Cycling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is an incredible way to experience Laos.
Difficulty note: Some hills. Paved roads with some dirt and potholes, and two days over 60 km with plenty of climbing.
*per person, twin share 100 AUD deposit holds your place. Booking Terms
Vientiane to Luang Prabang in eleven days, eight of them on the bike. It is about 400 km with 4,300 m of climbing, on paved roads with some dirt and potholes. Two of the days are over 60 km with plenty of climbing. There is always a support van, so you can sit out a climb when you want a rest.
The ride leaves Vientiane by Buddha Park and spends its first night out of the city in the rainforest on the edge of Phou Khao Khouay National Park. A boat trip across Nam Ngum Lake brings you to Vang Vieng, where there is a swim at the blue lagoons. In Phonsavan you visit the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO site of stone jars thought to be up to 2,000 years old. Two hard days through the mountains bring you into Luang Prabang, and the last ride is out to Kuang Si Falls.
In Vientiane you visit COPE, which supports mobility for landmine victims, and in Phonsavan the Quality of Life Association, which supports victims of unexploded ordnance. You also visit the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife and, near Luang Prabang, Free the Bears.
From the Journal: Luang Prabang → Vientiane to Luang Prabang →
Day by day, hotels, what's included and prices. We'll email it to you.
At the end of the ride, you choose the organisation that impacted you the most, and we'll contribute 200 AUD on your behalf.
The morning is yours. Explore the markets, visit a museum or spend a quiet moment in a local temple, and savour a coffee while you take in the lively atmosphere of Laos.
At noon we meet at the hotel for a bike fitting, then ride at an easy pace to Mini Makphet Restaurant, run by Friends International. Over lunch you hear about their vocational training programs.
Next comes the COPE Visitors Centre, which covers the Indo-China War's legacy and COPE's work supporting mobility for landmine victims.
At sunset we gather by the Mekong River for a drink. Dinner is a Lao-style BBQ.
Hotel: Urbanite Hotel (or equivalent) · Meals: D
NGO: Friends International, COPE
After breakfast a short transfer takes us to Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, also known as Buddha Statue Park. Take time to look at the sculptures.
We then cycle 55 km to Nam Pien Yorla Pa, on the edge of Phou Khao Khouay National Park, and stay the night in the rainforest. The canopy walk gives a bird's-eye view of the forest, and there are trails and waterfalls to explore.
Cycling: 55 km · Hotel: Nam Pien Yorla Pa Resort · Meals: B, L
The day starts at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, right on our doorstep. LCTW works with the authorities to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals caught in the illegal wildlife trade.
From there the route covers 80 km to Nam Ngum Lake, with up to 50 km on the bike. We stop for a local lunch on the way. Need a break? The van is with us the whole way. At Nam Ngum Lake we swap wheels for water and cross the reservoir by boat, reaching Vang Vieng by late afternoon with time to unwind.
Cycling: 40 to 50 km · Hotel: Silver Naga Hotel (or equivalent) · Meals: B, L
NGO: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
The ride around Vang Vieng is 31 km, mostly on dirt roads, with 286 m of climbing and descent. It is manageable. We stop at Blue Lagoons 2 and 3 for lunch from local food stalls, and visit the historic Patong Cave Temple.
Back in town the evening is yours to relax or explore. You can also take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset, weather permitting.
Cycling: 31 km · Hotel: Silver Naga Hotel (or equivalent) · Meals: B
If you are up for it, there is an optional sunrise hike to Pha Ngern Viewpoint, with views over the surrounding mountains. We allow four hours for the return trip, starting at 5 am. Or you can sleep in. The hike is a challenge: the path can be steep and slippery, and it is not for novice hikers.
You can ride from Vang Vieng to Kasi, where we spend the evening. The road is paved but patchy, and the distance is 62 km.
Cycling: 62 km · 844 m climb · Hotel: Kasi Guest House · Meals: B, L
Today's route to Phonsavan is 160 km. The first 110 km is by van, a drive of just over three hours. From the small village of Muang Souy we get on the bikes for the last 50 km, over gently undulating paved roads. This is a key transport route, so it can be busier at times.
We aim to reach Phonsavan by mid-afternoon, with time to check in, freshen up and visit the Quality of Life Association. It supports victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the surrounding region.
Cycling: 52.1 km · 568 m climb · Hotel: Anoulack Khen Lao · Meals: B, L
NGO: Quality of Life Association
In the morning we visit the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos. There are thousands of stone jars scattered across the valley, believed to be up to 2,000 years old. One theory is that they were ancient burial pits.
If available, we also visit Lone Buffalo, a micro NGO. It runs free English classes, female empowerment programs, entrepreneurial training and sports coaching.
Hotel: Anoulack Khen Lao · Meals: B
NGO: Lone Buffalo
This is an expert-level day, suited to riders with very good fitness.
From the hotel we head directly north on quiet roads through villages, with 770 m of climbing and 1,350 m of descent. In places you may need to push your bike. The van is with us the whole way, so you can take a break whenever you want one. At the 70 km mark we stop for lunch, then transfer uphill over a mountain range. After that we descend into the town of Phonxai, where you can relax.
