8 Days
From US $1,995
Vientiane Highlands Bike, Hike, Kayak
Join us on a 8-day cycling journey through the heart of rural Laos—where every turn reveals adventure, beauty, and authentic local charm. Designed for riders of all levels, this loop begins and ends in Vientiane, weaving through serene countryside, cultural gems, and highland escapes.
You’ll leave the capital behind and roll into quiet roads framed by rice paddies and soft hills, gradually climbing into the scenic highlands. Discover Muang Fuang, a riverside town where life slows down—ideal for reconnecting with nature and local culture. With its peaceful weekday vibe and lively weekend buzz, it’s a hidden gem on the rise.
Midway through the ride, the trail leads you to Vang Vieng, a haven for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind. Swim in the iconic Blue Lagoon, explore vast limestone caves, or simply enjoy the stunning karst landscapes.
As the route arcs back toward Vientiane, the pace softens, guiding you through reflective rural roads with sweeping mountain vistas, golden fields, and warm village smiles.
Whether you're drawn to the climbs or the calm, this tour offers a rich and rewarding way to experience the soul of Laos—by bike.
Guided
casual hotels
Vientiane
Vientiane
easy to moderate
35km / 22mi
7
Min. 2, Max. 12
Vientiane Airport (Wattay) Laos-VTE
Vientiane Airport (Wattay) Laos-VTE
Highlights
Muang Fuang & Fuang Valley
Discover a peaceful riverside town and explore the untouched beauty of Fuang Valley, including a rewarding climb to Pha Phou Viewpoint.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Vientiane | Le Charme | D | 16km / 10mi | cycling |
| DAY 2 | Muang Fuang | Pavillon Pha Leuang | B,L,D | 95km / 59mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Muang Fuang | Pavillon Pha Leuang | B,L | 25km / 15mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Nam Ngum | Sanctuary Nam Ngum | B,L,D | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Nam Ngum | Sanctuary Nam Ngum | B,L,D | 35km / 21mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Nam Pien Yorla Pa | Nampien Yorla Pa | B,L,D | 60km / 37mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Vientiane | Le Charme | B,L,D | 55km / 34mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane
Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival in Vientiane, you’ll meet your local guide at noon and get fitted with your high-quality mountain bike—ready to begin your adventure. This afternoon, we ease into the journey with a relaxed 16 km ride through the capital, exploring key cultural sites like the iconic Patuxay Monument, the sacred golden spire of That Luang, and the powerful COPE Centre, which sheds light on Laos’ ongoing development challenges and the lasting impact of the Secret War. As the sun sets, we’ll gather along the banks of the Mekong River for a traditional Lao feast, setting the tone for the unforgettable ride ahead.
Day 2: Muang Fuang
After an early breakfast, we depart Vientiane and transfer to the peaceful village of Pak Chom, where our rural cycling adventure begins. From here, we ride through breathtaking countryside—past rice paddies, forested hills, and small villages—on our way to the charming riverside town of Muang Fuang.
Following a delicious Lao lunch and well-earned rest stops, we continue to our tranquil mountain resort, tucked beneath dramatic karst cliffs and far removed from the busier tourist trails.
Day 3: Muang Fuang
Today’s journey takes us off the beaten path, as we ride a scenic 25 km gravel loop through the lush, unspoiled beauty of the Fuang Valley. The ride features a steady climb to the breathtaking Pha Phou Viewpoint, where wide-open vistas stretch across forested hills and rice fields—rewarding your effort with unforgettable scenery and a fresh mountain breeze.
After the morning ride, we’ll shift gears and float down the Nam Lik River aboard a traditional Lao party boat. This mid-river escape features a delicious lunch, lively music, and plenty of time to relax, swim, or simply soak up the views.
Day 4: Nam Ngum
After breakfast, we set off toward Hin Heup, cycling along a quiet, newly paved road that winds through peaceful countryside. A brief stretch on the expressway brings us to our destination—a stunning lakeside resort perched on the edge of the serene Nam Ngum Lake.
Following a well-deserved lunch, we trade pedals for paddles and hop into kayaks to explore the lake’s calm waters. Gliding past floating villages and forested shores, this afternoon is all about slowing down and soaking in the quiet beauty of one of Laos’ best-kept secrets.
Day 5: Nam Ngum
This morning, we transfer to the vibrant town of Vang Vieng and gear up for a challenge: the steep but rewarding hike up Big Pha Ngern. The trail is demanding, but the panoramic views over the lush Song River Valley from the summit are absolutely unforgettable—a true highlight of the trip.
After descending, we hop back on our bikes and ride out to the iconic Blue Lagoons 2 and 3. Surrounded by jungle-clad cliffs, these turquoise pools offer the perfect place to swim, relax, and recharge. By late afternoon, we return to our resort feeling refreshed, accomplished, and immersed in Vang Vieng’s natural magic.
Day 6: Nam Pien Yorla Pa
This day is pure serenity. We begin with a tranquil two-hour boat ride across Nam Ngum Lake, gliding over glassy waters as misty mountains rise around us and shimmering reflections drift by. After reaching the far shore, a short transfer brings us to our starting point for a scenic two-hour bike ride through quiet backroads and rolling hills.
By afternoon, we arrive at our secluded retreat, nestled on the edge of a protected national park—a peaceful haven surrounded by dense jungle and flowing streams. Tonight, we fall asleep to the calming sounds of nature, tucked deep into one of Laos’ most magical landscapes.
Day 7: Vientiane
Our final day begins with a meaningful visit to the Laos Conservation Trust, where we meet the dedicated team working to protect the region’s endangered wildlife. From there, we begin our ride back toward Vientiane, as the countryside offers one last burst of beauty—vibrant rice paddies, winding roads, and distant views of the Phou Khao Khouay mountains.
On the outskirts of the city, we stop to explore the whimsical and surreal Buddha Park, a sculpture-filled garden blending mythology and art. As we re-enter Vientiane, we pause for final photos at the iconic Patuxay Monument before gathering along the Mekong River for a farewell Lao feast.
Together, we raise a toast to new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the shared adventure of discovering Laos on two wheels.
Day 8: Departure
Make your onward travel arrangements or choose to extend your stay in Laos.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $350
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $200
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
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.
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.
Marlin5 Gen2 or similar
Included in your trip price
Marida Big.Nine 20 or similar
Included in your trip price
G-Two or similar
Included in your trip price
Arrival & Departure Details
Your tour begins in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.
🚖 Getting to Your Hotel – Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, you can book an official airport taxi at the counter just outside the terminal. The ride to the city center is approximately 8 km (5 miles) and takes around 15 minutes. Fares typically range from 153,000 to 175,000 kip (approximately USD 7–8).
💱 Currency Exchange & ATM – You can exchange money at the airport or withdraw cash from the ATM located just outside the arrivals area.
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
Good
May
Offseason
June
Offseason
July
Offseason
August
Offseason
September
Mixed
October
Best
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
Farmers in northern Thailand and Laos typically burn crop residue from late-March to early-June. We do not recommend this as a good time to go cycling in northern Thailand and Laos.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
