Overview
For those who can't find the time for our epic 8 day Lao Lao Adventure, this is a compact, challenging ride through an intriguing part of Laos. We set off from Luang Prabang and ride our way through this amazingly green mountain range with small communities of Hmong and Khmu hill-tribes dotted throughout. Very light traffic adds to the enjoyment and allows us to really enjoy the downhills. This is sure to be a memorable trip across the most scenic mountain range in Southeast Asia, with views for miles, and some really satisfying riding.
298 Km riding. The terrain is a mix of sealed and unsealed roads on both main and secondary roads. Main roads in Laos are actually like backstreet anywhere else due to the low number of vehicles on the road which is consistent with the country's low population. There are sustained climbs at times and some thrilling descents.
Highlights
Cycle through thick forests and small Hmong tribe villages surrounded by limestone karsts on a challenging day of riding.
Explore the compelling Plain of Jars by foot as you wonder at the Iron Age ruins.
Enjoy a day of scenic downhill riding as you roll into the beautiful and laid-back Vang Vieng.
Pedal into the countryside for a dip in a lagoon and a visit to a mysterious cave.
LUANG PRABANG EXPLORER
OPTIONAL 3-DAY/3-NIGHT GUIDED TRIP EXTENSION
Day to Day
Your group leader will have made contact the evening before and will provide you the opportunity to try out your bike. In the morning, you meet your fellow riders and hit the road. Cycling out of Luang Prabang, we are faced with what is, without a doubt, the most difficult day of cycling on this tour and also one of the most rewarding with two huge uphill climbs. We pass through lush forest and many small Hmong villages that sit dwarfed by the amazing landscape of limestone mountains that surround them. We stay the night in a small junction village called Phukoun on top of the mountains. Few people stop here overnight so the accommodation is simple but adequate. We do drive a section today to reach our destination and keep the ride achievable.
Another challenging day of cycling, beginning with a descent, then back into the climbs. There is a lot of up, a lot of down and not a lot of flat, but this is the northern mountains of Laos, so it is what is to be expected. We are riding today into Xieng Khouang Province, home of the highest peaks in Laos and the Plain of Jars. We stay this evening in the town of Phonsavan. We again drive a section today to reach our destination and keep the ride achievable.
This morning we drive to the mysterious Plain of Jars and explore by foot. These giant stone jars are distributed over an extensive area through an upland valley. The impressive ruins were probably used as burial vessels or as part of burial ritual, and are thought to date back to the Iron Age. After a morning exploring the fascinating Plain, we drive back to Phukoun for another night in this little-visited town. It may seem strange to be spending two nights in this out-of-the-way place, but the previous day of riding and the day exploring the Plain will surely be worth it. And the views from here are truly jaw-dropping.
There is that old saying, that what goes up, must... Anyway, today you get to enjoy something of a payoff for the climbing of the last couple of days. The main descent is a continual, very enjoyable 20km and the rest of the day continues on a similar trend, although there are some short sections where you need to have your climbing legs ready. We ride door to door today and expect to arrive into the very beautiful Vang Vieng in the late afternoon. Vang Vieng is famed as a chillout town and refuge of the homesick backpacker. A pizza may even be in order if you need a break from the rice.
With only a few short pedal strokes, we find ourselves in some truly beautiful countryside where rice paddies are framed by jutting limestone karsts. We visit a lagoon for a swim and stop off at a cave along the way. We return to town just after lunch and have a shower before boarding the van for the drive into Vientiane. Upon arrival in Vientiane, we will take you to your hotel or to the airport if you are in a hurry to leave.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
For those with only a limited time to explore the wonders of Laos, this bike tour encapsulates some of the country’s best cycling and views in only five days. We’ve carefully crafted this itinerary and taken care of all of the small details in order to allow you to have a relaxing cycling holiday experience filled with rewarding riding, awesome sights, and cultural experiences.
