LAOS – Luang Prabang – Bike and Boat Adventure

Description

An adventurous ride through the hilly countryside followed by a delicious lunch cruise back to the city. The journey starts with a river crossing on the public ferry followed by a pleasant warm-up cycle through the populated area of Chompet. The paved road soon gives way to a dirt road and the surroundings become quieter and more peaceful. A stream that the travelers come across is a good place for the first break, before the terrain becomes a bit steeper. The route passes through jungle-clad mountains and traditional villages before ascending slowly through hillside farms to the top of a ridge with beautiful views. The reward after the ride up is a descending trail of nearly 7 kilometers that ends in the charming village of Ban Khaeng Khaen on the banks of the Mekong River. Here, a boat will await travelers to transport them back downriver, complete with a delicious and well-deserved lunch, and an optional stop at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves before arriving back in Luang Prabang.

Level: 3
Distance and duration of cycling: approximately 28 kilometers – 4 hours cycling
Total elevation gain: 0 meters (+ 575 / – 483 meters)
Terrain: mainly dirt roads  / undulating with a few long uphill sections
Transportation: 10 minutes to the boat pier

Can be combined with

Thematic Leisure

• LAOS – Luang Prabang – Baci Ceremony at a Local House

Selling points

• An active FIT product. 
• The opportunity to explore a little-visited rural area with beautiful scenery and friendly locals.
• Combine a physically demanding cycling activity with a relaxing river cruise.
• An all-day activity that incorporates both active and leisure elements. 
• For those who want to get away from more urban areas. 
• Experience cycling on dirt roads, through scenic rural farmland, quaint villages, and forested mountainous areas.

Level Of The Excursion

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Economic Impact

Time And Transportation

Duration

• Full-Day Activity
• 07:30-Transfer from the hotel
• 08:30-Start of activity
• Cycling approximately 28 kilometers, 4 hours cycling, including stops and visits.
• 12:30 (approximate)-Arrival in Ban Khaeng Khaen
• 16:30 (approximate)-Transfer back to Luang Prabang

Min pax

1

Max pax

15

How to sell it

• Our signature cycling product for Easia Active in Luang Prabang!
• Full-day tour for active guests from all markets who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
• A good way to see rural Laos without travelling very far from the city.
• An excellent way to combine a physically demanding activity with a relaxing river lunch-cruise.
• The program is very diverse: boat crossing, dirt roads, rural villages, rice fields, farms, forest, river cruise, cave.

Why this activity

• To have a unique active signature product in the Luang Prabang area.
• Expands the range of active products available for travelers to Laos.
• An eclectic combination of active and leisure travel with the lunch boat cruise back after a day of cycling. 
• A way to explore the mountainous countryside outside of the urban tourist areas.
• Activity easy to combine with a classic visit during a stay in Luang Prabang.
• Enticing for a diverse range of clients. 

Good to combine with

• Can be combined with activities in the evening – though please take into account that the guests may be tired and would probably prefer to rest.
• Can be combined with other active products in Luang Prabang (on other days), for example:
  • LAOS – Luang Prabang – Hike from Ban Long Lao to Kuang Sy Waterfalls
  • LAOS – Luang Prabang – Kayaking on the Nam Khan River
• Can be combined with classic activities on different days.

Do not combine with

• Any other cycling activity (on other days) in Chompet as the scenery is similar.
• Any other daytime activity as the return time is in the late afternoon.
• Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves, The Religious Symbol of Luang Prabang as this activity already includes a visit to the caves.

Market suggestion

Competitor comparison

• This activity is currently not offered by any other DMC.

Pros

• An Easia Signature cycling product.
• Bicycles are of good quality and the supplier is reliable.
• The trails are diverse and showcase rural Laos well.
• Takes travelers to somewhere tourists would rarely get the chance to see. 
• A unique activity that combines a physically demanding activity with a relaxing and rewarding lunch cruise.