Cycling: 70 km · Hotel: Local Guesthouse · Meals: B, D
After an early breakfast we ride 60 km to Luang Prabang, mostly on paved roads. It is a challenging ride of around 4 to 5 hours, through villages and green country. With steady effort we arrive just in time for lunch, and the day's ride is done.
Cycling: 60 km · Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent) · Meals: B
Today's ride goes from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Falls, where you can swim. Along the way we visit the Lao Buffalo Dairy, to learn about its initiatives supporting village farmers, and Free the Bears, a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates bears from bile farms.
To celebrate the end of the ride, we eat at Khaiphaen, a restaurant by Friends International that supports disadvantaged youth through vocational training.
Cycling: 28 km · 384 m climb · Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent) · Meals: B
NGO: Lao Buffalo Dairy, Free the Bears
After a final breakfast together we say goodbye. You have covered about 400 km in the saddle across Laos.
There is plenty to do in Luang Prabang, so let us know if you are staying a few days and we can give you some suggestions.
Meals: B
+320m / -320m
+310m / -303m
+286m / -286m
+844m / -674m
out of 11 days cycling
Moderate to challenging
Approx 403km
Up 4,300m, down 4,700m
Paved roads, some dirt, potholes
Average pace 15-18km/h
+568m / -574m
+883m / -1,455m
+773m / -860m
+384m / -310m
Height gained each day, in m, from the day-by-day itinerary. This is climbing per day, not a route elevation profile. Days with no figure are left blank.
| Day | Climb |
|---|---|
| 1 | No figure |
| 2 | No figure |
| 3 | No figure |
| 4 | No figure |
| 5 | 844 m |
| 6 | 568 m |
| 7 | No figure |
| 8 | No figure |
| 9 | No figure |
| 10 | 384 m |
| 11 | No figure |
This ride side by side with two others. Change either one to compare a different ride.
| Ride | Cambodia · 11 days | Cambodia · 7 days | Cambodia → Vietnam · 12 days | Cambodia → Vietnam · 16 days | Laos · 11 days | Laos → Vietnam · 12 days | Laos → Vietnam · 20 days | Mongolia · 11 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days | 11 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 11 | 12 | 20 | 11 |
| Total Distance | 400 km | 210 km | 460 km | 670 km | 403 km | 419 km | 794 km | 350 km |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| From Price | 2,750 AUDper person, twin share | 2,100 AUDper person, twin share | 2,950 AUDper person, twin share | 3,850 AUDper person, twin share | 3,150 AUDper person, twin share | 3,450 AUDper person, twin share | 5,850 AUDper person, twin share | 3,950 AUDper person, twin share |
| Single Room | from 550 AUD | from 350 AUD | from 550 AUD | from 750 AUD | from 500 AUD | from 550 AUD | from 850 AUD | Ask Us |
| Group Size | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders | Up to 10 riders |
| E-Bikes | Available (350 AUD) | Available (220 AUD) | Available (300 AUD) | Available (450 AUD) | Available (290 AUD) | Available (290 AUD) | Available (580 AUD) | Ask Us |
| Route | Siem Reap → Phnom Penh via Kampot | Siem Reap → Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh → Saigon | Siem Reap → Saigon | Vientiane → Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang → Hanoi | Vientiane → Hanoi | Ulaanbaatar return |
| Next Departure | 12 Nov 2026 Guaranteed | 12 Nov 2026 Open | 16 Nov 2026 Open | 15 Oct 2026 Guaranteed | 2 Nov 2026 Open | 10 Nov 2026 Open | 2 Nov 2026 Open | 9 May 2027 Open |
| Ride Page | View Ride | View Ride | View Ride | View Ride | View Ride | View Ride | View Ride | View Ride |
A flat-bar mountain bike with flat pedals and a unisex saddle, in frame sizes from small to XL. The make varies from country to country. Bike hire is included in the price of every ride. You are welcome to bring your own saddle or pedals.
One of our standard bikes.
A mountain bike with a motor that helps as you pedal. You still ride; the hills and the long days get easier. Available on this ride for an extra 290 AUD. Ask for one when you book. We hire our e-bikes from different suppliers, so the model varies.
One of our e-bikes.
Bikes shown are examples. The make and model on your ride may differ. Helmets are compulsory: we have some on hand, but bring your own if you can, so you know it fits.
Bringing your own saddle, pedals or bike: see FAQ & Travel Info →
Practical details for every ride, visas to bikes: FAQ & Travel Info →
“Exceeded my expectations. Well organised, a mixture of cycling to suit a rider at any level. The combination of Organised trips and ad hoc stops to have a swim or seem something off the beaten track really added to the overall experience.”
“Wonderful and exiting tour. We hat not the slightest problem. Very happy with the guide, who shared with us so many insights to the live in Laos.”
“What a superb, insightful, humbling and impressionable trip. Tom P in Laos was first class, cycling with us and co-ordinating everything locally for us with the help of a Laos guide and Laos driver. No request was too much and the agility around 9 days over 365kms of cycling was excellent. He knows the country really well and was able to explain plenty around the various NGOs we visited, how the country operates and lots of info around the wonderful countryside we cycled. Accommodation was a good mix of local and higher grade hotels in the Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Temperatures in Oct/Nov hit 32 and 33 degrees so stay hydrated and the sweeper van was always there to help if we ran out of puff.”
Fifteen minutes on the phone with Brett answers most questions about Laos · 11 days.