17 Days Laos Cycling Adventure Tours. This bicycle tour offers lots of challenging adventure rides in combination with the cultural highlights of Laos. Although the most challenging mountain rides are on tar roads, the tour consists mainly of dirt roads and paths where tourists are rarely seen. Enjoy cycling along with rice fields, and majestic limestone mountains, and meeting amazingly friendly people. The ancient capital and World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang is the absolute cultural highlight of this tour. Back to Vientiane over mainly dirt roads through the remote province of Sayabouly, where small ethnic jungle tribes and wild elephants have their natural habitat. A relaxing boat ride with scenic views on the Mekong River completes this tour.

Day 1: Arrival Vientiane

Arrival at Wattay international airport in Vientiane capital, after immigration formalities meet Lao guide at the airport and transfer to hotel, after check in hotel free to explore the town on your own or discover town to the tourist sites depending on tour arrival time.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Lao Orchid hotel or similar

Vientiane has been the capital of Laos since 1560, when the country was divided into three kingdoms, then lost its independence after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in late 18th century. Vientiane remained empty until the end of the 19th century. It began to be resettled again little by little.

Day 2: Vientiane - Paksan

After breakfast, we drive out of the town on the way visit That Luang stupa, the oldest and largest stupa in Laos. After wards we ride out of town to visit Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan (as well as other variations of the spelling), is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, Laos in a meadow by the Mekong River. Although it is not a temple (Wat), the park may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains numerous religious images. The park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. After visit Buddha park we keep riding further along Mekong River look at Thailand, we meet the junction to the main road we keep riding on main road to southern Laos, riding today no big climbs, optional transfer the last 40 – 50 km to our destination of Paksan where we stay overnight,

The provincial capital of Bolikhamsai is Paksan, locates in the middle part of the country a blip of a town that sits at the confluence of the Nam San and Mekong rivers almost opposite the small Thai town of Bueng Kan, visible across the river. The provincial capital is a sleepy transportation hub, mostly just used as a place to stay before heading along the back road to Phonsavan or across the border into Thailand.

Distance: 145 km (approximately 3 hours driving)

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation:  Sounantha hotel

Day 3: Paksan – Thathom

After breakfast we start riding from our hotel, we turn left from main road No. 13 south head east in the direction to Vietnam along the main road in remote area, on the way we’ll pass a small town of Muang Bolikhan and villages almost they are Lao low landers. Picnic lunch will be brought from restaurant in Paksan and we will find the good place when we are hungry.,We stay overnight at Thasi village, dinner at local restaurant

Attitude:  m above sea level

Distance: 80 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation:  Guesthouse

Day 4: Thathom – Muangkhoun

Our guide will prepare breakfast for the group, after breakfast, we continue our journey to our destination of Muangkhoun, the road at the first section is gentle and surrounded by beautiful scenery, we pass the paddy fields and dry rice field (slash and burn cultivation) and villages at remote area some are Kmu (up lander people). We find lunch stop by the road when we are hungry. The last section of 30 km is hilly, we start climbing up to 1200 m on top of the highest point for today, optional drive to the top or transfer to last section to our destination depending on the time.  Overnight at the guesthouse in Muang Khoun, Muang Khoun the old capital of Xiengkhouang which was heavily damaged during the Indochina war all houses and temples were bombed and burned in 1963 - 1973.

Attitude: 300 m – 1200 m above sea level

Distance: 110 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation:  Guesthouse

Day 5: Muangkhoun – Phonsavan

Today is short day, after breakfast we continue riding to the capital district of Xiangkhuang province (Phonsavan). On the way we turn from the main road to visit the plain of jars form site 1. We stop for lunch at the local restaurant before cycle to the town and after check in hotel free to explore the small town on your own, we recommend visit the UXO center (unexploded ordnance), we stay overnight at the hotel in town. ,The history of the stone jars (ancient stone jars) remain a mystery today, there are more than 60 sites, scattered in different group all across the plateau. Only three groups have been surveyed and assigned registration. The other groups have not yet been surveyed because the locations are covered with thick bushes and contaminated by many remaining UXOs (Unexploded ordinances) leftover from the Indo-China war. The highest jar is more than 3 meters. There are several difference theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2500 – 3000 years old. According to local legend, King Khoun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the big celebration of his victory in the 6th century. Phonsavanh used to be the battled field between Lao communist government and royal government in 1964 – 1973.

