12 Days Hoian Cycling To Luang Prabang

Cycling from Hoi An to Luang Prabang is a very ambitious journey! It's not a typical cycling route due to the distance, terrain, and logistics involved.The route would involve a mix of paved roads, dirt roads, and mountainous terrain. You'd encounter significant elevation changes, which can be challenging for cycling.While cycling from Hoi An to Luang Prabang is a challenging endeavor, there are other ways to experience the beauty of Southeast Asia

Tour Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Inclusions
Photos Gallery

Day 1: Hoi An – Hue
7:30 AM Van/bus takes you out Hoi An, have a little time to warm up your body before pedaling uphill to the peak of Hai Van pass. Then travel by back roads to the ocean, cycling through fishing villages and an ancient burial-ground of Hue (called a “ghost city” by the locals), to Hue city. Another option, keep biking on a little country roads to Hue city. Explore dinner by your own .

Summary

Cycling Distance : 85 km cycling
Meals : Lunch
Accommodation : Asia Hotel

Day 2: Hue – Phong Nha Cave
This morning we will visit the forbidden city, the capital of Vietnam from the 17th to 20th centuries, continue riding on single track trails to visit the Thien Mu pagoda before transfer out of Hue to Dong Ha and the afternoon we will cycling on Ho Chi Minh Trails to Phong Nha National Park .

Summary

Cycling Distance : 75 km cycling
Meals : Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Sai Gon -Phong Nha Hotel

Day 3 : Phong Nha National Park – Khe Sanh

Explore Phong Nha Cave in the early morning by boat . Continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Khe Sanh . The road is now quite flat and makes for good cruising! Stop en route to visit Truong Son Cemetary, a memorial to the tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who were killed in the Truong Son Mountains along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Fourteen miles further on is the town of Cam Lo – the Trail here intersects a strategic feeder road H9 and at this junction part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail heads across country into Laos. Transfer to Khe Sanh visiting war relics en route. Overnight Hotel in Khe Sanh .

Summary

Accommodation : Green Hotel

Meals : Breakfast , Break , Lunch , Dinner

Cycling distance : 70 Km

Day 4 : Khe Sanh – Dansavanh border – Muangphin

Breakfast 7:30 transfer to Lao Bao border to Cross Lao Bao border from Vietnam meet Lao guide at Lao immigration after immigration formalities start riding from border along road No. 9th, known as Ho Chi Minh trail during Vietnam War. Stop for lunch in a small town of Sepon district, after lunch we continue riding through the Lao tribe villages, the road is flat; we finally reach our destination of a small of Muang Phin where we stay overnight.,This road was strategic road when French attacked Laos and during Indochina war when north Vietnam attacked south Vietnam, communist army from north Vietnam came through Laos to south Vietnam, called Ho Chi Min trail, America dropped a lot of bombs to stopped north Vietnamese army but not success, in 1975 communist took over south Vietnam and Laos land mine scattered around the village and jungles

XEPON: is a pleasant rural stopover for those in transit on the route to Vietnam or Savannakhet. The original town of Xepon was destroyed during the war – along with every house of the district’s two hundred villages and was later rebuilt here 6km west of its original location, on the opposite bank of the Xe Banghiang River. The old city (written as “Tchepone” on some old maps) had been captured by communist forces in 1960 and became an important outpost on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. As such, it was the target of a joint South Vietnamese and American invasion in 1971, aimed at disrupting the flow of troops and supplies headed for communist forces in South Vietnam.,Muang Phin: An imposing Vietnamese-built monument to Lao-Vietnamese cooperation during the Indochina wars stands in Muang Phin, 155km east of Savannakhet and 34km west of Sepon. Done in the stark ‘Heroes of Socialism’ style, the monument depicts North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Pathet Lao (PL) soldiers waving an AK-47 and Lao flag aloft.

