Slow Laos Bike & Boat Tour (7 Days)

Arrive at Luang Prabang and meet the trip leader. Check into Hotel 3 Nagas, which will be your base for the next three days. The century old boutique hotel is the perfect place for an intimate Laos experience, yet with all modern facilities. After rest and a short orientation, we leave to see the UNESCO world heritage city from the seat of a bicycle. This is a good way to warm up for riding on these roads and also see the most famous sights of Luang Prabang. The city has traces of French architecture as an erstwhile colony, but is largely dotted with golden roofed wats (temples) amidst the raw topography of rugged mountains and lush environs. The combination is stunning!

Begin the afternoon tour by cycling around the old quarter of Luang Prabang, starting at Heuan Chan Heritage House and after to Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Displayed within is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Continue cycling along the Mekong River and stop at the hillside temple of Wat That Luang. Take a short walk and visit the ancient stupa called That Dam (the Black Stupa) before biking to Wat Visoun, the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha images. Continue along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong – often considered to be Luang Prabang’s most elegant. The temple is characterized by tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Before sunset, cycle back to your hotel on the town’s main street, stopping at Wat Sop and Wat Sen along the way.

We meet for dinner back at the hotel and get rested for the exciting week ahead.

Meals: Dinner

Distance cycled: ~ 12km / 7mi

This day is going to draw you into the spiritual ambience of Luang Prabang. We wake up as early as 5.30 to offer alms to monks at the giving ceremony. The pious tradition is still followed in the city, and to be a part of it, is truly heart warming. We get down on our knees and offer rice to red robed monks who line up on the main street. After this, we head out for a half-day tour to some of the handicraft villages around. The trip takes us to Saa paper village where we get to see local life at close quarters. The locals are very friendly and wouldn’t mind inviting you in their homes for a quick chat or showing you their craft from upclose. Weaving and handmade papermaking are the main crafts here. You can pick up exquisite shawls and scarves right from the weavers’ homes. The colours are riveting!

We continue riding and reach the elephant village on the banks of the Nam Khan River. Enjoy a one hour elephant ride across the river before lunch by the river. After eating embark on a boat trip upstream to visit Tad Sae Waterfall, a lovely, natural water garden in the jungle. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear, cool water before continuing by boat to Ban Aen where we mount your bicycles for an enjoyable ride back to Luang Prabang, passing through rolling hills and local villages along the way.

Later in the evening, we make our way to Mount Phousi for a beautiful tinge of orange in the sky and seeing the city bathe in the arm glow of the setting sun. This is an easy hike, but is optional incase you are not feeling upto it, though we highly recommend it.

Today’s dinner is on your own. There are numerous riverside restaurants with mix of French and Lao cuisine. We can recommend one as per your taste and liking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Distance cycled: ~ 40km / 24mi

Today we stretch ourselves slightly further and ride for a total of 40kms. Our main destination for the day is the hidden waterfall, Kung Si. Tucked away between thick foliage, the famous waterfall feels like a secret. The aqua marine waters are tempting, so do carry your swimwear along. We also hike to the top of the falls. We spend until afternoon here and return to the town in boat skirting the spectacular Mekong river only in the evening to visit the famous night handicraft market. Shopping for local delights can be great fun, so enjoy your shopping time for the day.

Today’s dinner is on your own. We suggest eating dinner at a street stall so you can dig into the local delicacies. street stall so you can dig into the local delicacies. Lao food can be very meat oriented. Chopped meat, chicken or duck are common, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians as well. Our personal recommendation is the light and tasty Tam Mak houng or papaya salad, which is made from sliced raw papaya, garlic, chilly, peanuts, sugar, fermented fish sauce and lime juice.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Distance cycled: ~ 30km / 18mi

Boat: ~ 2hrs

We start early to get out of the busy area and reach the Nam Ou River Bridge. We get on the bike here and ride along the undulating countryside along the Nam Pak River to a small settlement called Nong Khiaw. This is truly a place, which will be appreciated by the offbeat traveller. Nong Khiaw is best known for its idyllic setting with forests, mountains and abundant greenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 37mi*

We ditch the cycles for an amazing boat ride in the Nam Pak River to Muang Khua. This is one the most stunning journeys by the river in this region. The edge of the river is dotted with small villages and this is a great way of getting acquainted with local life. There are also limestone formations that make for great photographic experiences. The jaw dropping landscape keeps you hooked to this for a long, till its time to hop on bike and pedal along to Muang la. This part of the journey can be slightly challenging, but the backup van is close at hand and you can choose to use that at any time.

We settle into the rustic Muang La resort. Enjoy great views and local food right at the resort, or we can step out in the evening for some local fare.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi

Boat: ~ 6hrs

On the last day of our Laos trip, we take a half-day trip to local monirity villages, the habitat of the ethnic Khamu community. This is one of the most unvisited parts of Laos and the experience is truly unique. To get to the villages, we have to ride along the Nam Pak River. At the villages, you will notice how the homes are made of wood and bamboo. We can spend some time here talking to the locals, just walking around or just sitting at the edge of the river and seeing how it is so important to the locals. In the evening we get back to the resort and spend the last evening together.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance cycled: ~ 15km / 9mi* (optional)

This morning, we depart for the Oudomxay airport (40min drive from our hotel) for a flight to Vientiane or drive back (~6hrs) to Luang Prabang for your onward journey .

*Please note that the price of internal flight from Oudomxay to Vientiane is not included in the tour price.

Meals: Breakfast

*With shuttle – short transfers