Guide

In 2023, the Cycle Laos adventure is hosted by local cycling legend and guru, Phout. With a smile that stretches from ear to ear and a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude, we’re proud to have Phout donning the SC uniform! Phout is particularly passionate about highlighting the many features of Laos. He’ll grab the menu and order a feast, ensuring you get to try the best of Lao cuisine, make sure your bike is in top condition at all times and be there in the van ready to give you a lift when you need it most! Brett Seychell, Social Cycles founder, will try and make the adventure too.

Meals

Sticky rice, fresh vegetables, mountains of fresh herbs, fish and meat, fish sauce, chilli, spices, fruit and more sticky rice… one of the wonderful features of the Lao diet is the almost complete absence of processed foods. Ironically, it’s the poor economic status of this small, landlocked South-East Asian country that has kept its cuisine fresh, vibrant and healthy for hundreds of years. Lao’s culinary offering includes universal hits, like steamed fish in banana leaf and pork laap salad, alongside options for the adventurous eater, such as duck’s blood salad.

Accommodation

19 Nights Accommodation To make the most of Laos & Vietnam, we stay in a variety of different accommodation styles. In Luang Prabang, we stay in a beautiful French colonial-style building in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City. Once we move away from the major towns and into the rural villages, we stay in clean & comfortable guest houses. All local guesthouse rooms have their own private bathroom with a western toilet. In the Lao village of Nong Khuay, we will spend the night with a local family in a traditional homestay. Where we can, we’ll always choose to stay in a hotel with a pool.

Transport

The overall distance, should you cycle the whole way, is just over 770km over the 15 cycling days. In addition to that, there are a lot more hills than there are flats. More often than not, you’re either going to be climbing a mountain, or flying down! In total, it is a 16,243m ascent and descent over the trip. It can sound a little daunting, but with the aid of the support van, you can cycle as much or as little as you like. Should you choose, you can even just cycle downhill! E-Bikes are available on request (but are limited). There is an option to have an E-Bike in Vietnam only, and a regular bicycle in Laos. Just get in touch. An air-conditioned minivan is used in both Laos and Vietnam to transport the riders when the team is not cycling.

Not included:

Optional

Flights

For this tour, you’ll need to fly into Vientiane Laos and depart from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Vientiane
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Vientiane

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. 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 we’ll head over to the banks of the Mekong for a drink, followed by a Lao-style BBQ.

Inc. Meals: Dinner

Cycling: NA

Transit: Airport transfer

Hotel: Azalea Park View Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 2 Nam Pien Yorla Pa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nam Pien Yorla Pa

Buddha Park, COPE and Friends

After breakfast, we’ll get fitted for the bikes and start the day with a gentle 22km ride to Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, otherwise known as the Buddha Statue Park. The van will follow and take us back to town to visit COPE Visitors Centre, where we will get an introduction to the effect the Second Indo-china war had on locals and what COPE is doing to enhance mobility of land mine victims.

Mini Makphet restaurant is another local NGO by Friends International where we will have lunch and learn about the vocational training programs and the social work carried out by this amazing NGO.

After lunch, we’ll transit 80km out of Vientiane to spend the evening in Nam Pien Yorla Pa, part of the Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Cycling: 22km

Transit: 80km

Hotel: Nam Pien Yorla Pa Resort
Day 3 Vang Vieng
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Vang Vieng

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Waking up surrounded by a tree top canopy, the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is on our doorstop and our first stop after breakfast. LCTW works with authorities and individuals to rescue, rehabilitate and release as many animals as they can from the illegal wildlife trade.

Cycling on from LCTW, we’ll find a local restaurant for some sustenance, then tackle the remaining 28km to Nam Ngum Lake, where we will catch a private boat across the lake, making our way to Vang Vieng for the late afternoon.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 77 km +295 m / -237 m

Transit: 25km (45 min)

Hotel: Silver Naga Hotel (or equivalent)

NGO: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
Day 4 Vang Vieng
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Vang Vieng

Blue Lagoons and Sunrise Balloons

Vang Vieng is famous for sunrise hot air balloons. We’re happy to connect you if that’s your thing (and weather permits). We’ve created a round cycling trip of 31km that takes us to Blue Lagoons 2 and 3, where we can have a dip in the open pools and grab some lunch from one of the food stands. We’ll also have the chance to explore Patong Cave Temple and a feast of surrounding attractions. The cycling is mostly on undulating dirt roads, with 286m of incline and decline. The evening is yours to relax and explore Vang Vieng.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast

Optional Extra: Hot air ballooning

Cycling: 31km +264m/-264m

Transit: NULL

Hotel: Silver Naga Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 5 Kasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kasi

Sunrise trek

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 its challenges but well worth the reward. We’ll allow 4 hours for the return trip, starting at 5am. Or you can always sleep in.

There is every opportunity to ride from Vang Vieng to Kasi, where we’ll spend the evening. The total distance is 62km on a paved but patchy road, we’ll aim to ride to Kasi for the early afternoon.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Cycling: 62km +480 m / -303 m

Transit: Optional

Hotel: Kasi Guest House
Day 6 Phonsavan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Phonsavan

Cycling mountains

We have approximately 160km to get to Phonsavan, so the first 110km will be covered in the van, which should take just over 3 hours. From the small village of Muang Souy, we’ll tackle the final 50km over some undulating paved roads. The road is a thoroughfare for transport around Laos and can be busy at times.

We’ll aim to arrive in the mid to late afternoon, giving us enough time to check in, shower and grab a massage before dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 52.1 kilometers · +568 m / -574 m

Transit: 3 hrs, 110km

Hotel: Anoulack Khoun Lao
Day 7 Phonsavan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Phonsavan

Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage Site

In the morning, we’ll see the Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage site, an archeological landscape consisting of thousands of stone jars scattered throughout the valley. If available, we’ll 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.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast

Cycling: NULL

Transit: Local only

Hotel: Anoulack Khoun Lao

NGO: Lone Buffalo
Day 8 Phou Khoun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Phou Khoun

Cycling to the Strawberry Farm Campsite

The van will take us 90km West, allowing us to cycle the final 50km to Phou Khoun. The road is paved with the usual pot holes and is not foreign to some traffic. For something different, we’ll spend the night under the stars camping at Phou Khoun Strawberry Farm. Watch the sea of clouds floating over the mountains.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: 50km +1,416 m / -1,088 m

Transit: 2 hrs 90km

Hotel: Strawberry Farm Camping
Day 9 Luang Prabang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Luang Prabang

Cycling into town

We’ll skip the first 53km of climbing by jumping in the van to the viewpoint. From here we’ll 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 is with us the whole way. Once we get into Luang Prabang, we’ll meet 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.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: 76km +1283 m / -2382 m

Transit: 2 hrs 53km

Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 10 Luang Prabang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Luang Prabang

Bears, buffalos and waterfalls

We ride to Kuang Si Falls, one of the most spectacular swimming holes on the continent. Along the way, we’ll visit the Lao Buffalo Dairy, whose initiative provides insight into the issues surrounding village farmers and water buffalo care. Before dipping in the beautiful Kuangsi Falls, we’ll visit Free the Bears. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates sun and moon bears from bile farms, working closely with Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife.

It’s a ‘there and back’ ride, totalling 57km. If you’re keen to get back to town and make the most of Luang Prabang for the evening, you can jump in the van and halve the cycling for the day.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast

Cycling: 57km +694 m / -694 m

Transit: Optional

Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent)

NGO: Lao Buffalo Dairy
Day 11 Nong Khuay Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nong Khuay Village

Jungle Jars, family life and Homestay

Some 30km out of Luang Prabang is Nong Khuay Village. A very remote community, home to 80 families of both Hmong and Khummu origin. To get there, we will cycle 21km on a mostly dirt track, with pretty reasonable climbs. Be prepared to get your sweat on! Then the road finishes and we must trek through the mountains for almost 9km. The van will meet us in the village, so you can always hitch a ride if mountain trekking is not your thing. Fairtrek initiative is working extensively within the village to create new revenue streams to boost the village economy through tourism. This is where your Social Cycles bamboo water bottles are made. We will stay the night with the community and experience real village life, eating with our new host families. The experience is very real village life, so expect simple, basic and authentic.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling: 21km | +510m / -157m

Transit: NULL

Hotel: Nong Khuay Village Homestay (basic)
Day 12 Nong Khiaw
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nong Khiaw

Cycling through remote villages

We cycle out of the village on dirt roads for 6km and tackle a pretty decent downhill, almost 15% at some parts. Then there’s a flat 7km of paved road before we jump in the van and head to Pak Mong (127km, 3 hrs). From here it is a further 29km through little villages nestled in between spectacular Karst peaks, on undulating paved roads.

The small town of Nong Khiaw is a favourite and the rustic charm of this quiet enclave is intoxicating.. relax along side the river in the shadow of elephant head mountain.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 13km | +130m /-677m & 29km | +364m / -402m

Transit: 3 hours

Hotel: Mandala Ou Resort (or equivalent)
Day 13 Muang Khua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Muang Khua

River cruising in a long tail boat

Today we transfer to the river to board a traditional long boat for the cruise up the Nam Ou River to the entrance to the Phongsaly district. We call in at the sleepy town of Muang Ngoi on the way to stretch our legs, along with some other riverside villages.

We’ll enjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch along the way, arriving at Muang Khua around 5 pm

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: NULL

Transit: All day boat

Hotel: New Chaleunsouk Guesthouse
Day 14 Dien Bien Phu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dien Bien Phu

Crossing into Vietnam

We start the day getting to the Tay Trang border crossing, into Vietnam. The 66km drive will take just under 2 hrs, but we’ll get to the border nice and early, and then it’s time to say goodbye to the Laos team! The Social Cycles Vietnam team will be waiting on the other side with a new set of bikes for you to take on the ride down to Dien Bien Phu. The ride is mostly paved and just 41km away with a nice drop in elevation.

Once in Dien Bien Phu, the evening is yours to explore. Be led by the guide and feast on local, authentic Vietnamese cuisine!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 35km | +458m / -1,121m

Transit: 1 hr 45

Hotel: Muang Thanh Hotel
Day 15 Mường Lay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mường Lay

Cycling rivers and valleys

Today we cycle along windy valleys on a paved road that snakes through the beautiful countryside. We are surrounded by rice fields and villages. We climb to an elevation of over 1000m and are rewarded once again with stunning views before descending (20km) to Muong Lay town.

Lunch will be simple and authentic, at one of the villages along the way. Once into town, the evening is yours to explore.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: Up to 95km | hard | +1997 m / -2258 m

Transit: NULL

Hotel: Thanh Binh Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 16 Lai Chau
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lai Chau

The mountain challenge

Get up early to capture pristine nature and picturesque scenery over the Black River. After breakfast at the hotel, we will cycle the first 25km on a tarmac road to Chan Nura. A vast landscape opens up beneath you: endless mountains stretching into the distance and craterous valleys dotted with stilt-home villages clustered around clear streams. Today is a hard day’s cycling, but definitely worth it. The reward at the end of it is some of the best views in the whole region.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 70km | hard | +1,718m / -2,387m

Transit: NULL

Hotel: Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 17 Sapa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sapa

Epic mountains, incredible valleys

Today is another great day as we conquer the O Quy Ho Pass. These 38km make for the longest pass of Northwest Vietnam. It is located in the system of four mountain passes in the North West. This climb takes you to an elevation of over 2000m, with the lowest point of the day at 700m. The views and stunning scenery will provide lifelong memories and will forever be ingrained as some of the most majestic and spectacular natural imagery on the planet. This is the hardest riding day of the tour. The total distance from the hotel to the hotel is 76km with an overall climb of 2291m and a descent of 1700m. The road is mostly paved and the van is always close by and will be available should you want to take a break or even leap frog the group.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 75km | hard | +2291m / -1700m

Transit: NULL

Hotel: Sapa Centre Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 18 Sapa To Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sapa To Hanoi

Overnight train to Hanoi

A morning meander through the local market will highlight the melting pot of ethnic tribes and goods for sale.

You can choose to spend the afternoon cycling a gentle 25km downhill into the Sapa Valley and experience the fantastic scenery of mountains, rice paddy fields and Hmong villages along the way. Alternatively, you can rest and relax in the town of Sapa.

The riders will be transferred back to Sapa and then to Lao Cai railway station for your overnight train to Hanoi.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycling: 25km | easy | +164m / -1267m

Transit: NULL

Hotel: Sapalay overnight train (4 berth cabin)
Day 19 Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi

The Great Donation Debate

Step out of the station and into the throngs of the city, the aromas of famous Hanoi street food await for breakfast. After checking into the hotel, we’ll spend the morning learning from our NGO partner, HopeBox. This micro NGO has created an incredible, social enterprise-based system supporting victims of gender-based violence in Vietnam.

The afternoon is yours to explore the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex or just find one of Hanoi’s endless funky cafes to sit back, relax and enjoy a egg coffee. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our last supper together as we discuss the NGOs we learned about and where the donation money could and should go.

Inc. Meals: Dinner

Cycling: NULL

Transit: Train Station to Hotel

Hotel: Phoenix Hotel (or equivalent)
Day 20 Departure Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Departure Day

Departure Day

Say goodbye to your newfound friends and riding buddies after breakfast as you get set to continue your onward journey.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast

Cycling: NULL

Transit: Airport transfer arranged on request ($)

Hotel: Additional accommodation arranged on request ($)

+17

20 days tour

Cycle Vietnam To Laos - 20 Days

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle Vietnam To Laos - 20 Days

Vientiane

Nam Pien Yorla Pa

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng

Kasi

Phonsavan

Phonsavan

Phou Khoun

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Nong Khuay Village

Nong Khiaw

Muang Khua

Dien Bien Phu

Mường Lay

Lai Chau

Sapa

Sapa To Hanoi

Hanoi

Departure Day

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

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