This 10 day tour will cover the Southern highlights of Laos. It will encompass both on and off-road sections, but nothing too challenging for the novice rider. Lodging and guest houses are typically very comfortable and have all modern conveniences, such as hot water and en suite facilities. Some of the tour highlights will include:
- Limestone Forest
- Ancient Buddha Caves of Thakek
- Kayaking the 4,000 Island Waterways and Albino Irrawaddy Dolphins
- Dong Hua Sao National Forest
- Tad Fane Waterfall and Boloven Plateau
- Kong Lor Caves
- Wat Phou Angkor Era Temple Complex
The basic itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: A short drive from Vientiane to Thakek, about 4-6 hours depending on group size, but an easy route. We will spend the later part of the day to visit the Buddha Caves. Excellent off road area if the group would like to explore the countryside. Lodging at the Thakek Travel Lodge.
Day 2: Depart Thakek for Pakse, old French Capitol. We will spend the day exploring the French Capitol and surround areas of interest and scenery. Lodging at the famous Hotel Pakse.
Day 3: Depart Pakse for Champassak. This is a very easy and short drive, mostly relaxing to take in the scenes..in Champassak we will have one ferry crossing before reaching the ancient ruins of Wat Phou. This is considered the best preserved example of Angkor Era architecture in Laos and shows just how far reaching the empire was. Lodging will be at the Hotel Inthera, very nice boutique hotel in the countryside. The menu alone is worth the stop!!
Day 4: Depart Champassak to arrive Kong Island. There is an option here for off road or on. Either way, we will have one ferry crossing here to reach the island. Check into Sousank Guest House for a hot shower and dinner.
Day 5: We will spend this day exploring the 4,00 rivers area with kayaks and guides. Lunch will be served in one of the villages along the way. if the water conditions are too low, another activity will be substituted, according to group consensus.. That night back at the Sou sank.
Day 6: From Kong Island we will drive a good portion of this day. We will have sections in the jungle with several water crossings on the bike. There will also be sections on tarmac with some of the best winding mountain roads in Laos. Pure beauty and stunning scenery. That night will be spent at the famous Tad Fane Eco Lodge and Resort. Your mountain hut will overlook the valley floor more than 1000M below you!!!! A magnificent lodge in an amazing setting.
Days 7 & 8: These day will be spent touring in the border regions and areas of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. There are weather and route concerns that make planning this area crucial. These routes will have to be decided as weather and seasons permit. The terrain will consist of jungle and mud, sealed tarmac, and chipped laterite type surfaces, and just about anything else you could imagine!!! we will be heading in a Northerly direction with the Kong Lor caves in our sights!!
Day 9: Arrive in Sala Hinboum for the last night of our adventure. The guest house sites right on the riverfront and offers great views of surrounding mountains and caves. We will explore the caves today or the next depending on arrival time
Day 10: The final drive home……back to Vientiane for bike return and wind down!!! Hope you enjoyed yourself!!
Cost is;
$ 2,499.99 for DBL occupancy
$2,699.99 is for Single
JUST A REMINDER…..THE ABOVE PRICES INCLUDE ALL COSTS, WITH EXCEPTION TO ALCOHOL. ALL MEALS, ALL PETROL, ALL LODGING, PARK FEES, EVEN WATER. IF YOU DON’T DRINK, DON’T OPEN YOUR WALLET!!!