LAOS – Champasak – Cycling Tour: Historical and Cultural Trails

A full day cycling tour to explore the historical town of Champasak and its surroundings. Winding along dirt trails through traditional villages and natural settings, the tour leads to the UNESCO world heritage complex of Vat Phou, the must-to-see temple in southern Laos.

Theme

Art & Culture, Family, Sustainable

Country - City

Laos - Champasak

Market segment

Groups

Price Level

$$$$

Level of difficulties

LEVEL 1

Max pax

15

Seasonality

October to June

Arrival city

Champasak

Departure city

Champasak

Description

A full day cycling tour to explore the historical town of Champasak and its surroundings. Winding along dirt trails through traditional villages and natural settings, the tour leads to the UNESCO world heritage complex of Vat Phu, the must-to-see temple in southern Laos. The ride continues to Vat Muang Kang, the oldest temple in Champasak, and a short boat crossing to the island of Don Daeng to discover the natural richness of the landscapes, as well as the farming and fishing communities that live there.

Selling points

  • A 35 kilometer ride for people who are in good physical condition and practice sport occasionally (4 to 5 hours cycling).
  • A cycling tour combining historical sites and relaxing biking along a Mekong River island.
  • An amazing tour to meet villagers and to discover the colors of Southern Laos.

Level Of The Excursion

Medium – This activity offers tangible positive contributions to the local community, culture and/or environment

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Cultural Conservation

Economic Impact

Local individual benefits

Community benefits

Time And Transportation

From To Km By Duration Road condition
Pakse Don Daeng 40 Car 1 hour Good

Duration

  • Full Day (4h 30min to 5 hours cycling + 1-hour visit of Vat Phou + 20-minute visit of Vat Muang Kang + 1-hour lunch + 20-minute boat cruise).

Min pax

1

Max pax

15

How to sell it

  • Our signature product in southern Laos for Easia Active!
  • Full day tour for active travelers or included in a cycling module for soft adventure travelers.
  • Suitable for families with children 14 years old up.

Why this activity

  • Alternative to the classical visit of Champasak by minivan.
  • Historical and cultural trails: see Vat Phu (UNESCO World Heritage), Vat Muang Kang (oldest temple in the area from French colonial era), as well as traditional Lao villages on the way.
  • An extended rural tour with incredible landscapes.

Do not combine with

  • Any culture trails along the way.
  • Any other full or half day activity. 

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Competitor comparison

  • This is an Easia Signature product. 

Pros

  • The starting time is flexible.

Cons

  • We only provide English Speaking guides for active cycling tours.
  • No shade cover during the morning ride.
  • Trails not suitable for cycling during the rainy season.
  • This tour is a loop! Never travel the same way twice.
  • Vat Phou can be inaccessible during the Vat Phou festival (around 17-22nd Feb each year).

Information

Distance: 35km
Duration: 4.30 hours cycling
Average speed: 15km/h
Elevation profile: Flat (cumulated elevation under 120 meters)
Road condition: Dirt road paths
Difficulty: Easy – Level 1
Type of bicycle: mountain bike TREK 3700 & 4300
Bike Sizes Quantity:
Small (13”-16”): 13
Medium (18”-19.5”): 16
Large (20”-22.5”): 9

Transportation & Guide Logistic:
We have two types of OPTIONS for the logistic, which we can use to organize for the cycling group on spot, STANDARD LOGISTIC or SUPERIOR LOGISTIC.

Note – Minivan for clients not included as they are already in Champasak and will have their own tour transport which does not need to follow them on this activity. The Songtheo is available to assist if necessary.

STANDARD LOGISTIC:

  • 1 Truck or Songtheo for bikes
  • 1 Cycling guide
  • 1 Mechanic (from 5-15 pax)
  • Standard Snacks

SUPERIOR LOGISTIC:

  • 1 Truck or Songtheo for bikes
  • 1 Cycling guide
  • 1 Mechanic (from 1-15 pax)
  • Superior Snacks

Alerts

  • Possible to extend the tour with 40km from Pakse to Champasak – Please contact directly ac
  • Please provide in advance the height and name of each participant to operations team so that the supplier will prepare the bikes with the seats at the right level.
  • We do not provide this cycling tour during the rainy season.
  • Vat Phou can be inaccessible during the Vat Phou festival (around 17-22nd Feb each year).

Important information

  • Lunch at Saithong restaurant in Champasak.
  • Accommodation recommended at La Folie Lodge as the tour finishes on Don Daeng island. All other accommodation in Champasak also available on request.
  • Overnight at Pakse or Champasak on the night before the activity.
  • Overnight at Champasak recommended after the activity.
  • All the vehicles are always following the group during the multiday cycling tour to support the cyclists with water and food supply.
  • We provide snacks stop at least 2 times per day – morning + afternoon – the quantity depends on the insensitive of the tour. During the snacks stop travelers will get some local snacks + refreshment drinks.
  • Drink stops are every 10 to 15 kilometers depends on the needs of the participants – the van will be always with the group with the water supply.

