LAOS, CAMBODIA AND MYANMAR BIKING 18 DAYS

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (G)

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our transportation. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we begin cycling to some of the major sights in this fabulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated gilded stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in colored glass on the back wall and its three tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing classical Laotian architecture. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there we experience the hustle and bustle of the colourful Night Market where you can find a selection of traditional textiles, gifts and souvenirs made by the local people. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang/Tad Sae (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we set off on our full day cycling tour. We head south of Luang Prabang, on route 13, passing by various local villages while enjoying splendid mountain and unspoiled forest scenery. Our biking route is approximately 18 kilometers on well-paved roads and 1 kilometer on unpaved dirt roads, to Tad Sae. On arrival, we take a small long tail motortaxi downstream on the Nam Khan River, passing stunning soft green mountains and observing the local activities at various small villages on our way. En route we stop at Tad Sae, a large beautiful waterfall which is cascaded in the forest with a cool natural swimming pool, you may refresh yourself from the sweat and humidity from cycling by immersing yourself in the cool and white waters of the spring in the big pool.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the waterfall on a Sala terrace. After lunch, we continue our boat trip downstream to retrace the tomb of the French explorer Henri Mouhot, who stumbled across Angkor Wat in 1860, but succumbed to a malaria attack in Luang Prabang on 10th November in following year. Your bike will be ready at the local pier near Ban Phanom for our journey back to Luang Prabang. We take a alternative route back to Luang Prabang, riding through and stopping over at the well-known weaving village of Tai Lue, who used to make silk weaving textiles for the former Lao royal family. We then ride to Luang Prabang by the late evening, to enjoy a short guided cycling tour in Luang Prabang before sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang/Biking to Pak Ou Caves (B, L, G)

This morning, we head northbound from Luang Prabang. After approximately 22 kilometers of smooth cycling and a further 3 kilometers on rough roads, we reach the village of Ban Pak Ou. After enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by picturesque countryside, we cross the Mekong River to Pak Ou and Thamting Caves, located on the Mekong riverbank. We visit the interesting and mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We then embark on a traditional boat downstream the Mekong River with our bicycles. On the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where you can sample the local produce of Lao rice wine. Our next stop will be at Wat Long Khoune, a royal family temple, as well as Sakkarine Caves and Ban Xieng Mene, a traditional pottery kiln village. We then return to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

After breakfast this morning, we drive to Luang Prabang to visit The National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We also visit the Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. The rest of the day will be your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang/Siem Reap (B, G)

After breakfast, you will be free until transfer to your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival at Siem Riep Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The tranquil Siem Reap Town is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site sprawls over an area of 60 square miles in dense jungle. We get our first biking experience as we cycle to the archeological area. The first stop is the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. We also visit the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as most complete structure of Angkor Wat. We continue riding our bike to Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm and Ta Keo Temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap/Banteay Srei/Angkor Temples (52 km) (B, L, G)

The exciting biking trip continues to explore some outlying sites. We make our way We make our way beyond the Angkor Complex through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. On arrival we stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. Afterwards we ride our bike through the rugged mountain scenery to Kbal Spean, known as the River of 1000 Lingars. This place offers at first sight no particular attractions except the natural environment, but a careful looking will enable us to discover the impressive riverbed covered by many lingars. They are carved in stone in the past to sanctify the water and thank the gods for their gifts. The next stop is Banteay Samre Temple which is adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap/Roluos Group/Siem Reap (60km) (B, L, G)

Heading out of the town we pedal to visit the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya, which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. By late morning we ride our bike to back to the main temple complex to visit various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan featuring fabulous carved stone lanterns and impressive sculptures, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. We round off our day with a walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. A perfect way to celebrate your achievement in completing the trip is to spend this evening at one of famous eating spots in ambience of Apsara dance. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap/Tonle Sap Lake/Siem Reap (30km) (B, G)

