Vientiane Challenge To Phou Khao Khouay - The National Protected Area of Phou Khao Khouay is the nearest National Park to Vientiane, the nearest point just over an hour away. Besides some great scenery and beautiful waterfalls, the NPA offers trails through dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, numerous waterfalls, and rivers. Wildlife is abundant but elusive. Tropical butterflies and orchids line the way through forests that are home to rare large mammals such as Sun bears, tigers, and elephants. The friendly village of Ban Hatkhai is a good place to learn more about the genuine lifestyle of the lowland Lao…

Day 1: Vientiane – Ban Hatkhai
We will be transferred from Vientiane to Ban Hatkhai, where we start cycling to Tad Xay Waterfall. The ride offers some great views over Nam Mang and Mekong Rivers.

After a picnic lunch at Tad Xai, we have time for swimming. We then trek under an evergreen canopy.

*In the wet season, the trek continues down along the Houay Xai stream. We then start kayaking to and on the Nam Mang River until we arrive at Ban Hatkhai.
*In the dry season, the trek continues until we meet Nam Mang River more upstream. We then start kayaking to Ban Hatkhai.

Approximately: 2 ½ hours transfer/ 2 hours cycling/ 2 hours trekking/ 2 hours kayaking

We spend the night at Ban Hatkhai (home-stay).

Day 2: Ban Hatkhai – Tad Leuk – Vientiane
After an early breakfast, we cycle to the Tad Leuk Waterfall.
The Tad Leuk is a local tourist attraction amidst the mixed deciduous forest. A permanent exhibit at the Visitor Center gives some good information on the flora and fauna of the NPA. The Tad Leuk Nature Trail points out some interesting botanic details. We will have lunch at Tad Leuk.

In the afternoon, the trek follows a path along the Nam Leuk to the Tad Sang waterfall, another idyllic place for bathing and relaxation. Along the way, a large number of orchids can be seen, especially in the wet season. From here hike back to tad leuk and return to Vientiane by songthaew.

Phou Khao Khouay Challenge

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Departure date: Join in group departure on Saturday

Group Size: From 2 to 16 riders

Tour cost: Contact Us

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAOS

Laos is a treasure trove of natural and architectural wonders. With a little patience and some time you can see incredible man-made and natural wonders from north to south in the Lao PDR. Don’t miss these top 10 things to see and do.

Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centered on a 1560 sǐm (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr. Hŏr Ɖąi, shaped like a tall tomb, houses a standing Buddha. The Hŏr Ɖąi Pha Sai-nyàat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge – the Red Chapel – by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hóhng Kép Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of Lao royalty.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos |

Boun That Luang takes place every November, over three days around the full moon. The stupa in Vientiane is the national symbol of Laos and is said to house a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Thousands of pilgrims gather at That Luang to give offerings to the monks who come from all over Laos. Processions, parties, and a trade show follow. Even if you don’t make it to the festival, the stupa is a sight to behold any time of year. Join the faithful and place offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at the alter, or quietly stroll around the massive enclosed yard.

Vat Phou / Wat Phou

Along with the Champasak Cultural Landscape, the 5th century Khmer ruins of Wat Phou is the second inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Laos. Wat Phou, meaning ‘mountain temple.’ Blended into the surrounding nature, the remains of Wat Phou are dotted all over the mountain face. Oriented toward the east, the ruins have two large reservoirs on either side of a long column-lined road, leading toward the mountains. Past the palace ruins, up a steep staircase, you’ll find the sanctuary with a modern Buddhist shrine and a natural spring considered to be sacred.

Tad Lo

Tad Lo is 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from the southern town of Pakse. Soak in the visual and aural splendor of the falls or take a dip and cool off from the heat. Three cascades make up the falls: Tad Hang, Tad Lo itself, and Tad Suong. Accommodations are available to spend the night and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Tad Lo is an impressive three-tiered waterfall in Salavan Province. Several guesthouses and restaurants around the falls make it an ideal lunch spot or stopover for trekking, swimming, and tubing. Tad Lo is accessible by bus, motorbike, or as part of a group tour package of the Bolaven Plateau.

