Cycling in Laos 14 days

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Asia Bicycle Tour 14 Days in Laos. Laos, known as the land of a million smiles, boasts stunning mountainous landscape and a laid back atmosphere, the result of a long isolation from its neighbours. Our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, from narrow roads shaded by jungle vines to shimmering rice paddies and mountains which are home to a mix of ethnic groups. Out of the saddle, we walk through villages and bamboo forest and visit Luang Prabang with striking colonial buildings, tree-lined avenues and colourful temples. We finish our trip in bustling Bangkok. The cycling is demanding at times, but our reward is to have roads almost to ourselves in South East Asia’s friendliest and least known country.

ITINERARY

💢 Day 1: Hanoi on Arrival in Vietnam
We meet in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi for dinner and a trip briefing.

💢 Day 2: Hanoi to Tam Coc
A day exploring the countryside and local artisans. We start riding on a dyke along the Red River, a perfect quiet place to get used to cycling in Vietnam as we make our way to Tam Coc.

💢 Day 3: Tam Coc – Ninh Binh
A flat, scenic ride takes us to Hoa Lu and Dinh Le Temple, built in the shape of a Chinese character. We explore Vietnam’s first and largest national park with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, home of rescued and rehabilitated native monkeys, gibbons, and langurs.

💢 Day 4: Ninh Binh – Mai Chau
We cycle through dramatic mountain landscapes along the Buoi River. A transfer uphill means a descending ride past rice paddies to Mai Chau.

💢 Day 5: Mai Chau Valley
Take a stroll around Mai Chau valley before we transfer to the top of the hill and ride downhill to Dong Tam. After lunch we’ll continue cycling west towards Laos and along the way you will be treated to the dramatic scenery of mountains, rivers and local villages.

💢 Day 6: Mai Chau – Vieng Xai
We cross the border in the morning, and our Laos guides will lead us along streams and farms to the historic Vieng Xai caves, once the war-time headquarters of Laos’ communists.

💢 Day 7: Vieng Xai – Xam Neua

We cycle amongst the vast network of caves, which were used as shelters from air raids during the Vietnam War. After lunch, we cycle to Xam Neua, Houaphanh’s provincial capital.

💢 Day 8: Xam Neua
Today we will have a rest from the bikes and and go on a different type of adventure, a safari in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area. As we enter the park, we stop to see Saleuy Waterfall, and in the late afternoon, we boat upriver so that we can drift down in the evening to spot wildlife.

💢 Day 9: Xam Neua – Ban Xang

It’s back on the bikes today after a short transfer. We cycle down to the Xieng Khouang Plateau and to the Ban Xang Hot Springs, where we’ll be staying the night in a community lodge.

💢 Day 10: Ban Xang – Phonsavanh

This morning we ride to the town of Phonsavanh, but on the way, we’ll stop for a cool down and lunch at Tad Ka Waterfall in Tachok and hike a spectacular jungle trail that winds its way up and crosses the waterfall.

💢 Day 11: Phonsavanh

An easy day to visit the mysterious prehistoric jars. We return to town for lunch and the afternoon is free to visit the MAG Office-UXO Visitor Information Centre and gain an insight into the legacy of the Vietnam War to the region.

💢 Day 12: Phonsavanh – Phou Khoun

We head east to Phou Khoun via Nongtang, a large natural lake surrounded by high limestone cliffs. We explore the temple ruins, visit a cave, and have lunch. After, we continue cycling for another 27 km be-fore transferring the final uphill section.

💢 Day 13: Phou Khou – Luang Prabang

We have an overall descent to Luang Prabang. However, before we go down, we have 40 km of up-and-down riding. We then descend 20 km and have lunch at the bridge over the Ming River. Then we decide if want to continue riding and conquer one more mountain or to transfer to Luang Prabang.

💢 Day 14: Luang Prabang Departure

We ride to Pak Ou to visit the Buddha-filled Tham Ting and Tham Teung Caves. We return to Luang Prabang by boat, with a stop at Ban Xang Hai. Return to your hotel to freshen up before your onward journey.