Cycle the Grand Loop of Laos -13 Days

This morning, we will visit the highlights of Luang Prabang. Make our way to Wat Xieng Thong to marvel at its stunning architecture. Next, visit Wat Mai which is the largest as well as best-decorated temples in the capital city. From this site, we go to the Royal Palace well-known as a commanding structure in the center of town. Pay a visit to the National Museum where contain rare religious and cultural artifacts, Also, we head to the Mt. Phousi and take 328 steps upward to observe panoramic views of the city. Then, we have lunch. After lunch, we drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls cascading over calcified limestone cliffs toward the manifold turquoise pools. Refresh yourself in a cooling and emerald water. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, our Laos cycling tour will begin by heading north from Luang Prabang into the surrounding countryside. We will come and explore the Pak Ou Caves, which are jammed packed with statues of Buddha left by pilgrims hoping for good fortune. After the caves, continue north through rolling mountains to Ban Huay Pene, a Leu ethnic-minority village. Visit the town’s beautiful temple before continuing on to the village Nong Khiew, where you will spend the night.

This 3-day cycling journey leads us through the poetic villages and the lush forests of the Nam Et-Phou Loei National Protected Area. You will finally reach Sam Neau which is a town close to the Vietnam – Laos border. Take a rest and treat yourself a cooling beer.

Cycle to Vieng Xay known as the cave city, where up to 23,000 people sheltered from American bombing raids in 480 caves! We wander through the incredible karst landscape in the middle of the town as well as head to some of the caves which were used as school, hospital, or even a theatre during the war in the country. We spend our night in a local guesthouse.
We cycle following the same route, pass by small villages and reach Nam Neun.

Today’s 96-kilometer journey covers especially remote terrain. Begin with a stop in Hintang, where mysterious stone pillars protrude from the ground – like the Plain of Jars, an archaeological mystery in a nearby province. Your next stop is Tham Piu, a vast cave with a tragic story from the so-called Secret War. Our day excursion will end up with a visit to Muang Kham where we immerse in the hot springs and retreat ourselves.

This morning spin over to the Plain of Jars, a world-famous archaeological site that has stumped curious scientists and historians for decades. Scattered across the plains lie giant stone vessels – some as high as three meters – that are thought to be thousands of years old.
Some international scientists reckon that the vessels are linked to burial practices of ancient communities that once lived in such the area. However, none of them knows for sure who created the vessels, what their exact purpose was or how old they are. You’re in the middle of a mystery!
Then cycle to Muang Khoun, the one-time capital of Xieng Khoang province that was destroyed by bombs during the Vietnam War. Although being damaged by the bombs, traces of its colonial grandeur are still visible.

Today, we just get into a shorter ride from Phonsavan to Muang Soui with manifold Buddhist sites consisting of historical temples and caves.

Before cycling to Kioukacham, we have some time to discover the local market.
In the afternoon, we begin our final descent to Luang Prabang. En route, observe a marvelous scenery as we zip past Khmu and Hmong villages. We then reach Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Enjoy a celebratory dinner in Luang Prabang.

Time to say goodbye Laos. Breakfast and morning at leisure until getting escorted to the airport for a flight coming home. Your Asia vacation ends. Hope you had a memorable journey and wish that we can serve you next time in Laos.