Quotation guideline

  • Some tour operators can request to have their tour leader during the tour. The tour leader will be considered as a tour guide and the cost of the services will be divided by all groups.
  • Please note that the vehicle suppliers are in Pakse City, this means that if the tour begins or ends out of these destinations we need to quote the PRE or POST tour fee. Always consider the starting and ending point of the tour.
  • We always need to quote the bikes for Guides and mechanics during all cycling tours or cycling products in Laos.
  • The spare bikes are free of charge for 1 bike from supplier/group (1 to 15 pax – we provide 2 spare bikes inclding 1 bike FOC)
  • Snack standard package + Water supply (3l/pax/day) – 5$ per pax – include only local snacks.
  • European snacks package + Water supply (3l/pax/day) – 8$ per pax – include cereal bars, chocolate.
  • Entrance fee Vat Phou /pax to include – FOC for Mechanic and Guide.
  • Once you know the specifics of what needs to be booked, select the appropriate module on ERP:
    • LAOS > Champasak-Modules > FIT > 1 Day(s) > ACTIVE – Easia Signature – Standard – Historical and cultural trails – 1D – ENG
    • LAOS > Champasak-Modules > FIT > 1 Day(s) > ACTIVE – Easia Signature – Superior – Historical and cultural trails – 1D – ENG

Inclusion

  • Bike Rental fee/day =8$/bike/day (including helmet) for client and guide.
  • Tuk tuk escorts the tour, so can also put the client in the Tuk tuk and bike on the back of the Tuk tuk base on 8pax/ tuk tuk (Song Teo) as this program is better use Songteo rather than a minivan.
  • Snacks per day.
  • Water for Guide and client/day.
  • Boat fee for crossing Champasack to Done Daeng RT(1-5pax+Bike) /1 boat.
  • Lunch at Local restaurant or Picnic.
  • English Speaking guide who can be the mechanic for the bike based on fee for 1 day.

Exclusion

  • Dinner.
  • Accommodation.
  • Entrance fee Vat Phu temple.

Possible Extra

  • Catered lunch at temple.

Important notes

  • Provide maps to the cycling guide: map
  • Request information Active client excel file from Sales: Name and surname of the travelers, their height, Bike Size, the cyclists’ level, allergies, insurance details.
  • Send to the supplier the information about the participants when you book the service in order to prepare the bikes in advance and the tour properly
  • At least 2 days in advance of the group’s arrival reconfirm the service
  • Request the bike supplier similar type of bike, same brand and if possible same color.
  • Request the bike supplier to provide necessary tools (helmets) and spare bike parts (tube, patch, pump)

We have 8 English speaking tour guides for cycling in Southern Laos:

  • Mr Aut: 02097823111 & 76242455
  • Mr Tiger: 56060579
  • Mr Bounuaeng: 02029250424
  • Mr Serm: 02056846924
  • Mr Somsack: 02099696795
  • Mr Bounmany: 02097401111
  • Mrs So: 0305747218 & 02059657775
  • Mr Leynoy: 02099904117
  • Vat Phou can be inaccessible during the Vat Phou festival (around 17-22nd Feb each year) – if sales have booked this please remind them.

Special Guide notes

  • Always remember to provide the first aid kit to the guide.
  • Explain clearly to the guides the client’s profile and the guests’ expectations.
  • Need to reconfirm with bike shop one or 2 days before the tour and check the equipment before the tour.
  • Should prepare and check the bikes with the name (or number) of the travelers in advance in order not to lose time.
  • Should prepare and check that the cold water and some snacks are ready before the tour.
  • Should check that the van is clean and ready for the travelers.
  • Guide must do the briefing before starting cycling – he needs to announce:
    • Cycling rules and sign to follow during the ride.
    • Oblige the travelers to wear the helmet – it is mandatory.
    • Distance and duration of the cycling day
    • Where they will go, what they will visit, and points of interest.
    • Type of terrain.
    • Share some local insight and information about the locations, sites, culture before departure.
    • Should give information about the code of conduct, how to behave on the destination respecting environment and locals.
  • Cycling guide must be flexible on the spot: adapt the speed and the length of the trails to the needs of the clients.
  • Detailed timing: Departure- early morning from hotel, in order to have enough time to reach the final destination.
  • During the tour, call the restaurant or the person in charge of the picnic set up at least 1 hour before to confirm the arrival time – it’s important to have a good and warm meal during lunch or dinner.
  • Should have lunch together with the Active clients, if requested.
  • Guide must stop and make the travelers try some local snacks along the way; important to make travelers experience local life and traditions of the country.
  • Should check the climate conditions before the tour to avoid risks (for example, bring rain coats) and be careful during the tour not to put the lives of the clients in danger. At the end of the day, he needs to check all the bikes and help the mechanic to clean and fix them.
  • Languages – use polite language and adapt the behavior depending on the guests’ character and behavior.
  • Shoes – proper shoes – please no sandals or flip flops.
  • Bike uniform – guide must dress properly, wearing cycling clothes.

