Hanoi Challenge Cycle To Luang Prabang - A great arrangement for cycling travelers who love to get in touch with culture and people during their cycling adventure holiday in Northern Vietnam and Laos. This biking tour offers some of the most beautiful areas in Northern Vietnam and Laos. The highlights are the Vietnam mountain journey, the back roads of Laos, the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Phabang, refreshing waterfalls, high mountains, and different cultures along the way.

Day 1: Hanoi cycle to Yen Bai ( L, D )

Pick up at your hotel at 7:30 and transfer by vehicle to Trung Ha bridge and start cycling to Yen Bai on the banks of the Red River. Stop in Phu Tho for lunch and after continue to cycle along  dyke of the Red River. Arrive late afternoon. Stay 1 night.

Accommodation: Hao Gia  Hotel ( or Similar )

Cycling distance: 80 km

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 : Yen Bai cycle to Sapa ( B ,L ,D )

After breakfast. A demanding, hilly, day along the mountain and river range culminating with the ascent of the spectacular, visiting the Vietnam & China border gate if time permitting.  Stay 2 nights.

Accommodation : Sapa Hotel

Cycling distance: 80 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sapa Cycling to Village  ( B )

Start from your hotel at 9 Am, and bike to explore Sapa and the old French hill station, in a spectacular location close to the Chinese border. This morning we will cycle to Village, Lao Chai, and Ta Van village ( Gzay and H’mong people ) . car pick you back to Sapa or cycle uphill back to Sapa. Free afternoon to explore Sapa, lunch, and dinner by yourself.

Accommodation : Sapa Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Biking Distance: 22 km

Meals: Breakfast 

Day 4 : Sapa Cycle to Lai Chau  ( B ,L ,D )

Retrace our route back over the Tram Ton pass to Binh Lu junction and follow the road 4D northwest to Tam Duong and Lai Chau. O / N in Muong Thanh hotel .

Distance: 90   km

Ride: 90 km on good quality asphalt road

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = dinner

Accommodation: Muong Thanh Hotel -3 *

Day 5: Lai Chau Cycle to Muong Lay ( Old Lai Chau ) ( B, L, D )

Cycle to old Lai Chau via the Hang Tom suspension bridge, following the Nam Na through spectacular gorges and Black Dao villages.  A long day with some climbs.  Stay 1 night. Hoa Binh Hotel,

Distance: 110 km

Ride: 90 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 20 km.

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = dinner

Accommodation: Hoa Binh Hotel

Day 6 : Muong Lay Cycle to Dien Bien Phu ( B, L , D )

Our full day in Vietnam.  Cycle to Dien Bien Phu – 104 kms.  Dien Bien Phu was the scene of the historic French defeat in 1954.  Stay 1 night. O / N in Him Lam Hotel & resort.

Distance: 150 km

Ride: 80 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 70 km.

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = dinner

Accommodation: Him Lam hotel & resort

Day 7: Dien Bien Phu Cycle to Son La ( B, L, D )

Cycle to Son La 150 km, along with the mountain and river range culminating with the ascent of the spectacular, Lunch in Tuan Giao town and transfer to the top of Pha Din pass and then down the hill to Thuan Chau and then transfer to Hotel. O / N in Son La.

Distance: 160 km

Ride: 80 km on good quality asphalt road, transfer 80 km.

Meal: Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = dinner

Accommodation: Cong Doan  Hotel

Day 8: Son La – Mai Chau ( B , L , D )

Cycle to Mai Chau village around 120 km, along the mountain range culminating, Arrival in Mai Chau village. Homestay in Thai house. O / N in Mai Chau.

Accommodation: Homestay 

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Bide: 80 Km

Day 9: Mai Chau – Quan Son |80 km ( Thanh Hoa province ) ( B, L, D )
Today, we start on the bike near the Na Meo border (Vietnam) /Xam Nua (Laos). Lots of mountains to Xam Nua / Na Meo. But very nice landscape on both sides. We will climb our way out of the valley. We are on a well-made road today and we pass through some industrious small towns as we enter the more remote regions of the northwest. We have a couple of nice descents as we near our destination for the afternoon, Quan Son small town, a small town of little repute and a perfect place to enjoy some local interaction and real Vietnamese food.

