18 Days Cycling From Luang Prabang To Pakse

Cycling from Luang Prabang to Pakse is a challenging but rewarding adventure!The route involves a mix of paved roads, dirt roads, and mountainous terrain. You'll encounter hills and valleys, so be prepared for some serious climbs.There are several possible routes, but the most common one follows Route 13 South from Luang Prabang, passing through the Bolaven Plateau and eventually reaching Pakse. This is a demanding cycling trip, so make sure you're physically fit and prepared for long days in the saddle. Cycling from Luang Prabang to Pakse is an incredible experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Laos.

Tour Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Inclusions
Photos Gallery

Day 1: LuangPrabang – Nongkiaw

8:00 AM pick up from your hotel in Luang Prabang .We transfer out of town head north on road 13^th north after 1 h driving we start riding through the villages and rice fields, riding today is easy, the road is up and down hill no big climb. Lunch pack will be brought from LuangPrabang or we stop for lunch at local restaurant on the way when we feel hungry, after 80 riding we reach the junction of Pakmong where the road turn to the border of China but we turn right to our destination of Nongkiaw

Distance: 140 km

Meal: L, D

Accommodation: guesthouse

Day 2: Nongkiaw – Viengkham

After breakfast we cycle from hotel head east, the first 10 km the road is easy ride on short climbs before we start long climb for 17 km to the top of 2349 m above sea level, after relax or lunch at the top the road is descend most of the way to Viengkham where we stay overnight.

Distance: 50 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 3: Viengkham – Viengthong

Today is long day, our guide will prepare breakfast at your guesthouse and we'll begin biking after breakfast. Today we ride National route No 1c between Vieng Thong and Nam Neun passing through the beautiful jungle and forest scenery of two National Parks with lush green mountains over three passes. Optional transfer from your hotel through the first climb of 20 km,

We cycle downhill and the rest is over the undulating hills, our guide will cook your lunch under the tree by the road when you are hungry, after lunch we keep riding until start climbing up the last hill before Vienthong, we transfer the rest to hotel in Vienthong

Distance: 120 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Daonuea Guesthouse

Day 4: Viengthong – Nam Neuan

Breakfast today is prepared by our guide at the local restaurant, today the distance is shorter but there are some big climbs, after Vienthong, we start riding from our hotel climbing up for 17 km to the first top, after downhill the road is undulating, we stop for lunch when we are hungry and lunch will be cooked by our guide and driver, after lunch we keep riding through country side villages and quiet road before starting big climb of 5 km before we get into Nam Neun where we stay overnight.

Distance: 65 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Mitsamphan Guesthouse

Day 5: Nam Neuan - Muangkham

We have breakfast at the local restaurant and start riding as early as we can, after the town we start climbing up the first big climb before the other shorter climbs, there are some villages we can stop to take photo but less than the other days, lunch will be cooked by our guide and driver and we stop under the shade when we feel hungry. We ride at the last section of 20 km to our destination is downhill. We stay overnight at local guesthouse at Muangkham

Distance: 77 km

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: guesthouse

Day 6: Muangkham – Phonsavan

The road today is less steep compare to the past days, we have more time to stop at the villages and for photo, from the town the road is slightly up hill, after 26 km at Nongpet village we turn right from the main road through quiet road of country side Lao villages. We stop for lunch at the restaurant in Phosavan. After lunch we cycle to the plain of jars (site 1 ) after visit ancient stone jars we keep riding 36 km on flat road to our destination of Muangkhoun.

Phonsavanh used to be the battled field between the communist government and anti-communist government in 1964 – 1973.

The history of the 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 6^th century.

Distance: 105 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: guesthouse

Day 7: Muangkhoun – Thathom

Our guide will prepare breakfast for the group, after breakfast, we continue our journey to our destination of Thathom, from hotel the road is gentle before climbing up to the top and after 24 downhill the road 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

Attitude: 300 m – 1200 m above sea level

Distance: 90 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 8: Thathom – Viangthong

Breakfast at local restaurant and prepare by our guide, after breakfast we ride from our guesthouse head south on undulating road, we stop for lunch by the road and keep riding to our destination of Viengthong.

Distance: 120 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 9: Viengthong – Nakai

After breakfast prepare by your guide we cycle from your guesthouse head south to Nakai plateau, stop for lunch at local restaurant at Lak sao district, after lunch we keep riding on short climbs and undulating road to a small district of Nakai where we stay overnight. optional transfer some section depending on how fast you ride

Distance: 160 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 10: Nakai – Thakhek

Today is easy and beautiful day. After breakfast at the guesthouse prepare by our guide, we start cycle from our guesthouse, as Nakai district locates on Nakai plateau, when we ride out of town the road is downhill to the hydro power dam, you can stop for photo along the way at the view point, the road today is surrounded my limestone mountains and almost flat all the way to our destination of Thakhek.