Cons

• We only provide English-speaking guides for active cycling tours.
• Not many repair shops along the way so guide must know how to repair damaged bicycles.
• Trails not suitable for cycling during the rainy season as very muddy and river crossings are dangerous.

Information

• Distance: Approximately 28 kilometers
• Duration: about 4 hours cycling, including stops.
• Average speed: 10 km/h
• Elevation profile: Hilly. Ascent of 575 meters. Descent of 483 meters.
• Terrain: mostly dirt roads, a few short steep climbs and one longer climb.
• Difficulty: Challenging – Level 3
• Type of bicycle: Mountain bicycle TREK 3700 or similar (both disc brake and v-brakes)
• Bicycles available: 11, but the supplier can arrange for more if told in advance.
• In case of emergency It is possible to reach the group by car/truck/tuk-tuk. Depending on the seriousness of the emergency the guide should inform the operation team who can advise and coordinate with the relevant authorities and rescue services.

Alerts

• Public ferry is used during this tour and guests may have to wait for it to leave.
• We do not provide this cycling tour during the rainy season.
• Guests should bring sun lotion, good shoes for cycling, and a small backpack.
• Cyclists must be able to carry their own water/snacks as there are very few places to re-supply – guests will be provided with several bottles of water to put in the bottle cage and their backpack.

Important information

• Map of the activity – please do not share with the clients.
• SEASONALITY DETAILS: The activity is more beautiful early in the season, around October and November, when the vegetation is greener. In the dry season, it is less charming and the fields do not have many crops.
• LOGISTIC AND TRANSPORTATION:
  • Standard logistic:
    • 1 to 4 pax:
      • 1 Cycling guide
      • Truck support with 1 spare bike
    • 5 to 15 pax:
      • 1 Cycling guide
      • 1 mechanic
      • Truck support with 2 spare bikes
  • Superior logistic:
    • 1 to 15 pax:
      • 1 Cycling guide
      • 1 Mechanic
      • Truck support with 1 or 2 spare bikes
• BICYCLES AVAILABLE: Mountain bicycle TREK 3700 or similar (both disc and V-brake versions)
  • Small (13”-16”): 5
  • Medium (18”-19.5”): 4
  • Large (20”-22.5”): 2
  • Note: the supplier can arrange for more bicycles from partner businesses
• SNACK PACKAGES:
  • Snack standard package (local snacks) + Water supply (3l/pax/day) –  rice crackers, peanuts, bananas…
  • Snack superior package (European snacks) + Water supply (3l/pax/day) – cereal bars, chocolate…
• Stop for snacks by the stream about 2.5 kilometers past Ban Buomlao
• Frequency of drink/snack stops depends on the needs of the participants – suggested stops every 8 – 10 kilometers.
• LUNCH CRUISE: Set menu of Lao food for FIT group. The exact menu can be discussed directly with the supplier.

Price range

$$$

Quotation guideline

On ERP – Modules:

• LAOS >Luang Prabang > Module 1D > ACTIVE – Standard Logistic – Easia Signature – Bike and Boat Adventure – 1D – ENG
  LAOS > Luang Prabang > Module 1D > ACTIVE – Superior Logistic – Easia Signature – Bike and Boat Adventure – 1D – ENG
• The Easia English-speaking active cycling guide for LPB has been included already in the module.
• Tour leaders will be considered as a tour guide and the cost of the services will be divided by all groups – in this case add another “Mountain bike rental and helmet for GUIDE or TL/day/service; Per service” to the module
• Ferry fee for guides/mechanic/TL is included in the price for the guests (accounting: pay 10,000kip per pax + 5,000 kip per guide/mechanic)
• Spare bikes must be paid for – they are included in the module.
• Snack standard package (local snacks) + Water supply (3l/pax/day) – 5$ per pax – include only local snacks such as rice crackers, peanuts, bananas…
• Snack superior package (European snacks) + Water supply (3l/pax/day) – 8$ per pax – include cereal bars, chocolate…
• Lunch cruise: Set menu of Lao food. The exact menu can be discussed directly with the supplier. Guides/TL have lunch FOC.

Inclusion

• Bike Rental fee (including helmet) for guests and guide/mechanic/tour leader
• Snacks and water for guide/mechanic/tour leader and guests
• Boat transfers for bikes and pax
• Truck support and spare bikes
• Lunch cruise from Ban Khaeng Khaen to Luang Prabang

Exclusion

• Transfers to boat pier from hotel.

Possible Extra

• Visit to Pak Ou Caves.

Important notes

• Provide maps to the cycling guide
• Request information Active client excel file from Sales: Name and surname of the guests, their height, Bike Size, the cyclists’ level, allergies, insurance details.
• Send to the bike supplier the information about the participants when you book the service in order to prepare the bikes he has available and to request more if necessary.
• 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 bike repair parts (tube, patch, pump).
• Request the bike supplier deliver the bicycles to the back of the National Museum, at the top of the hill by the ferry crossing by 07:15 and that the bikes be numbered or named for each guest.
• When choosing a guide/mechanic make sure the guide knows how to repair a broken chain and a puncture as these are likely the main repairs that would need to be made.
• Transfers for the guests – guide should collect extra water from the office and meet before with the transfer. Guide should distribute water to the guests when collecting the bikes. Guests will carry 1 small bottle of water provided by the bike supplier as well as the bottles provided by Easia Travel.
• Explain to the support truck driver (same person as bike supplier) that he should go ahead towards Ban Kok Ngiew and have his phone available (provide his number to the guide) in case of emergencies. Before guests leave from Ban Kok Ngiew he should drive ahead towards Ban Khaeng Khaen and wait there. After the guests pass here he is free to go back with the bikes.
• Always remember to provide the first aid kit to the guide.
• Need to reconfirm with bike shop one or 2 days before the tour and check the equipment before the tour.
• Explain to the guide that he needs to stop for snacks about 2.5 kilometers past Ban Buomlao.
• Explain to the guide that the frequency of drink stops depends on the needs of the participants – suggested stops every 8 – 10 kilometers.
• Confirm the lunch, pax, and time with the boat supplier – the boat should be waiting by 12. Also confirm how many bikes will be transported back on the boat.and give the guide’s phone number to the boat driver, and vice-versa.

Special Guide notes

• The guide and/or mechanic must know how to repair a broken bicycle (snapped chain, puncture etc.)
• The guide should be briefed and know about the route and stops and also what snacks he needs to prepare
• The guide should collect water from the office and go with the transfer to meet guests. Guide should distribute water to the guests at the boat pier.
• Guide should stop along the way and talk about any crops that are being grown on the farms. Guide should also share knowledge about life in the countryside and point out and explain any curiosities seen along the way.
• Explain clearly to the guides the client’s profile and the guests’ expectations.
• Should have a list of client names and their corresponding bike number.
• Guide should have the phone number of the support truck driver.
• Should prepare and check that the water and snacks are ready before the tour.
• 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
  • 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 guests in danger.
• Cycling guide must be flexible on the spot: adapt the speed to the needs of the clients
• Detailed timing: Departure- early morning from hotel, in order to enjoy the cool weather. Pick-up at 07:30
• Guide must stop and allow the guests to take photos and interact with locals if they wish; important to allow guests to experience local life of the country.
• Language – 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 (Easia Travel T shirt if available)

Different Choice

• Less challenging – LAOS – Luang Prabang – Cycling the Charming trails of Chompet
• Less challenging – LAOS – Luang Prabang – Rural Chompet Explorer

Contact

• Bike supplier and support truck (Mr. Alounsack) – 020 55545444
• Boat supplier (Mr. Lom) – 020 55870214

English

Bike and Boat Adventure

Today, you’re in for an adventurous ride through mountainous countryside, followed by a delicious lunch cruise back to the city. Your journey starts with a river crossing on the public ferry followed by a pleasant warm-up cycle through the populated area of Chompet. The paved road soon gives way to a dirt road, and the surroundings become quieter and more peaceful. You will soon come to a stream, which is the perfect place for a break before the terrain becomes a bit steeper. Your route will pass through jungle-clad mountains and traditional villages before ascending slowly through hillside farms to the top of a ridge with beautiful views. The reward after the ride up is a descending trail of nearly 7 kilometers that ends in the charming village of Ban Khaeng Khaen on the banks of the Mekong River. It is here that a boat will await you to transport you back downriver. This is a transfer in comfort and style, complete with a delicious lunch, and an optional stop at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves before arriving back in Luang Prabang town. 

