Remote Vietnam and Laos by Bike

Price from
US$ 3,750
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Distance
704 km
Tour Code
MCT-MVL
Next departure
08-Dec-2024
Number of Cycling Days12
Average Distance Per Day: 59
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 704
0
2,250 m
Total Cycling Distance704 kilometres
AccommodationHotels, Guest Houses, Eco Lodge
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 280
Single SupplementUS$ 455
Client Rating (based on 14 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

Northern Vietnam and Laos are relatively little-known regions in South East Asia, yet they abound with natural and cultural marvels, including extensive intact jungle landscapes and remnants of prehistoric civilizations. They are deeply connected through their shared ecologies, ethnic groups, and socio-economic evolution. On this 14-day journey, we will uncover secrets of this vast land of jungles, rivers, and mountains, an absolute dream for cyclists.

Leaving Hanoi, we ride through a series of traditional villages on the Red River Delta, towering karst mountains, refreshing forest, and fertile rice fields. We visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam and cycle through the gigantic Cuc Phuong National park, gaining a full picture of Vietnam’s natural and political heritage. Crossing the border into Laos, we visit Vieng Xai, aka The Hidden City, with hundreds of caves used to shelter the Laos Communist Party combatants during the Second Indochina War. The ride then continues into the Nam Et-Phou Louey conservation area, where you’ll enjoy a night safari on a long-tail boat and stand a chance of spotting exotic wildlife. The next stop is the famous Xieng Khouang Plateau, the resting place of the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is also one of the heaviest bombed during the American War, otherwise known as the Vietnam War. Cycling among mysterious stone jars and bomb craters, we’ll learn about the significance of the plateau, which dates back to the Bronze Age. The tour culminates on the shores of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, another World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial and vernacular architecture, glittering Buddhist temples and ascetic saffron-robed monks.

Join us on our exploration of this mysterious, absorbing region and see a whole new side of these fascinating countries!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet in Vietnam's elegant capital of Hanoi for dinner and a trip briefing.

Day 2

We ride the Red River Delta, exploring its villages and the workshops of local artisans. This is the perfect place to get comfortable cycling in Vietnam as we make our way to the breathtaking limestone formations of Tam Coc.

Day 3

Our scenic ride takes us to the ancient Vietnamese capital Hoa Lu and Dinh Le Temple for a glimpse of the country’s imperial heritage. We explore Vietnam's first and largest national park with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, home of rescued and rehabilitated native monkeys, gibbons, and langurs.

Day 4

We cycle through the jungle canopy of Cuc Phuong Park and through dramatic mountain landscapes along the Buoi River. Transferring a bit further along, we resume cycling and arrive at the hushed valley town of Mai Chau with its many ethnic groups.

Day 5

Take a scenic stroll around the Mai Chau valley before we depart by bicycle to Dong Tam. After lunch we'll continue cycling west towards Laos, and along the way you will be treated to the dramatic scenery of mountains, rivers and local villages.

Day 6

We cross the border in the morning, and our Laos guides will lead us on a vigorous climbing route along streams and farms to the historic Vieng Xai caves, once the war-time headquarters of Laos’ communists.

Day 7

We cycle amongst the vast network of caves, which were used as shelters from air raids during the Vietnam War, entering the sites on foot with information from our audio guides. After lunch, we cycle to Xam Neua, Houaphanh’s provincial capital.

Day 8

Today we will have a rest from the bikes and go on a different type of adventure, a safari in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area. As we enter the park, we stop to see Saleuy Waterfall, and in the late afternoon, we boat upriver so that we can drift down in the evening to spot wildlife.

Day 9

After floating back to town this morning by boat, we cycle to the Xieng Khouang Plateau and to the Ban Xang Hot Springs, where we’ll be staying the night in a community lodge.

Day 10

This morning we ride up to the town of Phonsavanh, but on the way, we'll stop for a cool down and lunch at Tad Ka Waterfall in Tachok and hike a spectacular jungle trail that winds its way up and crosses the waterfall.

Day 11

Today, our ride is an exploration of the cryptic Plain of Jars, a Bronze-Age World Heritage Site of hundreds of stone-hewn vessels that dot various sites on this plateau. We also learn about the more recent history of the American War (Vietnam War) in this region that underwent heavy aerial bombardment.

Day 12

We head east to Phou Khoun via Nong Tang, a large natural lake surrounded by high limestone cliffs. We explore nearby temple ruins and have lunch, then continue cycling another 27 km before transferring to Phou Khoun, where we will stay the night amid awe-inspiring mountain views.

Day 13

Today features an extra climbing option for the keeners! There are definitely still some hills along the regular ride, but overall, the ride is a descent to charming Luang Prabang, a charming UNESCO Heritage site on the shores of the Mekong. This evening, enjoy dinner in the atmospheric town.

Day 14

We start with a leisurely ride to Pak Ou to visit the sacred Buddha-filled Tham Ting and Tham Teung Caves. We return to Luang Prabang by boat, with a stop at Ban Xang Hai. Return to your hotel to freshen up before your onward journey. Sabaidee! Hen gap lai!

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Hanoi - Tam Coc Ride 59km. +143m / -148m.
Day 2 - Hanoi - Tam Coc Ride 59km. +143m / -148m.

Reviews

Although Remote Vietnam and Laos was challenging, I just rode what I could and had a great time. Our guides and drivers were kind and attentive. The van was always ready for a pickup. Off bike activities allowed us to learn about the history and culture.

Yvonne GoldsmithOctober 2024

I had an amazing time away with my spice roads trip to Vietnam and Laos . Advertised as "Remote" it certainly lived up to this description essays we ventured into Laos with our wonderful guide and drivers supporting us . The people we met, the places we stayed, the food we ate, and river trips and of course the cycling were all carefully planned and delivered such that we could enjoy every minute of our two week trip

Julia HutchinsonOctober 2024

Great way to get to the Plain of Jars!

Robert KieckheferFebruary 2024

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