Rider Favourite

Cycling Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang

Price from
US$ 3,850
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Distance
728 km
Tour Code
MCT-MCL
Next departure
09-Nov-2025
Number of Cycling Days8
Average Distance Per Day: 91
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 969
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance728 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 250, E-Bike*: US$ 600
Single SupplementUS$ 550
Client Rating (based on 17 reviews)
*E-bikes are in limited supply, please enquire to reserve one.

About this Cycle Tour

Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Luang Prabang, Laos, were once the centers of powerful kingdoms in the highlands of Southeast Asia. Today, these two cities—steeped in rich cultural heritage—are must-sees on any travel itinerary to the region. Connecting them by bike takes you off the beaten path, through jungle-clad mountains, along meandering rivers, past glimmering Buddhist temples, and into remote ethnic villages. Over the course of 11 exhilarating days, we travel by road, trail, and boat to explore the north’s picturesque landscapes and captivating cultures.

Starting from bustling Chiang Mai, we warm up in the flat plains surrounding the Ping River before venturing deeper into the hilly terrain of northern Thailand. We ride along gravel trails and backcountry roads, visit the sacred Chiang Dao Caves, and unwind at a riverside hotel by the Mae Kok River. Next, we weave through hilltribe country to reach the city of Chiang Rai before cycling along the banks of the Mekong River to the border with Laos. This mighty river becomes our home for a couple of hours as we cruise by slow boat from the Laos border to the village of Pakbeng. Following this, we embark on a series of leg-testing days on remote national roads, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and overnight in quaint riverside towns. One more scenic boat journey takes us to Nong Khiaw along the Nam Ou River, followed by a final long and winding ride into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang. This enchanting city is renowned for its classic temples, colonial architecture, and Old World charm. The tour concludes in Luang Prabang.

Join us on this beautiful highland journey between northern Thailand and Laos!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at our tour hotel in Chiang Mai in the early afternoon. Our warm-up ride takes us along quiet roads by the Ping River, passing ancient ruins and longan fruit orchards. In the evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner.

Day 2

A short transfer brings us north where we begin today’s ride on farmer lanes crisscrossing rice paddies. Then it’s onto minor paved roads to reach the shores of Mae Ngat Reservoir. A final section of backcountry cycling leads to a beautiful Buddhist temple from where we transfer to Chiang Dao.

Day 3

After an early morning visit to the sacred Chiang Dao Caves, we enjoy a varied ride through hilly terrain along backcountry gravel and dirt tracks and paved minor roads. Post-lunch, we transfer to a tranquil riverside hotel near the town of Tha Ton.

Day 4

We kick off with 30 km on pavement before veering off-road into a landscape of mountain streams, rice terraces and hill tribe villages. A long stretch along the Mae Kok River then takes us toward the city of Chiang Rai, visiting the White Temple before a transfer to the hotel.

Day 5

After a transfer to the ancient town of Chiang Saen, we ride south along the Mekong River with a few worthwhile detours into the surrounding hills draped by rubber trees. We spend the night in the small border town of Chiang Khong with Laos just across the river.

Day 6

We leave Thailand behind, cross to Laos, and spend our day cruising down the Mekong River on a slowboat. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of lush greenery, limestone cliffs, sandy beaches and ethnic villages.

Day 7

An epic day to ride as much as you can as we cover 145 km on a remote, national road. Our route winds past the Nam Beng River, jungle-clad mountains, rice paddies, and countless ethnic villages.

Day 8

Today's century ride from Muang Xai to Muang Khua features a few short, steep climbs before a gentle descent into the valley of the Nam Phak River. Along the way, we learn about local life and the legacies of the Vietnam-America War.

Day 9

A rest day to lean back and relax in a longtail boat as we cruise down the Nam Ou River. Enjoy scenes of towering limestone cliffs and daily life on the river banks before reaching the picturesque village of Nong Khiaw.

Day 10

Time for the home stretch! We attempt the full 140 km to Luang Prabang, riding along undulating national roads through rolling hills and passing the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers. In the evening, we celebrate with a farewell dinner in Laos’ darling UNESCO town.

Day 11

Extend your stay to discover more of Luang Prabang or head to the airport for your onward flight.

Elevation Profiles

Day 1 - Meet in Chiang Mai Ride 46km. +174m / -174m.
Day 1 - Meet in Chiang Mai Ride 46km. +174m / -174m.

Reviews

The SpiceRoads Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang itinerary that we chose showed us parts of Northern Thailand and Laos that were off the tourist trail and felt very authentic. Ms Ai and Mr Xue, our Thai and Lao guides (respectively) were excellent at enhancing our experience with the local people and foods, and the drivers in both nations worked very hard to keep us well fed and our bikes in good condition. It was a wonderful cycling and cultural experience that has kindled a love of this part of the world.

Ronald MillerDecember 2024

I have done several long distance bicycle tours before, but this was different because it felt like a sightseeing tour on a bicycle. I loved the combination of river cruises, visits to places of interest on top of the cycling.

Nicholas BeardowJanuary 2024

Some long days cycling with regular snack and temple breaks and always the option to take a break in the mini bus if fatigued. Fabulous scenery in Laos and around Chang Mai and Chang Rai!

Valerie PalmerDecember 2023

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