Level: 3
Distance and duration of cycling: approximately 28 kilometers – 4 hours cycling
Total elevation gain: 0 meters (+ 575 / – 483 meters)
Terrain: mainly dirt roads / undulating with a few long uphill sections
Transportation: 10 minutes to the boat pier
Notes: Duration of the full activity: approximately – 07 h 30 – 16 h 30. Visit to Pak Ou Caves is optional.

French

Aventure à vélo et retour en bateau

Aujourd’hui, vous allez vivre une aventure à travers la campagne montagneuse, suivie d’un délicieux déjeuner-croisière de retour en ville. Votre voyage commence par une traversée de la rivière sur le ferry public, suivie d’un agréable tour de chauffe à travers la zone peuplée de Chompet. La route goudronnée cède bientôt la place à un chemin de terre, et les environs deviennent plus calmes et plus paisibles. Vous arriverez bientôt à un ruisseau, qui est l’endroit idéal pour faire une pause avant que le terrain ne devienne un peu plus escarpé. Vous traverserez des montagnes recouvertes de jungle et des villages traditionnels avant de monter lentement à travers des fermes à flanc de colline jusqu’au sommet d’une crête offrant des vues magnifiques. La récompense après la montée est une piste descendante de près de 7 kilomètres qui se termine dans le charmant village de Ban Khaeng Khaen sur les rives du Mékong. C’est là qu’un bateau vous attendra pour vous ramener en aval. Il s’agit d’un transfert dans le confort et le style, avec un délicieux déjeuner et un arrêt facultatif aux mystérieuses grottes de Pak Ou avant de revenir dans la ville de Luang Prabang.

Niveau : 3
Distance et durée de l’activité à vélo : environ 28 kilomètres – 4 heures de vélo
Dénivelé total: 0 mètres (+ 575 / – 483 mètres)
Type de terrain : principalement des routes de terre en zigzag avec quelques longues portions de routes en montée
Transport : 10 minutes jusqu’au quai
Remarques : horaires de début et de fin de l’activité (env.) : 7 h 30 à 16 h 30. La visite des grottes de Pak Ou est en option.

Spanish

Aventura en bici y barco

Hoy le espera un aventurero paseo por la campiña montañosa, seguido de un delicioso almuerzo crucero de regreso a la ciudad. El viaje comienza con un cruce del río en el transbordador público, seguido de un agradable recorrido de calentamiento por la populosa zona de Chompet. La carretera asfaltada pronto da paso a un camino de tierra, y el entorno se vuelve más tranquilo y apacible. Pronto llegará a un arroyo, el lugar perfecto para hacer un descanso antes de que el terreno se vuelva un poco más escarpado. La ruta atravesará montañas cubiertas de selva y aldeas tradicionales antes de ascender lentamente por las granjas de las laderas hasta la cima de una cresta con hermosas vistas. La recompensa tras la subida es un sendero descendente de casi 7 kilómetros que termina en el encantador pueblo de Ban Khaeng Khaen, a orillas del río Mekong. Aquí le esperará un barco que le transportará de vuelta río abajo. Se trata de un traslado con comodidad y estilo, que se completa con un delicioso almuerzo y una parada opcional en las misteriosas cuevas de Pak Ou antes de llegar de nuevo a la ciudad de Luang Prabang.

