Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Guided Northern Vietnam to Laos in Luxury Multi-Adventure Tour

This nine-day journey takes us through the scenic landscapes of northern Vietnam and the cultural heart of Luang Prabang, Laos, blending adventure, culture, and local experiences. We begin in Mai Chau, a serene valley surrounded by limestone mountains and terraced rice paddies. Gentle hikes and cycling loops allow us to explore ethnic Thai villages, meet friendly locals, and immerse ourselves in traditional rural life. Hands-on activities like Vietnamese cooking classes provide a deeper connection to local culture and cuisine.

Next, we transfer to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” where towering karst cliffs rise from emerald rice fields. Highlights include climbing Hang Mua Cave for panoramic views, exploring the Trang An Grottoes by boat, cycling through the countryside, and visiting Hoa Lu Ancient City, Vietnam’s first capital.

In Luang Prabang, Laos, we experience a UNESCO World Heritage town rich with gilded temples, colonial villas, and bustling street markets. Activities include cycling tours, a street food tour, visiting an ethical elephant camp, and participating in Laotian cooking and craft workshops.

Throughout the journey, we stay in carefully selected resorts and boutique hotels, providing relaxation amid breathtaking scenery. This itinerary balances adventure, cultural immersion, and leisure, offering an unforgettable journey through northern Vietnam and Laos.

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

premiere hotels

Start

Mai Chau

Finish

Luang Prabang

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Fly-Out

Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)

Highlights

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Cycling Mai Chau Valley

Pedal along quiet country roads flanked by terraced rice paddies and karst cliffs, stopping in villages to meet locals and witness traditional rural life

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Exploring Ninh Binh

Climb Hang Mua Cave for panoramic views, glide along emerald waterways of Trang An Grottoes, and visit Hoa Lu Ancient City, discovering Vietnam’s early dynastic history

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Luang Prabang Cultural Immersion

Cycle through the UNESCO town, enjoy a street food tour, visit an ethical elephant camp, and take part in Laotian cooking and craft workshops for a hands-on cultural experience

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacepremiere InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1Hanoi L, D
DAY 2Mai ChauAvana Retreat (5-Star) B, L, Dhiking
DAY 3Mai ChauAvana Retreat (5-Star)B,L,D 25 km / 16 micycling, culinary
DAY 4Mai ChauAvana Retreat (5-Star)B, L, Dhiking, culinary
DAY 5Ninh Binh Tam Coc Garden Resort (4-Star)B, L, Dhiking
DAY 6Ninh Binh Tam Coc Garden Resort (4-Star)B, L 30 km / 19 micycling
DAY 7Luang Prabang Satri House (5-Star)B, L, D12 km / 7 micycling
DAY 8Luang Prabang Satri House (5-Star)B,L 35 km / 22 micycling
DAY 9Luang Prabang Satri House (5-Star)B,L,D culinary
DAY 10DepartureBcycling

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! After arriving in Hanoi, we check into our hotel. This afternoon, dive straight into the charm of Hanoi with a guided walk through the bustling Old Quarter — a maze of lively alleys lined with street vendors, aromatic food stalls, and age-old shop houses. Continue cultural introduction with a captivating Water Puppet Show, a traditional performance that brings Vietnam’s folklore to life on a shimmering stage of water. Then, relax on a classic cyclo ride, gliding past the city’s tree-lined boulevards and lakes as daily life unfolds around you. This evening, we gather with our group for a festive welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your Vietnamese adventure.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
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Day 2: Mai Chau

Our day begins with a scenic drive from bustling Hanoi to the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, where time seems to slow amid emerald rice terraces and dramatic limestone peaks. As we arrive at our hotel, the air feels fresher, the scenery greener, and the pace of life beautifully unhurried. In the afternoon, we set out on a gentle hike through lush fields and whispering bamboo groves, passing charming stilt houses and meeting friendly Thai villagers who still live much as their ancestors did.

It’s a perfect first taste of rural Vietnam’s quiet beauty and warmth. As the sun dips behind the mountains, we come together for a welcome dinner at the retreat, savoring authentic Vietnamese flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of this serene land.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3: Mai Chau

After a hearty breakfast, we hop on our bikes for an unforgettable 20–30 km loop through Mai Chau’s postcard-perfect countryside. The ride winds along quiet rural roads, flanked by lush rice terraces and towering karst cliffs that seem to rise straight from the earth. As we pedal through peaceful villages, we catch glimpses of farmers tending their fields, water buffalo grazing lazily, and children waving with bright smiles from wooden porches.

