Code:	LABK 01
Routes:	Ubon Ratchatani - Champasak - Don khong - Don Det - Tad fane - Tad Lo - Pakse
Duration:	7 Days

Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : Ubon Ratchatani
Day 2   : Ubon Ratchatani - Champasak
Day 3   : Chanpasak - Don Khong
Day 4   : Don Khong - Don Det - Don Khong
Day 5   : Don Khong - Tad Fane
Day 6   : Tad Fane - Tad Lo
Day 7   : Tad Lo - Pakse - Ubon Ratchitani

TOUR SUMMARY
This biking sojourn goes through the Southern Lowlands from Pakse down to the Cambodian Border before heading north and then east to the fertile lands of the coffee rich Bolevan Plateau. Starting in Ubon Ratchatani, we cross the border at Chongmek and ride to the ancient site of Wat Phu situated in Champasak province where we visit pre - angkorian temples. Cruising down the Mekong River visiting Si Phan Don or 4000 Islands as it is more commonly known. We ride quiet country roads to the Khan Phapeng waterfalls and then onwards to the bottom of Don Kon to search for the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins. Climbing along lush vegetation, we reach the Bolevan Plateau for 2 nights before heading west back to Pakse.

RIDING PROFILE
We cover nearly 500 kilometres in 7 cycling days and much of the terrain is quite flat except for the days up on the plateau. The road surfaces are mixed: most days we ride on reasonably good quality asphalt roads, but there are enough rides on badly broken roads or dirt tracks to mean you will need a mountain bike with front shocks. There is nothing technical involved on this tour and anyone, assuming they are fit enough, will be able to join no matter how little cycling experience they have. This trip is fully and the support vehicle is stacked with fruit and drinks.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: Ubon Ratchatani [D]
Fly to Ubon Ratchatani from Bangkok TG020 arrive 07:40. Transfer to hotel, enjoy the views across the Mekong, relax by the pool or take a short warm up ride.

DAY 2: Ubon Ratchatani - Champasak 87 km [B,L,D]
Transfer to border at Chongmek. Ride to ancient site of Wat Phu in the Champasak province. Cycling quiet roads with little motorised transport, we pass many small villages and paddy fields before visiting Wat Phu. Explore temples before travelling the last 10 km to our hotel for the evening.

DAY 3: Chanpasak - Don Khong 108km [B, L, D]
Cross Mekong and head south towards Cambodia. Ride flat quiet roads before crossing back over to Mekong to Don Kong. Cycle short way to guesthouse. Walk along river in afternoon.    

DAY 4: Don Khong - Don Det - Don Khong 50 km [B,L,D]
Cross the Mekong, head south and ride to Khan Phapeng waterfalls. Rest a while and ride to catch the boat to Don Det. Follow old French railway line to Leepi falls. Have lunch and then Irrawaddy Dolphin spotting. Finish the day with boat trip back to Don Khong.

DAY 5: Don Khong - Tad Fane 51 [B,L,D]
Transfer for 1.5 hours to begin our journey into coffee growing area of Laos: the Bolevan Plateau. Head north to Pakse before starting to climb up into the temperate coffee growing area on a gentle undulating road to Tad Fane Resort. Relax overlooking Tad Fane Falls.

DAY 6: Tad Fane - Tad Lo 73 km [B,L,D]
Climb further into the Bolevan Plateau, before heading downhill on a dirt road. Cycle to Saise guesthouse next to minor falls of Ted Hung. Enjoy alfresco dining experience over looking the falls.

DAY 7: Tad Lo - Pakse - Ubon Ratchitani 82 km [B,L,D]
Descent into Pakse on a steadily descending road. Cross into Thailand and transfer to Ubon Ratchatani. Have farewell meal and drink before heading to the airport to catch TG031 to Bangkok, depart 20:10 arrive 21:15, or join the Northern Laos Tour.

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

TOUR INFORMATION

Total Distance 450 km Number of cycling days Four 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 Dinner on Day 7. Children Children under 16-years old are not allowed to join this tour.

ACCOMMODATION ON SCHEDULED TOURS (STANDARD ACCOMMODATION)

CITY HOTEL STANDARD Khonjiam Thongsang Khomgjiam 3-4 Star Champasak Tavisab Hotel 2-3-star Don Khong Villa Muang Khong 2-3-star Tad Fane Tad Fane Resort 2-3-star Tad Lo Saisie Guesthouse 2-3 Star All Other Best available.