Thailand - Laos Biking To Vietnam - A great tour through ever-changing landscapes and lots of cultural as well as historical highlights in all countries. The Thai section of this tour leads over-friendly roads along 3 former capital cities of the former Lanna Kingdom. A relaxing 2 days cruise over the Mekong leads to another highlight of the tour, the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. From here, we enter the remote north-eastern part of Laos with stunning nature. In Vietnam, the multi-cultural diversity is another highlight of this tour. The ride through the first National Park of Vietnam Cuc Phuong will give you lasting impressions. The tour finish in the vibrant capital of Vietnam: Hanoi – Cycling From Thailand To Laos and Vietnam – 25 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai ( D )
After arrival, you meet the local agent for a briefing about the Thai part of the tour.
Discover the old city with plenty of beautiful temples and visit lively local markets in the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

Day: 2: a guided round trip around Chiang Mai 30 km ( B, L )
A guided tour along with non-touristy places around Chiang Mai
This is the perfect introduction to the daily life of Thai people.

Day 3: Chiang Mai – Mae Taeng – 67 km (B )
Following the Ping River in the Northern direction, you are passing many florists, rice fields, villages, and temples. You are cycling on small lanes and quiet roads to the busy market of Mae Taeng. After Mae Taeng, you will continue on dirt roads to your beautifully situated resort along the Ping River.

Day 4: Mae Taeng – Chiang Dao 40/68 km ( B )
Just 5 kilometers from the resort, you can visit the first founded Elephant Conservation Camp in Thailand. A narrow, but never steep pass leads you into the beautiful valley of Chiang Dao. Cycling along the side of the valley, enjoy the stunning views of the 3rd highest mountain in Thailand, the 2240 meters high Doi Luang. Visit the famous caves of Chiang Dao, before heading to your comfortable resort.

Day 5: transfer to Tub Tao Caves and cycle to Thaton 67 km ( B )
Starting the day with a short transfer to the unknown but not less interesting Tub Tao Caves, you will discover the interesting valley of Fang, which is well known for its extensive fruit- and vegetable plantations. Another day cycling on quiet roads brings you to the scenic village of Thaton, which is located on the banks of the Kok River. Above Thaton, you can visit a temple with rare architecture and stunning views over the surrounding area.

Day 6: Boat ride from Thaton to Ruam Mit and cycling to Chiang Rai 23 km ( B )
You will start the day with a 3 hours boat ride by long-tail boat on the Kok River along with many hill tribe villages. Before cycling to Chiang Rai, you can visit the Elephant Camp of Ruam Mit. Chiang Rai is another former capital city of the Lanna Kingdom
Besides interesting temples, you can visit the Hill Tribe Museum and the lively night market.

Day 7: Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen 70 km ( B )
Leaving Chiang Rai along the bank of the Kok River, you are cycling in north east direction to one of the oldest cities of Thailand, Chiang Saen. On the way, you can visit a rubber plantation, which is rare in this part of Thailand. Chiang Saen is located on the banks of the Mekong River and is one of the oldest cities in Thailand and also a former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Interesting places to visit are the National Museum and the viewpoint of the Triangle which is 8 kilometers from Chiang Saen. Here you can also visit the Opium Museum.

Day 8: Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong 68 km ( B )
Following the Mekong in the Eastern direction, you cycle to the border town of Chiang Khong with great views of the mountain ranges on the Laos side of the Mekong River. On the way, you pass some interesting temples and hill tribe villages with local markets.

Day 9: Cruise over the Mekong to Pak Beng ( B, L, D )
Comfortable boat ride on the Mother of all Asian Rivers: The Mekong.
Enjoy the stunning landscape, free food, and beverages on board.

Day 10: Cruise over the Mekong to Luang Prabang ( B, L, D )
Another day to relax your legs and enjoy the landscape that is getting more and more spectacular. Before entering Luang Prabang, you visit the historical Pak Ou Caves which are packed with thousands of Buddha statues

Day 11: around the valley of Luang Prabang 30 km ( B )
Today, a relaxed ride around the valley of Luang Prabang along with some interesting non-touristy places.

