Northern Laos - Cycling for the Soul - 11 days

Cycling for the Soul is a health retreat on 2 wheels! The aim is to de-stress and unwind whilst cycling through a country hardly tainted by tourism and practice yoga and meditation along with way. The itinerary allows for plenty of opportunities to get some pampering with daily massages from one of our resident masseuses too.

You will get the chance to enhance your spiritual health and wellbeing and marvel at some amazing scenery at the same time. You will laugh with the children as we cycle through villages as they run out to the side of the road shouting "Sabai Dii" and try to high five us as we go past. Eat some fabulous food and last but not the least, finish renewed and refreshed!

SoulFit Adventures works in collaboration with the best local tour operators making sure that where and whenever possible we positively benefit the local community - by staying at locally owned accommodation, generating income for local businesses, employing only local guides, drivers and assistants throughout the whole trip to ensure that the local community benefits not only in the short term but in the long term.

The maximum numbers of participants on each tour are strictly limited to 8.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Luang Prabang (D) .

Check into our hotel, which is a 33-room boutique property and is anchored by the 1938-built residence of Princess Khampieng and Prince Khamtan, a grandson of the 19th Century King Zakarine. Enjoy a relaxing massage before a 'Welcome to Laos' dinner. Overnight at Villa Maly - www.villa-maly.com - standard room

Day 2: Luang Prabang Past, Present and Future (B, L)

This morning we take a half day bike trip that will take you to the secrets of the town's wetlands, centuries old temples, a Saa Paper village, a blacksmith village, and an orphanage school. At the orphanage school, you will visit the small gallery and vegetable gardens that are managed by the children. Before going back to the town, you will visit a weaving centre, where you get an explanation of the silk weaving process. Look at silkworm, natural dyes and meet the weavers. Enjoy a local lunch at the weaving centre. This afternoon enjoy an easy cycling tour visiting Wat Visun, Wat Aham, the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, walking along the street, Wat Mai. Then climb Phusi hill to enjoy the view overlooking the city and watch the amazing sunset. From here we can see the magic Mekong and the small Nam Khan rivers. This evening you have to yourselves. Maybe explore the local restaurants or indulge in another relaxing massage, the choice is yours. Overnight at Villa Maly

Day 3: Luang Prabang- Nong Kiaw 70 km (B,L)

We start today transferring by vehicle and then cycle 70 km to Nong Khiaw, a small town on the banks of the Nam Ou River. Nong Kiaow boasts a gorgeous backdrop of imposing limestone mountains, picturesque river views and genuine local colour. If time permits, explore the several caves in the immediate area, one of which was apparently the site of many deaths when local villagers sheltered there during the war. Alternatively relax, walk and play in the river with the local children. Overnight at Nong Khiaw riverside - www.nongkiau.com

Day 4: Nong Kiaw - Muang Khoua by boat on the Nam Ou River (B,L)

Today the Nam Ou, which is one of the most beautiful rivers in the region awaits. We journey slowly upstream. Here, where there are no roads, life feels completely different from what we are accustomed! And, we want to share in this peace and tranquillity. Let's stop on the way to visit and discover some remote villages. Overnight at Senaly - basic room (best hotel in town)

Day 5: Muang Khoua - Muang La 70 km (B,L,D)

Today we cycle 70 km to reach the village of Muang La. The lush green vegetation and houses made of wood and bamboo are met by two rushing rivers: the Nam Phak and the smaller Nam La. Aside from its general beauty and attractive, ancient wat, the main reason for foreigners to visit this town is the hot springs. Overnight at Muang La resort - www.muangla.com

Day 6: Muang La (B, D)

A free day to do whatever takes your fancy. Join in some yoga, meditation, enjoy a massage, sauna, hot springs bath, some life coaching or simply do nothing! Overnight at Muang La resort

Day 7: Muang La - Oudomxai 30 km (B,L)

Start the day with a yoga and meditation session and then in the afternoon we cycle to the town of Oudomxai. Maybe finish the day with a massage with one of our resident masseuses. Overnight in Donsavanh Hotel

Day 8: Oudomxai - Muang Hong - Pak Beng 52 km (B,L,D)

After breakfast a transfer by minivan will bring you to Muang Hong, where you will start cycling for the day. This is probably one of the best roads of Laos. You will finish in the narrow valley of the Beng River at the northern section. This afternoon, if you are up for it, there is an optional elephant riding activity! Overnight in Pakbeng Lodge

Day 9: Pak Beng - Pak Ou Cave and cycle to Zen Nam Khan Resort 47 km (B,L) As we make our way down river, we will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. We will visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. You also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. From here we start cycling 47 km to the Zen Nam Khan Resort, a remote and peaceful resort, which we have all to ourselves! Over night at Zen Nam Khan Resort - www.zennamkhanresort.com

Day 10: Relaxing day and activity optional (B)

Guide on standby, activities to be advised

Day 11: Transfer to the airport for departure (B)

End of program, transfer for flight to Bangkok for connecting flights or continue on with your travels.

Departures:

17 January to 27 January 2011
23 May to 2 June 2011
17 October - 27 October 2011
15 November - 25 November 2011

Cost: AUD$2895.00 per person based on twin share (AUD$695.00 single supplement)

Operated by Soulfit Adventures

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Package includes:

Transportation in private bus or minivan or boat where indicated
10 nights' accommodation in hotels (twin share)
Welcome Massage on first and second day
All sightseeing activities as listed in the itinerary
SoulFit Adventures representative
English speaking local country guide
Admission fee to indicated sights as listed in the itinerary
All meals as indicated in the itinerary: B= breakfast, L= Lunch, D= dinner
Domestic government taxes and service charges
Luggage handling and daily drinking water
Bike rental on Trek 4400 mountain bikes (you are welcome to bring your own bike)
Air conditioned support vehicle, Hyundai with cabin
2 x masseuses travelling as part of the group
Health and fitness activities including daily stretching prior to morning start and at the end of each day cycling, yoga, guided meditation and energisation exercises

Not Included:

- International airfares - Visa fee on arrival US$30.00 per person - Departure airport tax US$10.00 per person - Travel Insurance - appropriate for all of the activities listed including cycling - Additional meals not mentioned in itinerary - Alcohol and soft drinks - Single room surcharge (additional AUD$695.00) - Hotel incidentals: mini bar, laundry, telephone - Tips and gratuities - Helmets (please note that helmets can be provided for you, however for hygiene reasons we would recommend bringing your own).