Contact

  • Contact: Xplore Asia – Mrs Mai Xayxanavong (office manager)
  • Phone: (856+) 020 56 271729
  • Email: [email protected]

Product Launch Package

Video of the 7D/6N Itinerary

English

Cycling tour: Historical and Cultural Trails
In the early morning, you will set off by bicycle, starting from the town center to reach a dirt trail winding through three villages scattered in a lush natural setting. This trail, which lies between mountains and rice paddies, will lead to the UNESCO world heritage complex of Vat Phu, the must-see temple in southern Laos. Park your bikes and enjoy some time exploring the site. You will then continue cycling along the main road before turning onto another trail to reach your next destination: Vat Muang Kang, the oldest temple in Champasak, which combines elements of French colonial and Lao Buddhist architecture. You will then cycle along the Mekong River and stop at a river view restaurant for lunch before crossing by boat to Don Daeng island along with your bikes. There, take your time to discover the richness of the natural landscapes, as well as the countryside farming and fishing communities that live there.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Overnight at hotel or homestay in Champasak
Level: 1
Distance & duration of cycling: 35 kilometres / 4h 30min to 5 hours cycling (timing does not include visits, boat ride, breaks & lunch)
Difference in elevation: Flat (accumulated elevation under 120 meters)
Terrain: Dirt trail in Champasak/ sand path on Don Daeng island
Transportation:
if coming from Pakse: 40 kilometers
 – 1 hour
If going to Don Kong island after the tour: 110 kilometers – 2h 30min

French

Arpentez des sentiers historiques et culturels à vélo
Tôt dans la matinée vous enfourcherez votre bicyclette dans le centre ville puis rejoindrez un chemin de terre serpentant entre trois villages éparpillés dans un décor naturel luxuriant. Entre montagnes et rizières, vous suivrez ce sentier qui vous mènera au site classé patrimoine mondial par l’UNESCO: le complexe de Vat Phou. Vous pourrez alors laisser vos vélos pour partir à la découverte du site incontournable du sud du Laos. Vous continuerez ensuite votre aventure en pédalant le long de la route principale avant d’emprunter un autre chemin qui vous conduira à Vat Muang Kang, le plus vieux temple de Champasak, où vous pourrez admirer une architecture à la fois inspirée du style colonial français et du bouddhisme laotien. Vous reprendrez votre bicyclette et longerez le Mékong jusqu’au restaurant panoramique pour déjeuner avec vue sur la rivière. Vous traverserez ensuite la rivière sur un bateau qui vous déposera, vous et votre vélo, sur l’île de Don Daeng. Vous pourrez y prendre le temps de découvrir la richesse des paysages naturels de l’île, l’agriculture locale et la communauté de pêcheurs.

Repas inclus: Petit-déjeuner, déjeuner
Hébergement: Nuit à l’hôtel ou chez l’habitant à Champasak
Niveau: 1
Distance et durée du tour à vélo: 35 kilomètres – de 4h 30min à 5 heures (les visites, le trajet en bateau, les arrêts et le déjeuner ne sont pas compris dans cette durée)
Relief: Plat (relief total inférieur à 120 mètres)
Terrain: Chemin de terre à Champasak/ sentier sablonneux sur l’île de Don Daeng
Trajet:
– en provenance de Pakse: 40 kilomètres – 1 heure
– en direction de l’île de Don Kong après le tour: 110 kilomètres – 2h 30min

Spanish

Tour en bicicleta: Recorridos históricos y culturales
Temprano por la mañana, emprenderá su camino en bicicleta, saliendo del centro de la ciudad hasta llegar a un camino de tierra que serpentea entre tres pueblos dispersos en este frondoso entorno natural. Este camino, que yace entre montañas y campos de arroz, le llevará hasta el complejo de Vat Phu, un templo de obligada visita en el sur de Laos reconocido como patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO. Aparque su bicicleta y disfrute de pasear un rato mientras explora el sitio. Posteriormente, continuará desplazándose en bicicleta por la carretera principal antes de girar y desviarse hacia otro camino para llegar a su siguiente destino: Vat Muang Kang, el templo más antiguo de Champasak, que combina elementos de la arquitectura colonial francesa y la budista laosiana. Más tarde, pedaleará a lo largo del río Mekong y se detendrá en un restaurante de la ribera para disfrutar del almuerzo antes de cruzar en barco a la isla de Don Daeng junto con su bici. Allí, tómese su tiempo para descubrir la riqueza de los parajes naturales, así como la agricultura rural y la comunidad pesquera.

