Cycling holiday in Laos

Day 1: Vientiane ( D )

The Laos tour starts in Vientiane.Our 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

Day 2: Vientiane ( B )

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 recognisable as an Asian capital, it has a relaxed ‘small town’ charm.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3: Vientiane to Ang Nam Ngum ( B )

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.

Cycling distance: 96km

Day 4: Ang Nam Ngum to Vang Vieng ( B )

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 are 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.

Cycling distance: 110km

Day 5: Vang Vieng ( B )

Vang Vieng has recently become a destination for backpackers and is a comfortable place with nice restaurants and guesthouses. We can relax with a beer Lao to finish off the day and enjoy the sunset over the river behind the stunning limestone pinnacles.

Day 6: Vang Vieng to Kasi ( B )

We begin the day 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.

Cycling distance: 60km

Day 7: Kasi to Kiu Kachan ( B )

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.

Cycling distance: 95km

Day 8: Kiu Kachan to Luang Prabang ( B )

We cycle to Luang Prabang , which is a word 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 own distinctive character and style of house.

Cycling distance: 81km

Day 9: Luang Prabang ( B )

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, enjoy the food, the peaceful surroundings and the people.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 10: Luang Prabang to Pak Mong ( B )

The day starts out 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.

Cycling distance: 112km  

Day 11: Pak Mong to Oudom Xay ( B )

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 lush jungle. We continue cycling over rolling hills and through magnificent scenery. At the end of the day we cycle down hill to Oudom Xay; the capital of the Province and home to 22 different ethnic minorities mostly Akha, Hmong and Mien.

Cycling distance: 85km

Day 12: Oudom Xay to Ban Nalay ( B )

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 Nalay where we will be hosted by local families. “Red Spokes” has 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 Loas village.

Cycling distance: 62km

Day 13: Ban Nalay to Pakbeng ( B )

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

Cycling distance: 82km

Day 14: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang ( B )

Today we take a memorable boat journey though 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.

Day 15: Departure ( B )

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