It’s the kind of ride that invites you to slow down, take photos, and truly connect with the rhythm of village life. By afternoon, we return to the comfort of our hotel, where time is ours to relax — perhaps a swim, a spa session, or simply soaking in the mountain calm. As evening falls, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant, reliving the day’s moments over delicious Vietnamese flavors.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 25 km / 16 mi
Accommodation: Avana Retreat (5-Star)
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Day 4: Mai Chau

Today is a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion. We start the morning with a guided hike through the valley, winding across terraced fields, sparkling mountain streams, and charming rural villages. The landscape bursts with vibrant shades of green, and we catch glimpses of farmers at work, practicing age-old traditions that have shaped life here for generations. Along the way, our guide shares fascinating insights into local customs, giving us a deeper connection to the people and places around us.

After returning to the resort for a little rest, we dive into a hands-on cooking experience in the afternoon. Guided by skilled local chefs, we learn to craft regional dishes using fresh herbs and vegetables, mastering traditional techniques step by step. The class ends with a shared meal, where we savor the fruits of our efforts and celebrate the flavors of northern Vietnam together. The evening is ours to unwind, enjoying the peace and serenity of the retreat as the valley settles into twilight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Avana Retreat (5-Star)
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Day 5: Ninh Binh

This morning, we leave the peaceful valley of Mai Chau and journey to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald rice fields. After arriving at our hotel and freshening up, we kick off the afternoon with a climb to Hang Mua Cave. Together, we ascend 500 stone steps, rewarded at the top with a breathtaking panoramic view of rivers, rice paddies, and jagged peaks stretching as far as the eye can see—a perfect introduction to this stunning region.

Next, we head to the magical Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boarding our boat, we glide along emerald waterways, winding through caves and hidden valleys framed by towering cliffs. The only sounds are the rhythmic splash of our oars and the calls of birds echoing through the limestone formations. After disembarking, we stretch our legs on a short countryside hike, taking in yet another perspective of this extraordinary landscape.

As the day winds down, we return to our resort to unwind amid lush gardens, before gathering for dinner, where fresh, farm-to-table flavors provide the perfect end to a day of adventure and discovery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6: Ninh Binh

This morning, we set out on a 30 km cycling loop through the tranquil countryside of Ninh Binh, where rice paddies stretch to the horizon and karst cliffs rise dramatically from the landscape. Pedaling along quiet lanes and past small villages, we pause to soak in the quintessentially Vietnamese scenery at every turn.

Along the route, we visit Hoa Lu Ancient City, Vietnam’s first capital in the 10th century. Here, we explore ancient temples dedicated to former emperors, uncovering fascinating stories of the country’s early dynasties. The gentle pace of our ride leaves plenty of time for cultural encounters — we watch farmers harvesting rice, stop for tea in a local village, and connect with the rhythm of rural life.

Upon returning to hotel in the afternoon, we have time to relax and unwind amid serene surroundings, reflecting on a day full of adventure, history, and the timeless beauty of northern Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 30 km / 19 mi
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Day 7: Luang Prabang

We begin the day with a leisurely morning, enjoying some time to relax before our next adventure. Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival, we settle into our hotel.

In the late afternoon, we hop on our bikes for a gentle 12 km city tour, weaving past gilded temples, charming French colonial villas, and lively streets teeming with local life. As evening falls, we explore the bustling night market, sampling an array of authentic Laotian delicacies on a guided food tour. The day concludes with the rich flavours, sights, and atmosphere of Luang Prabang, leaving us immersed in the city’s unique culture and charm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 12 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Satri House (5-Star)
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Day 8: Luang Prabang

We start the day with a short transfer through the scenic countryside of Luang Prabang to Mandolao Elephant Camp, where we meet these gentle giants in an ethical and sustainable setting. Here, we learn about the elephants’ cultural significance and ongoing conservation efforts, observing them in their natural surroundings. The experience is both educational and moving, offering a deep connection to Laos’ rich wildlife heritage. Lunch is served at the camp, giving us a chance to recharge.

In the afternoon, we hop on our bikes for a scenic ride back to the city. Along the way, we pass the Henry Mahout Statue before diverting into the countryside to explore Ban Pik Noy village. Our journey continues through Xiengkhong and XienLeck villages, where we witness traditional parchment making and artisan weaving, gaining insight into local craftsmanship and daily life.

We return to our hotel in the evening, with time to unwind — perhaps a refreshing dip in the pool or a quiet sunset drink overlooking the hills, reflecting on a day full of adventure, culture, and unforgettable encounters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
Accommodation: Satri House (5-Star)
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Day 9: Luang Prabang

On our final day in Luang Prabang, we dive into the flavors and creativity of Laotian culture. We start the morning at the local market, selecting the freshest ingredients before heading to an open-plan kitchen for our hands-on cooking class, where we prepare and later enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

Later, we continue the cultural journey at Ock Pop Tok, the living craft center. Here, we join a 2-hour ethnic craft workshop, learning about the unique textile traditions, motifs, and folktales of the Tai Lue, Tai Daeng, and Akha communities involved in the Village Weavers Project. Together, we craft keychains, bracelets, and dreamcatchers to take home as meaningful keepsakes.