The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap. We visit the famous Tonle Sap Lake on a boat trip out. This shallow lake boats the largest natural fresh water body in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River which joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. Today we cycle on a rugged road along the Siem Reap River to Tonle Sap Lake. On arrival we enjoy a short boat excursion, exploring this famous lake. The experience is wonderful as we pass by floating village, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

After breakfast, your time will be free until transfer to your flight to Bangkok where transits to Yangon. On arrival, the car will pick up and take you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be your own for strolling the city. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 10: Yangon (B, L, G)

In the morning, you are free for strolling the city. After lunch, a walk through “downtown” Yangon, a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd century is a landmark in the city centre. late afternoon visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 11: Yangon/Mandalay by flight (B, G)

Morning fly to Mandalay, the city of bicycles. We will try to take the bikes along with your flight, since we are flying with ATR 72 air craft with small cargo space, and start biking from the airport after assembling. The supported pick-up will be waiting you and following you on the way to hotel. Recommend to bike until you get near the city. And then you will be transferred to the Hotel. Bike to some highlights in Mandalay such as Mahamuni Temple and craft shops and sunset at Mandalay Hill. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Day 12: Mandalay/Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura/Mandalay (bike) 50 km (B, L, G)

After breakfast, bike down to the jetty and cross the Ayeyarwaddy River by a private boat (45 minutes). Visit Mingun, an exclusive village for KING BADON whose dedications are of today-tourist-site. Things to see are unfinished and semi-ruined Pathodawgyi Pagoda, Mingun bell and Myatheindan Paya which is a resemblance of the universe. Proceed to Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals in Kobaung Dynasty, along the River by bike. Your supported pick-up will be waiting on that point. Up on the Sagaing Hill, nestling a number of monasteries for retreat, viewing the Mighty River from the top. Sit on the pick-up or continue cycling along the avenue via the river bank is on your wish. Arrive back Mandalay and overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

13: Mandalay/Myittha (bike) 74 km (B, L, D, G)

Morning after the breakfast, you will be transferred out of Mandalay for about 20 minutes to avoid the congested city traffic and bike southward along the superb high-way for about 40km where you arrive Kyaukse, the rice bowl during the Bagan period. This thriving small town is assumed to be the origin of Burmese, according the British scholar G.H Luce. Then, turn right to a by-way and arrive Myittha, a small charming town. Best place to be local and an added experience on the trip making a night stop at a monastery. Overnight with very simple accommodation.

Day 14: Myittha/Myingyan (bike) 80 km (B, L, D, G)

Say goodbye to the chief monk and bike to the south further. Breakfast shall be at a local tea-house near the market. Have a leisure walk there and bike to the south further. The road is flat, narrow and roughly tarred. Pass through many villages along the way. Should you take delight in visiting a local house on the way, the guide and the driver with you shall be of assistance. Overnight at a local guest house in Myingyan with simple accommodation, a perfect distance to make your night stop before Mt. Popa.

Day 15: Myingyan/Taungta/Mt. Popa (bike) 84 km (B, L, G)

Today shall be the most beautiful day to bike. The road is typical to the central dry zone. You will pass many un-bridged sand creeks winding the toddy forest towards Popa Mountain range with picturesque scenery taking away your exhaustion. . On arrival to the foothill, continue bike up to your resort. Overnight at Popa Moutain Resort which offers great view towards the Popa Taungkalat and Summit.

Day 16: Mt. Popa/Bagan (bike) 50 km (B, L, G)

Time for your energy to walk up 777 steps and reach the summit of extinct volcano; the abode of Nat (spirit) called Mt. Popa. Outset with your bicycle to Bagan. Road is narrow but smooth and labyrinths in the toddy/palm trees. Enjoy observing how the local wine/liquor/spirit/candy is made from toddy seed. Arrive in the New Bagan where 2000 Pagodas and temples are rest. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 17: Bagan/Yangon (B, G)

After breakfast, your time will be your own until transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. On arrival, you will meet our driver and transfer to the hotel for check in. You will be free for strolling the city. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 18: Yangon departure (B, G)

We enjoy the leisure time in the morning until the flight departure.