Laos By Bike

Arrive Luang Prabang

If you’re flying into Luang Prabang today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. We meet in the afternoon to brief everyone thoroughly and make sure the bikes fit. Then, we take a short transfer out of town and start a nice, easy ride along the Mekong River to get accustomed to riding in Laos. We will have a welcome dinner at a traditional Lao restaurant.Cycling: NoneOvernight: Saynamkhan River View or similar

Alms Giving & City Cycle

A highly recommended early start provides the fantastic opportunity to witness and even participate in the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony, Tak Bat. Before first light, hundreds of saffron-clad monks file out from the old town's 35 temples to collect their daily alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from faithful local residents.Luang Prabang is best seen on two wheels. You will soon understand why it deserves the World Heritage title. This morning we will explore the city on bike Luang Prabang remains one of Asia's most beautiful historic towns, earning it the status of a World Heritage Site in 1995. Rising from the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, it is popular for its many temples and preserved French colonial architecture. There are also ancient monasteries and a Royal Palace Museum and the bustling morning market. This evening you have to yourselves. Maybe explore the local restaurants or indulge in a massage, the choice is yours.Cycling: ~10kmOvernight: Saynamkhan River View or similar

Cycle to Khuang Si Waterfall

Today we cycle out of town to the stunning Khuang Si Waterfalls, where we can walk along forest paths and enjoy a swim in terraced turquoise pools fed by the waterfall. A easy warm up ride to one and half hour trip to Kuang Si falls for a dip in the brilliant blue ice-cold waters is a must see in Laos. On the way we get our first glimpse of village life and spectacular scenery. After cycling back to town, the rest of the day will be free at leisure to relax or explore Luang Prabang. Cycling: ~60km (paved roads)Overnight: Saynamkhan River View or similar

Cycle to Kasi

After a 2-hour transfer by minivan we arrive at Kiu Kacham, at an altitude of 1,350m. The first part of this stage, you'll cycle between 1000 and 1400 meters to Phou Khoun. After Phou Khoun, you'll enjoy a long descent with great views, bringing you to the green valley of Kasi. There are three possible starting points for today's ride. Your guide will discuss the options with you the evening prior. Cycling: ~95km max (shorter options available - paved roads)Overnight: Pha Khaoy Resort or similar

Cycle to Vang Vieng

This morning we cycle through incredible scenery as we make our way from Kasi to Vang Vieng, riding through lush lowlands alongside rivers, caves and dramatic limestone karst hills. Vang Vieng is set on a bend in the tranquil Nam Song River, surrounded by spectacular scenery of rugged limestone outcrops clad in thick jungle. The beautiful Nam Song River is fringed in lush greenery and its riverbanks are dotted with guesthouses, bars and restaurants. This day will be much easier, as we cover a shorter distance on gentle rolling hills to Vang Vieng, which we'll reach in time for lunch. In the afternoon you can choose to visit the Tham Xang or Tham Hoi caves, which are set among the dramatic scenery on the banks of the Nam Song River. Relax with a Lao beer and watch the sun set over the mountains you have just crossed.Cycling: ~48km (paved roads)Overnight: The Elephant Crossing Hotel or similar

In Vang Vieng

Today you have time to enjoy Vang Vieng and the scenery. It is a rest day so you can take some time to explore the Nam Song river, take a boat ride, go tubing or visit some of the nearby caves. There is an optional off road cycling excursion to the nearby man made lakes.Cycling: NoneOvernight: The Elephant Crossing Hotel or similar

Vang Vieng to Ban Keun

Continuing on the main road, you cycle to the ‘sea of Laos’: the 250 square kilometers, artificial Lake Nam Ngum. A 2-hour boat ride brings you to the dam, where you'll have your choice of great fish restaurants. After lunch, you'll continue on a quiet back road through small, hidden valleys and authentic villages. You stay overnight on the banks of the Nam Ngum River.Cycling: ~55km (paved roads)Overnight: Vansana Nam Ngum or similar

Ban Keun to Vientiane

Today, you cycle through beautiful scenery of terraced rice paddies, rugged forested slopes and the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Phou Khao Kouay mountain range before entering the capital city of Laos: Vientiane. You’ll cycle through the suburbs on your way to the center of this bustling, historical city situated along the bank of the Mekong. The afternoon is free at leisure to explore Vientiane’s temples, markets and handsome colonial architecture. A final pasta party in the city center to celebrate completion of the trip, by this time you will have eaten enough rice to last a lifetime.Cycling: ~65km (20km dirt road, 45km paved roads)Overnight: Azelea Park View or similar

In Vientiane, trip concludes

Enjoy the quiet capital see the sites and cycle along the Mekong. The tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, before continuing on to the nearby Hor Phra Keo. Acting as a religious museum, the site displays a unique collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Though it can only be viewed from the outside, the stunning building offers some excellent insight into the colonial history of Vientiane. Continue to the Patuxay monument. Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, it is possible to climb the stairs of the monument where breathtaking views over the city await. The tour wraps up at That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirath in the 16th century, the temple is one of the city’s most iconic with its towering golden spire. The trip concludes today at the end of our sightseeing tour in Vietiane.