Attitude: 1060 m – 1100 m above sea level

Distance: 40 km ,Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Favanmai hotel or similar

Day 6: Phonsavan – Muangkham

Today is short day so we don’t have to start early; we turn right on direction to Vietnam border, on the way we stop at Hmong villages (high lander) and stop for photo of rice fields, riding today is not very hard, the road is up and down hills, we reach our destination a small town of Muangkham in the afternoon, optional cycle to visit the cave, local people hid during Indochina war, it was shot by the rocket from the royal Lao air force, more than 300 villagers were killed in the cave because of Napalm bomb. Overnight at the guesthouse and dinner at the local restaurant.

Attitude: 1100 m – 650 m above sea level

Distance: 60 km ,Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation:  Guesthouse

Day 7: Muangkham – Namneuan

After breakfast at the local restaurant, we head north at the junction to Vietnam border, the road today is quiet, after 5 km undulating road from our guesthouse we start the big climb of 15 km at 1500 m above sea level on the top, after water stop we cycle downhill and the next climb is shorter. Picnic lunch will be brought by our guide and we stop for lunch on the way when we fell hungry. The last section of 20 km we cycle downhill from the attitude of 1400 m – 500 m above sea level to Namneuan village where we stay overnight.

Attitude: 600 m – 1500 m above sea level

Distance: 86 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation:  Guesthouse

Day 8: Namneuan – Viengthong

Breakfast today is prepared by our guide at the local restaurant, today is short day but big climb, after breakfast we leave Namnuean and start the first big climb of 7 km from 600 – 1000 m to the junction to Vietnam border and we turn left to Viengthong, we cycle through the hill tribe villages on the quiet road, we stop at the villages to see the local life style and see they work in the rice fields, it is very strange for local to see Fa Lang (foreigner) ride the bicycle on the long distance. After the top we cycle long downhill to the bottom, from the bottom we continue riding up and down hill before the top and the last 18 km from the top we cycle downhill to the to the Viengthong where we stay overnight. ,After arrival in Viengthong, freshen up before walking to nearby hot springs to douse worn legs before exploring the small town set on the Nam Khan River and largely inhabited by a collection of hill tribes particularly Hmong and "lowland" Lao. Dinner at the local restaurant and overnight at guesthouse.

Attitude: 600 m – 1550 m above sea level

Distance: 66 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation:  Guesthouse

Day 9: Viengthong – Nongkiaw

Today is long day over the "Laotian Alps," rising early from the noise at sunrise from the hill tribe market directly in front of our hotel. After browsing the market, we'll begin biking after breakfast. Today we ride National route No 1c between Viengthong and Viengkham passing through the beautiful jungle and forest scenery of two National Parks with lush green mountains over three passes. After departing Viengthong, cycling on flats until reaching our first challenge, a 500 m climb, before descending to a winding river valley road for about 10 km to the bottom, from the bottom the road is gentle, we stop for lunch under the tree by the road, the last climb is about 15 km to the top before descending to Viengthong where we stop riding and transfer the rest to our destination of Nongkiaw.

Muang Ngoi (Nongkiaw) was controlled by the communist before 1975 and the province was under control of Pathet Lao. During Vietnam War, people in this area hid in the caves in the day times and worked at night because of continuous bombing (land mines remain in the area).

Attitude: 700 m – 1300 m above sea level

Distance: 168 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Phaxang bungalows or similar

Day 10: Nongkiaw – LuangPrabang

Today we'll ride the initial, quiet and scenic section out of Luang Prabang which after 30 km, joins a larger road with traffic coming in from China, mostly flat with short rollers. After 80 km riding on undulating road or drive some section to Mekong River, we have lunch at the local restaurant at the confluence of Nam Ou River, after lunch we cross the Mekong River to the other side to visit the renowned Pak Ou caves. Located beside the river, the cave is filled with Buddha images and is a sacred place of worship for locals. ,     After the caves, optional riding or drive the rest 30 km to LuangPrabang. In the late afternoon we arrive Luang Prabang

