Indochina Bike Tour 21D/20N
Thailand Cycling Tours> Laos Cycling Tours
12 days Bangkok to Vientiane (Price: USD1,750 includes domestic flight)
Cycle the magical jewel of South East Asia
'Laos is a rice wine distilled locally in villages and while we don't suggest you consume it while cycling it does give a good idea of this trip - local, fun and tasty with the potential for a little bit of pain the next day.
Laos is less well known than it's bigger neighbours and this makes it all the more special. With fewer visitors, a lightly populated jungle landscape and the friendliest people around we have never found a person who, after visiting Laos, doesn't love it!
This Thailand and Laos Cycling Tours starts from Bangkok and finishes in Vientiane. This is a great cycling trip with wonderful variety and the cycling is spectacular. We ride along back roads and quiet highways and along side rivers before climbing up into spectacular limestone mountains and descending for a number of days through H'Mong villages to Vang Vieng, a travellers hangout town, then onto the (not so) bustling capital Vientiane.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Chiang Khong
We will meet up at Bangkok airport for a short flight to the northern city of Chiang Rai. From here it is about 2 hours drive to Chiang Khong, a small border town that sits along the banks of the Mekong River. Our rustic guesthouse has a great balcony that looks out over the Mekong and onto Laos. We will chat over dinner about the upcoming adventure. (D)
Day 2: Pak Beng
After crossing the border in the morning comes the non-cycling highlight of the trip as you spend the day cruising down the Mekong River on a converted cargo boat. The perfect introduction to Laos, you'll quickly get a feel for the slower pace of life here in Laos. We overnight in the small town of Pak Beng in a new tourist class hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Pak Beng to Oudomxai (80km)
Our first day on the bikes is also one of the best, taking us away from the Mekong River through a rolling landscape of small minority villages that grow corn and rice. This road is very new and carries very little traffic so you can enjoy the scenery and the kids who love to stand by the roadside and yell out “Sabaii Dii!”. After approximately 80km we board the bus and drive to our accommodation. Udomxai is a medium sized trading town and our guesthouse here is simple but clean. (B,L,D) 
Day 4: Oudomxai to Nong Khiaw (103km)
Today is a long ride with two mountain passes to climb. The landscape is mixed forest and slash and burn farming which is still practiced by the local H’Mong people who live in small villages which hug the mountain sides. Nong Khiaw is a beautiful little town sitting on the banks of the Nam Ou River, a major tributary of the Mekong. We stay overnight in a simple guesthouse looking out over the river. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang (70km)
In the morning we board a small boat to cruise down the river for a couple of hours. Limestone cliffs compete with villages and farmland and makes for a relaxing river journey. Where the river and highway meet we get back on the bikes and ride to Luang Prabang. This is an undulating ride with the Nam Ou River as our companion for much of the way. In the afternoon we will ride into Luang Prabang, our home for 3 nights. It has been said that Luang Prabang is the most beautiful town in South East Asia, and we’d have to agree. With a combination of historic temples, French colonial architecture and its setting by the Mekong surrounded by mountains you won't want to leave. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a free day in Luang Prabang to explore the temples, learn Lao cooking, shop, explore the surrounding handicraft, ride an elephant, relax in a café - there is so much to do! (B)
Day 7: Luang Prabang (Kuang Sii Waterfall) 62km 
After a restful day we hit the bikes for a ride to the stunning Kuang Sii Waterfall. The ride is along a small road alongside the Mekong River passing through small villages, rice fields and forest. At the waterfall enjoy a swim, picnic lunch and a visit to the tiger and bear rescue centre before riding back to Luang Prabang. (B,L)
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Kiew Ka Cham (78km)
Cycling out of Luang Prabang we are faced with what is without doubt the most difficult day of cycling but also one of the most rewarding with two huge uphill climbs. We pass through lush forest and many small H'Mong villages that sit dwarfed by the amazing landscape of limestone mountains that surround them. We stay the night in Kiew Ka Cham, a small village on top on the mountains. Few people stop here overnight so the accommodation is very simple. It is a special experience to stay in such a place. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Kiew Ka Cham to Kasi (94km)
You will be high in the mountains for the first half of the day following a ridge line up and down with peaks all around. In the afternoon it is time to relax a bit as the road is largely downhill along a valley to our overnight stop of Kasi. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Kasi to Vang Vieng (57km)
The ride to Vang Vieng is a relatively easy day travelling through the lush green of rice fields. Vang Vieng is set in a prime location. Surrounded by limestone peaks, caves and rivers this town see its fair share of travellers but for good reason. We should arrive before lunch so the afternoon is free to go caving, tubing on the river or relaxing in one of the many restaurants. (B)
Day 11: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (80km)
Into the flatter land now we ride away from the mountains towards Vientiane, Lao’s quiet capital city, and the end of the ride. The roads will become busier as the day goes on but Vientiane is nothing like other capital cities of Asia. In the evening we will head out for a nice dinner and celebrate the last night of the tour. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Tour End
Today is the end of the tour. Check out time is midday. If you want to stay longer in Vientiane, need assistance with flight tickets to other destinations, or train tickets to Bangkok please let us know.
Tour Info |
USD1,750 Per Person based on 2 people in sharing room |
| Supplement single room |
USD300 |
| Bike Rental | $120 (Trek 4300- 4500 year 2008 & 2009) |
| Total Distance | 626 km |
| Number of cycling days | 8 days |
| Road Surface | We ride along back roads and quiet highways and along side rivers before climbing up into spectacular limestone mountains. This trip involves some longer days over 80km and a couple of days with mountainous terrain. Riders should be of good cycling fitness. We have a support vehicle on hand at all times if you have difficulty with any sections. |
| Support | Support van including spare part, cool box and back up service |
| Group | Minimum 2. Maximum 15. |
| Staff | Groups of 6 or more, a Cycling Tour Leader, plus English-speaking cycling guide, drivers and assistants. Groups below 5 will be led by our local guide and our local support team. |
| Food | All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner) |
| Children | Children under 14-years old are not allowed to join this tour. |
Tour Price Includes
- 6 nights comfortable hotel, 4 nights local guesthouse (with private bathroom), 1 night basic guesthouse (share bathroom).
- Cycling experienced guide
- Flight Bangkok to Chiang Rai
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Support van for transfer & tour with cool box
- Snack, water, fruits and cold drink (Coke light)
- All boat tickets and boat transfers
- All entrance fees
Tour Price Includes
- International Flights
- Departure Tax $25 (international)
- Visa Fees $20 (issued on arrival)
- Alcoholic, and other beverages
- Tips for guides.
- Personal travel insurance
- Any services not mentioned in itinerary