Mekong Journey Itinerary
This is only one of countless ways your trip might look. The very nature of an expedition requires flexibility and spontaneity in response to the ever-changing elements of season, weather and whim. (Average mileage will be about 58 km/37 miles per day.)
Day 1
As you wander through a bustling Indochinese market deciding which treasures to take home, enjoy the panoramic view of Laos across the river. Spend the night in a cozy jungle bungalow.
Day 2
Explore the morning market in a charming town and then enjoy fresh baguettes and Lao coffee for breakfast (with dubious thanks to French colonialism across the river) at the local cafe before riding along the river bank past kitchen gardens in the shade of wooden houses built on stilts. At the river's edge, rest at a stunning temple compound and soak in the quiet wisdom of the 2,500 year-old religion honored at this destination of Thai pilgrimage. Sleep in a bamboo hut on the shore of the Mekong.
Day 3
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Day 4
Today ever more captivating views and quiet roads contribute to an increasing sense of peace. Dancing shrimp and green papaya salad are the local specialties to sample while lounging on bamboo platforms overlooking a perfect bend in the river.
Days 5 & 6Â (Rest Days)
After a leisurely breakfast take a map and explore the temples, shops and hills of this beautiful area. Be sure to leave time to have the best masseur in the province (many of our guests say the best anywhere) expertly massage your tired muscles before your herbal steam bath, an art practiced by five generations of our family to heal body and soul. Head out on your own to discover the best local dishes for lunch and dinner. A sunset cruise on the river will top off your last day in this peaceful town.
Day 7
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Bid farewell to the Mekong as it disappears into the wilds of Laos. Continue along the border, now a river so narrow, you may even chat with the Lao fishermen on the other side as they sweep the water with their homemade nets. |
Day 8
Today more challenging hill-climbing is rewarded with vistas of vast rice fields, sky and mountains. Farmers work the land, graze their buffaloes or laze in their bamboo shelters.
Day 9
Today, your last day of riding, may well be your best. Leave the paved road for the challenge and excitement of dirt. Winding up and over mountains, spellbound by the spectacular views of this rugged landscape, you may feel a twinge of melancholy at the thought of leaving so beautiful a land. Enjoy a farewell dinner before retiring to your mountainside bungalow among the bougainvillea, complete with well-deserved hot shower.
Day 10
After a leisurely breakfast, make a few more stops to see the sights as you travel by van to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Bangkok.
| 2008-2009 Departures: |
Contact us at info@bikethailand.com to get the latest schedules.
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| All-inclusive 10-Day Land Package | : | US$ 2,480.00 |
| Bicycle Rental | : | 175.00 |
| Optional Single Supplement (5 nights) | : | 175.00 |
Contact us at info@bikethailand.com for latest schedules. |
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Expedition Laos
Day 1
After your arrival by air into Thailand, cross the border, the midpoint between the banks of the Mekong river, and cycle into the bustling capital. Delight in the sights and flavors of this small, but resilient city.
Day 2-4
Your route takes you deep into the countryside where remote villages and the traditional lifestyle will amaze you. As we approach the mountains, dramatic limestone cliffs dominate the landscape. The villages become more remote and the variety of the country's 68 different ethnic groups reveals itself in peoples of different languages, costumes and cultures. The elevation gain of nearly 2,000 meters will keep your heart pumping hard, but numerous plateaus afford high-altitude views while giving your legs some rest.
Day 5-7
Luang Prabang, Laos' former royal capital, has recently been named a UNESCO World Heritage City, and it well be immediately clear why. Located at the confluence of two waterways and home to the Lao monarch for over 600 years before the rise of communism, the charm and majesty of the city continue in an irresistible mix. Cave temples, morning markets, the grand palace, and classical Lao architecture embellish your days in this magical place.
Day 8-9
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Day 10
At one of the city's renowned gourmet restaurants celebrate the completion of this amazing adventure, and toast this hospitable and wild country. Enjoy a last breezy bike ride to the bridge, and then head back to Thailand for your return home.
| One departure per year: | (inquire for current dates and cost) |
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Average distance: 45 miles/day. -
Minimum Deposit Required to hold space on any trip is $400.00
All trips include: All accommodations, meals, guides, bottled water, ground transport, festival admission, etc.
Prices shown are based on a minimum departure of four people.
Prices shown are per person. Prices are subject to change.
Prices do not include airfare or alcoholic beverages.
Extra mileage is usually possible.
Custom tours can be easily arranged and can be planned with your interests and abilities in mind. Prices for custom tours will generally be higher than for scheduled tours because of the smaller number of participants.
'Thank you for an amazing trip in a beautiful country. I feel grateful to have experienced it in this unique way. Thanks for being so in tune with our needs and desires and enabling us to see the life here in such an intimate way.'
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Phone: 207-899-8540