Day 12: to Kuang Si Waterfalls 60 km ( B, L )
An easy ride to the scenic Kuang Si Waterfalls along with ethnic villages such as Hmong a Khmu. Enjoy a swim in the clear water basins of the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw 80 km ( B ).
After a one-hour transfer, start cycling along the Nam Ou River. The first stage is hilly, but after lunch, in Pakmong the road is getting more smooth and more spectacular.

Day 14: Nong Khiaw – Muang Khua ( B , L ) .
Today, enjoy a spectacular boat ride through remote areas over the Nam Ou River. On the way, we will stop in the scenic village of Muang Ngoi. Relax and enjoy the views over the limestone mountains.

Day 15: Muang Khua – Dien Bien Phu 60 km and transfer ( B , L )
Today, you challenge a mostly uphill off-road ride through hill tribe villages and jungle to the border of Vietnam. You pass the village Muang Mai, the former capital of Phongsaly Province, and well known for the high-quality weaving and its wooden bridges. After passing the border with Vietnam, a short transfer will bring us to the valley of Dien Bien Phu. The city is well known throughout the world as a battlefield in the First Indochina War where the French found here their Waterloo. The city is located in Muong Thanh Valley famous for its tasty rice and Thai minority traditional dance.

Day 16: Dien Bien Phu – Tuan Giao 80 km ( B , L , D )
Cycling from Dien Bien Phu to Tuan Giao.
After breakfast, we have an easy ride of 80 km through many Thai villages to Tuan Giao (one climb mt. pass 15 km outside Dien Bien Phu). O/N in People Committee GH in Tuan Giao (alt. +590m).

Day 17: Tuan Giao – Son La 90 km ( B , L , D )
Cycling from Tuan Giao to Son La. Challenging 20 km winding climb up to the Pha Din pass (heaven and earth pass) to the summit of 1450 m and 15 km downhill. Nice landscape of green rice fields and karst valley. Light traffic, wandering water buffaloes, Thai and Hmong kids.

Day 18: Son La – Moc Chau 80 km ( B , L , D )
After a short transfer, a less chilly day is in store, but no less spectacular as we head off gradually downhill, our roads overshadowed by karst cliffs.
After lunch, continuing through lush, terraced rice paddies against the jagged cliff backdrop.

Day 19: Moc Chau – Mai Chau 67 km ( B , L , D )
After a hearty breakfast, we set off on a testing yet spectacular day, the majority of which is uphill! Cycling on a narrow, quiet back road we head into a region predominantly populated by Black Thai minority cultures. As we near Mai Chau, situated at 1000 m, we pass through plum orchards and corn and tea plantations.

Day 20: Mai Chau – Cuc Phuong 80 km ( B , L , D )
After an early morning transfer, start cycling on country lanes and backroads to Cuc Phuong National Park. The scenery is timeless, and photo opportunities are bountiful as you pedal through a working landscape of people and crops. Cuc Phuong is one of Vietnam’s most important nature reserves and contains the country’s largest area of primary forest. Visit the Primate Rescue Centre and learn about the plight of endangered species such as the Cat Ba Langur.

Day 21 : Cuc Phuong – Ninh Binh ( B,L,D) ( 60Km ) ( B , L , D )
Following breakfast, We start cycling from the gate of Cuc Phuong Park to recharge your energy for 19km cycling to the center of the park. We will start again around 9 am and make a couple of stops along the way to visit the Cave of Ancient Man. We continue another 10km cycle to Nho Quan, we reach Hoa Lu. We then start cycling to visit the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. (12km), just passing scenes of local village life and rice paddies. At midday enjoy a long lunch break near Hoa Luu. We continue with a 1-hour cycle to Tam Coc. O / N in Tam Coc Villiage.The Long Hotel

Day 22 : Ninh Binh – Hai Phong – Halong (B,L,D ) ( 70km ) ( B , L )
Early morning starts to pedal through the rich farming land of the Red River Delta to Hai Phong. Stop at PhoMinh pagoda and Tran Temple in Nam Dinh. The journey is long but road conditions ameliorated will allow you to have more time at every stops. Today is a long day to visit farmers at work and local homes. We continue our journey to Ha Long Bay (80 km) by minibus. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. Overnight in Ha Long.

