After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our ride directly from the hotel. Our first stop is the bustling town market, where local ethnic tribes gather each morning. The market is especially vibrant on Sundays, offering a colorful display of traditional dress, produce, and daily life.
We then continue our journey toward Chan Nua. This section of the ride is mostly downhill and relaxed, giving us plenty of time to interact with the Thai ethnic community. We’ll visit local homes, admire their solid wooden stilt houses, and gain deeper insight into their rich culture and way of life. The scenery becomes more dramatic as we cycle through deep valleys and descend along Road 128, with endless opportunities for photography.
Lunch is served in Chan Nua village before we embark on the final 20 km to Muong Lay. This stretch is gently undulating, winding alongside the river, through forested hills, and past lush greenery. As the sun begins to set behind the mountains, the golden light adds a magical touch to the ride.
We cross the Da River via a suspension bridge and arrive in Muong Lay. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy dinner in town.