Laos Cycling Tours - Our cycling holiday begins in the Laos capital city Vientiane. Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane has a relaxed, elegant charm. From here you will enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in Asia, mountain biking toward Northern Laos. We travel through a rural landscape to Nam Ngum, then cycling on to Vang Vieng. We enter a landscape of stunning limestone karst formations as our journey continues via rolling hills to the historic city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient, royal city full of exquisite Buddhist Temples, where time seems to stand still, is a magical place to explore and relax.

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival

Vientiane arrival. Laos cycling tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You will have some free time to explore this delightful city.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: D

Day 2: Vientiane check bike with a short city tour

This morning we will sort out any bike problems before we stretch our legs with a ride around this laid-back city and the surrounding area. With its French colonial influences, Vientiane is barely recognizable as an Asian capital visit some pagodas and museums, a morning market, it has a relaxed ‘small town’ charm.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: B

Day 3: Vientiane cycle to Nam Ngum

We cycle out of Vientiane. After leaving the bustle of the town, we cycle through pastoral agricultural land passing paddy fields and more intensively farmed areas. Towards the end of the day there are two short, but rewarding climbs just before we reach our destination at Ang Nam Ngum reservoir.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 97 km
Total climb: 489m
Total descent: 425 m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 4: Nam Ngum cycle to Vang Vieng

We have an early start this morning along mostly flat roads. Towards the end of the morning, we reach the fishing village of Tha Heauna where all manner of salty fish is on sale by the road. We will have lunch here – sampling the local produce – before cycling on to arrive by early afternoon in Vang Vieng, where we stay the night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 105 km
Total climb: 706m
Total descent: 695 m
Meals included: B, L

Day 5: Vang Vieng Fee Day

Rest Day. Vang Vieng has recently become a popular destination for backpackers and is a comfortable place with nice restaurants and guesthouses. There are options to swim, tube, or visit nearby caves. We can relax with a beer Lao to finish off the day and enjoy the sunset over the river behind the stunning limestone pinnacles.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B

Day 6: Vang Vieng Cycle to Kasi

We begin the day by cycling a route with hills on either side. After about 28km we begin to get a taste of what’s to come with an 8k climb. This is followed by a long gentle descent to Kasi.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 59 km
Total climb: 571m
Total descent: 450 m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 7: Kasi cycle to Kiu Kachan

We will have an early start in preparation for the hardest day of the trip. The cycling begins with a fairly gentle 10k ride as the scent of jasmine and lotus blossoms drifts through the clear air from the rich jungle flora. This is followed by a massive 38k ascent to reach Nung Phum. We will stop here for a well-deserved lunch. This afternoon we cycle a further 50k up and down through dramatic scenes of craggy limestone peaks some of which are the highest in South East Asia. At the end of this challenging day, we arrive in Kiu Kachan.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 95 km
Total climb: 2418m
Total descent: 1422 m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 8: Kiu Kachan cycle to Luang Prabang

We cycle to Luang Prabang, which is a world heritage site and one of the highlights of the trip. The day starts with a long descent for 22 k followed by a 15k hard climb. On the way, we pass through Hmong villages each of which has its distinctive character and style of the house.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 78 km
Total climb: 293m
Total descent: 2070 m
Meals included: B

Day 9: Luang Prabang rest day

Rest day in beautiful Luang Prabang, encircled by mountains and situated on the banks of the Mekong where it meets the Nam Khan River. The day is free to explore this delightful World Heritage town with 32 historic temples, ancient monasteries, the magnificent Royal Palace Museum, and French Colonial architecture. This is a place to chill out and enjoy the food, the peaceful surroundings, and the people.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: B

Day 10: Luang Prabang cycle to Pak Mong

The day starts on pleasantly flat roads. We have the opportunity to visit the holy caves of Pak-Ou where there is an ancient collection of precious Buddhist statues (optional extra). This is a long gentle ride with interesting sights along the way, finishing in Pak Mong.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 80 km  
Total climb: 679m
Total descent: 554m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 11: Pak Mong cycle to Oudom Xay

An unforgettable day as we cycle into remoter areas, well off the beaten track. The day starts with a steep climb that takes us deep into the lush jungle. We continue cycling over rolling hills and through magnificent scenery. At the end of the day we cycle downhill to Oudom Xay; the capital of the Province and home to 22 different ethnic minorities mostly Akha, Hmong, and Mien.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 85 km
Total climb: 1619m
Total descent: 1460m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 12: Oudom Xay cycle to Ban Nalay

Another roller-coaster day. Our cycle route is through lush jungle and passes many hill tribe villages that still retain their age-old cultural traditions. The simple bamboo houses rest on stilts, with children playing beneath them amongst the chickens and pigs. Tonight we stop in Ban Malay where we will be hosted by local families. we have developed a special relationship with this village and we support the local school. Our friends in the village will welcome us with traditional festivities and we will experience something of life in a real Laos village.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 58 km
Total climb: 487m
Total descent: 644m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 13: Ban Nalay cycle to Pakbeng

Today we cycle along unsealed roads through friendly villages. As we pass by children will shout “Sabai – dii, Sabai dies” (the Loas greeting) to every passing cyclist. We finish the last days cycling in the village of Pakbeng.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance: 85 km 
Total climb: 869m
Total descent: 757m
Meals included: B, L, D

Day 14: Pakbeng  to Luang Prabang

Today we take a memorable boat journey through mist-covered mountains up the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. This journey gives is a wonderful insight into the significance of the Mekong river to the people who we have met along the way and a memorable end to your visit.

Accommodation: Hotel 
Meals included: B

Day 15: Luang Prabang  Departure

In the morning you will be transferred to Luang Prabang airport for the return flight home.

Remark: Depending on weather and road conditions, this itinerary is subject to changes.

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