Day 23: Ha Long Cruise ( B, L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Ha, Long Bay is one of Vietnam‘s most impressive scenic sights. After a short transfer from the town, we embark on a cruise out to explore the world's natural heritage dotted with thousands of rock formations and visit the Thien Cung and dau Go caves. Along the way, we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and a seafood lunch. Transfer to back hotel and all afternoon free for beach relaxing.Overnight in Ha Long Bay.

Day 24: Ha Long – Hanoi ( 40 km) ( B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel. 7:00 Am Cycling from hotel to Hai Duong Province, On the way, we will turn right cycling along Duong river bank to visit But Thap Pagoda and Dong Ho painting villages,.afternoon going back Hanoi we will have lunch at the local restaurant then take a bus back to Ha Noi and finish cycling trip), Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 25: Ha Noi – Departure (B)
There is free time to further explore Ha Noi. The tour ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.

End of program

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Departure date: Join in group departure on 25th Monthly

Group Size: From 2 to 22 riders

Tour cost: Contact Us

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAOS

Laos is a treasure trove of natural and architectural wonders. With a little patience and some time you can see incredible man-made and natural wonders from north to south in the Lao PDR. Don’t miss these top 10 things to see and do.

Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centered on a 1560 sǐm (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr. Hŏr Ɖąi, shaped like a tall tomb, houses a standing Buddha. The Hŏr Ɖąi Pha Sai-nyàat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge – the Red Chapel – by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hóhng Kép Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of Lao royalty.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos |

Boun That Luang takes place every November, over three days around the full moon. The stupa in Vientiane is the national symbol of Laos and is said to house a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Thousands of pilgrims gather at That Luang to give offerings to the monks who come from all over Laos. Processions, parties, and a trade show follow. Even if you don’t make it to the festival, the stupa is a sight to behold any time of year. Join the faithful and place offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at the alter, or quietly stroll around the massive enclosed yard.

Vat Phou / Wat Phou

Along with the Champasak Cultural Landscape, the 5th century Khmer ruins of Wat Phou is the second inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Laos. Wat Phou, meaning ‘mountain temple.’ Blended into the surrounding nature, the remains of Wat Phou are dotted all over the mountain face. Oriented toward the east, the ruins have two large reservoirs on either side of a long column-lined road, leading toward the mountains. Past the palace ruins, up a steep staircase, you’ll find the sanctuary with a modern Buddhist shrine and a natural spring considered to be sacred.

Tad Lo

Tad Lo is 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from the southern town of Pakse. Soak in the visual and aural splendor of the falls or take a dip and cool off from the heat. Three cascades make up the falls: Tad Hang, Tad Lo itself, and Tad Suong. Accommodations are available to spend the night and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Tad Lo is an impressive three-tiered waterfall in Salavan Province. Several guesthouses and restaurants around the falls make it an ideal lunch spot or stopover for trekking, swimming, and tubing. Tad Lo is accessible by bus, motorbike, or as part of a group tour package of the Bolaven Plateau.

Swim in the Mekong at 4000 Islands

French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det |

Don Det has a beach at its northern tip that doubles as a ferry landing. You can also take a dip in the Mekong, the largest river in Southeast Asia, on either of the two beaches on Don Khon–one by Liphi Falls and one farther south. Easy Go Backpackers Hostel on Don Det has a beach area and Don Som Riverside Guesthouse has a swimming spot on Don Som. If river swimming isn’t your thing and you’d rather lounge by the pool, check out the one by Little Eden Guesthouse at the north end of Don Det or the Blue Lagoon Swimming pool at the southern tip of the island.

Tat Kuang Si

Thirty kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si is a many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of cool, swimmable turquoise pools; the term 'Edenic' doesn't do it justice. When you're not swinging off ropes into the water, there's a public park with shelters and picnic tables where you can eat lunch. Don't miss the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where wild Asiatic moon bears, confiscated from poachers, are given a new lease of life.