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Bide: 80 Km

Day 10: Quan Son – Na Meo border – Sam Neua, Laos – ( B, L, D)
After a hearty local breakfast, hit the road in the direction of Laos. Arrive at the border in the late morning and after clearing immigration, meet your Lao support crew who will have a picnic lunch waiting for you. In the afternoon, push on for a few more hours before boarding your comfortable support vehicle (if required) and driving into the next town, Sam Neua. Lao is a small country with small towns and a small population. The persistent din of Vietnam will have faded by now and you will be left with only the roosters to wake you the next morning.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Bide: 70 Km ( 30 km in Vietnam,40 km in Laos )

Day 11 : Sam Neua – Vieng Thong – Vieng Xai Caves ( B , L , D )
Today drive to the Vieng Xai Caves. These huge caves were home to around twenty thousand Pathet Lao communist fighters during the secret war of Laos. This war, termed secret because the US was not supposed to be engaged in combat in neutral Laos, was all part of the larger geo-political events and changes of the sixties and seventies. While the communist forces were being bombarded from the air by the CIA-funded Hmong Army, they used these caves as a refuge, complete with a hospital, school, and underground villages. In the afternoon, we will drive to our next stop, Vieng Thong.

Accommodation: Local Guest House

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Bide: 80 Km

Day 12 : Vieng Thong –  Nong Khiaw ( B , L , D )
Today, after a short drive, you will have a challenging ride ahead of you as you ascend and descend numerous times. The scenery of limestone karsts and forests, punctuated by small rivers and villages will be the reward for meeting this challenge. We arrive at the lovely Nong Khiaw in the late afternoon and can relax in a riverside guesthouse with a stunning view and a cool drink.

Accommodation: Local Guest House

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Bide: 80 Km

Day 13 : Nong Khiaw – Rest day or trek to Muang Ngoi ( B , L , D )
Today is a day off the bikes. For those who would like to relax with a book by the river, the day is yours to do so. If you crave more action, then you can board a boat and travel upstream to Muang Ngoi, a small village accessible only by river. Here you can trek into the forest and pass through some of the most remote villages you can imagine. Mentioned by many as the highlight of their travels in Northern Laos, this is an activity that comes highly recommended.

Accommodation: Local Hotel

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Bide: 50 Km

Day 14 :  Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang ( B , L  )
After so much exercise for the legs, today your upper bodies will see some action, although, fairly gentle action. Come ashore late morning and find your lunch prepared before driving into Luang Prabang, a World Heritage-listed city, set on the banks of the Mekong River. Overnight at the Baan Lak Kham, a boutique guest house overlooking the Kham River. Tour Is Over

Accommodation: by your own account

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch

Bide: 80 Km

 

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Departure date: Join in group departure on 17th Monthly

Group Size: From 2 to 22 riders

Tour cost: Contact Us

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAOS

Laos is a treasure trove of natural and architectural wonders. With a little patience and some time you can see incredible man-made and natural wonders from north to south in the Lao PDR. Don’t miss these top 10 things to see and do.

Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centered on a 1560 sǐm (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr. Hŏr Ɖąi, shaped like a tall tomb, houses a standing Buddha. The Hŏr Ɖąi Pha Sai-nyàat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge – the Red Chapel – by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hóhng Kép Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of Lao royalty.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos
Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos |
Boun That Luang takes place every November, over three days around the full moon. The stupa in Vientiane is the national symbol of Laos and is said to house a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Thousands of pilgrims gather at That Luang to give offerings to the monks who come from all over Laos. Processions, parties, and a trade show follow. Even if you don’t make it to the festival, the stupa is a sight to behold any time of year. Join the faithful and place offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at the alter, or quietly stroll around the massive enclosed yard.

