Classic Laos - Luang Prabang to Vientiane Bike Tour
8 days
From US $1,895
Overview
This tour connects the two most visited cities — Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos through an array of mountain landscapes. Northern Laos is home to mountains covered with lush tropical forests, river valleys, and hill-tribe cultures. The rolling terrain combined with gradual climbs from low-lying riverside valleys is just perfect – a cyclist’s delight.
This friendly, down-to-earth region embodies the hospitality that you will experience. Make sure you spend time with villagers in rural areas because the feeling that you are almost one of them is priceless!
Luang Prabang | 13:00hrs
Vientiane
casual
moderate
60km or 36mi
Min. 2, Max. 12
LPQ
VTE
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Luang Prabang | The Sanctuary Hotel | D | 12km / 7mi | cycling |
DAY 2 | Luang Prabang | The Sanctuary Hotel | B,L | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
DAY 3 | Kasi | Somchid GH | B,L,D | 35km / 21mi | cycling |
DAY 4 | Vang Vieng | Bearlin Bungalows | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
DAY 5 | Vang Vieng | Bearlin Bungalows | B,L | 35km / 28mi | cycling |
DAY 6 | Phou Khao Khouay | Nam Pien Yorla Pa | B,L,D | 70km / 43mi | cycling |
DAY 7 | Vientiane | La Seine Hotel | B,L,D | 60km / 37mi | cycling |
DAY 8 | Vientiane | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang
Our guide meets you post-lunch 13:00hrs at your hotel.
Begin the afternoon tour by cycling around the old quarter of Luang Prabang, starting at Heuan Chan Heritage House and after to Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Displayed within is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Continue cycling along the Mekong River and stop at the hillside temple of Wat That Luang. Take a short walk and visit the ancient stupa called That Dam (the Black Stupa) before biking to Wat Visoun, the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha images. Continue along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong – often considered to be Luang Prabang’s most elegant. The temple is characterized by tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Before sunset, cycle back to your hotel on the town’s main street, stopping at Wat Sop and Wat Sen along the way.
Day 2: Luang Prabang
Our main destination for the day is the hidden waterfall, Kung Si. Tucked away between thick foli-age, the famous waterfall feels like a secret. The aqua marine waters are tempting, so do carry your swimwear along.
On our way to the waterfalls we make a stop at Great Project (called the Laos Buffalo Dairy), a project designed to educate the Rural communities in Animal Husbandry and basic animal health care. They rent the Cattle from the villagers to enable a secure income for the community and use the milk to create Cheese and Spectacular Ice Cream. Lunch is served Picnic style here and there is also an opportunity to get a unforgettable ‘Buffalo Selfie’.
On arrival at the falls, hike to the top before bracing Crystal clear waters. We spend until afternoon here and return to the town. Shopping for local delights can be great fun, so enjoy your shopping time for the day.
Today’s dinner is on your own. We suggest eating dinner at a street stall so you can dig into the local delicacies. street stall so you can dig into the local delicacies. Lao food can be very meat ori-ented. Chopped meat, chicken or duck are common, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians as well. Our personal recommendation is the light and tasty Tam Mak houng or papaya salad, which is made from sliced raw papaya, garlic, chilly, peanuts, sugar, fermented fish sauce and lime juice.
Day 3: Kasi
A transfer of about 2hrs brings us to Kiu Kacham, situated at an altitude of 1,350m. From here, the ride is largely undulating until Phou Khoun, followed by a long descent to the valley of Kasi. The magical landscape is dominated by some of the highest limestone mountains and Hmong villages.
The accommodation/guest house in Kasi is basic (though it's clean with a comfy bed, air conditioning and taken care by good hosts) and is the best available option in the vicinity. We include overnight stay in Kasi as it's well placed in our cycling route and offers good cycling with good scenery on the day we arrive and leave Kasi.
Day 4: Vang Vieng
Today enjoy gentle rolling hills to Vang Vieng past spectacular karst ranges, green fields, and lumbering water buffalos. Vang Vieng has a magical setting on Nam Song river. It’s surrounded by dramatic karst cliffs and hundreds of caves. bucolic villages and blue lagoons.
In the afternoon, we do a side trip and visit the Tham Xang or Tham Hoi caves, set among the dramatic limestone scenery on the banks of the Nam Song River.
Day 5: Vang Vieng
Today we cycle the dirt road to the peaceful and secluded Blue lagoon 3 for a refreshing dip, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the vibe of the town.
Day 6: Phou Khao Khouay
Departing from the town at 7:30 am, we transfer early to Boat actress, the lake leading to Thalat. In landlocked Laos, today's ride sparks excitement about coastal life as we make our way to the 'sea of Laos,' a 250 sq km artificial Lake Nam Ngum. A blissful 2-hour boat journey concludes in Thalat. Our cycling adventure then begins as we head southeast toward the national park.
As we mount our bikes, the landscape unfolds before us, revealing lush paddy fields that stretch out to the horizon. With each pedal stroke, we are treated to stunning vistas of the Phou Khao Khouay mountain range, creating a visual symphony of nature's beauty.
Following a short 20km transfer to Ban Khune for lunch, an afternoon ride of 50km brings us to a luxurious resort hidden within the national park.
Day 7: Vientiane
Enjoy an extended breakfast at the resort and take some time to explore the surroundings. Departure for the capital is scheduled for around 10:30 am, with a transfer back to route 10 and then riding south towards the capital.
Vientiane, nestled on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, beckons us as we approach it in the early afternoon, around 2 pm. With ample time on our hands before our farewell dinner, we seize the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Our sightseeing adventure commences with an exploration of iconic landmarks, starting with the Patuxay monument—a remarkable architectural homage to the Arc de Triomphe. If time allows, we'll also have the opportunity to visit one of the majestic temples, Pha That Luang, bathed in the gentle afternoon light.
In the evening, we delve into the local rhythm of life by strolling along the bustling walking street that lines the riverside. The vibrant atmosphere envelopes us as we take in the sights and sounds of the city. To cap off our unforgettable journey, we indulge in a delectable local-style BBQ, savoring the flavors of Laos as we come together for our final meal, creating cherished memories to carry with us as we bid adieu to this remarkable adventure.
Day 8: Vientiane
Travel further as per your onward journey.
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Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $375
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $130
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
E-bikes
E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Trek Marlin 5 or similar
Included in your trip price
Weather
The dry season runs from late October until May; June to October is characterized by heavy rainfall. The southwest monsoon generally arrives around May/July. Until July, rain comes mostly in the form of short downpours for an hour or so, clearing the way for clear skies. After July, rain reaches peak levels in August and September.
Though the weather can be sometimes quite unpleasant from June to September, there are benefits to this season. Nature comes to life, dry brown grasslands and forests become lush and green, the farmers welcome the season with full productivity, and lakes and rivers as well as waterfalls fill up and become stronger than ever.
Our cycling tours in Northern Laos majorly run from September to mid-April with Oct to Feb being the best months having low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Mar to May is characterized by high humidity and some smokey skies due to slash-and-burn agriculture.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Mixed
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Offseason
July
Offseason
August
Mixed
September
Good
October
Best
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Visa
Tourist visas on arrival are available at certain ports of entry, and generally permit a stay of 30 days. At certain ports of entry, you can use an eVisa. See laoevisa.gov.la for more information. We recommend applying for e-visa in advance as that expedites the immigration process on arrival at Laos airport.