Nivel: 3.
Distancia y duración del trayecto en bici: aproximadamente 28 kilómetros – 4 horas.
Altitud total: 0 metros (+ 575 / – 483 metros).
Terreno: principalmente carreteras de tierra / ondulante, con algunas secciones ascendentes largas.
Transporte: 10 minutos hasta el barco del puerto.
Notas: Duración de la actividad completa: aproximadamente de 07:30 a 16:30. La visita a las cuevas de Pak Ou es opcional.

Italian

Avventura in bici e in barca

Oggi vi aspetta un’avventurosa pedalata attraverso la campagna montana, seguita da un delizioso pranzo in crociera per tornare in città. Il viaggio inizia con l’attraversamento del fiume sul traghetto pubblico, seguito da una piacevole pedalata di riscaldamento attraverso la zona popolata di Chompet. La strada asfaltata lascia presto il posto a una strada sterrata e l’ambiente diventa più tranquillo e silenzioso. Si arriva presto a un ruscello, che è il luogo perfetto per una pausa prima che il terreno diventi un po’ più ripido. Il percorso passa attraverso montagne ricoperte di giungla e villaggi tradizionali, prima di salire lentamente attraverso fattorie in collina fino alla cima di un crinale con una splendida vista. La ricompensa dopo la salita è un sentiero in discesa di quasi 7 chilometri che termina nell’affascinante villaggio di Ban Khaeng Khaen, sulle rive del fiume Mekong. Qui vi attende una barca che vi riporterà a valle. Si tratta di un trasferimento all’insegna del comfort e dello stile, completo di un delizioso pranzo e di una sosta facoltativa alle misteriose Grotte di Pak Ou prima di rientrare nella città di Luang Prabang.

Livello 3
Distanza e durata del giro in bicicletta: circa 28 chilometri – 4 ore in bicicletta
Dislivello totale: 0 metri (+ 575 / – 483 metri)
Terreno: principalmente strade sterrate / ondulate con alcune lunghe sezioni in salita
Trasporto: 10 minuti al molo della barca
Note: Durata dell’attività completa: circa: 07:30 – 16:30. La visita alle grotte di Pak Ou è facoltativa.

German

Fahrrad-und-Boot-Abenteuer

Heute erwartet Sie eine abenteuerliche Fahrt durch die bergige Landschaft, gefolgt von einer köstlichen Mittagsfahrt zurück in die Stadt. Ihre Reise beginnt mit einer Flussüberquerung auf der öffentlichen Fähre, gefolgt von einer angenehmen Aufwärmfahrt durch das besiedelte Gebiet von Chompet. Die asphaltierte Straße weicht bald einem Feldweg, und die Umgebung wird ruhiger und friedlicher. Bald kommen Sie an einen Bach, an dem Sie eine Pause einlegen können, bevor das Gelände etwas steiler wird. Die Route führt durch dschungelbewachsene Berge und traditionelle Dörfer, bevor sie langsam durch Bauernhöfe in den Hügeln bis zur Spitze eines Bergrückens mit schöner Aussicht ansteigt. Die Belohnung nach dem Aufstieg ist ein fast 7 Kilometer langer Abstieg, der in dem charmanten Dorf Ban Khaeng Khaen am Ufer des Mekong endet. Hier erwartet Sie ein Boot, das Sie wieder flussabwärts bringt. Dies ist ein komfortabler und stilvoller Transfer mit einem köstlichen Mittagessen und einem optionalen Halt bei den geheimnisvollen Pak Ou-Höhlen, bevor Sie wieder in Luang Prabang ankommen.

Level: 3
Strecke und Dauer der Radtour: etwa 28 Kilometer – 4 Stunden Radfahrt
Gesamt-Höhenunterschied: 0 Meter (+575 / -483 Meter)
Terrain: hauptsächlich Schotterstraßen / hügelig mit ein paar langen Aufstiegen
Anfahrt: 10 Minuten bis zum Bootspier
Hinweise: Dauer der gesamten Aktivität: etwa von 7.30 bis 16.30 Uhr. Der Besuch der Pak-Ou-Höhlen ist optional.

• Product Photos