Many cheap eateries line the entrance car park at the top end of the Khamu village of Ban Thapene, selling everything from local snacks to grilled chicken and fish.

Visiting Kuang Si by hired motorcycle is very pleasant now that the road here is decently paved and allows stops in villages along the way. By bicycle, be prepared for two long, steady hills to climb. A tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 150,000K for one person, and 50,000K per person in a group of three, so it's best to get a group together. A private minivan will cost 350,000K.

Plain of Jars

Plain of Jars’ thousands of mysterious megalithic jars are scattered throughout Xiang Khuang Province in northeastern Laos. Dating from the iron age, the oldest jars go back to 500 BC. The largest “King Jar” is at Site 1 and the longest jar is at Site 2. It’s possible to hire a guide to take you on a trek from Site 2, which is behind a rice paddy to Site 3, which is in the forest on top of a hill. The leading theory suggests these stone vessels were used in burial rituals. Evidence suggests that bodies were distilled in the jars until only bones remained. The bones were then removed and interred in a ceramic jar or on the ground. Nine of the 90 sites containing jars have been cleared of UXOs, so stick to the established routes and bring a guide out trekking with you.

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls |

In the north of Laos lies Luang Prabang, a portion of the old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Ride or cycle to Kuang Si or Tad Saw waterfalls, take a boat cruise down the Mekong river, and eat local Lao or fantastic French food at one of the restaurants in town. This former royal capital is home to some of the most elaborate and best-preserved temples in the country. Visit the Royal Palace and the watermelon-shaped Wat Wisunarat or hike up Mount Phousi for sunrise or sunset.

Tour Cost Includes:

MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
Accommodation in tour - 24 nights
All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = Dinner
Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
Mechanic throughout the tour
Boat trip, local ferry in tour
Back up AC vehicle for the complete tour ( Bus, + Truck for the group )
English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
All road and transport taxes
Driver Allowance
Toll and Parking charges
10% Government Taxe

Tour Cost Excludes:

International flight tickets, visa
Accommodation not on the tour
Other personal expenses
Tips and Gratitude
Travel insurance
Any Hard and Soft Drinks with meals

Travel Information

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your bikes, but in this case, let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Home-stay, guesthouse, Eco Resorts & family-run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on a 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who want a single room, we offer r single room, but at an extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape is a mountain, biking through the village streets,fields, fruits garden, local ferry, and monkey bridges

Climate

The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a ‘dry and wet monsoon climate’ with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November.
The monsoon is followed by a dry period (from November to May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia’s northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan, and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during April and May.
Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude, with the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan, and eastern Champasak Provinces receiving the most.
Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C, while in the mountains of Xieng Khuang can drop to 0°C at night.
When to go
The best time for visiting most of Laos is between November and February when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals).
If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and the early rainy season (around June) are not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when daytime temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.
The rainy season is not as bad as you might think. While it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter. Of course, there are downsides; unsealed roads can become quagmires, and extensive travel in remote areas like Salavan, Phongsali, and Sainyabuli might be impossible. River travel can be a good alternative during these months. If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability. Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult.
December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide a backup vehicle at all times during cycling trips. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer are method delicious unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

Footwear
Bike shoes
Helmet
Pedal
Water Bottle
Sun cream lotion
Relaxed shoes for walking
Shoes for other sightseeing
Socks

Clothing

In Laos, the conventional outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, pagodas, temples, mosques, or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
Water-resistant jacket.
Riding bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

Torch
Mosquito repellent
Eyewear, cap
Sun lotion of SPF of at least 35
Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs, and headgear
Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Malaria is an avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
Use a sun hat when revealed.
Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
Bring your medical kit and pest resilience.
To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
Do not eat food bought from road providers.
Do not drink drinks with ice.
Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change now and then and one should contact the Native Lao tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing, and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like:

Foods that are not included
Emergencies
Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
Shopping/Souvenirs/Tips

Foreign Exchange

As Laos currency value tends to go up and down, refer to the following website for daily return rates: https://www.ldblao.la

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal in Laos.

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