Northern Laos: Bike, Hike, Kayak
Overview
Bursting with a variety of experiences, Northern Laos throws up myriad experiences; deep-rooted culture, verdant surroundings, unique food, and a slice of Laos like none other. Experience stretches of biking through Laos's spectacular karst mountain ranges and lush valleys, hiking with enchanting views of forests and innumerable waterfalls and streams, and kayaking in the Nam Ou river! The diverse landscape apart, Laos’s cultural hook is also what intrigues visitors. Here you will get to experience three beautiful rivers viz. Mekong, Nam Ou, and Nam Pak.
This is an excellent way to experience life in Northern Laos. Here the friendly, down-to-earth culture 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
Luang Prabang | 13:00hrs
casual
moderate
50km or 30mi
Age: 13+
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | Hotel | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Luang Prabang | Sala Prabang | D | 12km / 7mi | cycling |
DAY 2 | Luang Prabang - bike & hike | Sala Prabang | B,L | 30km / 18mi | cycling, hiking |
DAY 3 | Boat to Pak Beng | Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge | B,L,D | ||
DAY 4 | Oudomxay | Namkat Yorla Pa Resort | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi* | cycling |
DAY 5 | Muang Khua | New Chaleunsouk GH | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
DAY 6 | Boat to Nong Khiaw | Nong Kiau Riverside | B,L,D | ||
DAY 7 | Nong Khiaw 100 Waterfalls Hike | Nong Kiau Riverside | B,L | hiking | |
DAY 8 | Pak Ou | Pha an Floating Guesthouse | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
DAY 9 | Kayak and Cycle to Luang Prabang | B | 30km / 18mi* | cycling, kayaking |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang
Our guide meets you post-lunch at 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.
Dinner is at a Local NGO that trains marginalized youth for careers in the Hospitality industry. It is also one of the most exciting menus in town, with a great balance between traditional and modern flavors.

Day 2: Luang Prabang - bike & hike
Our main destination for the day is the hidden waterfall, Kung Si. Tucked away between thick foliage, the famous waterfall feels like a secret. The aquamarine waters are tempting, so do carry your swimwear along.
Start with a short transfer to the village of Long Lao, a thriving Hmong community of around 80 families. The community manages an excellent 8km hiking trail that finishes at the top of Kuang Si falls. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the crystal waters before cycling back to Luang Prabang.
On our way back, we make a stop at the Great Project (called the Laos Buffalo Dairy), a project designed to educate Rural communities on 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.
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-oriented. 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.
Hiking: 8 km

Day 3: Boat to Pak Beng
We transfer to the pier and board a huge traditional Mekong riverboat for the upstream cruise to Pak Beng, departure at 08.00 hrs. This portion of the Mekong is very remote, which sometimes allows glimpses of wildlife in the extensive forests. There are occasional stops at local hill tribe villages to meet people and observe life on the riverside. Lunch will be served on a boat and you may have the opportunity to stop and visit local villages. Enjoy the lovely scenery along both sides of the Mekong cruising to today’s destination.
Boat: 6 hrs

Day 4: Oudomxay
Today it’s a long full day cycling to Oudomxay. This is one of the most spectacular stretches of long mountain road. The road is dotted with small villages and this is a great way to get acquainted with local rural life. The dramatic limestone and green rolling hills formations make for great photographic opportunities. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the wonderful scenery. The journey passes through beautiful mountain ranges and Hmong hill tribe villages.

Day 5: Muang Khua
We continue riding to Muang Khua. This is one of the most unvisited parts of Laos and the experience is truly unique. To get to the Muang Khua, we ride along the Nam Pak River. Along the way, you will notice how the homes are made of wood and bamboo. We spend some time here talking to the locals, just walking around, or just sitting at the edge of the river.

Day 6: Boat to Nong Khiaw
We ditch the cycles for an amazing boat ride in the Nam Pak River to Nong Khiaw. This is one of the most stunning journeys by the river in this region. The edge of the river is dotted with small villages and this is a great way of getting acquainted with local life. There are also limestone formations that make for great photographic experiences. The jaw-dropping landscape keeps you hooked to this for a long.

Day 7: Nong Khiaw 100 Waterfalls Hike
Start the day with a boat ride on the Nam Ou to a small village where you can learn about the way of life along this river. Then trek through small streams and rice paddies to reach the base of the 100 waterfalls. For the next few hours, you will see only water and jungle and hear the sound of clear waterfall cascades. The pools around you are very inviting for a refreshing splash.
Our guide leads us through the cascades and prepares a local-style lunch on the falls in the middle of it all. Then take a small villagers’ trail from the top of the falls back down into the valley; along the way, you’ll take in views of the landscapes of the Nam Ou valley.
Hiking back to the village, we’ll have more time to observe the daily life here before heading back by a small boat to Nong Khiaw.

Day 8: Pak Ou
Hop on a bike and ride along the undulating countryside skirting the Nam Pak River towards Pakmong. From here we take about a 1hr transfer and have lunch by the riverside. Post-lunch, cycle South for 30km to Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since the 16th century when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.

Day 9: Kayak and Cycle to Luang Prabang
Today we start the day by kayaking on the Nam Ou River and enjoying a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside and seeing nature-built limestone cliffs. Later cycle to Luang Prabang skirting the Mekong river.
Map
Dates and Prices
Note:
Our base pricing is in USD. However, we can also quote in AUD, GBP, CAD, and EUR, and you can pay in the same. Please write us.
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We offer private departures on almost all our itineraries, and for groups of four or more, they cost the same as our standard trips!
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 that 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 on this trip at a surcharge. Please send a note to your tour consultant to book one.
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 FX Hybrids
Included in your trip price

Trek Marlin 6
Included in your trip price

Merida Big 9 MTBs
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.
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.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
meals
Some meals may not be included. Please check your itinerary.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
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