Summary

Distance: 80 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 5 : Muangphin – Xeno

We have breakfast at a local restaurant arrange by our guide, we continue on road No. 9th head west on direction to Thailand through the hill tribe villages and paddy fields, we stop for lunch at the local restaurant or by the road under the tree, we finally reach our destination in XENO, the cross road to Thailand, Vietnam, south Lao and north Laos, ,SENO was named by French, when French attacked Laos, this junction of small town was the head quarter of French military, to fight with Lao army from Cambodia through the south of Laos, in French S: Sud (south) E: Est (east) N: Nord (north) O: Ouest (west) = SENO

Summary

Distance: 125 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 6 : Xeno – Thakhek

After breakfast we turn right head north on road No. 13th south, this road is the main road from China in northern to Cambodia in southern Laos, in southern Laos is lower than northern Laos so the road No. 13th south almost flat. We stop for lunch at local restaurant and keep riding to our destination of old town of Thakhek, after check in hotel you free to explore a small town by the Mekong River, remaining of colonial buildings in the center town,When Vietnamese and Lao leaders, led by Prince Suphānuvong decided to defend the city of Thakhek against French forces. On 21 March 1946, under the command of Jean Boucher de Crèvecoeur, European and Lao troops in the Forces du Laos, supported with artillery and airpower, attacked their adversaries in what was a short-lived but intense urban battle. British-supplied Spitfires wreaked havoc on the Vietnamese–Lao troops as they tried to withdraw from the city under heavy fire and across the Mekong to safety in Thailand. The French opened fire from the banks and sent Spitfires to machine-gun from the air hundreds of boats and pirogues trying to transport troops and civilians to safety across the river in Thailand. Suphānuvong himself was injured while trying to escape .

Summary

Distance: 100 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: hotel

Day 7 : Thakhek – Paksan

After breakfast we ride from our hotel to road No. 13th south, after 8 km we stop at the ancient wall, according to the history, King Sikhotabong build the great wall around town to protect the town from enemy, only some short part remain for new generation most are destroyed for construction. ,We stop for lunch at the local restaurant and ride along the road head north to our destination of Paksan Province.

Summary

Distance: 187 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Soumontha hotel

Day 8 : Paksan – Vientiane

After breakfast at your hotel, we start riding from hotel on road No.13 head north to our destination of Vientiane capital; riding today is all flat, the road some time follows the Mekong River that share border to Thailand on the other side, we reach the junction and regroup there, optional riding or transfer to hotel in the center town depending on time we arrive.

Summary

Distance: 145 km

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: Vansana hotel or similar

Day 9 : Vientiane – Thalat

We ride from your hotel in Vientiane capital head north to Thalat pass the NamNgum dam, the ride today is all fairly flat from the town is more traffic but no problem for riding, after 30 km from town is less traffic, we ride through the villages and rice fields, we bring lunch pack from hotel and we stop for lunch at the small shop at the village along the way when we fill hungry. There are few short climbs before we reach our destination at Tha Lat. Tha Lat is one district of Vientiane province, no tourist stay overnight in this town except tourist traveling on bicycle, this town is known as Nam Ngum dam, the first dam in Laos operated hydro power for most of the country and also export to Thailand.

Summary

Altitude: Vientiane = 180 m. Thalat = 190 m. ,Ride: 93 km

Meal: B ,L, D

Accommodation: Lon Ngum view resort

Day 10: Thalat – Vangvieng

We have a long ride today and the heat may be the factor so we will want to leave early. We start riding from our hotel to Phonhong district where the road meets road No. 13 north at the junction, we turn to the north direction, after the first 23 km on flat road we cross the range of Phoupanang mountain continue along the route 13 and stop for refreshment every 20 or 25 km. The rest of the ride is along undulating roads all the way to Vangvieng, we stop for lunch by the road under the shade of the tree or at the small shop by the road, the ride today is up and down no big climb, we will reach our destination in Vangvieng in the afternoon, after check in hotel is free to explore the town or take a swim in the river. Vangvieng has a lively traveler’s scene with all the usual accompanying facilities: e-mail, pubs, pizza and many young foreigners. ,Vangvieng locates 155 km north of Vientiane on road 13 north. The town lies along the bank of the Namsong River; the landscape is made up of strange shaped limestone mountains, caved by erosion.

