Guided Northern Vietnam to Laos Discovery Multi-Adventure Tour

Discover the magic of Southeast Asia on a nine-day journey that blends adventure, culture, and authentic encounters across northern Vietnam and the timeless charm of Luang Prabang, Laos. This immersive experience takes you from tranquil valleys and limestone peaks to ancient capitals and riverside heritage towns, offering an inspiring mix of exploration and relaxation.

Our adventure begins in the tranquil valley of Mai Chau, a patchwork of rice terraces and limestone peaks. Here, gentle hikes and cycling trails lead through peaceful Thai villages, where everyday life unfolds amid bamboo stilt houses and golden fields. Along the way, connect with local communities, learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine during an interactive cooking class, and discover the timeless rhythms of rural life.

From there, journey to Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land.” Glide through the serene waterways of the Trang An Grottoes by boat, cycle beneath dramatic karst cliffs, and climb to the viewpoint at Hang Mua Cave for sweeping vistas. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and trace the echoes of dynasties that once ruled this fertile region.

Crossing into Laos, we arrive in enchanting Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Here, gilded temples and saffron-robed monks set a serene tone for days filled with exploration and discovery. Cycle through the town’s charming lanes, sample delicious bites on a guided street food tour, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, and engage in traditional Laotian cooking and craft workshop.

Each evening, unwind in handpicked boutique resorts and hotels that reflect the region’s natural beauty and warmth. With its perfect blend of activity, authenticity, and cultural depth, this journey offers a deeply rewarding way to experience the landscapes and spirit of Vietnam and Laos.

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

casual 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

Cycle along peaceful country lanes bordered by terraced rice fields and dramatic karst cliffs, pausing in villages to connect with locals and experience daily rural life firsthand.

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Exploring Ninh Binh

Visit Hang Mua Cave for sweeping panoramic vistas, cruise the emerald waterways of the Trang An Grottoes, and explore Hoa Lu Ancient City, delving into the fascinating history of Vietnam’s first dynasties

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Luang Prabang Cultural Immersion

Ride through the UNESCO-listed town, savor local flavors on a street food tour, meet gentle giants at an ethical elephant sanctuary, and immerse ourselves in Laotian culture through cooking and craft workshops.

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.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1HanoiL, D
DAY 2Mai ChauMai Chau Ecolodge (4-Star)B, L, D25 km / 16 mihiking
DAY 3Mai ChauMai Chau Ecolodge (4-Star)B,L,D 25 km / 16 micycling
DAY 4Mai ChauMai Chau Ecolodge (4-Star)B, L, Dhiking, culinary
DAY 5Ninh Binh Le Clos du FilB, L, Dhiking
DAY 6Ninh Binh Le Clos du FilB,L30 km / 19 micycling
DAY 7Luang Prabang Villa Chitdara hotelB, L, D12 km / 7 micycling
DAY 8Luang Prabang Villa Chitdara hotelB,L35 km / 22 micycling
DAY 9Luang Prabang Villa Chitdara hotelB,L,D culinary
DAY 10DepartureBcycling

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, we settle into our hotel before stepping out to discover the city’s vibrant soul. We begin the journey with a guided stroll through the enchanting Old Quarter, where narrow lanes buzz with motorbikes, sizzling street food, and tiny cafés spilling onto the sidewalks. Experience Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage with a traditional Water Puppet Show — an age-old art form that tells local legends through graceful puppets dancing on water. Later, we sit back for a leisurely cyclo ride, weaving through Hanoi’s tree-shaded avenues and tranquil lakesides. As night falls, we join our fellow travelers for a warm welcome dinner, sharing stories and toasting to the adventures that await.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
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Day 2: Mai Chau

Our adventure begins with a transfer from Hanoi to the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, where time seems to slow amid a landscape of emerald rice fields and towering limestone hills. Here, in villages of the ethnic Thai people, life unfolds in harmony with nature and tradition.

After settling into our cozy lodge, we set out on an easy afternoon hike to stretch our legs and take in the scenery. The path winds through rice paddies and bamboo forests, past wooden stilt houses and smiling locals at work in the fields. It’s a gentle and heartwarming start to our journey through the quiet countryside of northern Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 25 km / 16 mi
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Day 3: Mai Chau

After a filling breakfast, we mount our bikes for a 25 km loop through the scenic beauty of Mai Chau. Our route winds along peaceful country lanes, with terraced rice fields stretching out on either side and striking limestone cliffs rising in the distance. We pedal through quiet villages where life moves at a gentle pace, catching glimpses of water buffalo in the fields, farmers at work, and children waving warmly from their stilted homes.