When Lao was a colony of French in 1945, French governor based in Thakhek and Lao national frond (became Lao communist party later) fought against the French but they lost the war and escape to Thailand, a lot of Local people included children were kill by French. Colonial building are still remain in this town

Distance: 90 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 11: Thakhek – Savannakhet

After breakfast we cycle from hotel along the road by Mekong River, you can look at Thailand at the other side, we cycle pass Nongbok district that’s one district of Khammuan (Thakhek) province, and we stop for lunch at local restaurant on the way. Riding today is easy we would cycle all the way to hotel.

Savannakhet is the most population in Laos and the second biggest city in Laos after Vientiane

Distance: 130 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12: Savannakhet – Xebangnuan

After breakfast at hotel, we ride from the town and head south to the main road of No. 13^th south, the road in southern part of Laos is almost flat, you consider the landscape is different from northern Laos, northern Laos is more mountainous but east and southern Laos are flat.

We overnight at the guesthouse at small village.

Distance: 113 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 13: Xebangnuan – Pakse

Breakfast will be prepared by your guide at the guesthouse, we keep riding on main road head south to Pakse province, and riding today is similar to the pass day, easy ride on flat road, lunch stop at the local restaurant

Pakse used to be the separated kingdom of Laos, the former king palace is still remain but taken by the government after 1975 revolution and rent to business man to run hotel

Distance: 100 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: hotel

Day 14: Pakse – Paksong

After breakfast at your hotel we head east on direction to Vietnam, we cycle to Borlaven plateau, this place is the most popular of coffee plantation in Laos, we cycle up to plateau the road is slightly up and good for riding, we stop at Tadfan enjoying your coffee look at waterfall, zip line is through the cliff to waterfall is possible. After lunch and enjoying your time here we keep riding to the top of plateau known as Paksong where we stay overnight.

Distance: 60 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Phouthevada hotel

Day 15: Paksong – Xekong

The weather would be cold in winter time because we are on the top of plateau, we leave plateau after breakfast head east on direction to Vietnam, this area was popular as Hochimin trails during Indochina war because it closes to Vietnam border, we ride on main road but not very busy, you will enjoy riding through hill tribe villages, rice fields and mountains. Our guide will prepare lunch by the road when you are hungry. We stay overnight in the center town of small province of Xekong.

Distance: 90 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Hongthong hotel

Day 16: Xekomg - Tadlor

As Xekong province locates on the east and share the border to Vietnam, today we head west, we ride from our hotel on flat road after 15 km the road is slightly up but no big climb, we stop for lunch at local restaurant at a small town of Thateng, after lunch we cycle downhill to Tadlor waterfall where we stay overnight. After check in hotel you can walk around resort enjoying waterfall or swimming

Distance: 90 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Tadlor resort

Day 17: Tadlor – Pakse – Champasak

After breakfast at your resort we start riding from resort head west to Pakse, the road is undulating but no big climb, after 63 km, we meet the junction where we turn to Paksong plateau 4 days ago, it is easy ride to the town for lunch, after lunch we keep riding to Champasak where we stay overnight.

Champasak is a province in southwestern Laos, near the borders with Thailand and Cambodia. It is one of the three principalities that succeeded the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. The capital is Pakse, but the province takes its name from Champasak

Distance: 120 km

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Le Basac hotel

Day 18: Pakse departure

Today is exploring day, after breakfast optional riding or transfer to Wat Phou (ancient ruins) visit ancient ruined Khmer - Hindu temple, after visit temple we transfer back to Pakse for your departure.

Vat Phou is a ruined Khmer-Hindu temple complex in southern Laos and one of the oldest places of worship in Southeast Asia. It is at the base of mount Phou Khao, some 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Mekong in Champasak province.

There was a sanctuary on the site, center on a sacred spring and an offering place for a mighty tutelary sprit dating back to pre-historic times. The first megalithic stone structures had been built probably as early as the second century, consisting of two stone cells, a carving of a crocodile, serpent stairs, and several offering platforms.One of the first pre-Angkor brick buildings onsite was erected in the early 7th century and became the focus of all consequent building activities.Most of the other surviving buildings date from the Angkor period, in the 11th—13th centuries.

Distance: 40 km

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: None

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Departure date: Join in group departure on 8th Sept, Nov, Jan , Mar

Group Size: From 2 to 15 pax

Tour cost: Contact Us

Tour Cost Includes:

MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
Accommodation in tour - 17 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

Tour Cost Excludes:

International flight tickets, visa
Accommodation in 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 it 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: