Travel by tributary and trail on this exploration through the remote jungles and mountains of tribal Thailand and Laos on this bicycle tour in Southeast Asia. Explore the fascinating network of trails and villages inside the famous Golden Triangle, before pushing deeper into tribal territory in Laos. Local encounters, raw countryside and wilderness, and great trails abound on this two-wheeled trek through regions seldom seen by outsiders.
Fantastic scenery and a great way to see Thailand and Laos.
I was very impressed with the overall design of the Northern Thailand to Laos trip. The trip provided a great combination of exposure to villages, farms, rivers, mountains, temples and towns. The use of boat trips to see beautiful parts of each country and arrive at fantastic trails and farm roads was particularly impressive. Every day seemed to bring something new and breathtaking. The bike tour really is the very best way I can imagine to experience this beautiful and interesting part of the world. And the food was just fantastic.
View more: Touring
DestinationsThailand, Laos
Tour MeetsChiang Mai
Fly in toChiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Group Size2-16 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)AccommodationSnacks and drinks
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upAirport drop offVisa feesAlcoholTips
Our biking adventure takes us from the bustling and energetic city of Chiang Mai to one of the prettiest and most magical cities in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang, and a great place to hang out and soak up the atmosphere.
The road surfaces are mixed: most days, we ride on reasonably good quality asphalt roads, but there are enough rides on broken roads or dirt tracks to mean you will need a mountain bike, not a road bike, preferably one with front shocks. Having said that, there is nothing technical involved on this tour, and anyone, assuming they are fit enough, will be able to join. We cover up to 713 km in 9 cycling days, and much, if not most, of the terrain is mountainous with very few flat sections. As we have some shorter days, we will get to our destination in the mid-afternoon which and allows you time to explore the area. Day 7 is the toughest with several long climbs and a long distance – but the support van is never far behind. Traffic will be very light, and some days we will see virtually no cars at all. Along the way, the scenery is constantly changing: we go from narrow roads shaded by jungle vines to shimmering rice paddies. The mountain views are second to none and on several mornings, you will look down into cloud-filled valleys as you ride.
Apart from cycling, we take boat journeys on the Mae Kok and Nam Ou Rivers (Days 6 & 10), a chance to take in the jungle scenery straight out of Apocalypse Now. We end our odyssey in Luang Prabang, which is arguably the most beautiful city in Southeast Asia.
Suitability: This trip has three days in excess of 100 km; however, most days are around 70-80 km and not too hilly except for Days 2 and 7, which have several climbs. Anyone who is reasonably fit will find the tour to be a good cycling holiday, with some challenging days. Fitness, of course, will be helpful, but the tour is fully supported, and the bus is always close at hand. If you are in doubt, please contact us for advice or a list of references.
Biking Conditions: A mixture of good quality tarmac roads and pot-holed, broken roads, and also some off-road sections in Thailand. There are some hills on Day 2 in Thailand and Day 7 in Laos as we cross the mountains towards Luang Prabang, but a support truck is always available to help when required.
We meet in the afternoon at the hotel where the guide will brief everyone thoroughly and make sure the bikes fit. We then head out for a nice and easy ride along the Ping River to get accustomed to riding in Thailand. The ride takes us to the handicraft centre at Ban Tawai, where you will have to time to enjoy some shopping before riding back to Chiang Mai.
The Rim Resort 
Dinner
Ride 40km
+354m
-346mWe transfer from Chiang Mai to the Chiang Dao caves to the start of our ride. This ride is a real treat for mountain bikers. We ride through rice fields and among soaring limestone cliffs before hitting the dirt. We ride truck paths cut by local hill tribes, and we meet Akha, Lisu, Lau, and Palaung people. The colourful Palaung are recent migrants, and you will see their women adorned with heavy brass waist-bands working the fields. We stop for lunch before a memorable afternoon riding some quite outstanding mountain trails. Our support vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead to transport us to our comfortable Thai-style inn.
Saimoonburi HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 77km+1034m-953mAfter an early breakfast, we ride backroads through many small villages before arriving in Fang and our stop for lunch. In contrast to the previous day, much of the ride is flat, and we make the distance quite quickly. The ride is scenic as we pass orchards and farmlands. We arrive at Thaton along the banks of the Mae Kok River and our resort nestled in the valley. The hills of Thaton afar is Thailand's natural border with neighbouring Myanmar. A dip in the swimming pool is a great way to relax after today's journey.
Maekok River Village ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 78km+518m-562mA short transfer to a Lahu village this morning, where we hitch a ride on a long-tail boat (with our bikes) to a scenic riverside area. We have a brief stop at the forestry reserve before heading off for another 20-km off-road ride. We have lunch at a local restaurant by the river before continuing biking on tarmac all the way into Chiang Rai. We stop to visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, on the outskirts of the city. Created by a local artist, this modern temple stands out for its distinctive style. Overnight is at a resort with a nice swimming pool centrally located in the town.
Laluna ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 55km+536m-555mAfter breakfast we transfer up to the very tip of South East Asia’s golden triangle, on the intersecting borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The first 9 km are off-road, cycling away from the Mekong, until another 7km of easy tarmac. These first sections are mostly flat with minimal climbs, into the village of Chaeng Saen. From the village, we'll ride along the edge of the Mekong for the rest of the day's ride on a mixture of flat and rolling terrain, all the way to a final tough climb at Huay Sai Mam viewpoint. After taking in the view, we'll transfer to the hotel, or you can continue on for another 8km climb to the hotel.
Lanjia LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 73km+350m-390mAfter breakfast, we take a short transport to Chiang Khong and cross the border into Laos. After immigration, we load the bikes into our private riverboat (please note we do not use the public boat for safety reasons) and spend a relaxing day cruising downstream into the interior of this enigmatic country. We stop to visit some riverside villages before reaching the charming town of Pakbeng before dusk.
