Cycle the Grand Loop of Laos – 13 Days

General Information

Tour Highlights

• Experiencing the peaceful ambiance of Luang Prabang and visiting its cultural heritage sites
• Passing caves and ethnic minority villages while cycling through Laos’ scenic countryside
• Cycling to “Cave City” in Vieng Xay, where 23,000 people sheltered during the Vietnam War
• Visiting the hard-to-reach and little-seen Hingtang Archeological Park -a unique UNESCO site
• Witnessing a world-famous archeological mystery at the Plain of Jars
• Visiting remote Buddhist temples rarely frequented by outsiders
• Exploring a local market bustling with ethnic minority communities

Tour Details

Duration: 13 Days/ 12 Nights
Start/ End: Luang Prabang / Luang Prabang
Tour Route: Luang Prabang – Nong Khiew – Vieng Kham – Vieng Thong – Sam Neua – Vieng Xay – Nam Neun – Muang Kham – Xieng Khouang – Phou Khoun – Luang Prabang
Tour Type: Tailor-made tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interest
Vehicle: private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver
Guide Service: private English-speaking guide
Tour Departure: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Luang Prabang Arrival
Day 02: Discover Luang Prabang
Day 03: Cycling Tour | Luang Prabang to Nong Khiew (75 km)
Day 04 – 06: Cycling Tour | Nong Khiew – Vieng Kham – Vieng Thong – Sam Neua (205 km)
Day 07 – 08: Cycling Tour | Sam Neau – Vieng Xay – Nam Neun (70 km)
Day 09: Cycling Tour | Nam Neun – Muang Kham (96 km)
Day 10: Cycling Tour | Muang Kham – Xieng Khouang (53 km)
Day 11: Cycling Tour | Xieng Khouang – Phou Khoun (50 km)
Day 12: Cycling Tour | Phou Khoun – Luang Prabang (90 km)
Day 13: Luang Prabang Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 01: Luang Prabang Arrival

Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to heartily greet and escort you to the hotel. Once you’ve settled in the hotel; the rest of the day will be yours. Freely stroll around the city.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

Day 02: Discover Luang Prabang

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.

Day 03: Cycling Tour | Luang Prabang to Nong Khiew (75 km)

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.

Day 04 – 06: Cycling Tour | Nong Khiew – Vieng Kham – Vieng Thong – Sam Neua (205 km)

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.

Day 07 – 08: Cycling Tour | Sam Neau – Vieng Xay – Nam Neun (70 km)

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.

Day 09: Cycling Tour | Nam Neun – Muang Kham (96 km)

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.

Day 10: Cycling Tour | Muang Kham – Xieng Khouang (53 km)

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.

Day 11: Cycling Tour | Xieng Khouang – Phou Khoun (50 km)

Today, we just get into a shorter ride from Phonsavan to Muang Soui with manifold Buddhist sites consisting of historical temples and caves.
Then, we keep riding to the Phou Khoun for a night in a local guesthouse ahead.

Day 12: Cycling Tour | Phou Khoun – Luang Prabang (90 km)

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.

Day 13: Luang Prabang Departure

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