the afternoon we return to Luang Prabang for an overnight in the same hotel.

Day 4: Hmong Hill Tribe (Trekking)

This morning we depart at 8am for a drive along the Mekong River road to the start of our three-day Hill Tribe trek along the Hmong Trail. We drive about 60km out of town before we’re in remote Lao. After arriving at the beautiful Nam Ou River, we lace up our hiking boots and set off on foot to the first stop, a Khamu village (Pha Phong) There are 2 hours further of hiking before we reach the narrow villagers trails and we’ll follow them to iHouay Wai, a small Hmong community in the mountains. Our host family is here. The evening we spend together with the family and the children of the village. In the evening there is time to relax and interact with the family or bath Laotian style –with the well. Overnight in a village home. Total trekking time about 4 hrs. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Hmong Hill Tribe (Trekking)

We start with a home cooked breakfast, made by our host family and then set off for a second trekking day. Today is a longer stretch of hiking, but we’ll return to our homestay for a second night of accommodation. There will be time to wander through a Hmong village for very rich cultural encounters which are very authentic and eye opening. We’ll walk over small hills and up and down to the higher areas where the Hmong normally live. The village is laid back but very poor. We’ll learn more about the beliefs and animist religion or just listen to the traditional Hmong chanting. Overnightin a basic homestay. Total walking about 5-6 hrs. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Hmong Hill Tribe (Trekking)

Today is our final day of trekking along the terraced rice paddies, watching water buffalo plowing through the muddy terraces and huddles of children playing in the streets. We’ll eventually wander back to roads that connect to the bigger town. We have a land transfer to Nong Khiau where we’ll drive to our comfortable Riverside Bungalows for a well-deserved shower and rest. (B,L,D)

Day 7: The Nam OU river (Boat Trip)

With our private boat we cruise up the beautiful Nam Ou River, one of the most beautiful river sceneries in north Laos. After about 1 hr. we arrive in the small village of Muang Ngoi, there is a road here, but no cars! There is electricity only a few hours a day. Limestone formations make it a great location to relax in the afternoon. In the afternoon we have time to explore a small cave outside the village and we’ll go on a leisurely 2 hour walk through the countryside to see the villagers in their daily routines. A visit to a hidden cave is one of the highlights today. Overnight in comfortable bungalows. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Muang Ngoi along the Nam Ou River (Trekking)

Today we are back on foot, trekking and cruising on a river tour. We have village visits and great landscapes on the upper Nam Ou River and a cave exploration. We’ll have lunch in local village, then head out for a short walk through the village. The afternoon is free. Overnight in bungalows. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Muang Khua (Mountain Biking)

We start the day with a boat trip upstream along the Nam Ou River to Muang Khua, a little town and our starting point for some more adventurous activities. After our lunch break we hop on our mountain bikes and spend 2 hours cycling along paved roads towards our overnight accommodation, a little lodge with basic but beautiful facilities. The evening is at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Akha Hill Tribe (Trekking)

We’re back on foot today, trekking mostly uphill into a remote Lao highland area off the Nam Ou River. There are many unique Lao cultural minority villages along the way for some great interaction and amazing memories. Around 5 hours trekking and overnight in a local village with basic facilities, but a real adventurous experiences. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Akha Hill Tribe (Trekking)

We have half a day trekking out from our homestay and then our vehicle and driver will meet us and transfer us to The Muang La Resort, a 4 Star Resort where we have time to relax in a beautiful natural setting with great nature and some luxury. We have time to soak in a bath, explore the grounds or simply relax in the beautiful setting. (B,L)

Day 12: Travel via Oudomxay to Luang Prabang

Today is a travel day, back to Luang Prabang, via Oudomxay. The drive is long, about 6 hours, but the scenery is superb and offers a great opportunity to see the countryside of this magnificent country. Upon arrival we check back into the same hotel we started in and have the last evening free for last minute shopping and sightseeing. (B,L)

Day 13: Departure

A BikeHike Adventures representative will transfer you to the international airport for your flight back home. (B)

Sept 6, 2009	-	Sept 19, 2009
Oct 11, 2009	-	Oct 24, 2009
Nov 22, 2009	-	Dec 4, 2009
Dec 18, 2009	-	Dec 30, 2009
Jan 17, 2010	-	Jan 29, 2010
Feb 14, 2010	-	Feb 26, 2010
Mar 28, 2010	-	Apr 9, 2010
May 16, 2010	-	May 28, 2010


Hotel	Homestay	Bungalow	Resort
4 Nights	3 Nights	4 Nights	1 Night