Southern Laos by Bicycle

Question 1

What's the tour like?

Answer

Your biking sojourn takes you 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 Bolaven Plateau. You'll cover up to 262 km (162.8 mi) in 6 cycling days, and much of the terrain is quite flat except for the days up on the plateau. There are some great natural attractions and the chance to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins makes this one tour that has absolutely something for everyone. Along the way, the scenery is constantly changing: you'll go from arid scrub land to jungle to lush green valleys. The views at some of the places you'll be staying in are absolutely amazing, and this, combined with the changing scenery, make this tour a feast for the eyes. Apart from cycling, there will be some time to see 5th century temples of Wat Phu, some wonderful waterfalls, visit one of the best coffee growing areas in the world, and hopefully are lucky enough to sight the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins from one of the Mekong's 4,000 islands.

Suitability: This ride is a great one for novices and experts alike. Most of this ride is flat apart from the end of Day 5 and the start of Day 6, and it undulates on Day 8. The road surfaces are generally very good and so make for easier riding. Anyone who has moderate fitness will enjoy this tour.

Biking Conditions: The road surfaces are mixed: most days you'll ride on reasonably good quality asphalt roads, but there are enough rides on very badly broken or dirt tracks to mean you will need a mountain bike, preferably one with front shocks. However, 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. A support truck is always available to help when
required, except on Day 4 when you ride on the islands.

Question 2

How long is the tour? How many days of riding?

Answer

This tour is 8 days long, with 6 riding days.

Question 3

How many riders will be in the group?

Answer

Groups can be from 2 to 16. For groups of 9 or more, a second guide joins the tour.

Question 4

Is there a minimum age for this tour?

Answer

Yes, riders must be 18 years old by the time the tour starts.

Question 5

Can I rent a bike for the tour?

Answer

Yes, quality mountain bikes can be hired for the duration of the tour.

The bikes are well-known makes with lightweight alloy frames, 24 to 27 speed gears, v-brakes, have Shimano components and front suspension.

Question 6

Am I safe?

Answer

The tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue. But to a large degree, riders must be responsible for their own safety during the tour. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a cycling tour.

Question 7

Where does the tour start and finish?

Answer

The tour starts and finishes at Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. It can be accessed via Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (UBP).

Question 8

Do I have to pay if travelling alone?

Answer

You are not required to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

Question 9

Please see a message from the tour operator about policies relating to COVID-19

Answer

The Tour Operator is committed to ensuring all trips are safe and that they travel responsibly with the safety of riders, staff and local communities paramount, always.

Their health and safety policies follow recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators and they have worked with all their suppliers to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and safety audit for every trip. As every country is different with varying and fast-changing requirements for entry, they require for every trip tocommit to the following basic requirements:
- All participants must be double vaccinated by a recognised vaccine and will need to show evidence upon booking and on arrival.
- All Tour Operator tour leaders and support staff will have completed a COVID-19 health and safety training course and will all have been double vaccinated prior to a tour starting. For 2021 departures onwards, they are planning to have our leaders tested within 72 hours of meeting the group.
- The Tour Operator follows the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels protocol and has received the stamp of approval, which provides travellers with an assurance that they have adopted the health and hygiene global standardised protocols.