The ride offers plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and connect with local life along the way. By afternoon, we return to our lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at our own pace, soaking in the calm and charm of the valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 25 km / 16 mi
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Day 4: Mai Chau

Today offers a perfect mix of adventure and cultural discovery. We start the morning with a guided hike through the Mai Chau Valley, following paths that wind through terraced rice fields, sparkling streams, and peaceful villages. The vibrant green landscape comes alive with glimpses of farmers working as their ancestors have for generations. Along the way, our guide shares fascinating stories and insights into local customs, helping us feel connected to the rhythms of rural life.

After returning to our lodge to relax and recharge, we dive into a hands-on cooking session in the afternoon. Under the guidance of skilled local chefs, we work with fresh herbs and vegetables to craft traditional northern Vietnamese dishes. The class ends with a shared meal, where we savor our creations and celebrate the flavors we’ve helped bring to life. The evening is ours to unwind, enjoying the calm and beauty of the valley as the day draws to a close.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5: Ninh Binh

This morning, we leave the serene Mai Chau Valley behind and travel to Ninh Binh, a landscape of striking limestone karsts rising from vibrant rice fields, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” After checking in and freshening up at our hotel, we begin our afternoon adventure with a climb to Hang Mua Cave. Together, we tackle 500 stone steps, each one bringing us closer to a sweeping view of winding rivers, patchwork paddies, and jagged peaks stretching into the distance—a breathtaking welcome to this remarkable region.

Next, we set out to explore the enchanting Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boarding our boat, we glide along calm emerald waterways, passing through caves and hidden valleys flanked by towering cliffs. The only sounds are the gentle splash of our oars and the calls of birds echoing across the limestone walls.

After the boat ride, take a short countryside hike, offering another perspective of this unique landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil
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Day 6: Ninh Binh

This morning, we set off on a 30 km cycling adventure through Ninh Binh’s peaceful countryside, pedaling past emerald rice paddies, quiet villages, and dramatic karst cliffs that define the region’s iconic landscape. Along the way, we stop to explore Hoa Lu Ancient City, Vietnam’s first capital from the 10th century. Together, we wander through historic temples dedicated to former emperors and uncover stories from the nation’s early dynasties.

The relaxed pace of our ride gives us plenty of time to connect with daily life in the countryside—watching farmers at work in the fields, stopping for tea with locals, and soaking in the rhythm of rural Vietnam. By afternoon, we return to our hotel to unwind and enjoy some free time, reflecting on a morning filled with history, culture, and stunning scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 30 km / 19 mi
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil
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Day 7: Luang Prabang

We start the morning at a relaxed pace, taking some time to unwind before our journey continues. Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Once we arrive, we check into our hotel and take a moment to soak in the sweeping views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

In the late afternoon, we hop on our bikes for a gentle 12 km ride around the city, winding through streets lined with gilded temples, elegant French colonial villas, and vibrant local markets. As evening sets in, we stroll through the lively night market, sampling a variety of authentic Laotian dishes on a guided food tour. The day ends with the sights, flavors, and atmosphere of Luang Prabang leaving us fully immersed in the city’s unique culture and charm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 12 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Villa Chitdara hotel
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Day 8: Luang Prabang

We begin the day with a short drive through Luang Prabang’s picturesque countryside to Mandolao Elephant Camp, where we meet these gentle giants in an ethical, sustainable environment. Together, we learn about the elephants’ cultural importance and ongoing conservation efforts, observing them roam freely and interact naturally. It’s an inspiring and moving experience that connects us to Laos’ remarkable wildlife heritage. We pause for lunch at the camp, recharging for the afternoon ahead.

Later, we hop on our bikes for a scenic ride back toward the city. Along the route, we stop by the Henry Mahout Statue before veering into the countryside to explore Ban Pik Noy village. Cycling through Xiengkhong and XienLeck villages, we witness artisans at work, from parchment making to traditional weaving, gaining insight into local crafts and daily life.

By evening, we return to our hotel to relax. Whether taking a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoying a quiet drink while watching the sunset over the hills, we reflect on a day filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable connections.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
Accommodation: Villa Chitdara hotel
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Day 9: Luang Prabang

On our final day in Luang Prabang, we immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant flavors and creative traditions. We begin the morning at the local market, selecting fresh ingredients before heading to an open kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Together, we prepare a variety of authentic Laotian dishes and later enjoy the meal we’ve crafted, savoring every bite.

In the afternoon, we visit Ock Pop Tok, a living craft center, for a 2-hour ethnic craft workshop. Here, we learn about the textile traditions, motifs, and folktales of the Tai Lue, Tai Daeng, and Akha communities participating in the Village Weavers Project. Guided by skilled artisans, we create bracelets, keychains, and dreamcatchers as special keepsakes to take home that tell the story of Laos’ rich craft heritage.

We end the day with dinner at Khaiphaen Restaurant, an NGO initiative that supports marginalized youth through vocational training. As we enjoy the delicious food, we celebrate the perfect finale to our journey, filled with culture, creativity, and the warm spirit of Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Villa Chitdara hotel

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: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $450



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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. It 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

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.

Is proof of medical 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.

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.

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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