Code:	LABK 02
Routes:	Vientiane - Laung Nam Tha - Muang Sing - Udom Xai - Luang Prabang
Duration:	11 Days

TOUR SUMMARY
This tour is a journey through the remote mountains of Northern Laos. Starting in the sleepy capital, Vientiane, we fly north to Luang Nam Tha near the Chinese border, where Akha, Hmong, Kamu are among the various tribal people that live in these remote valleys or on isolated mountainsides. Cycling along empty roads through outstanding landscapes, riders experience the rugged beauty and culture that as yet is still largely not influenced by the west. The tour ends in Luang Prabang and we spend the final days of the tour exploring the temples, discovering the French colonial splendour and surrounding attractions of Luang Prabang.

RIDING PROFILE
We ride just under 600 km mostly on fairly good asphalt. There is just enough broken road or unpaved dirt roads to make a mountain bike with front suspension necessary. The route is point - to - point and fully supported by our back - up team in a big six-wheel truck. Northern Laos is mountainous and although there are no excessively long climbs there are very few flat sections. Traffic is exceptionally light and on many days we will see no cars at all. Most riding days are fairly full and guests should expect some long days in the saddle. We spend two days traveling by riverboat and there is time at the end of the trip to discover Luang Prabang.
Accommodation is varied and includes comfortable and charming 3 and 4 star hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang as well as some quite basic hotels.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: Vientiane [D]
Arrive at Vientiane Airport or meet at the Novotel (it is possible to join this tour directly from our Southern Laos Tour). The day is free to explore the city or relax by the pool.

DAY 2: Vientiane - Luang Nam Tha 30 km [B,D]
Transfer to airport at 10:30 to fly to Luang Nam Tha on QV601 departing 12:30 and arriving at 13:50. Transfer to Boatlanding Guesthouse, the base for the next few days. Short bike ride in the afternoon.

DAY 3: Luang Nam Tha - Muang Sing - Luang Nam Tha 68km [B, L, D]
Luang Nam Tha - Muang Sing - Luang Nam Tha 68km [B, L, D] Ride to Muang Sing crossing two valleys, Luang Nam Tha and Muang Sing, which includes some climbing. Descend into Muang Sing. Have lunch and visit local market or buy wares from local tribes. Transfer back to Luang Nam Tha.

DAY 4: Luang Nam Tha - Ban Khon Tan 70 km [B,L,D]
Ride to Ban Na ndulating dirt track with very little traffic. Swap bikes for boats after lunch and make our way to Ban Khon Tan village.

DAY 5: Ban Khon Tan - Lahu Village [B,L,D]
A day off from riding. Head back up river to Luang Nam Tha by boat. Chance to see valley from a different perspective.

DAY 6: Luang Nam Tha - Udom Xai 114 km [B,L,D]
Ride on quiet, tarmac roads to Udom Xai through the country side.

DAY 7: Udom Xai - Muang Khua 105 km [B,L,D]
Cycle to Muang Khua chance to see various different landscapes and ethnic tribes. The road has some small climbs.

DAY 8: Muang Khua - Nong Kiau [B,L,D]
Cruise down river to Nong Kiau through lime stone mountains and river villages

DAY 9: Nong Kiau - Luang Prabang 144 km [B,L]
Cycling a heaving road west along a river to Pakbeng. Head south to Luang Prabang following the Nam Ou River. On an undulating road with short climbs of 1-2 km's. Ride or be transferred last 20 km to Luang Prabang.

DAY 10: Luang Prabang 60 km [B,L,D]
Ride a loop round Luang Prabang passing small villages and crossing a river. Have lunch on the river. Rest of day is free. Optional tour by minibus to Nam Ou caves.

DAY 11: Luang Prabang [B]
Morning free. Transfer to airport for onward connections

*** B - Breakfast; L - Lunch; D - Dinner

TOUR INFORMATION
Total Distance	591 km
Number of cycling days	Five full days and two half-days
Road Surface	This tour follows a mix of good asphalt roads and vehicle-width dirt trails, which may be smooth, gritty, stony, rocky, rutted, loose or hard-packed.
Support	A big 6-wheel truck with enough space for bikes and bikers.
Group	Minimum 4. Maximum 16.
Staff	Groups of 6 or more, a Green Trail Tours cycling leader, plus English-speaking Laotian guide, drivers and assistants. Groups of 4-5 will be led by our local guide and our local support team.
Food	All meals are included from Dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11, except lunch on Day 1 and 2 and dinner on Day 9.
Children	Children under 16-years old are not allowed to join this tour.
ACCOMMODATION ON SCHEDULED TOURS (STANDARD ACCOMMODATION)

CITY	HOTEL	STANDARD
Vientiane	Novotel	4-star
Luang Nam Tha	Boat Landing Guest House	2/3-star
Luang Prabang	Phu Si	3-star
All Other	Best available.	2-star or below