Get up early and enjoy magnificent views from the Pha Ngern Viewpoint
Cycle around this unique park with hundreds of Buddha and Hindu deity sculptures
Discover the stories behind this UNESCO Heritage Site
Seek out Laos' natural beauty, unique culture and friendly people
Enjoy a wonderfully varied bike tour of Laos
Experience the rich culture and diversity of Laos on tour

Cycle Laos: Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Duration
11 days
Site savings
$47
From
$1,500 USD

Ready yourself to cycle almost 370km from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Laos is an intriguing and evocative Southeast Asian country that has untouched natural beauty and is only being discovered by travellers. Starting in the capital of Vientiane, this 11-day cycling exploration will bring you to colorful markets, refreshing blue lagoons, a sunrise trek or see the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO Heritage Site. This holiday becomes more memorable and purposeful as you visit local NGOs, conservation sites, sanctuaries and dining in social enterprises which support the youth. This is a life-changing getaway not just for you but other people as wel

  • Category
    Multi-Activity
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    11 days
  • Culture Level
    Adventurous
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    229.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    31.1 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    11 days
  • Main Destination
    Laos
  • Distance
    229.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    31.1 miles
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Vientiane: Arrival day

    There’s a feast of exciting activities to sink your teeth into. Spend your day exploring around the many markets, museums and temples in Vientiane. The day is yours to potter, caffeinate and watch the world go by. The  group will meet up for dinner at 6pm at the hotel, where you’ll head over to the banks of the Mekong for a drink, followed by a Lao style BBQ.

    • Azalea Park View Hotel, Vientiane
    • Dinner
  2. Day 2Vientiane to Nam Pien Yorla Pa: Buddha Park, COPE and Friends

    After breakfast, you’ll start your day with a gentle 22km ride to Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, also known as the Buddha Statue Park. A support van will follow and bring you back to town to visit the COPE Visitors Centre. There, you’ll gain insight into the Vietnam War’s impact on locals and learn about COPE’s efforts to improve mobility for landmine victims.  

    For lunch, you’ll head to Mini Makphet, a local NGO restaurant by Friends International. You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also discover the vocational training programs and social initiatives they run to support the community.  

    In the afternoon, you’ll travel 80km out of Vientiane to spend your evening at Nam Pien Yorla Pa, nestled in the Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area.

    • 13.7 miles
    • Nam Pien Yorla Pa Resort, Vientiane
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  3. Day 3Vang Vieng: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

    You wake up surrounded by a serene treetop canopy, with the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife just steps away, ready to be your first stop after breakfast. At LCTW, you’ll learn about their vital work rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals caught in the illegal wildlife trade.  

    From there, you’ll cycle onward, pausing at a local restaurant to refuel before taking on the remaining 28 kilometers to Nam Ngum Lake. Here, a private boat awaits to carry you across the shimmering waters, setting you on course to reach Vang Vieng by late afternoon.

    • 47.8 - 42.1 miles
    • 190.3 ft
      967.8 ft
      777.6 ft
    • Silver Naga Hotel or equivalent
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  4. Day 4Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoons and Sunrise Balloons

    Vang Vieng is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise hot air balloons, and if that’s on your bucket list (and the weather cooperates), the Tour Operator will happily help you arrange it. For today, a 31km cycling loop has been planned that takes you to the stunning Blue Lagoons 2 and 3, perfect for a refreshing dip in their open pools and a bite from the local food stands.  

    Along the way, you’ll also explore Patong Cave Temple and discover an array of nearby attractions. The ride is mostly on rolling dirt roads, with 286 meters of elevation gain and descent. The evening is yours to unwind and experience the charm of Vang Vieng at your own pace.

    • 19.3 miles

    • 866.1 ft
      866.1 ft
    • Silver Naga Hotel or equivalent
    • Breakfast
  5. Day 5Kasi: Sunrise trek to Kasi

    If you’re up for it, there’s the option to go on a sunrise trek to Pha Ngern Viewpoint for epic views across the surrounding mountains. It’s not without it’s challenges but well worth the reward. There'll be 4 hours alloted for the return trip which starts at 5:00 AM. Or you can always sleep in.