Summary

Altitude: Thalat 190 m. Vangvieng = 280 m,Ride: 100 km

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: Elephant crossing hotel or similar

Day 11 : Vangvieng – Kasi – Hot spring

We can leave Vangvieng after lunch and spend your morning in extra relaxation time in Vanvieng. After lunch we start riding up north to Kasi along route 13 and although there are some short climbs and most rides are easy, the scenery is just beautiful and you should really enjoy stretching your legs. We will stop for refreshments a few times along the way, we expect to reach Kasi in late afternoon, Kasi is a small district of Vientiane province and no tourist in this town.

Summary

Altitude: Vangvieng = 280 m. Kasi = 405 m. ,Ride: 55 km (from Vangvient to Kasi) (75 km from Vangvieng to Hot spring)

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Somchit guesthouse or Hot spring resort

Day 11: Kasi or hot spring – Kewkacham

After breakfast we start riding from our guesthouse up north, after 8 km we start climbing, today is the hardest day of our trip and there are big climbs, after 17 km uphill to a small town of Phoukhoun where the junction turns to Phonsavanh (the plain of jars) we turn left on road 13th north there are more climbs before our destination of Kiawkacham. Kiawkacham is a small village locates on top of the mountain range.

Summary

Altitude: Kasi = 405 m. Kewkacham = 1340 m,Ride: 94 km (Kasi – Kiawkacham) (74 km from hot spring to Kiawkacham)

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: guesthouse (primitive with share bath room)

Day 12 : Kewkacham – LuangPrabang

Our guide will prepare breakfast. This area is the coldest place in winter time especially in the morning; our riding today is easier than yesterday, as this village locates on top of the hill after 22 km riding downhill from guesthouse to the bottom we climb 13 km to the top then another 13 km downhill to a small town of Xiang Nguen before easy ride to LuangPrabang. End The Tour

Summary

Altitude: Kewkacham = 1340 m. LuangPrabang = 270 m,Ride: 77 km

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: Your own account

Please consider the environment before printing

Departure date: Join in group departure on 2nd Monthly

Group Size: From 2 to 15 pax

Tour cost: Contact Us

Tour Cost Includes:

MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
Accommodation in tour - 11 nights
All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = Dinner
Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
Mechanic throughout the tour
Boat trip, local ferry in tour
Back up AC vehicle for the complete tour ( Bus, + Truck for the group )
English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
All road and transport taxes
Driver Allowance
Toll and Parking charges
10% Government Taxe

Tour Cost Excludes:

International flight tickets, visa
Accommodation in Hoian and Luang Prabang
Other personal expenses
Tips and Gratitude
Travel insurance
Any Hard and Soft Drinks with meals

Travel Information

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your bikes, but in this case, let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Home-stay, guesthouse, Eco Resorts & family-run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on a 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who want a single room, we offer a single room, but at an extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape is a mountain, biking through the village streets, fields, fruits garden, local ferry, and monkey bridges

Climate

The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a ‘dry and wet monsoon climate’ with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November.
The monsoon is followed by a dry period (from November to May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia’s northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan, and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during April and May.
Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude, with the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan, and eastern Champasak Provinces receiving the most.
Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C, while in the mountains of Xieng Khuang can drop to 0°C at night.
When to go
The best time for visiting most of Laos is between November and February when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals).
If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and the early rainy season (around June) are not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when daytime temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.
The rainy season is not as bad as you might think. While it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter. Of course, there are downsides; unsealed roads can become quagmires, and extensive travel in remote areas like Salavan, Phongsali, and Sainyabuli might be impossible. River travel can be a good alternative during these months. If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability. Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult.
December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide a backup vehicle at all times during cycling trips. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer are method delicious unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

Footwear
Bike shoes
Helmet
Pedal
Water Bottle
Sun cream lotion
Relaxed shoes for walking
Shoes for other sightseeing
Socks

Clothing

In Laos, the conventional outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, pagodas, temples, mosques, or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
Water-resistant jacket.
Riding bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

Torch
Mosquito repellent
Eyewear, cap
Sun lotion of SPF of at least 35
Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs, and headgear
Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Malaria is an avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
Use a sun hat when revealed.
Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
Bring your medical kit and pest resilience.
To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
Do not eat food bought from road providers.
Do not drink drinks with ice.
Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change now and then and one should contact the Native Lao tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing, and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like: