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Cycle Laos: Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Duration
11 days
Site savings
$62
From
$2,002 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
- CategoryMulti-Activity
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration11 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance229.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance31.1 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration11 days
- Main DestinationLaos
- Distance229.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance31.1 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Vientiane: Arrival day
Ease into your adventure with a relaxed morning—explore markets, visit museums, or enjoy quiet moments at local temples. Savour a coffee and take in the lively atmosphere of Laos. At noon, you’ll meet at the hotel for a bike fitting and a leisurely ride to Mini Makphet Restaurant, run by Friends International. Over lunch, you’ll hear about their impactful vocational training programs.
Next, you'll visit the COPE Visitors Centre to learn about the Indo-China War’s legacy and COPE’s vital work supporting mobility for landmine victims. As the sun sets, you’ll gather by the Mekong River for a refreshing drink before enjoying a Lao-style BBQ dinner—a perfect close to an unforgettable day.
NGO’s: Friends Intl | COPE
- Urbanite Hotel, Vientiane
- Dinner
- Day 2Vientiane to Nam Pien Yorla Pa: Buddha Park to National Park
After breakfast, you’ll start the day with a short transfer to Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, also known as Buddha Statue Park. Take time to admire the fascinating sculptures and enjoy the peaceful ambience of this spiritual spot. You’ll then cycle 55km to Nam Pien Yorla Pa, a hidden treasure on the edge of Phou Khao Khouay National Park. This rainforest escape will be your base for the night, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind. Enjoy a stunning canopy walk, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest’s beauty. With lush trails and cascading waterfalls to explore, it’s a serene and immersive experience to round off your day in nature.
Transit: 22km / 45 mins
- 34.2 miles
- Nam Pien Yorla Pa Resort
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 3Vang Vieng: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
Begin the day with a visit to the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, located right on the doorstep. Discover how LCTW collaborates with authorities to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals caught in the illegal wildlife trade—a truly inspiring start to the day.
From there, you’ll cover a total of 80km en route to Nam Ngum Lake, cycling up to 50km through scenic landscapes with a stop for a delicious local lunch. Need a break? The van will be with you the entire way for support. At Nam Ngum Lake, you’ll swap wheels for water and enjoy a tranquil boat trip across the reservoir, soaking up stunning views. Arriving in Vang Vieng by late afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind and prepare for the next adventure.
Transit: 30-40km van + 2 hr boat ride
NGO: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife- 24.9 - 31.1 miles
- 190.3 ft
967.8 ft
777.6 ft - Silver Naga Hotel (or equivalent)
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 4Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoons and Sunrise Balloons
Prepare for a thrilling 31km cycling journey through Vang Vieng’s breathtaking landscapes. Along the route, we’ll stop at Blue Lagoons 2 and 3, where you can take a refreshing swim and enjoy lunch from local food stalls. Discover the historic Patong Cave Temple, nestled in stunning surroundings and rich with cultural significance. The mostly dirt-road trail is scenic and manageable, featuring 286m of incline and decline for an enjoyable ride. Back in town, the evening is yours to relax, explore, or celebrate the day’s adventures. For a unique experience, opt for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset, weather permitting.
Optional Extra: Hot air ballooning
- 19.3 miles
866.1 ft
866.1 ft- Silver Naga Hotel (or equivalent)
- Breakfast
- Day 5Kasi: Sunrise trek to Kasi
If you’re up for it, there’s the option to go on a sunrise hike 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 four hours for the return trip, starting at 5am. Or you can always sleep in. The hike comes with a word of warning, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The path can be steep and slippery and not for novice hikers.
There is every opportunity to ride from Vang Vieng to Kasi, where you’ll spend the evening. The total distance is 62km on a paved but patchy road.
Transit: Optional- 38.5 miles
- 580.7 ft
1,574.8 ft
994.1 ft - Kasi Guest House
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 6Phonsavan: Cycling mountains
- Day 7Phonsavan: Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage Site
In the morning, you’ll explore one of Laos’ most remarkable sites: the Plain of Jars. This UNESCO Heritage Site features thousands of mysterious stone jars scattered across the valley, believed to be up to 2,000 years old. Theories suggest these fascinating relics may have served as ancient burial pits—an archaeological marvel that will spark your curiosity.
If available, you’ll visit Lone Buffalo, a micro NGO making a big difference. From free English classes to female empowerment programs, entrepreneurial training, and sports coaching, their work empowers communities and transforms lives.
Transit: Local transfers only
NGO: Lone Buffalo- Anoulack Khen Lao
- Breakfast
- Day 8PhonXai: Northward Adventures and Mountain Views
- Day 9Luang Prabang: Cycling into town
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a challenging 60km ride to the vibrant city of Luang Prabang. With mostly paved roads, this journey will test your endurance and determination, taking around 4-5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery as you pass through peaceful villages and lush landscapes. With a steady effort, you’ll arrive in Luang Prabang just in time for lunch—ready to celebrate the triumph of completing this unforgettable adventure.
Transit: Optional
- 37.3 miles
- -426.5 ft
2,395 ft
2,821.5 ft - Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent), Luang Prabang
- Breakfast
- Day 10Luang Prabang: Bears, buffalos and waterfalls
Enjoy a ride from Luang Prabang to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, one of Asia’s most spectacular swimming spots. Along the way, visit the Lao Buffalo Dairy to learn about their initiatives supporting village farmers, and Free the Bears, a sanctuary rescuing and rehabilitating bears from bile farms. Both stops are inspiring and impactful.
To celebrate the trip’s end, you’ll dine at KhaiPhaen, a restaurant by Friends International that empowers disadvantaged youth through vocational training. It’s a meaningful and memorable way to conclude an extraordinary adventure.
Transit: 28km
NGO: Lao Buffalo Dairy, Free the Bears- 17.4 miles
- 242.8 ft
1,259.8 ft
1,017.1 ft - Sala Prabang Hotel
- Breakfast
- Day 11Luang Prabang: Departure Day