The day culminates with dinner at the beloved Khaiphaen Restaurant, an NGO initiative that provides vocational opportunities to marginalized youth, where we enjoy delicious food while supporting a wonderful cause. It’s a perfect final taste of Luang Prabang’s rich culture, creativity, and heart.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Satri House (5-Star)

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, we enjoy a leisurely morning at our own pace, depending on our flight schedule. Take a final stroll through Luang Prabang’s charming streets, visit a nearby temple, or simply relax at the resort one last time, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. When it’s time to depart, we leave with unforgettable memories of stunning landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and days filled with adventure, discovery, and relaxation

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $1,600



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

What to Expect

We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:

The airfare for Hanoi to Luang Prabang flight is included in the tour package.

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour begins in Mai Chau. It is served by Noi Bai International Airport. You can either pre-book a taxi or hire a cab at the arrivals. The drive to hotel in Mai Chau will take approximately 3-4 hours.

Departure

Your tour ends in Luang Prabang which is served by Luang Prabang International Airport. You can pre-book a taxi to reach the airport. The drive takes around 10–15 minutes.

Airport transfer: Hanoi to Luang Prabang

The nearest airport in Hanoi is Noi Bai International Airport. You can arrange a taxi from hotel to ensure a smooth transfer to the airport.

Note: The airfare for Hanoi to Luang Prabang flight is included.

Weather

This journey spans northern Vietnam to northern Laos, covering mountainous valleys, rural countryside, and riverine cities, offering diverse climates. Northern Vietnam (Mai Chau and Ninh Binh) experiences a subtropical climate with cool winters (November–February) and warm, humid summers (May–August). The best months for adventure are March–April and September–October, when temperatures are mild (20–28°C), rainfall is low, and skies are generally clear, ideal for cycling, hiking, and sightseeing. Summers can be hot and wet, while winters may be chilly, especially in mountainous areas.

As the tour moves into Luang Prabang, Laos, the climate shifts slightly to a tropical monsoon pattern. Dry season (November–April) offers sunny days, pleasant temperatures (25–32°C), and low humidity, perfect for outdoor exploration, cycling, and cultural activities. The wet season (May–October) brings heavy afternoon showers and higher humidity, which can affect river activities and trekking.

Overall, a late winter to early spring departure (February–April) or late autumn (September–October) provides the most comfortable conditions for a multi-adventure tour, balancing sunny skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making the combination of cycling, hiking, cultural visits, and river excursions most enjoyable.

January

Mixed

February

Best

March

Best

April

Best

May

Mixed

June

Mixed

July

Offseason

August

Offseason

September

Good

October

Best

November

Good

December

Mixed

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The airfare for Hanoi to Luang Prabang flight is included in the tour package.

A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.

Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.

E-bike availability on our Laos routes is very limited and therefore must be confirmed during the advisory stage of your booking process.

Eligibility & Availability Criteria:

  • Only 4 e-bikes are available across these routes.
  • E-bikes are offered strictly to guests who meet the height requirement of 165–180 cm.
  • Available frame sizes are Medium and Large only.

We will check availability based on your travel dates and height and inform you of the best possible option. As supply is limited, we recommend early requests for the highest chance of securing an e-bike.

On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:

  • Adjusting saddle height
  • Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
  • Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
  • Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
  • A short test ride to check comfort

Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.

During the Tour

Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.

What to Expect

Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.

Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.

For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.

Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.

Yes — we do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements. Vegetarian options are available in larger towns and tourist areas in Laos, but choices can be limited, particularly in rural regions where meat and fish are common staples. Vegan and gluten-free options are even less widely understood, so availability may vary significantly.

If you follow a strict vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diet, we recommend carrying a few essential staples as a backup, especially for remote sections of the trip.

Please inform your tour guide at the start of the tour, and we will make every effort to arrange suitable meals and assist you in sourcing appropriate items from local markets in bigger towns when possible.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.

We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.

Farmers in northern Thailand and Laos typically burn crop residue from late-March to early-June. We do not recommend this as a good time to go cycling in northern Thailand and Laos.

We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:

  1. CDC portal for travelers from the US
  2. NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
  3. Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.

In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.

  1. US residents may refer to the State Department's travel and vaccination advice for Laos here.
  2. UK residents may refer to the FCDO's travel advice for Laos here.
  3. Residents of Australia may refer to Australian government's travel advice including medical advice for Laos here.

While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.

Tips are not included in your tour price.

As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.

This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.

However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.

It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.

In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.

When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.

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