    There is every opportunity to ride from Vang Vieng to Kasi, where you'lll spend the evening. The total distance is 62km on a paved but patchy road,  the group will aim to ride to Kasi for the early afternoon.

    Kasi Hot Springs is basic, but a great place to relax and unwind in the pool.


    • 38.5 miles
    • 580.7 ft
      1,574.8 ft
      994.1 ft
    • Kasi Guest House
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  6. Day 6Phonsavan: Cycling mountains

    You have approximately 160km to reach Phonsavan, but the first 110km will be a relaxing ride in the van, taking just over three hours. From the quaint village of Muang Souy, you'll hop on your bike to tackle the final 50km along undulating paved roads. Be prepared—the route serves as a key transport thoroughfare in Laos and can get busy at times.  

    You'll aim to arrive by mid to late afternoon, with plenty of time to check in, freshen up with a shower, and perhaps enjoy a soothing massage before dinner.

    NGO: Quality of Life Association

    • 32.4 miles
    • -19.7 ft
      1,863.5 ft
      1,883.2 ft
    • Anoulack Khoun Lao, Phonsavan
    • Breakfast and Lunch
  7. Day 7Phonsavan: Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage Site

    In the morning, you'll see the Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage site, an archeological landscape consisting of thousands of stone jars scattered throughout the valley.  If available, the group will also meet a micro NGO, Lone Buffalo, that provides free English tuition, female empowerment programs and sports coaching. The rest of the afternoon is yours to rest, unwind and explore the town.

    • Anoulack Khoun Lao
    • Breakfast
  8. Day 8Phou Khoun: Cycling to the Strawberry Farm Campsite

    The van takes you 90km west, bringing you to the starting point for a scenic 50km ride to Phou Khoun. The paved road, dotted with the usual potholes, sees its share of traffic.

    For a unique experience, you’ll spend the night camping under the stars at Phou Khoun Strawberry Farm. As you unwind, take in the magical sight of a sea of clouds drifting over the mountains.

    • 31.1 miles
    • 1,076.1 ft
      4,645.7 ft
      3,569.6 ft
    • Strawberry Farm Camping
    • Breakfast and Dinner
  9. Day 9Luang Prabang: Cycling into town

    You'll skip the first 53km of climbing by jumping in the van to the viewpoint. From here, the group will attempt to cycle all the way into Luang Prabang, with twice as much downhill as up in the remaining 76km.There’s no rush and a support van that’s with the group the whole way. Once you get into Luang Prabang, meet up again for dinner at the Friends International restaurant, KhaiPhaen. It’s a social enterprise based restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth with vocational training amongst other support.

    • 47.2 miles
    • -3,605.6 ft
      4,209.3 ft
      7,815 ft
    • Sala Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang
    • Breakfast and Dinner
  10. Day 10Luang Prabang: Bears, buffalos and waterfalls

    You’ll ride to Kuang Si Falls, one of the most breathtaking swimming spots on the continent. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Lao Buffalo Dairy, where you’ll gain insight into the challenges faced by village farmers and the care of water buffalo.  

    Before cooling off in the stunning Kuang Si Falls, you’ll visit Free the Bears, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sun and moon bears from bile farms, in partnership with the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife.  

    This out-and-back ride covers a total of 57km, but if you’d prefer to return to town earlier and enjoy an evening in Luang Prabang, you can hop in the van and cut your cycling in half.

    NGO: Lao Buffalo Dairy, Free the Bears

    • 35.4 miles

    • 2,276.9 ft
      2,276.9 ft
    • Sala Prabang Hotel
    • Breakfast
  11. Day 11Luang Prabang: Departure Day

    Congratulations! You’ve cycled Laos, covered almost 400km in the saddle and more than scratched the surface as to what this fantastic country is all about.

    You’ll enjoy a final breakfast together before saying goodbye.

    • Breakfast