Attitude: 400 m – 300 m above sea level

Distance: 140 km ,Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Sokdee residence or similar

Day 11: LuangPrabang, waterfall

After breakfast, we cycle to Kuangsi waterfall, on the way visit villages, see the local people work in the rice fields and local activities. After 30 km riding enjoy swimming at the waterfall then we have lunch at the local restaurant. After swimming and lunch we cycle back to town. ( Explore dinner by your own )

Luangprabang is the oldest city in Laos, and before the 16th century it was the capital city of the land of million elephants (Laos). The town is a beautifully preserved and in 1995 it was added to UNESCO`s World heritage list.

Distance: 30 km (1 way)

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Sokdee residence

Day 12: LuangPrabang – Sayaboury

After breakfast transfer by van from hotel for 22 km on road No. 13th north start cycle at the junction we cycle west on direction to Thailand, we cycle through Lao and Kmu tribes villages we stop for snacks and water every 2 hours or 30 km, lunch will be prepared by our guide by the road under the shade of the tree. After 90 km we cross the Mekong River by bridge and keep riding the rest 25 km to non-touristic province of Sayaboury where we overnight.

Sayaboury was a province of Siam (Thailand) colony from 1779, in 1904, the area of the province was ceded from Siam (Thailand) to the French Indochina colony. It is the only Laotian province that is completely to the west of the Mekong River, the province is quite mountainous. It has the largest concentration of elephants in Laos; it is home to Laos’ majority of domesticated Asian elephants. Approximately 75% of the nation's 560 domesticated elephants work in Sayaboury.  Their main work duties are within the logging industry, which causes a loss in both wild and domestic elephant habitat. The area is little patrolled, which makes the enforcement of conservation measures difficult.  It is also home to the annual Elephant Festival. The province is rich in timbers and is considered the rice basket of northern Laos.

Distance: 115 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Outhoumphone hotel or similar

Day 13: Sayaboury – Nam Pui

Today is short day, after breakfast we cycle to Nam tian lake before heading west on direction to Thai border to a small town of Phiang district,  lunch will be prepared by our guide at the hut by the road or under the tree when you are hungry, we stay overnight at the guesthouse in non-touristic town.

Distance: 56 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 14: Nam Pui – Paklay

Breakfast at local restaurant prepare by our guide, we ride from hotel head west on direction to Thailand, we pass local villages and beautiful rice fields, the main crop in this area are sticky rice that is the main food of local people and cassava for export to Thailand. We stop for lunch at local restaurant after lunch keep riding as long as you can to our destination of Paklay, it is one district of Sayaboury province of locate by Mekong River on right side (Thai side).

Distance: 100 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Anousone guesthouse or similar

Day 15: Paklay – Muang Meun

We have breakfast at the restaurant by Mekong River prepare by our guide, after breakfast we ride out of town and cross Mekong River by bridge to the left side on paved road, we stop for lunch under the tree or rice field of local farmer. After 60 km riding on main road we turn left on unpaved road and quiet but good for riding, we ride for 30 km to a small town of Muang Meuan where we overnight.

Distance: 93 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 16: Muang Meuan – Hinherb – Vientiane

After breakfast at the guesthouse prepare by our guide, we ride from guesthouse passing rice fields, farms, hill tribe villages and beautiful scenery, we stop for lunch at Muang fueang, after lunch keep riding to the junction where the road meets main road No. 13th north. We finish riding and load our bikes on the van transfer the rest to Vientiane.

Distance: 160 km (cycle = 80 km, transfer = 80 km )

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: Lao Orchid hotel or similar

Day 17: Vientiane departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure

Meal: B

End of services

Please consider the environment before printing

Departure date: Join in group departure on 2nd Monthly

Group Size: From 2 to 16 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 - 16 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 not in tours
  • 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:

  • 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.

  • Laos Cycling Adventure Tours – 17 Days 1
  • Laos Cycling Adventure Tours – 17 Days 2
  • Laos Cycling Adventure Tours – 17 Days 3
  • Laos Cycling Adventure Tours – 17 Days 4
Enquire Now
© 2019 Indochina Holidays Travel - All Rights Reserved.