Comidas: desayuno, almuerzo
Alojamiento: Estancia de una noche en un hotel o una residencia privada en Champasak
Nivel: 1
Distancia y duración del recorrido en bici: 35 kilómetros – De 4 horas y 30 minutos a 5 horas (este periodo de tiempo no incluye las visitas, el trayecto en barco, las pausas y el almuerzo)
Diferencia en elevación: Plano (la elevación acumulada es inferior a 120 metros)
Terreno: Camino de tierra en Champasak / camino de arena en la isla de Don Daeng
Transporte:
Si se viene desde Pakse: 40 kilómetros – 1 hora
– Si se va a la isla de Don Kong después del tour: 110 kilómetros – 2 horas y 30 minutos

Italian

Giro ciclistico: percorsi storici e culturali
Al mattino presto partirete in bicicletta, partendo dal centro del paese per raggiungere un sentiero sterrato che si snoda attraverso tre villaggi sparsi in un ambiente naturale lussureggiante. Questo sentiero, che si trova tra montagne e risaie, porterà al complesso del patrimonio mondiale dell’UNESCO di Vat Phu, il tempio da non perdere nel Laos meridionale. Parcheggiate le vostre bici e divertitevi a esplorare il sito. Continuerete quindi a pedalare lungo la strada principale prima di svoltare su un altro sentiero per raggiungere la vostra prossima destinazione: Vat Muang Kang, il tempio più antico di Champasak, che combina elementi dell’architettura coloniale francese e lao buddista. Pedalerete lungo il fiume Mekong e vi fermerete in un ristorante con vista sul fiume per il pranzo prima di attraversare in barca l’isola di Don Daeng con le vostre biciclette. Lì, prendetevi il vostro tempo per scoprire la ricchezza dei paesaggi naturali, così come l’agricoltura di campagna e la comunità di pescatori.

Pasti: colazione, pranzo
Sistemazione: Pernottamento in hotel o in famiglia a Champasak
Livello: 1
Distanza e durata della pedalata: 35 chilometri – 4h 30min a 5 ore (i tempi non includono visite, giro in barca, pause e pranzo)
Dislivello: pianeggiante (quota accumulata inferiore a 120 metri)
Terreno: sterrato a Champasak / sentiero di sabbia sull’isola Don Daeng
Trasporti:
– se provenienti da Pakse: 40 chilometri – 1 ora
– Se andate all’isola di Don Kong dopo il tour: 110 chilometri – 2h 30min

German

Radtour: Historische & kulturelle Pfade
Am frühen Morgen fahren Sie vom Stadtzentrum aus mit dem Fahrrad bis zu einem unbefestigtem Weg, der sich durch drei Dörfer schlängelt, die sich verstreut in der üppigen und naturbelassenen Umgebung befinden. Dieser Pfad, der zwischen Bergen und Reisfeldern verläuft, führt Sie zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe des Vat-Phu-Komplexes – ein Tempel im Süden von Laos, den man gesehen haben muss. Stellen Sie Ihre Fahrräder ab und genießen Sie die Erkundung dieser Stätte. Anschließend setzen Sie die Radtour auf der Hauptstraßefort, bevor Sie auf einen weiteren Pfad treffen, der Sie zu Ihrem nächsten Ziel bringt: Vat Muang Kang, der älteste Tempel in Champasak, der Elemente französischer Kolonial- und laotischer buddhistischer Architektur kombiniert. Danach radeln Sie entlang des Mekong-Flusses und legen zum Mittagessen einen Halt an einem Restaurant mit Ausblick auf den Fluss ein. Im Anschluss überqueren Sie mit Ihren Fahrrädern den Fluss auf einem Boot, um zur Insel Don Daeng zu gelangen. Dort haben Sie Zeit, die reichhaltige, natürliche Landschaft zu erkunden sowie auch die ländliche Landwirtschaft und Fischerei.

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen
Unterbringung: Übernachtung im Hotel oder bei einer Gastfamilie in Champasak
Schwierigkeitsstufe: 1
Länge & Dauer der Radtour: 35 Kilometer – 4 Stunden und 30 Minuten bis 5 Stunden (die Zeitplanung ist nicht inklusive Besichtigungen, Bootsfahrt, Frühstück & Mittagessen)
Höhenunterschiede: eben (Höhenunterschied insgesamt unterhalb von 120 Metern)
Terrain: unbefestigter Weg in Champasak/ Sandweg auf der Insel Don Daeng
Anfahrt:
– Wenn Sie von Pakse kommen: 40 Kilometer – 1 Stunde
– Wenn Sie nach der Tour zur Dong-Kong-Insel wollen: 110 Kilometer – 2 Stunden und 30 Minuten