Swim in the Mekong at 4000 Islands

French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det |

Don Det has a beach at its northern tip that doubles as a ferry landing. You can also take a dip in the Mekong, the largest river in Southeast Asia, on either of the two beaches on Don Khon–one by Liphi Falls and one farther south. Easy Go Backpackers Hostel on Don Det has a beach area and Don Som Riverside Guesthouse has a swimming spot on Don Som. If river swimming isn’t your thing and you’d rather lounge by the pool, check out the one by Little Eden Guesthouse at the north end of Don Det or the Blue Lagoon Swimming pool at the southern tip of the island.

Tat Kuang Si

Thirty kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si is a many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of cool, swimmable turquoise pools; the term 'Edenic' doesn't do it justice. When you're not swinging off ropes into the water, there's a public park with shelters and picnic tables where you can eat lunch. Don't miss the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where wild Asiatic moon bears, confiscated from poachers, are given a new lease of life.

Many cheap eateries line the entrance car park at the top end of the Khamu village of Ban Thapene, selling everything from local snacks to grilled chicken and fish.

Visiting Kuang Si by hired motorcycle is very pleasant now that the road here is decently paved and allows stops in villages along the way. By bicycle, be prepared for two long, steady hills to climb. A tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 150,000K for one person, and 50,000K per person in a group of three, so it's best to get a group together. A private minivan will cost 350,000K.

Plain of Jars

Plain of Jars’ thousands of mysterious megalithic jars are scattered throughout Xiang Khuang Province in northeastern Laos. Dating from the iron age, the oldest jars go back to 500 BC. The largest “King Jar” is at Site 1 and the longest jar is at Site 2. It’s possible to hire a guide to take you on a trek from Site 2, which is behind a rice paddy to Site 3, which is in the forest on top of a hill. The leading theory suggests these stone vessels were used in burial rituals. Evidence suggests that bodies were distilled in the jars until only bones remained. The bones were then removed and interred in a ceramic jar or on the ground. Nine of the 90 sites containing jars have been cleared of UXOs, so stick to the established routes and bring a guide out trekking with you.

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls |

In the north of Laos lies Luang Prabang, a portion of the old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Ride or cycle to Kuang Si or Tad Saw waterfalls, take a boat cruise down the Mekong river, and eat local Lao or fantastic French food at one of the restaurants in town. This former royal capital is home to some of the most elaborate and best-preserved temples in the country. Visit the Royal Palace and the watermelon-shaped Wat Wisunarat or hike up Mount Phousi for sunrise or sunset.

Tour Cost Includes:

Accommodation - Homestay
Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D =Dinner
Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
Mechanic throughout the tour
Back up AC vehicle for the complete tour ( Bus, + Truck for the group )
English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
All road and transport taxes
Driver Allowance
Toll and Parking charges

Tour Cost Excludes:

International flight tickets, visa
Accommodation in Vientiane
Other personal expenses
Tips and Gratitude
Travel insurance
Any Hard and Soft Drinks with meals

Travel Information

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your bikes, but in this case, let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Home-stay, Eco Resorts & family-run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on a 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who want a single room, we offer a single room, but at an extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape is flatland, biking through the village streets, fields, fruits garden, local ferry, and monkey bridges

Climate

Boats are the primary means of transportation in the Mekong Delta so traveling during a season when the water level is high and the temperature is cool is highly recommended.

There are two main seasons in the Mekong Delta: a rainy season and a dry season. The temperature in both seasons is generally comfortable, although some months (November to January) are considered more comfortable for traveling.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide a backup vehicle at all times during cycling trips. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer are method delicious unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

Footwear
Bike shoes
Helmet
Pedal
Water Bottle
Sun cream lotion
Relaxed shoes for walking
Shoes for other sightseeing
Socks

Clothing

In Vietnam, the conventional outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, pagodas, temples, mosques, or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
Water-resistant jacket.
Riding bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

Torch
Mosquito repellent
Eyewear, cap
Sun lotion of SPF of at least 35
Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs, and headgear
Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Malaria is an avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
Use a sun hat when revealed.
Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
Bring your medical kit and pest resilience.
To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
Do not eat food bought from road providers.
Do not drink drinks with ice.
Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change now and then and one should contact the Native India tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing, and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like:

Foods that are not included
Emergencies
Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
Shopping/Souvenirs/Tips

Foreign Exchange

As Vietnamese currency values tend to go up and down, refer to the following website for daily return rates: www.vietcombank.com.vn

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal in Vietnam.

Enquire Now