Phetsoksai HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerToday can be an epic day, if you are up for the challenge! Our best overnight choice is a 144-km away, but we’ll see how the group does and transfer as necessary to cover the distance. Setting off on our bikes from Pakbeng, we cycle along the Beng River, riding through pretty Lao villages and unforgettable mountain and jungle scenery. We have a picnic lunch before we head into the north of Udom Xai province where the broken road and dirt tracks double as thoroughfares for the local people (the population here is made up of an astonishing 23 ethnic groups), sharing the trail with all manner of colourful vehicles and livestock – a glimpse of real rural life in Asia. Towards the end of the day, we have a long downhill into Udom Xai (also known as Muang Xai), which has a large market where the various languages of the area mingle along with the aromas of the produce.
Charming Lao HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 120-140km+1700m-1379mWe are now in the central highlands, and there are some spectacular views across the rugged mountain landscape ahead in an area that suffered extraordinarily heavy bombing during the 'Secret War' against the Americans during the early 1970s. The morning sees us start with a climb, but then it's an overall gradual downhill, and the last 60 km is relatively flat. Although this is a long day, the support vehicle is always available to hop in, if the distance is too long. We stay in a basic guesthouse on the banks of the Nam Ou River.
Sinaly Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 103km+1153m-1416mAfter two challenging cycling days, it’s time to take it easy as we boat down the Nam Ou River to the pleasant town of Nong Khiau. Watch life on the river, from the fishermen working to the children playing in the waters. We'll stop at a village for lunch and a quick stretch of the legs. We'll spend about four hours on the boat.
Nong Kiau RiversideBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerThe last long ride of the bike tour! Cycling an undulating road, we head west along the Nam Ou River, which makes for a very scenic ride. The road undulates the whole way with a couple of short climbs of 1 to 2 km. We stop for a break at Pak Ou to visit the famous caves, filled with sacred Buddha images. Our countryside scenic ride continues to our destination, Luang Prabang. This is one of Asia's most picturesque towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and our ride through the streets is an unforgettable experience. Once we reach this historic town, we head to our hotel and freshen up for our farewell dinner.
Sanakeo Boutique HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 143km+1425m-1492mWe end our tour in Laos with a free day to explore Luang Prabang before we part ways. Ask us about our optional extension stay in Luang Prabang
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. The bikes are Trek mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, and Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Thailand generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid hot and dry weather alternatively with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east is humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity.
There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27˚C/80 F and 40˚C/104 F, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20˚C/68 F and 30˚C/86 F.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$20 per day, for incidentals.
The Thai currency is the baht. ATMs, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the rarer private moneychangers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants.
A visa issued at a Laos consulate abroad is valid for 60 days. When entering Laos with a visa please be sure to obtain an immigration entry stamp. Entering the country on only a visa, and not the proper immigration entry stamp, could subject you to fines and/or penalties.
*Beginning December 31, 2019, these border posts will no longer offer Visa On Arrival (VOA) services or accept eVisas. If you are traveling into Laos from Vietnam through the Dien Bien Phu border (as in Cycling Hanoi to Luang Prabang) or the Nameo border (as in Remote Vietnam and Laos by Bike), you will need to obtain your entry visa at a Laotian embassy or consulate prior to arrival in Laos. Please contact the Laotian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to apply for your visa in advance. Be aware that posted visa fees from the Laotian government can be subject to change without notice.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Laos has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27C and 40C (80-104F), with night temperatures in the 20C/75F). The rainy season is from June to October. The cooler season, is from November to February, with average temperatures between 20C and 30C (70- 86F). It can get a little cold at night at higher elevations year round so bring a light fleece for the evenings.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D =dinner. Most meals are local Laos food and feature noodles, curries and soups. Lao cuisine is very similar to Thai food and we make sure you sample as much variety as possible. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere, but is NOT included in the price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10, for incidentals. It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest US$3-4 per person per day is appropriate.
The official national currency in Laos is the kip, however, Thai baht and US dollars are also used, especially in larger cities and towns. In smaller towns and villages, kip is usually preferred. There are now a few ATMs in Laos, but they are not widespread and are operational only sporadically. The best overall exchange rates are those offered at the BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao). Licensed moneychangers rates are similar to banks Spend all your kip before you leave as no one will exchange it for you once you leave the country!
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions
From the tour page click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office. For the next steps you'll need to know the names of the people traveling and have either a Visa or a MasterCard. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height, or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). However, if you wish to get a children's discount, please do fill out the date of birth of the riders. If you are having any problems, please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 2 381 7490) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
When booking your tour, you'll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Read more about booking and paying for your trip here.
All SpiceRoads trips require proof of travel insurance when booking your holiday. Besides covering you during your trip, travel insurance will also enable you to claim any fees that you have paid to us, including your deposit, if you have to cancel your trip
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
For those who have been on several long tours with us we reward customer loyalty by offering repeat customers a special discount off the tour price (excludes single supplement and bike rental). If this is your fourth scheduled tour or more you will receive a 5% discount. If this is your eighth scheduled tour or more we will extend a 10% discount. The discount will be reflected in your online booking, but please contact us if any questions. Loyalty discounts can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Note: Only tours of 7 days or more will be applicable for loyalty discount.
International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Once your tour is Guaranteed to Depart you can book your flight. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. We would only cancel a trip for an extreme circumstance, but in that case, where we cancel your trip, we cannot be liable for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made. Please claim any losses from your travel insurance that you acquired when you booked your holiday.
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The information in this document is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we will always do our best to adhere to this original itinerary
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Fantastic way to see the Northern part of Thailand and Laos. Moved by the friendliness of the local people along the way. Great accommodations and food.