Vat Phou / Wat Phou

Wat Phou
Along with the Champasak Cultural Landscape, the 5th century Khmer ruins of Wat Phou is the second inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Laos. Wat Phou, meaning ‘mountain temple.’ Blended into the surrounding nature, the remains of Wat Phou are dotted all over the mountain face. Oriented toward the east, the ruins have two large reservoirs on either side of a long column-lined road, leading toward the mountains. Past the palace ruins, up a steep staircase, you’ll find the sanctuary with a modern Buddhist shrine and a natural spring considered to be sacred.

Tad Lo

Tad Lo
Tad Lo is 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from the southern town of Pakse. Soak in the visual and aural splendor of the falls or take a dip and cool off from the heat. Three cascades make up the falls: Tad Hang, Tad Lo itself, and Tad Suong. Accommodations are available to spend the night and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Tad Lo is an impressive three-tiered waterfall in Salavan Province. Several guesthouses and restaurants around the falls make it an ideal lunch spot or stopover for trekking, swimming, and tubing. Tad Lo is accessible by bus, motorbike, or as part of a group tour package of the Bolaven Plateau.

Swim in the Mekong at 4000 Islands

French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det
French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det |
Don Det has a beach at its northern tip that doubles as a ferry landing. You can also take a dip in the Mekong, the largest river in Southeast Asia, on either of the two beaches on Don Khon–one by Liphi Falls and one farther south. Easy Go Backpackers Hostel on Don Det has a beach area and Don Som Riverside Guesthouse has a swimming spot on Don Som. If river swimming isn’t your thing and you’d rather lounge by the pool, check out the one by Little Eden Guesthouse at the north end of Don Det or the Blue Lagoon Swimming pool at the southern tip of the island.

Tat Kuang Si

Thirty kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si is a many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of cool, swimmable turquoise pools; the term 'Edenic' doesn't do it justice. When you're not swinging off ropes into the water, there's a public park with shelters and picnic tables where you can eat lunch. Don't miss the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where wild Asiatic moon bears, confiscated from poachers, are given a new lease of life.

Many cheap eateries line the entrance car park at the top end of the Khamu village of Ban Thapene, selling everything from local snacks to grilled chicken and fish.

Visiting Kuang Si by hired motorcycle is very pleasant now that the road here is decently paved and allows stops in villages along the way. By bicycle, be prepared for two long, steady hills to climb. A tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 150,000K for one person, and 50,000K per person in a group of three, so it's best to get a group together. A private minivan will cost 350,000K.

Plain of Jars

Plain of Jars - Site One
Plain of Jars
Plain of Jars’ thousands of mysterious megalithic jars are scattered throughout Xiang Khuang Province in northeastern Laos. Dating from the iron age, the oldest jars go back to 500 BC. The largest “King Jar” is at Site 1 and the longest jar is at Site 2. It’s possible to hire a guide to take you on a trek from Site 2, which is behind a rice paddy to Site 3, which is in the forest on top of a hill. The leading theory suggests these stone vessels were used in burial rituals. Evidence suggests that bodies were distilled in the jars until only bones remained. The bones were then removed and interred in a ceramic jar or on the ground. Nine of the 90 sites containing jars have been cleared of UXOs, so stick to the established routes and bring a guide out trekking with you.

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls |
In the north of Laos lies Luang Prabang, a portion of the old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Ride or cycle to Kuang Si or Tad Saw waterfalls, take a boat cruise down the Mekong river, and eat local Lao or fantastic French food at one of the restaurants in town. This former royal capital is home to some of the most elaborate and best-preserved temples in the country. Visit the Royal Palace and the watermelon-shaped Wat Wisunarat or hike up Mount Phousi for sunrise or sunset.

Tour Cost Includes:

  • MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
  • Accommodation in tour - 13 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 Hanoi 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 a cycling trip. 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:

  • Foods that are not included
  • Emergencies
  • Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
  • Shopping/Souvenirs/Tips

Foreign Exchange

As Laos currency value tends to go up and down, refer to the following website for daily return rates: https://www.ldblao.la

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal in Laos.

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